Don't Get Scammed: 15 Insider Secrets To Buying The Perfect Couch

Have you ever found yourself lost in a sea of couches for sale, wondering which one is best 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, I’m here to share my hard-won wisdom.

For instance, did you know that many retailers offer free fabric swatches to help you visualize your furniture choices before buying? This allows you to compare multiple swatches to ensure the fabric selection aligns with your design preferences, streamlining your shopping experience.

Another tidbit from Big Al? When looking for the best couch, consider brand reputation. Don't shy away from research (I hear Couch.com is pretty helpful). Opt for brands with excellent online presence, such as Ashley Furniture, Albany Park, 7th Avenue, Medley, and Edloe Finch, known for their extensive selections, quality, and customer satisfaction.

This guide will help make sure your next 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 & Size Up Your Space Correctly 

When it comes to finding the perfect sofa size for your space, I can’t stress this enough – measure, measure, measure! You need to know how much space you're working with and what space a sofa could take up.

Before you even start browsing couches for sale online or in-store, 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!

Here's what you need:

• Length and Width: Measure the available space for the couch, including any corners or alcoves.

• Height: Consider the ceiling height and any windows or artwork that might be obstructed.

• Depth: Think about how far you want the couch to extend into the room.

• Walkways: Leave enough space around the couch for easy movement.

• Doorways: Make sure the couch can fit through any doorways or hallways during delivery.

• 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. Consider Your Lifestyle & Sofa Needs

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.

Here are some possible things to consider:

• Kids and Pets: You'll want to choose durable fabrics and colors that can withstand spills, stains, and pet hair.

• Entertaining: Love to host? Consider a sectional or a modular sofa for extra seating and lounging space.

• Lounging: If naps are your raison d'être, prioritize comfort with plush cushions, a relaxed design, and arm cushions for added support and comfort.

• Overnight Guests: Don't let a lack of spare bedroom get in the way of hosting guests! Look out for versatile and functional sleeper sofas with stylish designs and practical features.

• Work-from-Home Needs: Consider a couch with a firm seat and good back support for a makeshift home office.

3. Find Your Style Match

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! 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.

Here's a little cheat sheet of what to expect from the most popular styles:

• Modern: Sleek lines, minimal ornamentation, and often neutral colors.

• Traditional: Classic designs, rolled arms, tufting, and warm, inviting colors.

• Mid-Century Modern: Tapered legs, clean lines, and a retro vibe.

• Contemporary: A mix of styles, often incorporating bold colors and patterns

• Bohemian: Eclectic mix of patterns, textures, and colors for a relaxed, artistic feel.

4. 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.

5. Check Sofa Frames for Strength & 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. Couch frame construction matters for ultimate comfort?

Here's what you need to consider:

• Material: Look for solid wood frames made of hardwood like maple, oak, or ash.

• Construction: Check for corner blocks, dowels, or screws that reinforce the frame.

• Stability: Make sure the frame doesn't wobble or creak when you sit on it.

• Weight: A heavier frame generally indicates better quality and durability.

• Warranty: Look for a couch with a decent warranty or with an option for an extra protection plan.

6. Sink or Bounce? Test The Cushions 

If you are shopping in-person, don't be shy about taking a seat on the couch that's caught 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.

7. Inspect the Stitching & Upholstery

If you can, take a close look at the stitching and fabric of any couch you’re considering. If you're shopping online, reviews and photos are going to be your best friend. The seams should be tight and even, with no loose threads or frayed edges. Any patterns on the fabric should align properly at the seams.

Make sure the sofa fabric suits your lifestyle – bouclé, for example, is beautiful, but not great for pet households as it attracts hair and is susceptible to snags. Be sure to research the cleanability and safety standards of any upholstery you consider.

8. Choose the Right Size & 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.

• Loveseat: Seats 1-2. Ideal for small spaces or as a complement to a larger sofa.

• Sofa: Seats 2-3. The standard choice for seating two to three people.

• Sectional: Seats 3+. Offers more seating and flexibility for larger rooms or families.

• Chaise: Adds a lounging element to a sofa or sectional.

9. Prioritize Comfort & 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.

Here's what you want to thiink about:

• 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.

• Back Height: Choose a back height that supports your head and neck comfortably.

• Armrests: Consider the height and width of the armrests for optimal comfort and support.

• 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.

10. Find a Color That Works For You

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. 

11. Don't Be Afraid to Negotiate the Price

Don't be afraid to negotiate the sofa 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.

This is my winning strategy for sealing the deal:

1) Come into the Negotiation with Firm Knowledge: 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.

2) Nail Your Timing: Shop during sales events or at the end of the month or quarter when retailers may be more willing to negotiate.

3) Be Confident: There is no harm in simply asking for a discount. Go into the conversation like you've had success before. Don't be afraid to ask for a lower price or for additional perks like free delivery or pillows.

4) Be Polite: This. Is. Essential. A friendly and respectful demeanor can go a long way in negotiation. No sense in being mean. People like to help nice people.

5) Know When to 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.

12. Shop Smart: 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.

Here are a few things you can do to help make shopping in either space easier:

• Read 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.

• Research 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.

• Try a 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. Clean & 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.

• Vacuuming: Vacuum your couch regularly to remove dust, dirt, and crumbs.

• Spot Cleaning: Treat spills and stains immediately with a mild detergent and water.

• Professional Cleaning: Consider professional upholstery cleaning every few years.

• Rotation: Rotate and flip cushions regularly to prevent uneven wear and tear.

• Sunlight: Protect your couch from direct sunlight, which can fade the fabric.

14. Don't Be Afraid to Ask For 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.

15. Trust Your Gut

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.