In an industry as visually driven as home decor, making the leap from browsing to buying can be daunting for customers. The uncertainty of whether a piece of furniture will truly fit or match their existing setup has long been a barrier to making confident purchases.
Enter augmented reality (AR), the game-changing technology that’s revolutionizing how customers shop for their homes—and how businesses sell to them.
At its core, AR allows users to overlay digital content onto the real world, typically through their smartphones or tablets. This means customers can now visualize a new sofa in their living room, test out various wall colors, or see how a trendy light fixture will look hanging from their ceiling—all without leaving the comfort of their home. For the home decor industry, this is nothing short of transformative.
How AR Drives Sales
When customers can see exactly how a product will look in their space, it drastically reduces the hesitation that often accompanies big-ticket purchases. Gone are the days of crossing fingers and hoping that the new armchair complements the rug. With AR, customers can make more informed decisions, leading to higher conversion rates.
Retailers that have integrated AR into their shopping experience have seen a significant uptick in sales. A key reason for this is the reduction in the “imagination gap”—the disconnect between how a customer imagines a product in their home and how it actually looks. By bridging this gap, AR makes it easier for customers to commit to a purchase, confident that what they see is truly what they’ll get.
Customer satisfaction hinges on meeting or exceeding expectations. With AR, expectations are managed more effectively because customers have a clearer, more realistic preview of their potential purchase. This transparency not only increases customer satisfaction but also builds trust between the customer and the brand.
Reducing Return Rates
One of the most tangible benefits of AR in home decor is the reduction in return rates. When customers know exactly how a product will fit and look in their space, the likelihood of post-purchase regret diminishes. Fewer surprises mean fewer returns, which is a win for both customers and businesses.
Returns are a costly problem for home decor businesses, both in terms of logistics and customer experience. AR significantly mitigates this issue by ensuring that the products customers order are what they actually want and need. As a result, businesses save on return shipping costs, restocking, and potential inventory losses, all while maintaining a happier customer base.
The practical applications of AR in the home decor industry are vast and varied, offering retailers multiple ways to enhance the shopping experience. Here are some of the most impactful:
Several home decor brands have already reaped the rewards of AR integration. For example, IKEA’s AR app, IKEA Place, allows users to place true-to-scale 3D models of furniture in their homes. This app has not only driven sales but also significantly improved customer satisfaction by making the shopping process more interactive and personalized.
Similarly, Wayfair’s AR app enables customers to visualize furniture and decor in their homes, offering an extensive catalog of products. The app’s success is reflected in increased sales and a more loyal customer base, who appreciate the convenience and confidence AR brings to their shopping experience.
As AR technology continues to evolve, its role in the home decor industry is set to expand even further. We can expect more sophisticated features, such as advanced room scanning capabilities and even more realistic 3D modeling. Additionally, as more consumers become familiar with AR, its adoption will likely become a standard expectation in the shopping experience.
For businesses, staying ahead of the curve with AR integration not only boosts sales and satisfaction today but also future-proofs their operations in an increasingly tech-savvy market.
Incorporating AR into the home decor shopping experience is more than just a technological upgrade—it’s a strategic move that aligns with modern consumers’ needs and expectations. By empowering customers to make more informed decisions, reducing return rates, and enhancing overall satisfaction, AR is proving to be a valuable tool in driving business success.
As the technology continues to advance, the benefits will only grow, solidifying AR’s role as a cornerstone in the future of home decor retail. The possibilities are endless, and the time to start is now! Reach Skill Bud to explore more & stand out in your competitive landscape!
This article is authored by Abhishek Anand, who is the founder of Skill Bud Technologies Pvt. Ltd., a tech company that specializes in Website Development, Augmented Reality, Web 3.0, Metaverse and Digital Marketing. He is also an Author, Speaker, Mentor and helps startups & businesses grow with technology.
