With AR, you can use your phone or tablet to see how furniture looks and fits in your home before buying. This technology solves common shopping problems like guessing dimensions, matching styles, and reducing returns. Here’s why AR is reshaping furniture shopping:
- Visualize in Real-Time: Place 3D models of furniture in your space for accurate sizing and style matching.
- Boost Confidence: 80% of AR users feel more certain about their purchase decisions.
- Reduce Returns: Accurate previews lower mismatched orders.
- Shop Smarter: Explore colors, styles, and layouts instantly.
Retailers like IKEA and Wayfair lead the way with AR tools like "Kreativ" and "View in Room 3D", helping customers make faster, informed decisions. Whether online or in-store, AR is making furniture shopping easier, more interactive, and personalized.
Say Hej to IKEA Place
Benefits of Using AR for Furniture Shopping
Visualizing Furniture in Your Home
AR technology has changed the game for furniture shopping. With just a smartphone or tablet, shoppers can place virtual 3D models of furniture directly into their own rooms. This takes the guesswork out of figuring out if a piece will fit, match the style, or work with the space.
For example, Arhaus‘s AR-powered Room Planner lets users see exact dimensions and how furniture blends with their current décor [1][7].
Boosting Confidence and Reducing Returns
AR doesn’t just make shopping easier – it helps customers feel more certain about their choices. A 2022 report found that 80% of consumers using AR while shopping felt more confident in their decisions [1].
| Benefit | Effect |
|---|---|
| Purchase Confidence | 80% boost when using AR |
| Real-Time Visualization | Helps with faster, informed decisions |
| Fewer Returns | Accurate previews reduce mismatched orders |
| Better Satisfaction | Expectations are met, leading to happier customers |
This technology builds trust by aligning expectations with reality, making the entire process smoother for both customers and retailers.
Enhancing the Shopping Experience
AR goes beyond practicality – it makes furniture shopping more engaging and tailored. Shoppers can:
- Customize furniture instantly
- Try out different styles and arrangements
- Use virtual design tools for guidance
Retailers like IKEA and Wayfair have adopted AR to improve how customers shop. IKEA’s Kreativ platform and Wayfair’s "View in Room 3D" feature let users create virtual room layouts, making decisions quicker and more enjoyable [5][6]. These tools not only simplify the process but also add a fun, interactive element to shopping.
Steps for Marketers to Use AR Effectively
Creating Detailed 3D Models
To make AR furniture shopping work, you need high-quality 3D models. These models should have precise dimensions and realistic textures, helping customers picture how products will look in their space. For example, Roomle‘s AR technology shows how detailed modeling can highlight fabric textures and material finishes in a way that feels real [2]. This level of detail boosts customer confidence and reduces hesitation.
Once these models are ready, the next step is figuring out the best way to deliver these AR experiences to your audience.
Choosing Between WebAR and AppAR
Deciding between WebAR and AppAR is critical, as each option impacts how users interact with your content. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | WebAR | AppAR |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility | Works directly in a browser | Requires downloading an app |
| Performance | Offers basic features, loads fast | Supports advanced features, better graphics |
| User Experience | Quick and simple | More immersive and feature-rich |
IKEA’s Place app is a great example of AppAR done right – it offers advanced tools like room scanning [3]. On the other hand, Wayfair’s "View in Room 3D" integrates WebAR effectively on their website, making it easy for users to access without downloads [4]. Marketers should think about their audience’s tech habits when deciding – those who are tech-savvy often lean toward apps with richer features.
Using AR for Online and In-Store Shopping
AR bridges the gap between online and in-store shopping. Online, it helps customers see how furniture will look in their homes before buying. In stores, AR can enhance the experience with interactive displays and virtual catalogs.
