In the middle of a frantic redesign phase, I decided we needed a new sofa — and not just any sofa. I’m picky, and this time I wanted a sectional. That decision added a dozen more choices and measurements to consider, so I took my time. With our home going through a bit of reorganization, the timing felt right to make thoughtful decisions about furniture that will shape how we use our space.
Over the years we’ve owned three sofas, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
My Previous Sofa Experiences
Our current couch is a Pottery Barn Basic with white slipcovers, a Craigslist score from a few years back. It’s been durable despite being used when we bought it and living with a lively dog. The down-filled back cushions have become floppy, but that’s fixable. I later purchased a new slipcover from Pottery Barn and it has survived countless washings — a major advantage when you have kids or pets. Being able to remove and wash slipcovers quickly has been a lifesaver for maintaining a fresh-looking room.
Before the Pottery Barn couch we had a Thomasville Country Inns and Backroads loveseat from the 1990s. I loved its English Country silhouette. It lasted nearly two decades through many moves, three children and two dogs; the frame held up well even when the down cushions needed refilling. The dark upholstery, however, was tough to keep clean — toddlers with runny noses left stains that were hard to remove — which is one reason I prefer washable slipcovers now.
Between those two sofas we tried a leather couch. I appreciated the look and durability of leather, and my husband liked its masculine appeal, but it had downsides: pillows and throws constantly slid off, and the surface felt cold at first sit. I like versatility in decor, so that sliding problem was a deal-breaker for me.
The Search for a New Sofa
During this reorganization phase I had a lightbulb moment: convert an underused bedroom into a hangout for our son and his friends. The room needed comfortable, casual seating — a sectional seemed like the perfect foundation. A single, well-chosen sectional would maximize seating and floor space while defining the room’s purpose: comfort and entertainment.
We envision the space as a kid-friendly zone for video games, movies, and relaxed gatherings. Creating a dedicated, welcoming hangout encourages kids and their friends to spend time at home, and it also gives adults a separate area during larger family events.
The key to the success of this new room is going to be the sectional.
Although the room is modest in size, a sectional would provide more seating with fewer pieces and keep the space feeling intentional instead of cluttered. I’m focused on reducing excess furniture, so a sectional that seats several people comfortably and allows for lounging or napping fits our goals perfectly.
What We Were Looking For
Our main criteria were comfort, a timeless yet modern-traditional shape, and a durable neutral performance fabric that felt soft like velvet. We wanted something that could be dressed up with pillows, be easy to clean, include a pull-out bed for guests and sleepovers, and remain affordable. Function and comfort mattered more than trendiness, since this sectional is for an upstairs family room used by kids and friends.
Coincidentally, La-Z-Boy reached out to see if I’d consider reviewing a sectional. At first I hesitated because I am selective about furniture, but after checking their styles and fabric options and visiting a nearby store, I decided to explore further. I spent over an hour testing pieces, asking detailed questions, and comparing fabrics in different lighting.
Practical Questions to Ask When Buying a Sofa
Rather than focusing solely on traditional construction terms, I asked practical, everyday questions relevant to family life: How will the fabric hold up to pet accidents? How does it resist spills or stains? What warranties and fabric protection options are available? Consider how your household uses the sofa and what “what if” scenarios matter to you — toddlers, pets, frequent guests — and ask the salesperson accordingly.
The salesperson reassured me that the fabric I liked would stand up to pets and spills. I took fabric samples home, tested them under different lighting, rubbed them on my dog to check for hair attraction, and spilled water to see how they reacted. I visited the store multiple times to be sure the choice was right.
Decision: Yes, We Ordered the Sectional
After passing all my practical tests, I chose a La-Z-Boy Collins sectional. I selected a solid neutral performance fabric for the sofa and a patterned accent pillow that complements it. I’m excited to have a dedicated, comfortable kid zone that still looks put together. I’ll share photos and my thoughts once it arrives and after we finish transforming the upstairs family room.
La-Z-Boy provided the sectional, but my opinions and experience are my own.
What are your top considerations when shopping for a sofa? What questions do you ask before buying?
