Getting the Best Value Out of Your Couches
A sofa can have a huge impact on the mood of a room. However, with so many variables, finding the right one to meet your needs and budget can be a challenge.
Forbes Vetted enlisted a panel of experts in furniture with children and pets to test the most comfortable couches available. Their findings considered durability, comfort and value.
Comfort
A good couch should be comfortable enough to sit for long periods of time. A great couch should be capable of supporting your back without causing you to feel sore. This is essential for those with chronic back pain or other health issues, such as osteoarthritis. The right material for your sofa is also crucial. Some fabrics are more allergenic than others, so be sure to read the labels on any couches you're considering purchasing.
The top couches are made from solid or kiln-dried hardwood frames because they are stronger and last longer than wooden frames made from plywood or manufactured wood. They won't bow or crack after prolonged use. Some companies provide an all-year guarantee on their upholstery and frames, while others offer warranties of up to 10 years. sofa on sale is also important to think about the frequency you use the couch. If you plan to use it for family gatherings often pick a sectional with enough space to accommodate many people.
This 7th Avenue model is among the top-scoring couches we've tested. It features a durable, performance fabric that's stain-resistant and water-resistant. It also has removable and machine-washable covers that are simple to clean. Another advantage is that it comes in more than 75 different color and fabric choices and styles, including pet-friendly ones. The fabric is thick and durable and the color complements our tester's style well.
When we tested it this sofa was among the most comfortable of all of them, with testers rating it a nine out of 10 for a good nap. It has a foam-and-fiber filling that is stiffer than the other top picks however it offers plenty of support. It was also surprisingly sturdy and stood up to abuse from toddlers and jump tests. The back cushions were a little more firm, but they softened after six months.
Sixpenny's sofa is ideal for families. It offers a huge seating area and can accommodate two adults or up to three children. In our testing, it was extremely comfortable for everyone to sit on, and even allowed one of our testers to have a catnap right in the middle without feeling uncomfortable. The frame and the fabric are constructed of high-end materials, with solid wood constructions and sturdy upholstery. They've stood against a number of spills and scratches. The cushions are also plump and firm, providing it with a an incredibly comfortable and cushiony feel.
Durability
A sofa that is able to stand against wear and tear should be solid and well-made. A good frame will be made of kiln-dried wood or solid hardwoods, instead of plywood. It should not bow or creak when stretched out. The upholstery must also be well-made, with no threads that are loosened or pilling. It is also important to think about the number of seat cushions your couch will require depending on the size of your space and how big you'd like to be able in order to accommodate guests.
The durability of a couch is determined by various aspects, including the upholstery material, as well as how much abuse it is able to endure from pets, children, and other household members. Panelists who evaluated couches for this roundup jumped onto them and listened for springs or creaks. They also slept on them, using a pillow as a backrest to determine whether the couch was causing neck and back discomfort. When you purchase a couch online, read reviews to discover how it stands up to family usage.
Leather, which is typically more expensive than fabric, is considered a better choice to last longer. It's more difficult to scratch than other materials, and it can withstand odors and stains more readily. Leather is also easy to clean and a more suitable option for people with allergies since it doesn't accumulate dust or pet hair.
This model is an excellent choice for those looking for a chic and durable sofa that will last for years. Its sleek, modular design can be adapted to your room and can grow with your family. It's upholstered in a stain-resistant, water-resistant material with removable, machine washable covers. This sofa was tested by three people frequently sitting on it and showed no signs of wear.
Another excellent option is this couch from Allform that allows for the ability to customize every aspect of the couch including colors of the legs, upholstery color and size, and more. It's a bit more laborious to put together than some of the other couches on this list and will require at least two people. The result will be a chic and comfortable couch that can be rearranged easily to suit your needs.
Style
A couch is an expensive investment. To make the best choice, you need to find a balance between style, comfort, and durability. This is why Forbes Vetted invited a team of panelists to try out 19 couches over the course of months. The test participants took detailed notes on how the sofas held up in everyday use, napped on them, worked at home and even arranged film nights. They also noted any joint pains, how easy the cushions were to readjust and how many people could comfortably fit on each sofa.
It can be daunting to navigate all the couch specifications including classic brands and direct-to-consumer (DTC) retailers. Some offer tons of choices for customization, including upholstery fabric, cushion fill material, Martindale abrasion rating, and the type of joinery and springs.
Before you begin exploring color and fabric options, you might be thinking about the type of couch you are looking for. For example, if you're looking for something durable and stain-resistant but still comfortable, consider couches made of polyester instead of cotton or linen. Polyester is more resistant to wrinkles and stains. Linen and cotton are more prone to staining.
A couch's appearance in your home is another important factor to consider. If you're looking for a more modern taste think about a modern silhouette and opting for an easy, neutral fabric. If you're drawn by traditional style, you may want a classic, tailored shape and a soft dark fabric.
Once you've narrowed your search, check if the sofa is available in different widths, so that you can select the ideal option for your space. It's also worth determining whether the couch you're looking at comes in different colors. Some stores allow you to sort by sofa size or couch collection that can be useful when trying to find the top quality couches.
When you are ready to purchase, ask your retailer whether they can provide white-gloved delivery. This is usually an extra cost and includes the assembly at home, the placement of the packaging, and removal. This service was easy and easy to use in our tests. If you're unable to pay for white-glove, you could always opt for regular delivery, which typically includes a flat fee but doesn't include assembly or removal of boxes.
Price
Getting the best value out of your couch will depend on the quality and durability of its frame and fill as well as the upholstery. The ideal frame should be made of kiln-dried wood with mortise and Tenon joinery, and its cushion fill should be a combination of supportive spring coils and soft fiber or down. Performance fabrics with rub counts of 50,000-150,000 are durable, but you might want to consider the possibility of having a fabric that can be cleaned or covered if it gets dirty.
The life expectancy of a couch is dependent on the material used and construction, according to Margaret Carroll, who oversees Better Homes & Gardens' sofa-testing laboratory in North Carolina. A sofa that is of low-quality will last three to five years, while an expensive, hand-tied sofa can last for up to 20 years.
If you're pressed for time or don't have time for details on the upholstery, you might want to purchase your sofa during furniture sales. These usually happen during the holidays and at the end of winter and can offer discounts of up to 30 percent. We found that the sofas in Article's new collection of fabrics were priced very affordable.
Pottery Barn is another place where you can find fantastic deals on couches. They offer a wide selection of in-stock pieces and customizable options. There are plenty of size, depth and color options on the site (the two-seater that measures 93 inches offers seven length options). The brand's white glove delivery includes assembly and installation and costs $99, but returns and exchanges are subject to a 10 percent fee.
Other furniture stores online have similar returns policies to Pottery Barn, but may require a higher initial investment. 7th Avenue, for example offers customers the option of returning an item within 10 days of delivery and receive a full refund. However its furniture is shipped directly from the manufacturer and could take longer. Universal Home, an online retailer, offers free swatches and showcases furniture collections from various brands. The majority of its top-scoring couches are made-to-order however, which means you'll have to wait in case you require something urgently.