How to Buy a Quality Couch

Decide on cushion and arm styles before heading to the furniture showroom.

Before beginning your search for the perfect couch, settle on style and size. Evaluate your needs, set a budget and study different styles and designs of couches in magazines and catalogs before you step into a furniture showroom. Measure the door the couch will be delivered through to make sure your purchase will fit. Once your hunt begins, look for signs of durability and support.

Instructions

1. Look for couches built on a sold wood frame. Ask if a couch is made of kiln-dried hardwood, such as maple, oak or poplar, which will be stronger and last longer than a couch built on a pine frame.

2. Select the spring system. To displace weight evenly, choose an eight-way hand-tied spring system. Wire springs are a less expensive, but less durable option.

3. Decide on the type of cushions. Choose top of the line feather cushions, which offer comfort, but must be fluffed up between uses. Make an economical choice with high-resiliency foam, which compresses during use but pops back up when you do. Compromise with down wrapped foam cushions.

4. Consider your lifestyle when selecting fabric for your couch. The most durable covering is leather, which is suitable for use heavy family use. If the couch is in a seldom-used room a silk and rayon will be fine. Choose patterned fabric to disguise spills and soil. Avoid woven fabrics if you’re sharing your couch with pets, because claws may accidentally snag the weave. Check the cleaning instructions for the fabric. Ask to see sofas slip covered in durable, washable fabrics for a family-friendly choice.

5. Test the couch before making a final choice. Sit or lay on the couch the way you will once it's in your home. Lean back to test the height of the couch back. Evaluate where the seat ends on the back of your legs.

References

• CBS News: Tips on Buying a Sofa
• Consumer Reports: Sofas: How to Uncover Value
• HGTV: Purchasing a Sofa