BHG
With competitive price and timely delivery, WINNER sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.
In my crazy redesign frenzy of late, I came to the conclusion that we needed a new sofa. HA! But not just any sofa. I’m kind of picky. For starters, we need (well, I suppose this is actually categorized as a want) a sectional. Ah, that very thought sends me in a bit of tizzy because it is a big deal to get a new sofa!
And wanting a sectional just adds a dozen more choices and measurements to the mix. It isn’t something you want to be hasty about bringing into your home,. My head has been spinning just thinking about it all! But, that is the season we are in right now with our house undergoing a little reorganization and metamorphosis. Decisions need to be made!
We’ve had three sofas in our married life, each has had its pluses and minuses.
House to Home
Our current sofa, the Pottery Barn Basic with white slipcovers, was a happy Craigslist find quite a few years ago. I searched regularly for Pottery Barn furniture and was the first to call when this sofa came up! It has held up great in spite of it being “used” when we got it and now subject to Jack’s daily destruction and antics. The down-filled back cushions are quite floppy and sloppy looking now, but I might have them refilled at some point.
I eventually bought a new slipcover from Pottery Barn (they were a floor sample but still brand new) and it has lasted through bazillions of washings, so that is a big plus too! Yes, they do require regular washing and they can look pretty shabby in between, this is true. But I’ve grown to appreciate the washability of slipcovers even more since we’ve had Jack.
At least I know I can whip the slipcovers off and have them fresh and clean again in a jiffy!
You can find the truth about my slipcover experiences (pre-Jack) and tips here. We are going to keep this PB sofa in spite of the issues with white slipcovers because overall it has worked well for us in our family room, even with Jack. We might actually get a new slipcover for it in something other than white. We’ll see. ***Update: We have decided to make some changes with our white slipcovered couch. See my post here sharing my experience of having a white slipcovered sofa with dogs!
Our well-loved and rather expensive first sofa was a Thomasville Country Inns and Backroads love seat. I adored it’s English Country style back in the day (the ’s). While the upholstery is dated, I covered it at times with white ready-made slipcovers or just added tons of pillows to somewhat disguise it. It has been in our home for probably 19 years or so, so it lasted a good long time. It is a classic shape so it could easily be slipcovered and still look great if I had a need for it.
While the down cushions became flat and in need of refilling, the structure held up great through a half dozen moves, three kids and two dogs. The dark upholstery was a bit of an issue from the beginning, though. My kids would catch a cold when they were toddlers and then would bury their faces in the comfy sofa. Before I could stop them, they would wipe their noses right on the sofa. I could never really get those slimey snot smears clean. Glistening snot smears on a dark forest green sofa was really not OK with me.
TMI? Ha! Now you know why I’m a slipcover fan. Machine washable is good!
Before the Pottery Barn sofa and after the Thomasville one, we bought a leather sofa for our family room at an antique reproduction store. I don’t seem to have a picture of it, but I loved the look and “realness” of leather and my husband loved the manliness of it (and Ralph Lauren was always a favorite of mine!). What I didn’t like that I couldn’t keep pillows or blankets from sliding off. Drove me nuts to see my pillows on the floor or slipping down all the time. I like versatility in decor and not being able to add throw pillows was slightly frustrating to me. And I didn’t like that leather was cold when you first sat down.
Picky much? HAA. Yes I kind of am.
In this season of reorganizing how we use our home, I had another room re-purposing idea! LIGHTBULB MOMENT! And it was brilliant. And it involved another new sofa, but this time a sectional as the foundational piece of furniture that will make this new space work for us. Thus, our first experience in shopping for a sectional!
While I won’t take time today to explain the all details as this is already going to be a long post, suffice it to say we’ll be repurposing a little used bedroom. We want a space for our son and his friends to hang out to play video games and watch movies and just hang out in our home.
We are big believers in giving kids a comfortable space for friends (if you have it available!) so they’ll WANT to bring their friends home and hang out at home. It worked wonderfully with our girls through their teen years and we want the same for our pre-teen boy. Plus, we’d like to host more family parties at our home and having a secondary hangout for kids (or the guys, as the case may be!) is a real plus. Fortunately we do have the space available with just a little bit of repurposing.
We decided that the key to the success and function of this new space is going to be the sectional.
Even though the room is not that big, a sectional should work great in the room. Too many pieces of furniture can look awkward and crowded in a small space. I’m really trying to get rid of stuff lately so being able to seat more with less pieces in a room excites me. A sectional would not only maximize the available seating and floor space but it would set the purpose of the room, which of course will be all about comfort and entertainment!
