Shopping online is so easy and convenient. Approximately two billion people around the world have purchased goods online at least once and that number will continue to grow. Whether it’s groceries, fashion, cosmetics or homeware, the world of choice is vast and customer engagement is different with just a couple of clicks.
The world of furniture shopping has always been an exciting and dynamic space, with new designs and trends constantly emerging. Following two years when furniture shopping was challenging because of material and labour shortages as well as longer delivery lead times, the furniture sector is at the start of a boom. One of the factors leading to a big increase in furniture shopping is the adjacent increase in online shopping and new technological experiences. 
The rise of digital visualisation technology
The way we shop for furniture is undergoing a revolution, thanks to the rise of digital visualisation technology. Today, furniture shoppers can experience products in a completely new way, allowing them to make better-informed decisions and enjoy a more personalised shopping experience.
With digital visualisation, shoppers can view furniture in 3D and even explore it in virtual reality. This technology is becoming increasingly accessible, with many retailers now offering 3D visualisation and VR experiences as part of their product offerings. By allowing shoppers to interact with products in a more immersive way, digital visualisation is helping to bridge the gap between online and in-store shopping. 
Enhancing the shopping experience
Fabric is an essential component of furniture and it’s possible to experience fabric in a whole new way. 3D fabric textures are high-quality, digital representations of real fabrics, which can be used to create realistic and accurate visualisations of furniture. These digital twin fabrics are created using advanced scanning and imaging technology and can be viewed in 3D, allowing shoppers to see how a fabric will look and feel on a piece of furniture before they make a purchase.
One of the key benefits of 3D fabric textures is that they allow for a more personalised shopping experience. With digital twin fabrics, shoppers can view a piece of furniture in a range of fabrics, allowing them to choose the one that best suits their personal style and preferences. This not only enhances the shopping experience but also helps to reduce the number of returns, as shoppers are able to make a more informed decision.
By offering 3D visualisation and VR experiences, furniture retailers are able to create a more engaging and immersive shopping experience, which can lead to increased sales and customer loyalty. Digital visualisation also allows retailers to showcase their products in a more compelling way, helping them to differentiate themselves from their competitors.
For the consumer, it’s a novel and fun way. It’s also incredibly useful as international retailers are introducing AR technology in their shopping apps. Shoppers can now see the furniture in their spaces, scaled properly and in the colour of their choice. It also makes the store experience more appealing as shoppers could potentially bring photographs of the spaces in their homes and get advice from the furniture experts on which pieces will work best.
The future of furniture shopping
Looking ahead, it is clear that digital visualisation technology will continue to play an important role in the future of furniture shopping. As technology becomes more advanced and accessible, it will evolve to offer new experiences. The use of digital twin fabrics is also set to become more widespread, with more retailers adopting the technology to enhance the shopping experience for their customers.
In addition to improving the shopping experience, digital visualisation technology is also helping to drive sustainability in the furniture industry. By allowing retailers to experiment with different designs and fabrics digitally, the need for physical prototypes and fabric sample books is reduced, which helps to reduce waste and minimise the environmental impact of the industry.
Another interesting development is that some shoppers might rethink furniture as a big purchase entirely. Because people move homes more in their lifetime or prefer smaller spaces, furniture subscriptions are becoming a great alternative to owning furniture for years. It allows for a complete change of decor with each season or less of a commitment for renters with changing spaces. 
Let’s go digital
Looking ahead, it is clear that digital visualisation technology will continue to play an important role in the future of furniture shopping. As technology becomes more advanced and accessible, it will evolve to offer new experiences. The use of 3D fabric textures is also set to become more widespread, with more retailers adopting the technology to enhance the shopping experience for their customers.