How to Buy a Statement Piece Online

Wednesday Jun 10th, 2020

Share

A statement piece can tell a story, start a conversation or give any room a unique look. And while some of the best statement pieces come from memorable travels or that cute boutique you found on a family road trip, you don’t have to leave your house to find a unique piece that makes an impact.

Online shops make it possible to score vintage treasures, art, accessories, lighting and other décor items without leaving your home. But with so many options available, picking a statement piece sight unseen can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re sharing tips about how to shop for a statement piece online. 

Discover your style  

A rustic anchor can give your space an East Coast cottage look, while an oversized geometric piece of art will make your space feel industrial and modern. If you know what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it (and thousands of other options) online. To help you narrow down your treasure hunt, it’s important to first identify the style you’re looking for so you don’t get overwhelmed with options. 

Try browsing Pinterest for ideas, check out a few design books or look for inspiration on Instagram. Take note of what catches your attention⁠—it could be a modern oversized vase, a sunburst mirror, a bronze sculpture or a sparkly chandelier. Instead of an object, you might be drawn to certain finishes like gold, brass or silver. Once inspiration has sparked, think about what size item will fit in your space. 

Scale 101: Choosing the right size

You can’t talk about statement décor without talking about scale. Scale refers to the size of an object in relation to the other objects in a room. There are a few guidelines when it comes to scale: go bigger than you think you’ll need, layer or group items of different sizes together and choose a theme to keep the look cohesive. 

Apply scale guidelines by checking the measurements of a piece and then using painters tape, cut out paper or cardboard to map out how the piece will look (this works well for rugs, art, mirrors or other items you would hang on a wall). For freestanding items like a lamp, vase or sculpture, try using a similar-sized item (something you already own) to visualize how a new piece might look. If you love an item but it seems too small, consider grouping it together with larger items. 

Another way to understand the scale of the item is to use the website size.link. Type in the dimensions of the product you’re buying and the site will send you a QR code. Simply snap a picture with your phone (iPhone or iPad with iOS 12+ or Android with ARCore 1.9+ support) and the site will build out the item and, using your device’s augmented reality feature, you can “place” the item anywhere in your room. The site currently only makes cubes and rectangular prisms, but it’s a quick way to get a sense of the space you’ll need.

Support local and save on shipping

Statement décor can be large, fragile or heavy, so it’s important to consider shipping costs when shopping online (if you’re investing in a more expensive item, you may want to also ask about shipping insurance). 

By shopping online but close to home, you can support local businesses while avoiding expensive shipping or customs fees. Plus, many smaller shops that might not typically ship items are offering online shopping while COVID-19 restrictions are in place. As an added bonus, you’re more likely to find a unique piece when shopping at a small, designer-owned boutique or local vintage shop rather than a big box retailer.

To find a local shop, use an online marketplace like Etsy to filter for local businesses, browse Instagram (start with hashtags like #guelphdecor, #shopsmallbusiness, or #vintageforsale to find shops) or Google search for local décor or interior design boutiques. Once you’ve found an item or shop you’re interested in, ask about local curbside pickup or at-home delivery if you’re nearby. 

Statement décor shopping doesn’t have to be intimidating. By identifying your style, taking scale into consideration and shopping beyond the big box stores, you could find a statement item that looks like it was made just for your home.

 

Courtesy :   nicole-wray https://www.realtor.ca 

Post a comment