Ever found yourself lost in a sea of couches for sale, wondering which one’s the best couch for you? I’ve been there, staring at endless options online and feeling overwhelmed in furniture stores. And because I’ve navigated the couch-buying maze more times than I can count, and I’m here to share my hard-won wisdom.
For instance, many retailers offer free fabric swatches to help you visualize your furniture choices before making a purchase. This allows you to order multiple swatches to ensure the fabric selection aligns with your design preferences, making the shopping experience more personalized and satisfying.
Another example of one of Big Al's tidbits is, when looking for the best couch, consider reputable brands such as Ashley Furniture, Albany Park, 7th Avenue, Medley, and Edloe Finch, known for their extensive selections, quality, and customer satisfaction.
This guide isn’t just about finding the best place to buy a couch. It’s about making sure that couch is the perfect fit for your lifestyle and budget. So, grab a cup of coffee, get comfy (maybe not on a couch just yet!), and let’s dive in.
1. Measure Twice, Buy Once: Size Your Space Correctly
When it comes to finding the perfect sofa size for your space, I can’t stress this enough – measure, measure, measure! Before you even start browsing those gorgeous couches for sale online or in-store, grab a measuring tape. Measure the area where your new best couch will live. Don’t forget to account for doorways and hallways; you don’t want your dream couch stuck in the entryway!
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Length and Width: Measure the available space for the couch, including any corners or alcoves.
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Height: Consider the ceiling height and any windows or artwork that might be obstructed.
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Depth: Think about how far you want the couch to extend into the room.
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Walkways: Leave enough space around the couch for easy movement.
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Doorways: Make sure the couch can fit through any doorways or hallways during delivery.
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Seat Cushions: Measure the seat cushions to ensure they fit well in the designated space. The dimensions and design of the seat cushions affect both comfort and the overall appearance of the sofa.
2. Your Couch, Your Lifestyle: Choose What Suits You
Are you a family with kids and pets? Someone who loves entertaining people and hosting parties? Or maybe you’re a solo dweller who just wants a comfy spot to watch The Bear on FX. Your lifestyle should dictate the kind of couch you choose. If you have a furry friend, consider a durable fabric like leather or a performance fabric that can withstand spills and scratches.
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Kids and Pets: Choose durable fabrics and colors that can withstand spills, stains, and pet hair.
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Entertaining: Consider a sectional or a modular sofa for extra seating and lounging space.
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Lounging: Prioritize comfort with plush cushions, a relaxed design, and arm cushions for added support and comfort.
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Sleeping: Look for versatile and functional sleeper sofas with stylish designs and practical features for overnight guests.
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Work-from-Home: Consider a couch with a firm seat and good back support for a makeshift home office.
Find Your Perfect Match: Discover Your Sleeper Sofa Style
From sleek and modern to plush and traditional, there’s a wide variety of sofa styles available, including modular options. Spend some time exploring different styles online and create a mood board. Pinterest and Instagram are great places to get inspired or just call your friend if their a couch king like me! Once you have a good idea of what you like, you can start narrowing down your search for the best couch that complements your home’s aesthetic.
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Modern: Sleek lines, minimal ornamentation, and often neutral colors.
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Traditional: Classic designs, rolled arms, tufting, and warm, inviting colors.
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Mid-Century Modern: Tapered legs, clean lines, and a retro vibe.
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Contemporary: A mix of styles, often incorporating bold colors and patterns
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Bohemian: Eclectic mix of patterns, textures, and colors for a relaxed, artistic feel.
4. Show Me the Money: Set a Budget You Can Stick To
Couches for sale come in all price ranges, from budget-friendly options to high-end designer pieces. Before you fall in love with a couch, determine how much you’re willing to spend. Having a budget in mind will help you filter out options that are out of your reach and prevent you from overspending.
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Research: Look at different best couch brands and retailers to get an idea of the price range for the type of couch you want.
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Priorities: Decide what features are most important to you, such as size, material, or style.
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Flexibility: Be willing to adjust your budget if you find a couch you love that's slightly out of your price range.
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Sales and Deals: Keep an eye out for sales and discounts, especially during holidays or end-of-season clearances. This is the best time to buy a couch.
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Financing: Consider financing options if you need to spread out the payments.
5. The Backbone: Check the Frame for Strength and Durability
A couch's frame is like its skeleton – it needs to be strong and durable. Solid wood frames are generally the most reliable, but some well-constructed metal frames can also be excellent choices. Did you know couch frame construction matters for ultimate comfort?
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Material: Look for solid wood frames made of hardwood like maple, oak, or ash.
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Construction: Check for corner blocks, dowels, or screws that reinforce the frame.
