A couch or a sofa is a significant investment likely to stay in our homes for years and requires careful thought and planning before buying. While style preferences are subject to personal taste, certain criteria differentiate high-quality couches from others, including the use, size, and style of the room. Before diving into a couch-buying guide, one must know the types of sofas and couches available. Here are some popular types available in the market now.

Sectionals
Sectionals are versatile and have several pieces that one can rearrange in many ways. The most common configurations are U or L-shaped, which are great for cozy, conversational settings. These couches are great for larger families or people who entertain a lot. For extra comfort, people can also opt for reclining sectionals.

Modular couches
Modular sofas allow buyers to pick a couch style and add pieces to it to build their ideal sofa size and shape. It is excellent for people who move around often, as the building blocks can be arranged according to your preference. They can also be split into smaller pieces, facilitating moving.

Sleeper sofas
Sleeper sofas are ideal for smaller rooms or people who often have overnight guests. These sofas have built-in beds that fold out of the couch. Although these were deemed uncomfortable earlier, modern sleeper sofas have evolved into comfortable sleeping surfaces.

Reclining couches
These sofas offer the same comfort and mechanism as a reclining chair but for the width of a sofa. They save the space for an ottoman and are great for people who enjoy relaxing at the end of the day or those with home theater systems.

Futons
Futons are more affordable versions of couches and can be purchased for as low as $300. They consist of a convertible cushion and frame that can be spread flat to form a bed-type surface or held upright to make it a sofa. These space-saving couches are an excellent solution for smaller spaces and can fit just about every budget.

Things to keep in mind before buying couches
Though it might seem easy at first, buying a couch demands a lot of research. Here is a comprehensive checklist of things to keep in mind to make your sofa-buying experience a breeze.

Getting the measurements right
To measure your sofa, begin by examining the entire space. Measure the maximum possible length, width, and height of the space to determine the best possible sofa size for the room. Note down the height, width, and diagonal opening of all doorways, and take these numbers on hand when shopping for a sofa. Pick a size that best fits your requirements for a new couch – entertaining, relaxing, reading, or others. A golden rule to follow with room proportionality is that the couch should be about two-thirds of the size of the wall it is placed against.

Another important sizing consideration is the depth of the seats. Depending on your height and requirements, select deep or shallow seats. Remember to check out the other furniture that goes into the room, so you have a good idea of how the room will look once completed.

Picking the right fabrics
It is necessary to select the correct fabric to keep your sofa looking its best. People with children or pets may opt for durable and easy-to-clean fabrics such as microfibers or textured materials. When picking out patterned fabrics, ensure the patterns and stripes match at the seams. Patterns must be centered, and all seams and welts must run straight, to give the couch a polished look. Limit high-maintenance fabrics like silk to areas of the house that are used less frequently.

Choosing sofa fillings
Many people like fluffy, overstuffed couches. However, the key to purchasing a durable couch is to find a balance between a firm foam that is long-lasting but may feel too stiff and a soft foam that is comfortable but may break down quickly. The most popular choice for sofa filling is polyurethane foam. For a step up from this, you can also opt for a highly resilient (HR) foam that is comfortable and long-lasting. On the higher end, you can also find expensive couches with goose down mixed with feathers.

Selecting features
Depending on your needs and requirements, you can add features like cupholders, reclining seats, built-in beds, replaceable covers, built-in storage, and more. Some couches also come with built-in coolers and plugs for charging devices. Make a list of the features you would like in your home before finalizing a couch.

Couches are an essential factor in a home, as they provide a nice and soft place to relax after the hustle and bustle of daily life. With these tips and tricks in your arsenal, all that’s left is to look for a good couch.