We wanted a sofa that feels like a COZY blanket (heh, yes, those were our exact terms), in a modern style but still a traditional shape (nothing that would look too trendy or too dated in a few years) and is comfortable for several people to sit or even lay down on. We wanted a solid velvety feeling solid neutral performance fabric that was easy to clean but that we could dress up and change the look of with pillows. Since it is in an upstairs family room, the style of it wasn’t actually as important to me as the function and comfort. We also wanted a pull out bed for sleepovers and for when we have extra guests. Affordability was also huge on our list of considerations.
Right about the time I was researching my options for a new sofa, I got an from La-Z Boy wondering if I might like to review a sectional. At first I didn’t think I was interested because I don’t really do many product reviews (unless they are awesome, of course!). I am so picky about most of my furniture I wasn’t about to say yes to something I really didn’t like, even if they sent it to me free of charge. Free isn’t worth the hassle if you hate it, right?
Eventually I looked up La-Z Boy online and found that they had some great styles and lots of fabrics to choose from. When I realized there was a La-Z Boy store in my area I popped in and talked to a really nice salesman there. Ok, so I grilled him and took over the store for an hour or more sitting on all the furniture and asking questions.
In purchasing our first sofa, the Thomasville, I asked all the expected intelligent furniture shopper questions about frames and construction of the springs, like Is it 8 way hand-tied? They were good questions. But this time around I remembered Consumer Reports saying that question was not as relevant any more.
So, instead, I dove right in to more practical everyday concerns. Like, “What would happen to the fabric if a dog barfs on it?” Or, “What if a toddler wiped his nose on a cushion?” You know, day to day issues when you have kids and pets. Sorry to have to bring that up particularly if you are not a mom or an animal owner, but trust me, it is important to know. Questions I didn’t think to ask before we had kids and dogs destroy sofas.
To figure out what to ask before you buy, think about how your family lives and how your sofa might be affected. Then ask the common everyday “what if” questions that might apply to your family now or in the future. Knowing about the construction is helpful as you evaluate what sofa is right for your family circumstances and budget. Be sure to ask about the warranty, as well as the option of fabric protection. And of course, ask yourself if you will still love this sofa style and the fabric in several years. If you decide on a more trendy shape or fabric, are you OK with it feeling dated before the sofa will wear out?
By the way, our salesperson was kind enough to assure me even dog barf would not destroy my choice of fabric.
That was a big relief.
My salesperson patiently waited as I sat in every sofa. I analyzed their shapes and measurements. I considered regular sofas and chairs and sectionals too. I touched and stared at every single fabric and leather sample. I carried fabric samples around to see them in different light. When I found a fabric and accent pillow fabric I really liked, I brought it home and rubbed it all over Jack’s fur to test for the likelihood of it attracting dog fur. I ran water on it to see what would happen when liquid was spilled on it. I visited the store several times in a two week period of time. I wanted to be SURE this sofa was worth trying!
When it passed all my critical and highly scientific tests and questions, I decided a La-Z Boy Collins sectional would be worth bringing home to meet my family! You can see a sneak peek of the accent pillow fabric I chose in the photo above (the one with the round medallions)! The sofa fabric is a solid neutral. I’m really excited about having a designated kid zone family space that can still look put together and pretty.
I’ll be sure and let you see it when it arrives! And I’ll definitely share what I think of it and how it works out for us. And of course you’ll get to see my upstairs family room transformation!
*Update: above is the sectional I ended up choosing! See my post when I got it here, and when I added ambience with wall sconces here.
What are your top considerations when you are looking for a sofa? Do you have questions you like to ask before buying?
La-Z Boy is providing me a sofa but my opinions and experience with it are my own.
*Related Posts:
The Truth About White Slipcovers Part 1
The Truth About White Slipcovers Part 2 (Pet Edition)
Click here to shop my house and latest furniture and decor finds
(and shop my favorites by category!)
A couch or sofa is a significant furniture investment you may live with for decades, so spend some extra time doing your homework before buying. Style preferences are a personal matter, but when choosing a high-quality sofa, there are objective criteria you can use to ensure you're getting a good sofa.
Consider how you will use it, the space it will be in, and the style of the room. This comprehensive guide can help you distinguish good quality from shoddy construction and all the bells and whistles to consider before purchasing.