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Stability: Make sure the frame doesn't wobble or creak when you sit on it.
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Weight: A heavier frame generally indicates better quality and durability.
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Warranty: Look for a couch with a decent warranty or with an option for an extra protection plan.
6. Sink or Bounce? Test Those Cushions
Don't be shy about taking a seat on any couch for sale that catches your eye. The cushions should offer a comfortable balance of support and softness. If you sink in too deeply or feel like you're bouncing on a trampoline, it might not be the right fit. Consider the cushion filling as well – foam cushions are durable and hold their shape, while down or feather-filled cushions offer a luxurious feel but may require more fluffing.
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Foam: High-density foam provides good support and durability.
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Down: Luxurious and soft, but may require more fluffing.
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Feather Blend: A mix of down and feathers for a balance of comfort and support.
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Springs: Can add bounce and resilience, but may not be as comfortable for everyone.
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Personal Preference: Sit on the couch and see how the cushions feel to you.
7. Stitches and Stuff: Inspect the Upholstery Material
Take a close look at the stitching and upholstery of any couch you’re considering. The seams should be tight and even, with no loose threads or frayed edges. Choose a sofa fabric that suits your lifestyle – leather is easy to clean but can be cold in the winter, while microfiber is durable and stain-resistant but may not be as breathable.
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Stitching: Look for tight, even stitches with no loose threads or gaps.
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Pattern Matching: If the fabric has a pattern, make sure it aligns properly at the seams.
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Durability: Choose a fabric that can withstand wear and tear, especially if you have pets or kids. Consider a leather sofa if you want something easy to clean.
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Stain Resistance: Consider a performance fabric or leather if you’re worried about spills.
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Cleaning: Ask about the recommended cleaning methods for the upholstery.
- Safety Standards: It is also important to consider safety standards for upholstered furniture, such as flame retardants and labeling laws.
8. Size Matters: Choose the Right Configuration for Your Sofa
Think about how many people the couch needs to seat comfortably. A standard sofa typically seats three, while a sectional can accommodate larger groups. If you have a smaller living room, consider a loveseat or a sofa with a chaise, which offers a place to stretch out your legs. If you have a larger family, consider a sectional couch or a modular sofa.
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Loveseat: Ideal for small spaces or as a complement to a larger sofa.
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Sofa: The standard choice for seating two to three people.
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Sectional: Offers more seating and flexibility for larger rooms or families.
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Chaise: Adds a lounging element to a sofa or sectional.
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Recliner: Provides ultimate comfort and relaxation with a reclining sofa.
9. Get Comfy: Prioritize Comfort and Ergonomics
Spoiler alert: This is the most important factor! The best couch in the world won't make you happy if it's not comfortable. Spend some time sitting and lounging on any couch you're considering. Check for good back support, a comfortable seat depth, and armrests that are at the right height for you. If you're tall, look for a couch with a higher back, and if you're short, make sure your feet can touch the floor when you're sitting.
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Seat Depth: If you tend to fall asleep on the couch a lot and/or have back problems, you might want to make sure you can sit with your back against the back of the couch and your feet flat on the floor.
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Back Height: Choose a back height that supports your head and neck comfortably.
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Armrests: Consider the height and width of the armrests for optimal comfort and support.
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Firmness: Decide if you prefer a firmer or softer seat cushion. If you prefer a softer cushion, something like a cloud sofa might be the perfect choice for you.
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Personal Preference: Sit on the couch for a few minutes to see how it feels.
10. Color Me Impressed: Pick the Perfect Hue
Choose a color that complements your existing décor and personal style. Neutral sofa colors like gray, beige, or navy are versatile and timeless, while bolder colors like emerald green or blush pink can make a statement. If you have pets or kids, consider a darker color or a patterned fabric to help disguise stains. Alternatively, a velvet sofa can be a stylish and luxurious choice, but keep in mind that it may require more delicate care.
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Neutral: Beige, gray, black, and white are versatile and easy to match with other colors.
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Bold: Jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, or ruby red can add a pop of color.
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Patterned: Stripes, florals, or geometric patterns can add visual interest.
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Light vs. Dark: Lighter colors can make a room feel brighter and more spacious, while darker colors can add warmth and coziness.
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Personal Preference: Choose a color that you love and that fits your overall style.
11. Seal the Deal: Negotiate Like a Boss
Don't be afraid to negotiate the price, especially when shopping for a couch for sale at a brick-and-mortar store. Many retailers are willing to offer discounts or throw in extras like free delivery or pillows to close the deal. The best time to buy a couch is often during sales events like Memorial Day, Labor Day, or Black Friday.
