In the midst of a recent redesign frenzy, I realized we needed a new sofa. Not just any sofa — I wanted a sectional. Choosing a sectional adds more options and measurements, so it’s not a decision to make lightly. With our home in the middle of a reorganization, this felt like the right season to make a change.
We’ve owned three sofas during our marriage, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
MY PREVIOUS SOFA EXPERIENCES
Our current sofa is a Pottery Barn Basic with white slipcovers, which I found on Craigslist a few years ago. It was used when we bought it and has held up well despite daily use and a mischievous dog. The down-filled back cushions have become floppy and may need refilling someday, but overall the piece has served us well.
I later bought a new slipcover from Pottery Barn — a floor sample that was still like new — and it has survived countless washings. Slipcovers do require regular laundering and can look worn between washes, but I’ve come to appreciate their practicality, especially with a dog in the house. Being able to remove and wash covers quickly is a huge advantage.
We plan to keep the Pottery Barn sofa, though we may change the slipcover color from white in the future.
Our first sofa was a Thomasville Country Inns and Backroads loveseat, which I loved for its English Country style. It served us for nearly two decades through numerous moves, children and pets. The structure remained solid even as the cushions flattened and the upholstery dated. However, the dark fabric made it difficult to clean certain stains and convinced me that washable slipcovers are often a better choice for a busy family.
Between the Thomasville piece and the Pottery Barn sofa, we tried a leather sofa from an antique reproduction store. I enjoyed its look and durability, but pillows and blankets constantly slid off and the leather felt cold at first sit — drawbacks for how I like to style and use a couch.
THE SEARCH FOR A NEW SOFA
During our home reorganization I had a lightbulb moment: repurpose an underused bedroom into a hangout for our son and his friends. The centerpiece for the new room would be a sectional to maximize seating while keeping the space uncluttered. A single large piece of furniture can define a room’s purpose and offer comfortable seating without crowding a smaller space.
We want a kid-friendly area that’s also presentable for guests. A sectional seemed ideal to create a dedicated zone for video games, movies and casual gatherings.
The key to the success of this new space will be the sectional.
Our top priorities for the new sofa were comfort and durability. We wanted something that felt like a cozy blanket, in a modern but timeless shape, with a neutral, velvety performance fabric that’s easy to clean. It should be comfortable for several people to sit or lie down on, include a pull-out bed for occasional guests, and remain affordable.
While researching options, La-Z-Boy reached out about reviewing a sectional. I hesitated at first, but after checking their styles and local store offerings, I visited and spent time testing different pieces. I asked lots of practical questions about fabrics and construction and ran real-life tests — checking how fabrics handled pet fur and water — to make sure the choice would suit our household.
WHAT I ASKED BEFORE BUYING
Rather than focus only on technical features like eight-way hand-tied springs, I concentrated on everyday concerns: how the fabric would respond to spills, pets and children, warranty coverage, and fabric protection options. Consider how your family uses a sofa and ask “what if” questions that matter to your daily life. Practical durability and long-term satisfaction were more important to me than trendy details.
The salesperson reassured me that the fabric we were considering would stand up well to pet-related messes, which was a relief. I tested fabrics in different light, carried samples home, and repeatedly visited the store until I felt confident in my choice.
SO, DID I ORDER THE SECTIONAL?
Yes. After thorough testing, I chose a La-Z-Boy Collins sectional in a neutral performance fabric with an accent pillow pattern I loved. I’m excited to create a comfortable kid-friendly zone that still looks put together. I’ll share photos and impressions once the sectional arrives and when the upstairs family room is complete.
La-Z-Boy provided the sofa, but all opinions and experiences shared here are my own.
What are your top considerations when buying a sofa? What questions do you ask before purchasing?