In the United States, a couch and sofa mean precisely the same thing—a long, upholstered piece of furniture for sitting. Historically, the two were distinctively different. "Couch" comes from the French "couche," meaning furniture with no armrests for sitting, much like a chaise lounge today. Meanwhile, "sofa" comes from the Arabic "soffah," meaning a raised part of the floor, covered with rich carpets and cushions, used for sitting.
While sofas can last years, they also suffer a lot of wear and tear over time—particularly in households with children or pets. Fortunately, there's plenty you can do to revive an aging couch. You can restuff couch cushions to help them feel plush and comfortable again, reupholster them to give them a whole new look (and replace worn, torn, or stained fabric), and even fix any sagging.
That said, sometimes it's more cost-effective to replace a couch. If your current sofa is damaged or otherwise beyond repair, a shape or type that doesn't meet your needs or style, or is simply too small, you'll want to start shopping around for a new one. If you don't have a sofa, purchasing one will give your living space a central gathering spot, so you should start the search as soon as possible.
Make sure the size of the sofa doesn’t overpower the room or impede the flow of traffic. Before shopping, measure the entire space, especially the wall where the sofa will go. Measure the height, width, and diagonal opening of all doorways in your house, too, and have these numbers on hand as you shop for your sofa.
More than one sofa has been returned to the store because the delivery service could not get it through the doorway. Many couches have legs that can be unscrewed and removed to make delivery more manageable, and, in some cases, you can remove a door from its hinges to enlarge the opening enough to squeeze in a large couch.
Also, take into account the style of your space. Couches come in many styles, such as contemporary, midcentury modern, Scandinavian, Victorian, and more. Spend the extra time narrowing your sofa options to match your style.
To keep your sofa looking its best, it is essential to select the right fabric. If you have children or pets, you naturally want a more durable and easy-to-clean material. Couches with high-maintenance fabrics, such as silk, are best for areas used infrequently. Microfibers are great in heavy usage areas, attractive, and easy to clean. Textured fabrics show less wear and tear than smooth ones, and leather is a good option if you are looking for longevity.
Like well-tailored clothing, patterns, and stripes should match at the seams. Although it might not catch your eye immediately, mismatched patterns or stripes will give you the sense that something is off. Stripes that match at the seams make a sofa look well-finished. Patterns should be centered, and all seams and welts (piping) should run straight. Uneven welting and seams that pull to one side mean the manufacturer poorly tailored the cover. Higher thread counts indicate a denser weave and more durable fabric with fabric upholstery.
Are you interested in learning more about waiting sofa for office? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
There is considerable debate over which stuffing is best for sofa cushions. Many people like overstuffed couches or deeply cushy cushions. Polyurethane foam is the most common material used, but it is essential to find a balance between a firm, long-lasting foam that may be too hard and a soft, comfortable foam that may break down too quickly.
High-resilient (HR) foam is a step up from polyurethane, making for a comfortable and long-lasting cushion. Some experts recommend a hybrid cushion of HR foam wrapped in down and feathers, combining durability and comfort. Costly couches often use goose down mixed with feathers, but you will pay dearly for this luxury, and the cushions must be plumped frequently.
Upholstery fabric and cushions can be replaced when they get old and worn, but you can't consider a couch good unless it has a solid, quality inner frame. If you want to buy a good sofa, look closely at the frame. Cheaper sofas may have particleboard, plastic, or metal frames, but a good-quality couch will have a solid hardwood frame—preferably a "kiln-dried" hardwood frame made of oak, beech, or ash. Pine frames are economical, but they often begin to warp and wobble within five years or so.
Pick a size that best suits your sofa plans—entertaining, relaxing, reading, whatever. Seats should be comfortable for all family members, and you should get a couch large enough to seat everyone in your household. Consider a giant sofa or pair your couch with easy chairs or additional seating if you entertain often. The golden rule with room proportionality is that the sofa should be about 2/3 the size of the wall it will be against. It shouldn't fill the whole wall and should have space on each side.
Another sizing consideration is the depth of the seats. Select deep or shallow seats, depending on your height. If you're buying a recliner sofa, ensure it is comfortable in all its positions. The couch back should support your back adequately with your feet flat on the floor and the backs of your knees just slightly forward of the lower seat cushion. And if you like to nap on the couch, lay down on it and see if it is long enough for comfortable snoozing.
Consider your current sofa or sofas you've used in the past, and what—if anything—you would like to add to it. Couches may have cupholders, reclining seats, built-in beds, replaceable covers, built-in storage, and other features to suit buyers' needs and add greater opportunities for personalization. Some have built-in coolers and plugs for charging devices. Knowing what you would most enjoy can help you sift through the array of features out there.