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Research: Know the average price for the general type couch you want so you have a starting point for negotiation. If you search through 5-10 different options, you should be able to establish a baseline.
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Be Confident: If a full negotiation isn't possible (some stores just don't do it), don't be afraid to ask for a lower price or for additional perks like free delivery or pillows. You might as well ask!
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Be Polite: A friendly and respectful demeanor can go a long way in negotiation. No sense in being mean. People like to help nice people.
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Walk Away: Be prepared to walk away if the retailer won't budge on the price. Even if you get to your car and decide to go back in, you'll at least get to know what their bottom basement pricing is on your desired sofa if you take it all the way to the Camry.
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Timing: Shop during sales events or at the end of the month or quarter when retailers may be more willing to negotiate.
12. Shop Smart: Navigate Online vs. In-Store Couch Shopping
Both online and in-store shopping have their advantages. Online retailers like Wayfair, Amazon, and Costco offer a vast selection of couches for sale at competitive prices. However, you can’t physically test out the couch before you buy it. Going to a brick and mortar store allows you to see and feel the sofa in person, but the selection may be more limited, and prices might be higher. Reputable retailers like Pottery Barn and West Elm are known for their quality and customizable options, though they may have longer shipping times for custom orders. Consider your priorities and choose the shopping method that works best for you.
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Online: Offers a wider selection and often lower prices, but you can’t physically test out the couch.
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In-Store: Allows you to see and feel the couch in person, but the selection may be more limited and prices may be higher at times on certain types of pieces.
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Reviews: Read online reviews of both the couch and the retailer before you buy. But also keep in mind that a vast majority of reviews about a sofa brand can be very negative since it's the type of industry that usually invites reviews that are focused on the negatives. Finding product-focused reviews can be a better way to get a more balanced take on a couch brand and its products.
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Return Policy: Check the return policy before you buy, especially if you’re shopping online. Some of them are reasonable and some of them are a little rough.
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Hybrid Approach: Browse online to get an idea of what you like, then visit a store to test out the couch before you buy. This is what I generally recommend to all of my friends and family who ask.
13. Love It Long-Term: Maintain Your Couch
Once you've found your best couch, take good care of it to ensure it lasts for years to come. Make sure you know how to clean a couch properly. Vacuum it regularly to remove dust and dirt, and spot clean any spills immediately. If you have pets, consider using a slipcover to protect the upholstery from fur and claws.
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Vacuuming: Vacuum your couch regularly to remove dust, dirt, and crumbs.
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Spot Cleaning: Treat spills and stains immediately with a mild detergent and water.
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Professional Cleaning: Consider professional upholstery cleaning every few years.
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Rotation: Rotate and flip cushions regularly to prevent uneven wear and tear.
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Sunlight: Protect your couch from direct sunlight, which can fade the fabric.
14. Don't Be Afraid to Ask: Seek Expert Advice
If you're feeling overwhelmed, don't hesitate to ask for help. Sales associates at furniture stores can offer valuable insights and recommendations based on your needs and budget. You can also consult with an interior designer for personalized advice on choosing the best couch brands and styles for your home.
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Sales Associates: Ask questions about the couch's construction, materials, and warranty. Don't be shy. It's literally their job!
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Interior Designers: Get personalized advice on choosing the right couch for your space and style.
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Online Research: Read reviews and compare different brands and models before you buy.
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Friends and Family: Ask friends and family for recommendations based on their own experiences.
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Social Media: Follow furniture brands and retailers on social media to stay up-to-date on new products and sales. Some of their handles are pretty amazing and are not just fluff. It can be a great low-pressure place to get a good pulse.
15. Trust Your Gut: Choose a Couch You Love
Ultimately, the best couch is the one that you love and that fits your lifestyle and budget. Trust your instincts and choose a couch that you'll be happy to come home to every day. Whether you're looking for a reclining sofa, a cloud sofa, a leather sofa, a velvet sofa, or a sleeper couch, there's a perfect couch out there waiting for you.
Armed with these tips, you're now equipped to navigate the world of couches for sale and find the best couch that will bring you years of comfort and joy. Remember, it's not just about finding a good deal – it's about finding a couch that you'll love coming home to. Happy couch hunting!
Official Transcript of The Ultimate Guide to Couch Shopping 2024
Intro
Alex: Hey couch caners, it's Alex with couch.com. Today, we're going to talk about just the basics of buying a new couch. Some people come to couch.com looking for inspiration, advice, and education, and that's what this is—really just some of the very basics that you should think about before going into a store or going online to buy a couch. So, here we go.
What Should You Know Before Buying a Sofa?
0:22
Alex: What should you know before buying a sofa? There are really four basic things to do before you even start shopping, and here they are.
