So how do I go about...

[NastyWoman]

Choosing a new sofa? Mine is in horrible shape.  It has absolutely no support anymore and just sitting on it gives me a back ache. So now I need a new one --- about 1.5 yrs earlier than planned.

but, aside from style, what do I look for?  What "makes" a sofa good? How do I know whether it will keep for a number of years?  I mean both comfort and looks.  Has anyone been sofa shopping lately and have any good tips for me?

[Deleted]

I agree with Lone. When my ex and I were first married, we bought two expensive couches that my ex MIL assured us "would last forever". When we divorced, I got the couches, and couldn't afford to reupholster them. I realized that I didn't even want to keep a couch "forever".

DH and I finally replaced them about five years ago. We went with leather at a decent shop, during the sales. I think we got 40% off for two couches.

I'm a huge Ikea fan but if you're not just starting out (which I know you're not) and you want something that will last (not necessarily forever) I wouldn't go with Ikea for a LR couch.

Can you ask friends for recommendations?

If not, I'd start by wandering around at mid-priced shops, or at department stores, and wait for the sales.

[Deleted]

I don't know what makes a "good" couch, but it seems to me that fabric that's stretched taught over the frame will probably wear out faster than fabric with a little give. Maybe browse on the web first and then be prepared to shop until you drop. Take pictures with your cell phone of couches that you like so that you don't forget what you've seen.

Before you go out in search of, measure the space where the couch is going to be and write down the measurements. When you actually set out on your quest, take the along the measurements and a tape measure.

[Peace Of Mind]

I also agree with Lone to buy quality if you would like it to last.  The frame of the sofa is just as important as the feel of it to your body.  We bought 2 full size sofas and 1 love seat and 2 chairs almost 9 years ago and they are holding up well.  One sofa and love seat was purchased from Ethan Allen.  They are expensive but IMO worth it and you get to pick your fabrics and colors.  They still look brand new and there is no sagging or wear and tear on it.  The other one is doing great too but that company is no longer around so there is no point in mentioning where we got it.  But it was much cheaper than Ethan Allen and we used it even more and it's holding up very well.  If nothing else - check out Ethan Allen's web site to see how their furniture is made (assuming it's the same today) to see what you need to look for in your purchase.  Good Luck!

[Deleted]

Early last year, I did some research on how to determine a "good sofa". I was preparing to buy furniture for my den, which gets constant use.

I tried to find my notes, but I can't. All the information I found came from web searches though. I only remember general information, that if you want it to last for years, how the frame is constructed is important, and what the pillows are filled with makes a difference in  how they'll hold up over time as far as support and keeping their shape.

You should be able to find good information on what to look for by searching the web. And don't forget to measure, as Ms. Rigby suggested. That's how I avoided buying furniture that was too big or out of scale (I forgot the correct terminology for that too lol).

[❤ mollymouser ❤]

I think my next couch will be tabby colored. =^..^=  (grin)

[NastyWoman]

Pat, I ended up buying a sofa a week ago and it was Flex Steel.  You just made me feel a lot better about my purchase, especially since I ended up buying chairs with it as well so I spend more than I had planned.
Thank you for your post 

[Sum Dum Gai]

I personally like overstuffed and leather.  Firm and leather is probably fine too if you prefer that.  Just make sure you have time to really lounge around at the furniture store so you get something that'll work for you.  I didn't just sit on the couch all prim and proper like a nervous date.  I layed out, threw my feet up, and spent at least 20-30 minutes vegging on the couch in the showroom to make sure it was actually comfortable.

[vonna]

Perhaps you should ask cawaiu's wife?

[NastyWoman]

Mar 3, 2013 14:15:01 GMT -5 Sum Dum Gai said:

I personally like overstuffed and leather.  Firm and leather is probably fine too if you prefer that.  Just make sure you have time to really lounge around at the furniture store so you get something that'll work for you.  I didn't just sit on the couch all prim and proper like a nervous date.  I layed out, threw my feet up, and spent at least 20-30 minutes vegging on the couch in the showroom to make sure it was actually comfortable.

Were we related in a previous life? That's exactly what I did!  I even wore slip-on shoes to try out the sofas 

[Deleted]

Have you found anything, Joss? Or narrowed it down?

Leather is great because (nearly) everything just wipes off.

[NastyWoman]

It's on order. I will have my new sofa at the end of April. This means that for about one month my living room seating will consist of DS2s lazy boy, left behind when he went off to college. 

 The new sofa is upholstered since I don't care for leather furniture. The only thing leather has going for it, in my eyes, is the ease to clean it.  So I may one day rue my aversion, but I'll enjoy it until then 

[Deleted]

Yay Joss! I'm so glad you found something you like!