What should a couch cost

Some couches will have seats—usually at either end of the sofa—with built-in recliners. These styles offer the same comfort and mechanism as reclining chairs, but with the width of a sofa.

Buying a sofa that can be used both in and outside is also an option that works great for high-traffic spaces and convertible indoor-outdoor spaces. Outdoor fabrics have improved to the point where they are just as luxurious as indoor fabrics and offer ease in cleaning and sturdiness. Technically a type of couch, a futon can be an affordable alternative.

Futons consist of a convertible cushion and frame that can laid flat to form a bed-type surface or propped upright to form a sofa. Futons often lack arm rests and tend to have thick, sturdy frames. Sometimes, you can find good values at special sale events. More stylish sofas or couches with high-quality materials can cost as much as thousands of dollars, depending on the designer or retailer. In most cases, though, cost correlates directly to size: Smaller sofas cost less than larger ones.

Various features can also increase the price—a sleeper sofa will typically cost more than a standard sofa of the same size and make. Many companies also offer discounts around Black Friday and Cyber Monday. If possible, try to time your purchase around one of those dates, though note that many people will have the same idea, so supply may be low and you may experience delivery delays.

The various options for couches are practically limitless, and there's certainly something for everyone. The challenge is to find something that suits your taste, serves its purpose, fits in your space, and falls within your budget, which makes finding the perfect sofa no small feat.

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? A sofa that will be used for relaxation can be deep and cushy with loose pillows.

A formal one may have high-quality upholstery or a sculptural frame that provides more visual interest than comfort. Pay attention to any special considerations if you really want your sofa to be a good fit. For instance, use deep seating for a very tall person. For someone with bad knees, shallow seating and a tight back make it easier to get up from a seated position. Households with pets or small children may prefer a sofa that's low to the floor, so little ones can climb onto it with relative ease.

Frequent hosts may want a sleeper sofa. To select a sofa color or fabric pattern, always take into consideration any preexisting colors or patterns in the room. Neutrals work best in most rooms, especially small ones, but you can dress up your sofa by using more vibrant colors and patterns in the pillows or adding throws. A patterned fabric also works well in heavy usage areas as it can hide minor stains.

Go with a strong color if you want to make a bold statement, but if you do so, consider buying a sofa with simpler lines. Depending on the type of couch you have, moving it can be a challenge—and there's no guarantee your current sofa will even fit into your next home. If you move frequently, consider a low-cost sofa that you won't mind donating or reselling when it's time to go. You could also purchase a modular sofa that you can rearrange as needed to suit every space you live in.

A couch is a large, pricey purchase. For that reason, many people prefer to see their options in person, so they can make sure they like the feel and look of it before they commit—and so they don't have to deal with the hassle of having a large piece of furniture delivered, only to return it. Still, there are plenty of online options you can 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 help you customize your purchase, if possible. While shopping, take your time, try many different types, and check 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 the legs are merely glued on. One easy test for solid frame construction is to lift one front corner or leg of the sofa off the floor to a height of 6 inches or so.

If the other front leg doesn't quickly rise off the floor, too, it's a sign the frame is twisting and is therefore weak. Any sofa that visibly twists or creaks under this test is one you should avoid. Ask About the Joinery. Although the method by which the frame parts are held together may not be immediately evident, the sales person or printed technical specifications should have this information.

Look for frames that are joined with wooden dowels, double wooden dowels, wooden corner blocks, or metal screws and brackets. Never buy a sofa that is assembled with only staples, nails, or glue, although these may be used 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 when you lean on them.

In a family with active children, the most common area of failure on a couch other than the upholstery is the arms. As you test the couch, push hard on the arms and look for any sign of wobble. 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. Least expensive and least durable are those that are not springs at all, but just webbing or mesh.

Avoid these couches if your goal is a quality piece of furniture. Most couches use what is known as serpentine springs —sinuous pieces of snaking wire that span the gap between frame members. These offer good support, but they may sag over time if the metal isn't heavy-gauge. Luxury sofas are fitted with what is known as eight-way hand-tied springs, which are very comfortable but also expensive.

You want to ask the seller some questions before you head there to buy it. These are some I personally think you should ask:.

If the seller answers those, it means that he or she is pretty interested in selling. If you like the answers, it is time to move on. The best part of buying it used is that you can negotiate. If he says yes, you just need to set up a pickup location and time. If he says no, ask him what is the lowest he can take. After you do it a couple of times, you start getting a feel for it though.

If not, you can either ask a friend who has a truck to come with you or you can rent a u-Haul for an hour or two. Whatever method you decide to use, you should also purchase a dolly. Once I bought one, it was a game-changer. I own the Ironton Carpeted one and love it. I was able to transport huge sectional couches by myself using this little guy since they hold up to lbs.

This was the first used couch I purchased. The owner was moving into a new apartment and had to get rid of some stuff.

We've identified four key price brackets:. You can expect quality, longevity, and customization to change with each price jump. One more thing: to keep it simple, let's assume we're talking fabric sofas rather than leather. A sofa in this price range won't hold up to a lot of use, and therefore isn't suitable for a high-traffic living room or as your primary seating option.

It may be perfect for a college dormitory, or in a formal living room where it may only be used for the occasional cocktail party. Sofas in this price range will probably have some quality features, and will definitely last longer than a cardboard sofa.

You will lose some longevity but you are primarily sacrificing style, fabric choices, and customization options. Mid-priced sofas are generally less labor-intensive to make. They may have no cushions, legs instead of skirts, or be smaller scale. A plus if you're environmentally conscious and want to use less lumber or fabric.