In the quest to revolutionize the online shopping experience for furniture stores, we’ve gathered insights from top industry professionals, including e-commerce managers and CEOs. They share their unique tips and techniques, from creating 360-degree product views to offering customizable VR visualizations. Here are the top four strategies for using virtual reality to enhance your customers’ digital browsing experience.

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Contents

1 Create 360-Degree Product Views
2 Utilize LiDAR for Accurate AR
3 Incorporate AR-Powered Room Planning
4 Offer Customizable VR Visualizations

Create 360-Degree Product Views

One effective technique for enhancing online shopping experiences for furniture stores is using VR to create 360-degree product photos. These interactive images allow customers to view furniture pieces from every angle, providing a comprehensive understanding of the product’s design, texture, and details.

This immersive approach helps bridge the gap between online and in-store shopping by giving customers a more tangible sense of the product, reducing uncertainty, and increasing confidence in their purchase decisions. Additionally, these 360-degree photos can be easily shared on social media or embedded in online advertisements, enhancing the store’s digital marketing efforts.

Kelly Hez, Ecommerce Manager, iBoost Online

Utilize LiDAR for Accurate AR

We try to leverage smartphone technology, especially the LiDAR sensors found in newer iPads and iPhones, to significantly enhance the virtual reality experience for furniture shopping while keeping ease of use in mind.

One effective technique is to combine VR with augmented reality (AR) using these devices. Customers can use their iPad or iPhone to scan and create a 3D map of their space using the LiDAR sensor. This provides an accurate digital representation of their room dimensions and layout. Then, within the furniture store’s app, they can place virtual 3D models of furniture items into this scanned space.

This approach offers several benefits:

Accuracy – LiDAR provides precise measurements, ensuring the virtual furniture fits realistically in the space.
Accessibility – Many people already own these devices, making the technology widely accessible.

Ease of Use – Unlike full VR setups, smartphones and tablets are familiar and user-friendly.
Ergonomic Assessment – Users can check if furniture placement allows for proper posture and movement in their work area.

For example, someone setting up a home office could use this to ensure their chosen desk fits well, allows for correct monitor placement, and provides enough space for an ergonomic chair. They could even virtually “sit” at the desk to check if the height and position work well for their body.

This technique not only enhances the shopping experience but also promotes better ergonomic choices, potentially reducing the risk of discomfort or strain from poorly fitted furniture in home workspaces.

Whitney Law Featured 4 Ways to Use Virtual Reality to Enhance Online Shopping Experiences for Furniture Stores

Whitney Law, Co-Founder, EFFYDESK

Incorporate AR-Powered Room Planning

One innovative approach we’ve explored is incorporating AR-powered room-planning features into our e-commerce platform. This allows customers to virtually place our kitchen cabinets and other home furnishings within their actual living spaces, using their smartphone or tablet cameras to overlay 3D product models.

This immersive AR experience enables customers to visualize how different cabinet styles, colors, and configurations would look and fit within their existing kitchen layout. It empowers them to experiment with various design options, mix and match accessories, and make more informed purchasing decisions.

The AR room-planning tool facilitates a more collaborative design process between our customers and our team of kitchen remodeling experts. Our professionals can provide real-time guidance and recommendations as the customer adjusts the virtual layout, ensuring the final design meets their functional and aesthetic requirements.

Josh Qian Featured 2 4 Ways to Use Virtual Reality to Enhance Online Shopping Experiences for Furniture Stores

Josh Qian, COO and Co-Founder, Best Online Cabinets

Offer Customizable VR Visualizations

Invest in creating immersive virtual reality (VR) experiences that allow customers to visualize furniture in their own spaces. By providing accurate scale and realistic textures, VR can significantly enhance the online shopping experience. Allow customers to customize colors and fabrics in real time, giving them a sense of ownership and confidence in their purchasing decisions.