Is It a Couch or a Sofa?
Historically, the two were distinctively different.
Should You Repair or Replace a Sofa?
The Spruce / Michelle Becker
Fortunately, there’s plenty you’re free to do torevive an aging couch.
That said, sometimes it’s more cost-effective to replace a couch.
Before shopping, measure the entire space, especially the wall where the sofa will go.
The Spruce / Michelle Becker
Also, take into account the style of your space.
Couches come in many styles, such as contemporary, midcentury modern, Scandinavian, Victorian, and more.
Spend the extra time narrowing your sofa options to match your style.
The Spruce / Michelle Becker
Materials
To keep your sofa looking its best, it is essential toselect the right fabric.
If you have children or pets, you naturally want a more durable and easy-to-clean material.
Like well-tailored clothing, patterns, and stripes should match at the seams.
The Spruce / Michelle Becker
Stripes that match at the seams make a sofa look well-finished.
Patterns should be centered, and all seams and welts (piping) should run straight.
Uneven welting and seams that pull to one side mean the manufacturer poorly tailored the cover.
Higher thread counts indicate a denser weave and more durable fabric with fabric upholstery.
There is considerable debate over which stuffing is best for sofa cushions.
Many people like overstuffed couches or deeply cushy cushions.
High-resilient (HR) foam is a step up from polyurethane, making for a comfortable and long-lasting cushion.
Some experts recommend a hybrid cushion of HR foam wrapped in down and feathers, combining durability and comfort.
If you want to buy a good sofa, look closely at the frame.
Pine frames are economical, but they often begin to warp and wobble within five years or so.
Size
Pick a size that best suits your sofa plansentertaining, relaxing, reading, whatever.
Consider a giant sofa or pair your couch with easy chairs or additional seating if you entertain often.
It shouldn’t fill the whole wall and should have space on each side.
Another sizing consideration is the depth of the seats.
Select deep or shallow seats, depending on your height.
If you’re buying arecliner sofa, ensure it is comfortable in all its positions.
Some have built-in coolers and plugs for charging devices.
Knowing what you would most enjoy can help you sift through the array of features out there.
This bang out of sofa makes sense for people who often entertain or have larger families.
For added comfort, you could have reclining sectionals, as well.
Sleeper Sofas
Sleeper sofasare an excellent option for small spaces or if you often host overnight guests.
Once notoriously uncomfortable, modern sleeper sofas have evolved to offer relatively comfortable sleeping surfaces.
Reclining Sofas
Some couches with built-in recliners will have seatsusually at either end of the sofa.
These styles offer the same comfort and mechanism as reclining chairs but with the width of a sofa.
Futons
Technically a key in of couch, afutonis an affordable alternative to buying a sofa.
you’ve got the option to purchase futons for about $300.
it’s possible for you to buy the frame and cushion separately for more customization options.
These dual-purpose space savers help make small spaces functional.
They tend to have thick, sturdy wooden frames.
Many futons lack armrests; however, it’s possible for you to find some with arms.
Less expensive futons can also be fabricated of metal or steel.
Cost
you could expect to pay anywhere from $700 to $2,500 for a basic sofa.
If youre on a tight budget, visit clearance centers or ask for floor models.
Sometimes, it’s possible for you to find good value at special sale events.
you’re free to always get a futon for about half the price of a traditional sofa.
Stylish sofas or couches with high-quality materials can cost several thousand, depending on the designer or retailer.
Depending on its level of use and quality, a sofa can last anywhere from seven to 15 years.
Cost most often correlates directly to size: Smaller sofas cost less than larger ones.
Many companies also offer discounts around Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
So, howwillyou use your sofa?
A formal couch can have high-quality upholstery or a sculptural frame; it’s more visually interesting than comfortable.
Who Will Be Using It Most?
Pay attention to making your sofa fit your family.
For instance, a taller person will appreciate deeper seating.
What Does the Rest of Your Space Look Like?
Toselect a sofa coloror fabric pattern, always consider any preexisting colors or patterns in the room.
A patterned fabric also works well in areas with heavy usage to hide minor stains.
How Long Do You Plan to Stay Where You Are?
Depending on the couch you have, moving it can be a challenge.
There’s no guarantee your current sofa will fit into your next home.
Frequent movers should consider getting a modular sofa that can be rearranged to suit every space they live in.
Where to Shop
A couch is a large, pricey purchase.
Many people prefer to see their options in person to confirm they like the feel and look before committing.
You want to avoid the hassle of having a large piece of furniture delivered only to return it.
Still, some people do not have the time or prefer online shopping.
Online options allow you to order for delivery sight unseen.
Buying in-Store
If shopping in-store, don’t be afraid to ask questions.
They can also assist you to customize your purchase.
Avoid a couch if its legs are only glued on.
Avoid a sofa that visibly twists or creaks during this test.
Avoid any couch that isn’t rock-solid.
Consider the Springs
The springs that hold up the cushions on a couch come in three levels of quality.
The least expensive (and least durable) options don’t have springs and only use webbing or mesh.
Avoid these couches if your goal is a quality piece of furniture.
Most couches use serpentine springssinuous pieces of snaking wire that span the gap between frame members.
These offer good support but may sag over time if the metal isn’t heavy-gauge.
Luxury sofas are usually fitted with eight-way hand-tied springs, which may be very comfortable but expensive.
Feel the springs through the upholstery.
Good springs should be firm and spaced close together for good support.
You should not notice too much give when you sit on the couch.
Feel the Padding and Cushions
The frame and all the corners of the couch should be well-padded.
Run your hand over all corners to ensure you could’t feel the edges of the frame through the upholstery.
Seat cushions should be firm, resilient, and fit snugly within the sofa frame.
The cushions should regain their shape after you press down and let go.
Cushions that do not fit snugly will also lose shape quickly, and the edges will look unattractive.
Evaluate the Upholstery
If there are any buttons, check to ensure they are securely sewn on.
Loose buttons will come off and quickly get lost.
Buying Online
If you are buying a couch online, do your research.
Read reviews and all the product information you’ve got the option to find.
Take advantage of a virtual assistant or go through all the question-and-answer features of the site.
If possible, see if a nearby showroom has the bang out of couch you’re considering.
Try it out in person if it’s possible for you to.
Once you’ve decided, know the return policy and delivery options.
Some companies even offer to remove your old couch.
Some ship the sofa to your door; the rest is up to you.
Where to Buy a Sofa
Mostlarge furniture retailers sell couches.
Buy a sofa that meets your needs, matches your space, and fits your budget.
you might expect to pay at least $1,000 for a couch.
The range swings widely based on the size, fabric, and accessories.
No, $1,000 is the average starting range for a couch.
Dispose of your old couch responsibly.
If at all possible, reuse or recycle it before tossing it.
Also, find out if your city or town offers free pick-up for large items.
Regulations vary depending on your location.
If all else fails, hire a junk hauler to remove it.
While couchesespecially well-made onescan be repaired to extend their lifespans, most are not made to last forever.
Upholstered Furniture Action Council (UFAC).
