After a lot of searching, I finally bought a new couch (well, a loveseat) that we’re really excited about. I know many of you have been hunting for one too, and choosing the right sofa isn’t always easy. I thought I’d share my process and the sofa we selected in case it helps someone else.
If you missed the backstory on why I needed a new sofa, you can read what happened in this post.
This is the couch we chose (in the Mist performance double stripe fabric).
We had several requirements and preferences that made the search a bit more challenging, so I made a list of what mattered most to us.
Here are the questions and considerations that guided our decision:
- Quality: This is our forever home and the first thing you see when you walk in, so I wanted a couch we’ll love for years. I prefer quality furniture that lasts. For health reasons I also looked for Greenguard certification to reduce exposure to certain chemicals.
- New or Secondhand: I was open to a secondhand find if one matched our specs quickly. I did spot a beautiful option on Facebook Marketplace, but it was too large for our small space. It’s always worth checking though.
- Shopping Method: Shopping online was far more convenient for me. Buying online carries some risk, so I read reviews carefully, prioritized brands I’d had good experiences with, and examined all dimensions and fabric details to set expectations.
- Size: The couch needed to be about 61 inches wide so we could walk around it comfortably. That’s an uncommon size, and other options would have been too large for our layout.
- Focal Point or Supporting Role: Some couches sit against a wall and play a supporting role, but ours floats in the center of the main floor. That makes it more of a focal point, so the style and silhouette mattered even more.
- Style and Shape: Because the sofa sits in the middle of the room and should look good from all sides, I wanted an interesting but classic shape with exposed legs. That helps it feel less like a bulky barrier and more like a style element.
- Fabric and Color: The sofa needed to coordinate with our fresh paint colors. I considered neutrals and velvets, but ultimately chose a soft print that feels like a summer beach house — fitting for our location. In cooler months I’ll layer cozy colors and textures to change the mood.
- I also wanted durable, easy-care fabric because of puppies and small children. While no fabric lasts forever, slipcovers are an option later on, so it wasn’t a deal breaker.
- Cushion Styles: I reviewed all the options: down-filled, foam, bench-style, individual cushions, removable or two-sided. Each has pros and cons. Down is cozy but requires fluffing; no loose back cushions mean pets can’t toss them around. We ended up choosing a bench-style seat with down fill — I love a couch you can sink into.
- Price: Quality, customizable sofas can be expensive. I found attractive options under $3,000, but with the specific size, style, and customizations I wanted the price rose. Since we chose a smaller sofa rather than a sectional and don’t need lots of other furniture here, the investment felt worth it. A trade discount I have also helped extend the budget.
I can’t wait for it to arrive — the wait will be long, but I’m excited to plan the rest of the room. I’ll share mood boards and more inspiration soon.
I’ll also publish a roundup of the other sofas I considered — there were several top contenders.
My Book: But Where Do I Put the Couch (and other answers to decorating questions!)
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