Getting the Best Value Out of Your Couches
A sofa can have an enormous impact on the mood of an area. Finding the right sofa for your needs and budget can be challenging with so many options.
Forbes Vetted enlisted a panel of experts in furniture with pets and children to try the most comfortable couches available. Their notes took into account the durability, comfort and value.
Comfort
A good couch should be comfortable to sit on for extended periods of time. A good sofa will help your back, without making it sore. This is particularly crucial if you suffer from a back issue that is chronic or other health issue, such as osteoarthritis. Selecting the right sofa material is another important factor to consider. Certain fabrics are more prone to allergens than others, so make sure to look up the labels on any sofa you're considering buying.
The most comfortable couches are constructed of solid or kiln dried frames. These are stronger and last longer than wood frames made from plywood or manufactured. They also won't sag or crack after prolonged use. Some companies offer a lifetime guarantee on their upholstery and frame, while others offer warranties of up to 10 years. It's also helpful to consider the amount you intend to spend using the couch. If you're planning to use it for frequent family gatherings, you should consider a sectional that can accommodate many people comfortably.
One of the highest-scoring couches we've tested, this 7th Avenue model features a durable performance fabric that is stain-resistant and water-resistant. It also comes with removable and machine-washable covers. It's also available in a variety of more than 75 colors and fabrics, including pet-friendly options. The fabric is thick and durable, and the color is a match to our tester's decor well.
When we tested it this sofa was the most comfortable of them, with testers giving it as nine out of ten for napping. It's a foam-filled sofa that is stiffer than the other top choices however it offers plenty of support. It was also surprisingly sturdy and stood up to tests of jumping and daily abuse from toddlers. The cushions on the back were a bit on the firmer side, but they softened after six months.
This sofa from Sixpenny is perfect for families because it has a wide seat that can accommodate three adults or two kids. In our tests, it was extremely comfortable for all to sit on and even allowed one of our testers to enjoy a catnap in the middle and not feel uncomfortable. The fabric and frame are constructed of high-end materials with solid wood constructions as well as durable upholstery. They've held up to a variety of scratches and spills. The cushions are plump and firm, giving it the feeling of cushiony, supportive.
Durability
A couch that is strong and well-built will feel sturdy to sit on. A good frame will be constructed from kiln dried wood or solid hardwoods, not plywood. It should also be free of noticeable sagging or creaking when you stretch on it. The upholstery should be well-made as well, with no loose threads or pilling. It's also important to consider the number of seat cushions your couch needs, depending on the size of your living space and how big you'd like it to be able in order to accommodate guests.
The longevity of a sofa is determined by a variety of aspects, including the upholstery material, and how much abuse it can take from pets, children and other household members. Panelists inspected couches by jumping on them and looking for cracks and springs. They also slept on them using their pillows as a backrest, and assessing whether or not the couch caused back or neck discomfort. If you're shopping for a couch online, make sure you read the reviews to determine how the couch performs to family use.
Leather is typically more expensive than fabric, but is often regarded as a better option for durability. It is less scratch-resistant than other materials, and it is able to resist odors and stains more easily. It's easy to clean, and is a good option for allergy sufferers because it doesn't accumulate dust or pet hair.
This model is a great option for those seeking a fashionable and durable sofa that will last for years. Its sleek and modular design can be adapted to the space you have and can expand with your family. It's upholstered with water-repellent, stain-resistant performance fabric, with removable, machine-washable covers. This couch was tested with three people who sat on it and showed no signs of wear.
Another excellent option is this sofa from Allform that offers customization of just about every aspect of the couch including leg finishes, upholstery color and size, as well as more. It's a bit more time-consuming to assemble than the other couches on this list, and you'll need at least two people. The end result will be a chic and comfortable sofa which can be easily moved to meet your needs.
Style
A couch is a big investment, and deciding on the best one is balancing style, comfort, and durability. That's why Forbes Vetted invited a team of panelists to test 19 couches over the course of months. During that period, the test participants slept on their sofas at home, employed from home and hosted movie nights, making detailed notes on how the couches stood up to daily use. They also recorded any joint discomforts, how easy the cushions were to adjust and how many guests they could comfortably accommodate on each sofa.
It can be difficult to navigate the numerous couch specifications, particularly when you're dealing with classic brands or direct-to-consumer sellers. Some retailers offer a wide variety of options for customization including upholstery fabric, cushion material, Martindale abrasion ratings, and the type of joinery or springs.
Before cheap comfy couches begin 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 cotton or linen. Polyester is more resistant to stains and wrinkles. Cotton and linen are more prone to staining.
The appearance of a couch in your home is another important aspect to consider. If you have a modern style think about a modern style and choosing an unfussy, neutral material. On the other side, if you're drawn to classic designs You may prefer a more classic style, streamlined silhouette and more luxurious, dark-colored fabric.
Check if the sofa is available in various widths so that you can pick the best option for your space. It's also worth checking whether the couch you're looking at is available in a variety of colors. Some stores allow you to filter by couch collection or couch width, which is useful when searching for the top quality couches.
When you are ready to purchase and are ready to buy, ask your store whether they provide white-glove delivery. This is typically an extra-cost upgrade that involves at-home assembly, placement, and removal of the packaging. This service was simple and easy to use in our tests. If you're not able to pay for white-glove, you could choose regular delivery, which typically includes a flat fee but doesn't include assembly or the removal of boxes.
Price
The quality and durability of the frame along with the filling and upholstery will determine the worth of your sofa. The frame should be constructed of kiln dried wood with mortise-and-tenon joinery. The cushion filling should be a mixture of supportive spring coils, soft fiber or down. Performance fabrics with rub numbers of between 50,000 and 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.
Margaret Carroll, who runs Better Homes & Gardens North Carolina's sofa-testing laboratory, says that the lifespan of a sofa is also dependent on the material used and its construction. She says that a sofa of poor quality can last only three to five years, while the best quality, hand-tied couch can last for up to 20 years.
If you're in a hurry or don't have the time for the details of your furniture, try to purchase your sofa during furniture sales. These tend to happen during the holidays and towards the end of winter, and may include discounts up to 30 percent. When we tested the sofas we discovered that sofas in Article's newest collection of fabrics were well-priced.
Pottery Barn is another place where you can find some great discounts on couches. They offer a wide range of stock pieces and a variety of customizable options. There are plenty of size and depth choices as well as color options on the site (the two-seater that measures 93 inches comes with seven length options). The company's white glove service includes assembly and placement and is priced at $99, however returns and exchanges are subject to a 10% fee.
Pottery Barn has a similar policy, however they might require a bigger 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 can take longer. Universal Home, an online retailer, provides free swatches of furniture and showcases collections from various brands. The majority of its top-scoring sofas are available as special orders, which means you'll have to wait if you want something today.