How To Buy A Couch

Posted July 27th, 2007

After spending the weekend ill and perched on my sofa, I
feel inspired to address the question of how to pick out the perfect couch.
It’s a question I often get asked, but like most things in the world of design,
it’s highly personal and dependent on your lifestyle needs.

When it came to choosing the couch in my own living room, I went the form over function (well, comfort) route. I came across this amazing 1950s shallow couch that worked very well with the rest of the room and its foam cushions make it the perfect place for guests to sit. It looks absolutely perfect in my living room.   But, it’s not the spot to curl up and watch Gone with the Wind. 

Here is the couch in my apartment that I got on eBay two years ago. I had the foam cushion reupholstered
.

For many people, comfort is the key. Those who like to relax on a nice cozy couch after a long day of work should really go for a couch that is no less than 23 inches from the front edge of the cushion to the back edge of the cushion. The higher above the 23 inch mark you are, the comfier the couch tends to be; when you get less than 23 inches, you’re looking at a couch that is more for perching. An important thing to keep in mind if you are purchasing your couch online is that sellers (and sofa manufacturers) usually quote the overall depth of the couch, not the edge-to-edge cushion measurement …  so make sure to ask for the edge-to-edge cushion measurement I just mentioned.

Also you should look into what the cushions are made of. Solid foam cushions are the hardest ones and down/feather cushions are the softest; if you can’t decide between the two, some couches have cushions made from a thin foam center with a down wrap.

Besides the material, most of you have probably noticed that some cushions require “fluffing” while others require no maintenance at all. It’s the feather/down cushions that need the “fluffing-up” to maintain an attractive look (cushions with only down wraps require a little less maintenance). So, if you aren’t into maintenance, foam cushions are the way to go. You can balance the hardness of the foam by selecting cushions that have been sewn into a cotton case (they allow for the smoothest upholstering). Another way to add extra comfort is leather upholstery; its durable, softens with age and is easy to care for—it’s a great balance of comfort and fashion.

Here’s an example of a shallow leather couch
  

Example.

If you’re like me and use your living room more for hosting purposes, a shallow couch is a great option for cocktail parties so guests can perch over while engaging in
conversation.

Example.

Here is an example of a deep, comfy couch.
 

Example.

Beyond deep versus shallow, buying a couch is mostly aesthetic and there are endless options to explore!