I Visited the New Wayfair Store—Here’s How It Compares to Shopping Online

Interiors enthusiasts rejoice—Wayfair just opened their first physical store. The formerly online-only retailer has opened a multi-level showroom in the Chicago area where you can shop for everything from appliances to decor. I’ve shopped on the Wayfair website before, so I was excited to see how the brand would bring their brick and mortar site to life.

I visited the store in Wilmette, IL—located in a previous mall space where I actually used to shop as a teen in the ’90s—and was shocked at how Wayfair had transformed a dated mall space into a bright and airy environment with a sunny center atrium. Here’s what the experience was like.

A Well-Organized Shopping Experience

As soon as you enter the first floor, you’ll be greeted with living and dining furniture as well as accessories. The store’s purpose is to make it as easy for consumers to shop as possible, and all the decisions on the layout and organization have been guided by that principle. The furniture is laid out in beautiful vignettes that allow you to easily see how things pair together, and how they could look in your home. 

Items are also organized by both type and color, so if you’re just popping in to find a few accessories, you can grab and go, which is perfect for quick seasonal updates or even snagging a hostess gift on the way to a soiree. 

My favorite part was the pillow wall behind a neutral couch they have for a “toss test.” Even the most confident interior designers can struggle when it comes to putting together multiple prints online, so this is the perfect way to try some pattern play in person, tossing various pillows onto the couch together. 

Still stumped on your style choices? The store has you covered! When online shopping, we’re used to having to go it on our own—but Wayfair has free design services, so you can talk to an expert who guides you through home decorating projects big and small.

The Home Renovation Hub

The second floor of the store held the most surprising areas. A section called the Home Project Studio had everything from appliances to tile and cabinets. I had no idea that Wayfair had so many options for home renovations. Once again, the area is centered around the customer experience. Various styles and colors of cabinets and countertops are on display, and there are tile samples you can slide into the scenes to see precisely how everything looks. There are even faucets that you can move to different vanities, so you know exactly how your selections would pair together, giving you the confidence to make design decisions effortlessly. There’s even a working wall of shower heads, which is fun and functional.

The store also has a “Dream Center,” which is an area with its own relaxing scent that feels remarkably different than the rest of the store. This section invites you to relax and take your time finding the perfect mattress. Their selection includes a variety of different materials, firmness levels, and price points. And, of course, Wayfair also had all the beds, sheets, and blankets you’d need to create your perfect sleep space. 

The Verdict: In-Store Is Even Better Than Online

The in-store cafe, The Porch, elevates the in-person shopping experience even more. From a kid-friendly favorites to sophisticated grazing boards—and plenty of coffee options to keep you caffeinated—there’s something for everyone. You can even take your wine with you to sip on while you shop.

Being able to test out the furniture pieces and mix-and-match pillows in person is a total game-changer, and something you can’t really get when shopping online. Overall, I was so impressed with the Wayfair store that I think it will be one of my new personal go-to’s when it comes to shopping for home decor.