Getting the Best Value Out of Your Couches
A sofa is a big-ticket item that can drastically alter the overall feel of a room. But with so many variables, finding the right one to meet your needs and budget can be a challenge.
Forbes Vetted recruited a panel of furniture experts, including children and pets to test the best couches available. Their notes considered the durability, comfort, and the value.
Comfort
A good couch should be comfortable enough to sit on for extended periods of time. A good couch will help your back, without causing it to be sore. This is essential for those with chronic back pain or other health issues, such as osteoarthritis. Choosing the right sofa fabric is also an important consideration. You should always be sure to read the label on any sofa you're considering purchasing. Certain fabrics may be more allergenic than other.
The top quality couches are made from kiln-dried or solid hardwood frames because they are stronger and more durable than plywood or manufactured wood frames. These couches won't sag after heavy use. Some companies offer a lifetime guarantee on their upholstery and frame, while others provide warranties that last for up to 10 years. It's also important to consider the amount of time you'll be using the couch. If you intend to use it for a lot of family gatherings, consider an area that can hold many people comfortably.
This 7th Avenue model is among the highest-scoring couches we tested. It is made of a tough, performance fabric that's water-resistant and stain resistant. It also comes with removable and machine-washable covers. Another advantage is that it is available in more than 75 different color and fabric choices that include pet-friendly styles. The fabric is strong and durable, and the color is a match to our tester's decor well.
This sofa was the most comfy of the ones we test. Testers gave it a score of nine out of 10 for a good nap. It has a foam-and-fiber filling which is a bit stiffer than other top choices, but still provides plenty of support. It was also extremely durable and stood up to abuse from children and jump tests. The cushions on the back were a bit on the firm side, but they did soften after six months of testing.
This couch from Sixpenny is ideal for families, as it has a wide seat that can accommodate three adults or two kids. Our tests showed that it was extremely comfortable for all and let one of our testers to take the catnap and not feel sore. The frame and the fabric have a high-quality construction and solid wood constructions and durable upholstery. They've stood against a number of spills and scratches. The cushions are supple and firm, and provide an incredibly comfortable, cushiony feel.
Durability
A couch that is strong and well-built will feel sturdy to sit on. A quality frame is constructed from kiln dried wood or solid hardwoods, instead of plywood. It should also not have obvious creaking or sagging when you stretch on it. The upholstery should be well-made as well, and not have loose threads or pilling. You should also consider how many cushions your couch will require, based on how large your room is and how much it can expand to accommodate guests.
A sofa's durability is determined by a combination of elements, including its upholstery material as well as the amount of abuse it can endure from pets, children and other household members. Panelists who tested couches in this roundup jumped on them and listened for any springs or creaks. They also slept on them, using their pillows as a backrest and assessing whether or not the sofa caused back or neck discomfort. When you purchase a couch on the internet, read reviews to learn how it stands up to the use of your family.
Leather is generally more expensive than fabric but is often considered to be more durable. It is more resistant to odors and stains and less likely to scratch. Leather is also easy to clean and a ideal choice for those suffering from allergies because it doesn't gather dust or pet hair.
This model is a great choice for those looking for a chic, durable couch that will last for many years. Its sleek and modular design can be adapted to your space and will grow with your family. It's covered in water-repellent and stain-resistant performance fabrics, and removable, machine-washable covers. During tests, this couch was able to hold three to four people frequently on it and never showed any indications of wear or wear.
Another excellent option is this sofa from Allform that offers the option of customizing every aspect of the couch, including colors of the legs, upholstery color and size, as well as more. The assembly process is a little more difficult than other couches, and at least two people are required. But the end result is a chic and comfortable sofa that can blend with any decor aesthetic and can be easily rearranged to meet your requirements.
Style
A couch is a significant investment, and choosing the right one is about balancing style, comfort, and durability. Forbes Vetted invited panelists to test 19 couches over the course of months. During that time, they slept on the sofas, employed from home and hosted movie nights, taking detailed notes about how they held up to everyday use. They also logged any joint pains and how it was easy to adjust the cushions, and how many people could comfortably fit on each sofa.
It can be difficult to navigate the numerous specifications for a couch, especially when you are dealing with traditional brands or direct-to consumer retailers. Some retailers offer a broad range of customization options including cushion material, upholstery fabric, Martindale abrasion ratings, and type of joinery or springs.
Before you start looking at fabric and color choices, you might want to consider the type of couch that you are seeking. For instance, if seeking something durable and stain-resistant yet nevertheless comfortable, you should consider a couch made with polyester instead of cotton or linen. Polyester is more likely to withstand wrinkles and stains, while cotton and linen can be vulnerable to pilling and staining.
Another important consideration is the style of the couch in your home. If you're looking for a contemporary style, go for a contemporary shape and a light neutral fabric. On the other the other hand, if your style is drawn to classic designs you may prefer a more classic elegant, tailored style and more luxurious, dark-colored fabric.
Find out if the couch is available in different widths so you can select the right option for your space. It's also worth checking whether the sofa you're looking for is available in various shades. they said make it easy to sort by sofa width or collection of couches, which can be helpful when you're trying to find the top high-end couches.
When you're ready to buy, consider whether your preferred retailer offers white-glove delivery. This is usually an upgrade that costs extra and includes the installation at your home, the positioning of the packaging, and removal. In our tests, this option was simple and quick. If you're not able to afford white-gloves, you can select regular delivery, which typically includes a flat fee but does not include assembly or the removal of boxes.
Price
Getting the best value out of your sofa will depend on the durability and quality of its frame and fill as well as the upholstery. Ideally, the frame should be made of the kiln dried wood that has mortise and tenon joinery, and its cushion fill should be a combination of supportive spring coils and soft down or fiber. Performance fabrics with rub counts of 50,000 to 150,000 are durable, but you'll want to look for a fabric that can be cleaned or re-used later on should it get dirty.
The life expectancy of a couch depends on its material and construction, according to Margaret Carroll, who oversees Better Homes & Gardens' sofa-testing lab in North Carolina. She says that a low-quality couch will last for three to five years. A high-end, hand tied couch can last for up to twenty years.
If you're strapped for time, or you don't know much about upholstery, buy your couch at a furniture sale. They usually occur during the holidays and at the end of winter and can offer discounts of up to 30 percent. When we tested the sofas, we found that sofas from Article's new line of fabrics were especially priced well.
Pottery Barn is another place where you can find great discounts on couches. They have a large selection of in-stock pieces and customizable options. On their website there's a wide selection of options for dimensions, depth and colors (the 93" two-seater that we tested included seven length options). The company's white glove delivery includes assembly and installation and costs $99; however, returns and exchanges are subject to a 10 percent charge.
Other furniture retailers online have a similar return policy similar to Pottery Barn, but may require a greater initial investment. For instance, 7th Avenue allows customers to return any item within ten days after delivery for a full refund, however, its upholstered pieces typically ship directly from manufacturers and may take longer to arrive. The online retailer Universal Home showcases collections from different furniture brands and offers free swatches. The majority of its top-scoring sofas are only available as special orders, so you will need to wait for something immediately.