Getting the Best Value Out of Your Couches
A sofa is an expensive item that can drastically alter the overall feel of the room. With so many options choosing the best one for your needs and budget can be difficult.
Forbes Vetted recruited a panel of furniture experts, including children and pets to test the best couches available. Their findings focused on the durability, comfort, and the value.
Comfort
A quality couch must be comfortable to sit on for prolonged periods of time. A good couch will support your back without making it sore. This is important for people suffering from chronic back pain, or other health issues, like osteoarthritis. The right material for your sofa is also essential. Always read the label on any couch you're considering purchasing. Certain fabrics may be more allergenic than other.
The most comfortable couches are constructed of kiln dried or solid hardwood frames. These are stronger and last longer than wood frames made from plywood or manufactured. They also won't sag or creak after heavy use. Some companies offer an all-year guarantee on their upholstery and frames, while others offer warranties up to 10 years. It is also important to think about the frequency you use the couch. If you intend to use it for frequent family gatherings, think about a sectional that can accommodate many people comfortably.
One of the best-scoring couches in our tests, this 7th Avenue model has an extremely durable fabric that's stain-resistant and water-resistant. It also has removable and machine-washable covers that are simple to clean. It's also available in a variety of more than 75 colors and fabrics, with pet-friendly options. The fabric is strong and durable. The color matches our tester's decor well.
This sofa was the most comfy of all the sofas we tested. Testers gave it a score of nine out of 10 for napping. best sofa couch is filled with foam and fiber which is a bit stiffer than other top models, but still provides plenty of support. It was also quite sturdy and stood up to abuse from children and jump tests. The back cushions were a little on the firmer side, but they softened after six months.
This sofa from Sixpenny is ideal for families, as it comes with a huge seat size and can easily accommodate two adults or three kids. In our testing, it was extremely comfortable for all to sit on, and even allowed one of our testers to take a catnap in the middle and not feel sore. The frame and the fabric are made of top-quality materials with solid wood constructions and durable upholstery. They've held up to several scratches and spills. The cushions are supple and firm and give it the feeling of cushiony, supportive.
Durability
A sofa that is able to stand up to everyday wear and tear should feel sturdy to sit on and be well-constructed. A good frame is made from solid hardwoods or kiln dried wood not plywood. It shouldn't sag or creak when stretched out. The upholstery should also be well-constructed, with no loose or pilling threads. You should also think about how many cushions your couch will require, based on how big your space is and how far it will expand to accommodate guests.
A sofa's durability is determined by a mix of elements, including its upholstery material as well as the amount of abuse it can take from kids, pets and other household members. Panelists inspected couches by jumping on them, listening for creaks and springs. They also slept on them, using their pillows as backrest, and assessing whether or not the couch caused neck or back pain. When you shop for a couch on the internet and read reviews, you can find out how it holds against the demands of family use.
Leather is typically more expensive than fabrics, but is often considered to be the best option for durability. It is less scratch-resistant than other materials, and it will resist stains and odors more easily. It's easy to clean, and it's a good option for those suffering from allergies because it doesn't accumulate pet hair or dust.
This model is a great option to anyone who is looking for a chic sturdy sofa that will last for many years. Its sleek and modular design is customizable to the space you have and can expand with your family. It's upholstered in a stain-resistant, water-resistant fabric that has removable covers that can be washed by machine. The couch was tested with three people who were frequently seated on it, and showed no signs of wear.
Another great option is this sofa from Allform, which offers the option of customizing every aspect of the couch including the color of the upholstery, leg finishes, and size, and much more. It's a bit more laborious to put together than the other couches on this list, and you'll need at least two people. The end result will be a chic and comfortable couch which can be easily moved to meet your requirements.
Style
A couch is an enormous purchase, and picking the right one requires balancing style, comfort, and durability. This is why Forbes Vetted invited a team of panelists to try out 19 couches for months. During the time, the testers napped on the sofas as well as at home, and hosted movie nights, taking detailed notes on how they stood up to daily use. They also noted any joint discomforts, how easy cushions were to adjust and how many people they could comfortably fit on each sofa.
It isn't easy to understand the many couch specifications, especially when dealing with traditional brands or direct-to consumer retailers. Many offer a variety of customization options, including upholstery fabric cushion fill material Martindale Abrasion Rating and the type of springs and joinery.
Before you start looking at fabric and color options, you might be thinking about the type of couch that you are seeking. For example, if you're looking for something sturdy and stain-resistant but still comfortable, consider couches made of polyester instead of linen or cotton. Polyester is more likely to withstand wrinkles and stains, while linen and cotton can be susceptible to staining and pilling.
Another important consideration is the style of the couch in your home. If you're a fan of a more modern taste think about a modern style and choosing a light, neutral fabric. On the other side, if you're drawn to traditional design, you might prefer a classic style, streamlined silhouette and more luxurious, dark fabric.
After narrowing your search, check if the sofa is available in different widths, so you can select the ideal option for your space. It's also worth checking whether the sofa you're looking at is available in various shades. Some stores allow you to sort by collection of sofas or couch width, which is useful when searching for the best quality couches.
When you are ready to buy the item, ask your retailer whether they can provide white-gloved delivery. This is typically an additional cost and includes assembly at home, placement of the packaging, and removal. This service was simple and quick to use in our tests. If you're not able to afford white-gloves, you can select standard delivery, which usually comes with a flat rate but doesn't include assembly or removal of boxes.
Price
Getting the most value of your sofa will depend on the quality and longevity of its frame and fill as well as the upholstery. The ideal frame should be constructed of the kiln dried wood that has mortise and tenon joinery and its cushion fill should consist of spring coils that support and soft fiber or down. Performance fabrics with rub counts of 50,000-150,000 are long-lasting however, you should look for a fabric that can be cleaned or re-used down the line should it get dirty.
The lifespan of a couch depends on the materials used and design, according to Margaret Carroll, who oversees Better Homes & Gardens' sofa-testing laboratory in North Carolina. She claims that a cheap couch will last for three to five years. A top-quality hand-tied couch can last up to twenty years.
If you're short on time or don't have the time for the details of your furniture, try to purchase your couch during furniture sales. These sales typically occur during the holiday season or at the end of the winter season and offer discounts up to 30%. We found that the sofas from Article's new line of fabrics were priced very well.
Pottery Barn is another place where you can find fantastic bargains on couches. They have a huge assortment of pieces in stock and customizable options. On the website, you'll find a wide range of options for size, depth and colors (the 93" two-seater we tested offered seven length options). The company's white glove service includes assembly and installation and is priced at $99, but returns and exchanges are subject to a 10% fee.
Other furniture retailers online offer a similar return policy similar to Pottery Barn, but may require a larger upfront 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 upholstered items are shipped directly from the manufacturer and may take longer. Universal Home, an online retailer, provides free swatches and showcases furniture collections from various brands. The majority of its top-scoring sofas are only available as special orders, so you'll need to wait for something today.