There are several elements to look out for when buying a couch.
Delivery and Assembly: When ordering a large piece of furniture (as opposed to smaller accessories and decor), you generally have two options when it comes to delivery: front door or in-home. The former usually involves a few boxes, each containing a piece of the sofa that you will ultimately put together. Luckily, most of the to-be-assembled sofas usually come with all of the tools you’ll need to put them together yourself. Otherwise, opt for the latter, which is also known as white glove delivery: representatives from the brand will deliver the sofa and assemble it day-of in your room of choice. Depending on the brand, white glove delivery may be included.
Option to Customize: This is more of a preference than a matter of convenience, like the previous element, but it’s still important—especially if the in-stock options won’t pair well with your space. The only two downsides to customizing your sofa in a specific fabric are the added expense and the longer lead time. Places like West Elm, , and Anthropologie, among others, have enormous fabric libraries, so if you’d like to upholster your couch in one of them, it may cost up to an additional $1,000, depending on the fabric. Secondly, because your sofa is being special-made, it will take longer to arrive in your home, but if you have the budget and the time, we definitely recommend customizing your sofa because it will look and feel more special.
Price: We were sure to include retailers famous for their affordable finds, highly luxurious pieces, and everything in between, so if you have a specific budget, you’ll be able to find something that works for you. Even if you’re on the hunt for something niche, take the time to find it instead of buying an expensive one simply because it checks the boxes. On the other hand, if you are down to splurge, we’d also recommend taking your time—that way, you can feel good about your investment.
Cushion Fill: Most couches are filled with foam, fiber, , feathers, or a combination of several. Foam is often the most affordable, followed up fiber, and, finally, a mix of fiber and down (or feathers). Know that the more luxurious the fill, the more expensive your sofa will be.