WALTHAM, Mass. – HomeByMe, an online solution for creating interior design projects, has released a new report: The Digital Furniture Index: How Americans Buy Now. The report sheds light on the way Americans buy furniture and kitchens. Consumers get inspiration online and personalize their purchases, but still value advice in store. Expectations are evolving as quickly as digital habits, and retailers must keep pace.
American consumers have fundamentally changed the way they shop for home furnishings. They get inspiration online and expect control over every detail of their projects. At the same time, the need for in-store validation and confirmation from a sales expert remains critical:
- 43% of US consumers now make more than half of their furniture purchases online.
- 63% say they primarily find their design inspiration online.
- 64% assume that their shopping behavior will continue to change in the next few years. Half for more online visits, the other half for more store visits.
- 50% of consumers say they would buy a sofa from a brand that offers an online configurator.
- 53% of kitchen buyers say a 3D configurator would influence their brand choice.
What the report found is hybrid behavior: digital exploration coupled with in-store validation. Consumers move easily between channels and expect retailers to support this journey seamlessly.
Furniture purchases are increasingly carried out on a project-related basis. This is particularly the case in kitchens, where budgets are high and decisions are complex:
- 76% of US consumers want to use a 3D configurator for their next kitchen project.
- 93% use these tools to create layouts; 74% visualize the style.
- 27% say personalization via 3D solutions directly triggered their purchase decision.
“American brands are relying on direct-to-consumer platforms, 3D visualization tools and ultra-fast deliveries to meet this demand,” says a Mordor Intelligence representative in the U.S. Home Furniture Market Size & Share Analysis (2025-2030). “The change is mainly driven by younger generations.”
The next chapter in furniture and kitchen retail will be written by brands that combine digital tools with human expertise. The customers are already there: They are familiar with the technology, enjoy new shopping experiences and want to take an active role in their purchasing process. Rather than just updating back-office systems, retailers that invest in customer experiences will be the first to capitalize on this change and see real revenue impact.
Key Takeaways for Retailers:
1. Age groups have different preferences.
2. The customer journey is hybrid.
3. Configurators are now essential.
4. Personalization drives purchases.
5. Service and support remain our top priority.
American consumers are clear: They want solutions that let them design and personalize, coupled with the expertise of advisors who can validate their decisions. There is an opportunity for retailers to bring these elements together into a hybrid experience that inspires online, impresses in-store and wins over customers in both areas.
To read the full report, visit Enterprise-home.by.me/resource.