Unlike a conventional sofa, sectionals are versatile and have multiple independent pieces that you may arrange in many ways. Sectionals commonly come in "L" or "U"-shape configurations that create great cozy, conversational settings. This type of sofa makes sense for people who often entertain or have larger families. For added comfort, you can have reclining sectionals, as well.
A relatively recent development for sofas, modular couches allow buyers to pick a couch style and add pieces to build their ideal sofa size and shape. These couch-building blocks can be added to, removed, and rearranged to make couches of various sizes and shapes. These versatile sofas are great for growing families and frequent movers; they can be broken down into smaller pieces, facilitating moving.
Sleeper sofas are an excellent option for small spaces or if you often host overnight guests. Sleeper sofas have built-in beds that fold out of the couch, typically with an included plush surface similar in width to a full-size mattress. Once notoriously uncomfortable, modern sleeper sofas have evolved to offer relatively comfortable sleeping surfaces.
Some couches with built-in recliners will have seats—usually at either end of the sofa. These styles offer the same comfort and mechanism as reclining chairs but with the width of a sofa. Designed for people who like to kick up their heels at the end of the day, recliners save you the space of having an ottoman. Reclining sofas are also perfect for homes with a home movie theater or for people who have circulation problems, benefiting from resting with their legs up.
Buying a sofa that you can use both inside and outside works great for high-traffic and convertible indoor-outdoor spaces. Outdoor fabrics have improved to the point where they are just as luxurious as indoor fabrics and offer easy cleaning and sturdiness.
Technically a type of couch, a futon is an affordable alternative to buying a sofa. You can purchase futons for about $300. You can buy the frame and cushion separately for more customization options. Futons consist of a convertible cushion and frame that can be laid flat to form a bed-type surface or propped upright to form a sofa. These dual-purpose space savers help make small spaces functional. They tend to have thick, sturdy wooden frames. Many futons lack armrests; however, you can find some with arms. Less expensive futons can also be fabricated of metal or steel.
You can expect to pay anywhere from $700 to $2,500 for a basic sofa. If you’re on a tight budget, visit clearance centers or ask for floor models. Sometimes, you can find good value at special sale events. You can always get a futon for about half the price of a traditional sofa.
Stylish sofas or couches with high-quality materials can cost several thousand, depending on the designer or retailer. Buy the best quality you can afford; you’ll live with your purchase for a long time. Depending on its level of use and quality, a sofa can last anywhere from seven to 15 years.
Cost most often correlates directly to size: Smaller sofas cost less than larger ones. Various features can also increase the price—a sleeper or recliner sofa typically costs more than a standard sofa of the same size and make.
You can find major furniture sales each year around Memorial Day, Presidents Day, and Labor Day in the United States. Many companies also offer discounts around Black Friday and Cyber Monday. If possible, time your purchase around one of those dates; however, many people will have the same idea so that the supply may be low, and you may experience delivery delays.
To start figuring out what might work for you, ask yourself these questions:
Determining the kind of usage your sofa will get can help you select most of the other features you need. So, how will you use your sofa? Will it primarily be used for everyday activities such as relaxing, reading, or watching TV, or will it be used only occasionally in a formal setting? For a sofa you will use for relaxation, you'll want a deep and cushy couch with loose pillows. A formal couch can have high-quality upholstery or a sculptural frame; it's more visually interesting than comfortable.
Pay attention to making your sofa fit your family. For instance, a taller person will appreciate deeper seating. If someone has bad knees, shallow seating and a tight back make getting up from a seated position easier. Households with pets or small children may prefer a sofa low to the floor; little ones can easily climb onto it. If you have overnight guests frequently, a sleeper sofa might be a good option, especially if you don't have a separate guest bedroom.
To select a sofa color or fabric pattern, always consider any preexisting colors or patterns in the room. If you want to make a bold statement, go with an intense color, but if you do, consider buying a sofa with simpler lines. Neutrals work best in most rooms, especially small ones, but you can dress up your sofa with more vibrant colors and patterns in the pillows or add throws. A patterned fabric also works well in areas with heavy usage to hide minor stains.
Depending on the couch you have, moving it can be a challenge. There's no guarantee your current sofa will fit into your next home. Frequent movers should consider getting a modular sofa that can be rearranged to suit every space they live in. Another option, if you move frequently, is to consider a low-cost sofa that you won't mind donating or reselling when it's time to go.
