Ikea Breakthrough Lets You Test Furniture Before You Buy

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Shopping an Ikea store is an exercise in perseverance; returning something is practically mission impossible. Aware of its customer service weaknesses, the Swedish big box retailer has come up with a high-tech solution. Let shoppers try, virtually, before they buy. The latest edition of Ikea's print catalog features around 100 pieces that customers can view in situ with the help of a cool new app for iOs and Android.

It works like this: Customers who are flipping through Ikea's 2014 catalog can hover their iPhone or iPad over little plus signs scattered throughout on the bottom corner of the page. A 3-D augmented reality version of a piece of furniture—couches, chairs, desks, etc—will pop up and can be virtually moved about your home. The app uses the actual catalog, thrown on the floor, to orient itself and to superimpose the furniture over. See it in action after the jump and pick up the catalog when it comes out this Sunday.

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