Well, convenience is the main reason so many people turn to the Web to decorate their homes. You can shop late at night when traditional stores aren't open and you can comparison shop right from the comfort of your couch. And if you fall in love with something, it's only a double-click away. Surf and Shop Larissa Matzek started shopping online last year after she and her new husband bought their first home - a condominium in Boston's North End. To find reputable furniture sites, Matzek relied on the advice of her friends and their experiences.
Word of mouth can go a long way online.
After all, with a Web site there's no storefront to look over or showroom to peek through a window at before you decide whether to walk in the door. In Matzek's case, she decided to stick with the big-name vendors, and she was satisfied with the online acquisitions she now has decorating her home. Matzek, however, only bought small-ticket items such as lamps, picture frames, and other accessories. She's yet to buy online any big-ticket items, like chairs or couches. She did, however, use the Web to look at different furniture styles.