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The sofa is often the star of your living room. It’s where you cozy up for family movie nights, sit on the edge of your seat cheering on your favorite sports team, and settle in for deep conversations with friends.
Because the couch plays such a central role in how you use and enjoy your living room, selecting the right one for your space is crucial. Here’s what factors to consider when buying a sofa so you can narrow down your options and find the perfect match.
Walk into any furniture showroom, and you’ll see that couches come in a wide range of shapes and styles. Here are some common sofa styles and who they might work best for:
When you think “sofa,” the traditional couch style is likely what comes to mind. Standard sofas have a simple design, typically a back, two armrests, and three cushions. They usually can seat three or four people.
Traditional sofas (and their smaller version called “apartment sofas”) are often great for smaller families or limited square footage.
Sectionals are large sofas made up of multiple pieces. They can be arranged in different configurations, most commonly L- and U-shapes. A sectional often works best for larger spaces and families.
Sleeper sofas pull double duty, acting as a couch during the day and transforming into a bed at night. A sleeper sofa can be a great option if you live in a one-bedroom apartment and often have guests, or if you just want more space to sprawl out during movie nights.
A chaise is a low, short-leg sofa with a single long cushion. They usually don’t have a back, or the back doesn’t stretch the entire length of the sofa. You may also see a “chaise” as part of a sectional sofa.
Chaise lounges are often designed for just one person to lie down, making them good for single people or as an additional seating option.
A loveseat is shorter than a standard sofa and usually has only two cushions. These cozy sofas are perfect for seating two people together. You can use a loveseat as your main sofa if you’re squeezed for space, or you can use it as another seating option across from your full-size couch.
Want to learn more about other styles of furniture, like chairs, tables, and storage? Read our guide to furniture phrases here.
No sofa buying guide is complete without talking dimensions. Size may be the most important factor to consider before you even begin your search. After all, if a sofa doesn’t physically fit your space, then it can’t be the right match.
Your couch should fill your space without overwhelming it. Measure your room first and determine how much space your new sofa can occupy without blocking entryways or walkways.
You need to consider several measurements when comparing sofas.
Important: Don’t forget to measure doorways, hallways, and stairways/elevators. You need to make sure you have enough space to actually get the couch into your home or living room. You don’t want to buy the perfect couch only to find yourself stuck in a real-life “Pivot!” situation.
The frame of your sofa is just as much about longevity as it is about comfort. A quality, durable frame will help your sofa last for years. For the greatest durability, look for real or engineered wood frames (especially kiln-dried wood) over particleboard. However, mixed-material frames are also a solid choice, often with hardwood supports, plywood panels, and metal reinforcements.
When it comes to the frame, watch for potential red flags, such as staples as the primary support, a lightweight, flimsy feel, or excessive creaking.
A couch’s upholstery affects its appearance, feel, durability, and maintenance requirements. The right upholstery depends on your personal preference, your lifestyle, and whether you have pets or children.
Couch upholstery falls into two broad categories: fabric or leather.
Fabric couches tend to be more affordable, although certain fabrics like velvet can get pricey. Fabric is also usually warmer and more comfortable to the touch than leather. If your household has pets or children, a fabric couch is often the better choice since it won’t get scratched.
Popular fabrics for couches include:
Leather has a more sophisticated appearance than many fabric couches, and it can last for decades with proper care (like routine conditioning to prevent drying and cracking). However, leather tends to be on the more expensive side and can scratch easily. Leather can be a great choice for a long-term investment and a classic look.
If you’re on a tighter budget, many high-quality faux leather options offer the same aesthetic at a lower cost.
Cushions determine how your sofa actually feels every day, whether that’s supportive, bouncy, firm, or sink-in cozy. The plush, sink-in feeling can be great for movie watching or afternoon naps, while a firm, supportive feel may be better for back support or more formal seating. Most households choose a couch that falls somewhere in the middle, supportive but cushioned.
Here are factors to consider when it comes to couch cushions:
Modern couches can come with a variety of special features designed for comfort, convenience, storage, and technology. Here are some couch features to consider adding to your list of wants:
Like any big purchase, your budget will be a deciding factor. Smaller, simple sofas may cost you a few hundred dollars, while larger sofas with more features could approach $2,000 or more. It’s important to set your budget up front and only look at couches in that range. You don’t want to fall in love with a sofa only to realize it’s completely over budget.
Now that you know what to look for when buying a couch, here are a few common pitfalls to watch for as you shop for your perfect sofa.
Remember to measure everything from the couch itself to the delivery path. It can be helpful to even tape out the footprint of a sofa on the floor to ensure it fits the space without blocking pathways or making the room feel cramped once you add in other furniture like tables.
Sometimes the most beautiful, stylish sofa is actually the worst to sit on. Pay attention to length and seat depth to ensure you get a couch that doesn’t feel awkward to sit or lie on.
Consider how you actually live, and make sure your couch fits that. For example, you may want to avoid that pristine white couch if you have pets and children running around. Or, you may want to splurge on that sectional with a chaise to make your reality TV binge nights extra comfortable.
Trends can be exciting, but that couch that’s all over Instagram right now might make your living room feel dated in 6 months. Try to stick to more timeless designs, and use pillows or accessories that are easy to swap out to hit those trend checkboxes.
A couch isn’t like a coffee table that just requires a quick dusting or wipe down. You should consider the effort required to keep your couch looking great. Leather needs regular conditioning to maintain its buttery look and feel. Velvet and textured fabrics can trap hair or wear faster than other materials. Some fabrics stain more easily than others. Make sure you choose an upholstery that you can keep up with, and that keeps up with your life.
Whether you’re furnishing your home for the first time and need to cover the essentials or just want to revamp your current living room, finding the right couch doesn’t have to be a hassle. At CORT Furniture Outlet, you’ll find sofas in a range of styles, materials, and sizes, making it easier to compare options and find what works for you. Browse online or visit your local showroom to sit, test, and discover a sofa that feels right from the start.
