Furnishing Your Place
Use these practical phrases to ask the right questions about stock, dimensions, and delivery when buying furniture for your home.
Key Phrases
I need a new couch for my apartment, but the living room is quite small.
casualUS English: 'couch' and 'apartment' are the standard terms here.
I'm looking for a new sofa for my flat, but space is a bit limited.
neutralUK English: 'sofa' and 'flat' are used instead of the American terms.
How wide is this desk, and will it fit through a standard doorway?
casualA natural way to check if getting the furniture inside will be a problem.
Could you tell me the exact dimensions of this table before I decide to buy it?
politeUse 'could you tell me' to make direct questions sound softer to retail staff.
Do you have any more of these in the back, or is this the last one?
casualVery common in retail; 'in the back' refers to the store's storage room.
Could you check if this is currently in stock, or if I have to order it?
politeDoes this come in any other colors or materials, like a darker wood finish?
neutralHow much does it cost to deliver this to the other side of the city?
casualDo you offer free delivery for large items, or is there an extra charge?
neutralDo I have to put this together myself, or does it come in one piece?
casualUS English: uses 'put together' instead of 'flat-packed'.
Is this flat-packed, or does it come already assembled when you deliver it?
neutralUK English: 'flat-packed' is the everyday term for furniture you build yourself.
Is this going on sale anytime soon, or is this the final price?
casualDoes the price include the matching chairs, or are they sold separately?
neutralCan I bring this back for a full refund if it doesn't fit in my room?
casualWhat is your return policy on large furniture if I change my mind later?
neutralHow easy is this fabric to clean if I accidentally spill coffee on it?
neutral