Measure Your Space
0:30
Alex: Number one, measure your space. Measuring your space is incredibly important because it allows you to know what you have to work with. You can't really go into a furniture store or go shopping online without knowing how much space you have to work with. That's the difference between knowing whether I'm shopping for a loveseat or a huge L-sectional. See the difference?
Consider Your Lifestyle
0:50
Alex: Number two, consider your lifestyle. This is extremely important. Many people have pets, many people have kids, and they don't think about it until after they order their new couch. This is something definitely to consider before you buy a new couch. Maybe you entertain guests all the time and you want something stain-resistant because your friends like to drink a lot of wine. Maybe you have cats who like to scratch. Maybe you have no kids, no friends, no cats, and you just want the absolute nicest fabric imaginable. These things are important to consider before you start buying a couch.
Determining Your Style
1:25
Alex: Number three, determining your style. This is a little bit difficult for all the newcomers out there who maybe haven't bought a couch before or are just very confused by all the many different styles that are offered in this industry. Still, it's very important to have a good sense of what you might like. Go online, go to Pinterest, search around on couch.com, get inspired by different things that look like something that you would like to have in your home. Even if it's not even possible or if they're out of your price range, it doesn't matter. Having a visual aid can be extremely helpful in the couch buying process, especially if you're able to show it to someone like an interior designer or a sales associate in an online store or a retail store who can help you find something that looks similar if not exactly the same.
Setting a Budget
2:12
Alex: Number four, setting a budget. Setting a budget is very, very important because there's a very wide range of prices in the couch industry. You can buy a couch for $500, and you can buy a couch that looks kind of similar for $5,000. Knowing how much you're willing to spend, and you don't have to have an exact dollar amount, can be something like, "I want to spend around $1,500, but it could be $1,000, it could be $2,000." If those are your parameters, it at least gives you something to work with—a filter in an online store that you can put on the search results page so you're not seeing things that are way out of your price range or way under your price range. This is something you can tell a sales associate in a retail store so they can help point you in the right direction.
How Can You Tell if a Couch is Good Quality?
2:51
Alex: How can you tell if a couch is good quality? There are a few things that are sort of telltale signs of a poorly designed couch. Finding a really well-made couch is a little bit more of a nuanced exercise, however, here are some things to consider when you're doing this.
Frame Construction
3:08
Alex: Number one, frame construction. None of us are sofa makers, so we don't all know exactly what to look for when it comes to frame construction. However, nicer frames tend to be a little bit heavier than poorly made frames. Asking questions of a sales associate like, "What is this made out of? What is the frame construction?" or seeking that information online is very important. You really don't want to end up with something that's fully made of engineered wood or just has some very bad reviews surrounding the frame construction. You don't want it to break under you when you're sitting there at night. On the other hand, frames rarely break in the furniture industry. Couches are made to last, even some of the cheaper ones, so this may be a little bit of a difficult thing to evaluate, but it's something that is still very important to consider. You might as well ask a few questions to make yourself feel more comfortable.
Cushion Filling
3:59
Alex: Cushion filling. This is an important thing to test because cushions can be a sign of a poorly made couch. If you sit on that thing and you bounce all the way out of the store, you can bet that that's probably not the highest quality cushioning. That being said, this is more of a subjective thing as well, so it may be more important that it's the best cushioning for you. You may prefer a firmer cushion even if it is something that is indicative of a little bit lower quality. Generally speaking, you can tell. You can even go to the back of cushions, open up the zipper if there is one, and stick your hand in and feel it for yourself. If something feels off, it probably is. Again, ask questions. Ask questions. Ask questions. If you have a concern, just bring it up. What's the worst they can say?
Stitching and Upholstery
4:40
Alex: Number three, stitching and upholstery. Now, I'm not a seamster; I don't even know how to sew, but I can tell if there are strings flying off in every different direction, whether it's a piece of clothing or a couch. You can kind of tell if a seam is going one way, and then it starts going another way. It may be indicative of a lower quality piece of furniture.
Comfort
4:59
Alex: Comfort. Let's say you're in a furniture store and you're trying out a few different sofas. If you sit on one and it just feels a little bit off, chances are it might be, and it might be indicative of something that is a little bit lower quality. Really nice couches generally feel like really nice couches. That being said, comfort is very subjective and is different for everyone. Understanding what's comfortable to you, whether that's a firm seat, something extremely cushiony, or something in between, is really the most important thing. You can find those types of comfort at any price level. You may decide that you want a less expensive couch because it tends to be a little bit firmer. That may be what's comfortable to you. So, don't be bound by any of these rules. These are just guidelines to help you in your couch buying process.
