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SHOULD YOU BUY FURNITURE ONLINE?

After my divorce, it seems that I got custody of the dozens of furniture catalogs that weekly stuffed my P.O. box and caused all those dreadful, impossible, champagne dreams. For some reason, My ex got charge of the Newsweeks and the Victoria Secrets ads. Totally unfair.

Now, that I have recovered from the financial loss of splitsville and have bought a house, I was left with the daunting task of furnishing it. Ikea – the haven for the recently divorced and newly graduated, was not an option. Like Lulu singing in "To Sir With Love", those schoolboy days of milk crates and socket-wrench-easily-assembled furniture were long gone. Those damned fancy catalogs got my tastes way too snobby.

Coming from a wasteful, extravagant, somewhat wealthy background, the thought of buying luxury furniture at a discount seemed like an oxymoron. Wasn't I supposed to pay way too much for it? But, even the likes of Donald Trump secretly seek out bargains.

But how could I afford High End on a Hardy's budget? The answer was right in front of me – the internet! But, is it wise to buy furniture online?

Would this be wisdom? Shouldn't my but try out every occasional chair? Shouldn't I try out laying out three works of assignments on a dining room table? Well, just like in buying clothes, do your research first – and then hit the net!

Many sites have style guides and room planners. This will help you with the mathematics and creativity. As I am now womenless, I was hoping for some hormonal help with decorating ideas. Cad Tools, not as sexy, but just as helpful.

If you're not in a rush, hold out for specials. Make sure to get on every site's mailing list. You may get some junk emails, but you may land a nice closeout! Also, Ebay actually has hundred of reputable vendors selling quality furniture. Luxuryfurniturediscounts is a good one to check on the Bay.

Those catalog and Brick and Mortar stores like Conrads, Crate And Barrel, Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn all have excellent websites. But, remember, you're paying for their real estate and printing costs even online.

Do make sure that the piece you're considering is the same in the photo without the window dressing. Make sure about fabrics as many come ready for the customer's own upholstery.

Having some friends in the industry also helps. If you don't have a relative in North Carolina or a decorator friend, I found a company called

Finally, every Internet furniture site has a phone number. Don't be afraid to call and ask questions. Do diligence when it comes to shipping and returns. White Glove Treatment – where the shipping company unpacks the items and places it for you – may just be the way to go so headaches don't arise later.

Thomaston Furniture Designs ( www.thomastonfurnituredesigns.com ) that gets the same high end, dream furniture that the big catalogs gets. They even do custom work so if you're looking for a Last Supper Gun Rack or a replica of the Resolute desk, you need to check them out. Of all the sites I have checked out, they have the best bargains.