A couch is a large, pricey purchase. Many people prefer to see their options in person to make sure they like the feel and look before committing. You want to avoid the hassle of having a large piece of furniture delivered only to return it. Still, some people do not have the time or prefer online shopping. Online options allow you to order for delivery sight unseen.
If shopping in-store, don't be afraid to ask questions. Qualified sellers at furniture stores should be well-versed in what makes (or breaks) a great sofa, and they should be able to answer all your questions and help you find the perfect fit. They can also assist you to customize your purchase. While shopping, take your time, try many different types, and closely inspect these features:
Evaluate the Frame
The legs of the couch should be either integral parts of the frame or held on with screws or dowels. Avoid a couch if its legs are only glued on.
An easy test for solid frame construction is lifting one front corner or leg of the sofa off the floor to a height of 6 inches. If the other front leg doesn't quickly rise off the floor, too, it's a sign the frame is twisting and weak. Avoid a sofa that visibly twists or creaks during this test.
Ask About the Joinery
Although the method by which the frame parts are held together may not be immediately evident, the salesperson or the printed technical specifications should have this information. Look for frames joined with wooden dowels, double wooden dowels, wooden corner blocks, or metal screws and brackets. Never buy a sofa that is only assembled with staples, nails, or glue, although these materials may be used as supplements to provide additional reinforcement.
Test the Arms
A sofa with a good hardwood frame assembled with dowels or corner brackets should be a quality piece of furniture, but it is still a good idea to forcefully test the arms of the sofa to make sure they are very tight with no give or wobble when you lean on them. In a family with active children, arms are the most common area of failure on a couch (other than the upholstery). Avoid any couch that isn't rock-solid.
Consider the Springs
The springs that hold up the cushions on a couch come in three levels of quality. The least expensive (and least durable) options don't have springs and only use webbing or mesh. Avoid these couches if your goal is a quality piece of furniture.
Most couches use serpentine springs—sinuous pieces of snaking wire that span the gap between frame members. These offer good support but may sag over time if the metal isn't heavy-gauge.
Luxury sofas are usually fitted with eight-way hand-tied springs, which may be very comfortable but expensive. Some experts dispute if hand-tied springs are much more relaxed than good serpentine springs, so try couches out that have both and judge for yourself.
Feel the springs through the upholstery. Good springs should be firm and spaced close together for good support. You should not notice too much give when you sit on the couch.
Feel the Padding and Cushions
The frame and all the corners of the couch should be well-padded. Run your hand over all corners to ensure you can't feel the edges of the frame through the upholstery. If you can feel the frame, the upholstery may wear down quickly, and your couch will not be comfortable.
Seat cushions should be firm, resilient, and fit snugly within the sofa frame. The cushions should regain their shape after you press down and let go. A cushion that stays put when you press down will be flattened in no time, and you will look unsightly and feel uncomfortable when you sit on it. Cushions that do not fit snugly will also lose shape quickly, and the edges will look unattractive.
Test the Operating Mechanisms
Reclining or motion furniture is generally more expensive, and you pay for a functioning, smoothly-running mechanism. If your couch is a recliner or sleeper, operate the mechanism repeatedly and aggressively to ensure it runs smoothly and easily. Don't overlook any mechanical glitches or rough operation you notice—these quirks will only become more pronounced after repeated use in your home.
Evaluate the Upholstery
If there are any buttons, check to ensure they are securely sewn on. Loose buttons will come off and quickly get lost.
Look for the UFAC Tag
For fire safety reasons, look for the gold Upholstered Furniture Action Council (UFAC) tag, indicating that the sofa manufacturer certifies that it has been made using UFAC methods. The UFAC was founded in to make upholstered furniture more resistant to ignition from smoldering cigarettes. UFAC claims that household fires have decreased considerably since they implemented these standards.
If you are buying a couch online, do your research. Read reviews and all the product information you can find. Take advantage of a virtual assistant or go through all the question-and-answer features of the site. If possible, see if a nearby showroom has the type of couch you're considering. Try it out in person if you can.
Once you've decided, know the return policy and delivery options. Some companies offer white glove delivery, where a delivery team brings the item into your home and sets it up for you. Some companies even offer to remove your old couch. Some ship the sofa to your door; the rest is up to you. Select the best delivery option for you and your space, and always make sure you can return the couch if it's not what you hoped for.
For more wholesale classroom furnitureinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.