While there aren't many furniture websites that offer online shopping facilities, there are fantastic browsing opportunities at your fingertips if you're looking to funk up your flat. From chairs and ottomans to bookcases and storage boxes, you can step up your indoor style in no time with the help of a few of the following websites.
If you're not sure whether your newfound couch or bookcase will fit through the door, all of the websites we've found, where relevant, have size specifications.
CHAIRS
You're guaranteed to find the trendiest chairs to fit your flat-style at
Chair Crazy. Whether you're looking for a futuristic white vinyl bubble chair (R9 160), a violet polypropylene seat (R1 050) or cyan stool (R985), here you'll find colour, modern finishes and style. While the prices may be steep, all you really need is one classy item. Online shopping site,
Liquorish has a few alternatives that cost between R600 and R1500 – no delivery charge.
WALLPAPER
These days tattooing your wall is probably the easiest way to make a big difference to your décor.
My Wall Tattoos lets you shop online for designs of your choice. The contemporary artwork included chandeliers and baroque chairs, text, patterns and custom designs, and last for up to three years – but if you're easily bored, the tattoos can be removed and replaced anytime. Wallpapers range from R250 to R910 excluding shipping costs, which cost anything between R32 and R250 depending on the size of your tattoo and the speed of delivery you choose.
ART
If you're a fan of contemporary art and need a new piece to add to your collection, check out the Spier Contemporary 2010 exhibition from Sunday 15 March at Cape Town City Hall. There will be loads of fantastic one-of-a-kind photographs, digital designs, sculptures and canvas paintings on sale by some of the country's most promising artists.
BOOKCASES
A dark wood or whitewashed bookshelf can re-define any living space or bedroom, but you don't have to fill it with dusty tomes and tatty novels. Whether you choose to house your favourite books, trendy ornaments, photographs, vintage vases, CDs or even use it as an open cupboard for your clothes or shoes, a bookcase is versatile and therefore, an integral step in changing up your flat.
Coricraft has a wide range for you to choose from – and they'll deliver your purchase right to your door. Prices range between R2 995 for a small, five-shelf bookcase to R14 995 for a large old-fashioned bookshelf with a rolling ladder. Remember, to take delivery costs into account. For example, a standard five-shelf bookrack costs R400 to deliver to Cape Town, Johannesburg or Durban.
SLIP-COVERED SOFAS
Buying a new couch can completely change the feel of your living room. Exchange your drab, old sofa for something modern – but make sure not to go for anything too trendy, otherwise you'll find yourself stuck with a dated piece of furniture before you've even sat on it.
Wetherlys has a wide range, including upholstered sofas and chaises lounges; but we recommend investing in a slip-covered sofa if you really want to funk up your flat. Why? If you spill red wine or pasta sauce on your brand new couch, you simply take off the cover and have it dry-cleaned and machine washed (depending on the fabric).
A sofa with a pre-selected fabric will set you back R3 999 and between R5 099 and R8 999 for one without the fabric. Wetherlys will cover it for you in whichever material you choose – a two-seater would need about 14m of fabric, which costs anything between R60/m and R600/m.
STORAGE BOXES
No one wants odd bits cluttering their place, especially if you have little room. Streamlining your space isn't as difficult as you might think.
Woolworths' Online Shop offers old-school-style storage boxes in chic colours: red, black, white and natural, and are available in small (R55), medium (R65) and large (R75).
OTTOMANS
If you're happy with your current couch but want something smaller to add character to the room,
Mr Price Home has launched a new furniture site where you can browse their pieces by room. Their wide range of linen weave ottomans come in fun, fearless colours at a reasonable price from R299 each.
While we've singled out specific pieces, all of the above websites offer a lot more. Take your time to browse them and compare prices before buying anything. With the help of these online catalogues, you can change your indoor style from the comfort of your soon-to-be-ex sofa.