To get the most out of AR, retailers should:
- Build a smooth connection between online and in-store experiences
- Train staff to assist customers with AR tools
- Use AR to showcase customization options
- Set up virtual showrooms to expand product visibility
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Examples of AR Success in Furniture Shopping
How IKEA and Wayfair Are Changing the Game
Big furniture retailers like IKEA and Wayfair have reshaped the shopping experience with AR tools. IKEA’s Kreativ platform lets shoppers create 3D versions of their rooms, making it easy to test furniture placement and layouts before buying [5].
Wayfair’s View in Room 3D is mobile-friendly and allows customers to see how furniture looks in their space using just a smartphone. This makes choosing the perfect piece faster and more convenient [6].
Arhaus also steps in with its Room Planner, which blends online and in-store shopping. Customers can visualize furniture in their homes, making decisions easier and boosting shopping confidence [1].
Personalizing Furniture with AR
AR isn’t just about viewing furniture – it’s also about customization. Platforms like Roomle offer real-time options for tailoring products to fit individual needs. Here’s what it offers:
| Customization Options | What It Does for Shoppers |
|---|---|
| Colors, Textures, Sizes, Materials | Provides instant previews for better style and fit |
Did you know? 71% of shoppers prefer stores that offer AR features, and 40% say they’d even pay extra for AR previews [3]. Personalization through AR not only helps customers feel more confident in their choices but also reduces the chances of returns.
These examples show how AR is reshaping the way we shop for furniture, making it more interactive and tailored to individual needs.
What’s Next for AR in Furniture Shopping
Merging AR with Mixed Reality and AI
The next big step in furniture shopping is blending AR with mixed reality (mixing real and digital elements) and AI. Zolak‘s mixed reality tools, for example, let customers visualize furniture in both pre-designed and personal spaces, highlighting how AR and AI work together [5].
AI takes AR to the next level by refining room measurements, adjusting lighting, and suggesting furniture that fits a shopper’s style. For retailers, this means fewer returns, happier customers, and better sales. According to Unity Technologies, 63% of shoppers prefer retailers that offer AR, and 35% are even open to paying extra for AR previews [5].
As AR continues to develop, its influence on how people shop is becoming hard to ignore.
Changing the Way We Shop
AR isn’t just a cool tech feature – it’s changing the way people approach furniture shopping. By boosting confidence, lowering return rates, and keeping shoppers engaged, AR is transforming habits. In fact, 40% of customers are willing to spend more on products that include AR features [5].
Looking ahead, the focus will shift toward creating more tailored shopping experiences. Retailers and marketers should lean into AI-powered AR tools that offer personalized recommendations. Not only does this make shopping simpler for customers, but it also drives higher sales and better engagement for businesses.
Conclusion: Using AR to Improve Furniture Shopping
Tips for Marketers to Get Started with AR
AR tools like IKEA Kreativ and Wayfair’s View in Room 3D have set the standard for how augmented reality can transform furniture shopping. To successfully implement AR, start by creating accurate 3D models and decide whether WebAR or AppAR works best for your audience. Companies like Roomle show how well-executed AR can lower return rates by helping customers better visualize furniture in their homes [2].
Here are some strategies that have proven effective:
| AR Strategy | Benefit | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive Visualization | Increases customer confidence by 80% | IKEA Kreativ’s 3D room replica feature [5] |
| Multi-channel Integration | Creates a unified shopping experience | Wayfair’s View in Room 3D mobile feature [6] |
| Room Planning Tools | Cuts return rates by up to 25% | Arhaus’s Room Planner [1] |
By applying these methods, marketers can create better customer experiences and keep up with AR advancements.
Staying Ahead with AR Trends
Currently, only 1% of retailers use AR, but 63% plan to adopt it within the next two years [5]. To remain competitive, retailers need to stay informed about technology updates and shifting customer needs.
"AR, VR, and AI are transforming the retail sector", says Łukasz Ceran, Product Delivery Manager at Polcode [6].
With 77% of shoppers showing interest in using AR to explore product options [5], retailers should focus on integrating AR with AI and mixed reality. This approach can improve shopping experiences, address customer pain points, and drive both satisfaction and sales.
