Sheila Bridges with designer Laura Bohn in the children's bedroom she designed shopping mostly online at eBay

Design Online (212)
Use your home computer to decorate your home! eBay, the world's online market for buying and selling, challenged a group of designers to decorate a New York penthouse with only purchases that can be made online. Their ideas can become your ideas when you know the right key words and the best web sites for furniture.

When Buying Online

• Start out with reputable companies that you know.
  
• If uncertain about an online store or its merchandise, call for a catalog.
  
• Use web browsers like Netscape or Internet Explorer. They support websites that use encryption to keep your transactions secure.
  
• Don't use your telephone number, birthday or Social Security number for a password. Keep your passwords private.
  
• Credit card transactions are protected by law, and allow you to dispute unauthorized charges.
  
• Keep a printed copy of the transaction and a confirmation number for your records.
  
• Within eBay's website, you'll find online stores for brands such as Ikea and Martha Stewart.
  
• Sites such as "bizrate" allow the consumer to compare quality and prices of products.
  
• A debit or charge card does not give a consumer the same purchase protection as a credit card.