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From Home Furnishing Business
3D Cloud Study Reveals Shifting Consumer Behaviors
March 9,
2025 by Karen Parrish in Business Strategy, Industry 
Hybrid shopping has become the dominant path to furniture purchases, with online-only shopping continuing to rise while in-store-only shopping declines, according to the newly released 3D Cloud Furniture Shopping Trends Study, 2025. Conducted in partnership with Provoke Insights, the study reveals shifting consumer behaviors reshaping the furniture retail landscape.
A hybrid experience remains the most popular way to shop for furniture. Online-only shopping increased substantially while in-store-only shopping slid but remained popular with shoppers over 50.
Hybrid shopping remains the dominant approach for furniture buyers, particularly those leveraging 3D room planners to bridge online and in-store experiences. Price negotiation is driving in-store visits, while conveniences, price comparisons, and wider selection fuel online purchases.
Shoppers are highly receptive to 3D imagery provided the 3D representation is a true representation of the product.
75% want to use 3D visualization whenever shopping for furniture; 68% prefer shopping at retailers offering 3D visualization and are more likely to stay loyal to retailers that do.
45% of furniture shoppers now engage with both digital and in-store channels.
The research found that 45% of shoppers now engage with both digital and in-store channels, reinforcing the need for a seamless omnichannel experience. At the same time, the percentage of consumers shopping exclusively online has increased, particularly among female shoppers, while in-store-only shopping continues to decline.
"The shift in shopping behaviors underscores the growing reliance on digital experiences," said Carly Fink, President and Head of Research at Provoke Insights. "Retailers must ensure they are delivering engaging, seamless, and intuitive digital experiences that enhance both online and in-store journeys. Consumers want the best of both worlds—the convenience of online shopping and the tactile confidence of in-store visits."
Topline results from the study include:
— 45% shopped both online and in-store; 62% of millennials shopped both channels
— 26% growth in online-only shopping
— 46% of shoppers visited websites first before purchasing in a store
— 58% of shoppers want more help with furniture visualization when visiting stores
— 86% are satisfied with either traditional photos or 3D images, as long as they represent the real product
While omnichannel experiences remain critical, the study also highlights the rising focus on AI-powered tools in the furniture industry. Retailers and consumers alike are eager for AI-driven solutions that improve visualization and decision-making, but the challenge remains in finding practical applications that deliver real value.
"At 3D Cloud, we've spent years pushing the boundaries of 3D visualization to help retailers meet customers where they are," said Beck Besecker, CEO and co-founder of 3D Cloud. "The future of furniture shopping is dynamic, immersive, and full of opportunity. Retailers who embrace a hybrid model and invest in intuitive technology will be the ones who win."
The 3D Cloud Furniture Shopping Trends Study, 2025 is available for download at 3dcloud.com/furniture-trends.
Join us for the 3D Cloud Furniture Shopping Trends Study, 2025 webinar. Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to hear from Beck Besecker of 3D Cloud and Carly Fink of Provoke Insights as they dive into the data and break down key findings from the 3D Cloud Furniture Shopping Trends Study. Reserve your spot today, Register here