30 Tips for Choosing a Couch

A couch may be the most important purchase you make for your living room. A couch can look perfect online and turn out to be completely wrong for your home. It may overwhelm the room, feel uncomfortable, show every pet hair, or, even worse, not fit through the front door.

Before buying a couch, think about more than color and style. Measure your room and the path into it, decide how you’ll actually use the couch, and look at the upholstery, cushions, construction, and maintenance requirements. A little planning can help you choose a couch that fits your room and your everyday life.

Key takeaways

• Measure your room and the couch before you buy.
• Measure doors, hallways, stairways, elevators, and other areas the couch needs to pass through during delivery.
• Use painter’s tape to mark the couch’s dimensions on your floor before committing.
• Choose the couch size and shape based on how you’ll actually use the room.
• When possible, sit on a couch before buying to test the seat depth, height, cushions, and back.
• Consider pets, kids, food, and everyday messes when choosing upholstery.
• Check the care instructions before buying so you know how the fabric needs to be cleaned.
• Look beyond the exterior and consider the frame, suspension, cushions, and overall construction.
• Removable and washable covers can make maintenance easier.
• Don’t buy a couch based on trends alone. A couch can be a long-term purchase, so choose something you’ll want to live with.

1. Measure your room

Start with the obvious measurement: How much room do you actually have? Measure the length and width of the area where you want to put the couch.

Don’t simply choose the biggest couch that technically fits. Leave enough room to walk around it, open doors and drawers, access other furniture, and comfortably use the room.

Also think about how the couch relates to everything around it. A massive sectional may fit within the room’s measurements but make the rest of your furniture feel squeezed into the leftover space.

2. Tape out the couch

It’s difficult to visualize furniture dimensions from numbers alone. Use painter’s tape to mark the couch’s footprint on the floor. If you’re considering a couch that’s 90 inches wide and 40 inches deep, mark those dimensions where the couch will sit. Then live with the outline for a little while.

Can you comfortably walk around it? Does it block a doorway? Is there still enough space for your coffee table? Does it stick farther into the room than you expected?

This simple trick can save you from an expensive “Wow, that’s much bigger than I thought” moment.

3. Measure your doors, hallways, and stairs

A couch fitting in the living room doesn’t matter much if you can’t get it there. Measure the entire delivery route.

Depending on your home, that could include:

• Exterior doors
• Interior doors
• Hallways
• Staircases
• Landings
• Elevators
• Entryways
• Tight corners
• Low ceilings
• Railings

Compare those measurements with the couch’s width, height, and depth. Check whether the couch’s legs can be removed for delivery, too. Removable legs may provide a few extra inches of clearance.

If you’re ordering online, check whether the retailer provides minimum doorway or delivery clearance information.

4. Think about how many people need to sit

A couch for one person and a cat has different requirements than a couch for a family of six. Think about who regularly uses your living room. If you entertain frequently, you may want a larger sofa, sectional, or couch paired with additional chairs. If you live alone or have a small household, a huge sectional may simply consume valuable floor space you could use for something else.

Don’t forget pets. If your Great Dane considers himself a full member of family movie night, count him.

5. Decide how you’ll use your couch

How do you actually sit on your couch? Do you sit upright and read? Curl into a corner? Stretch out for naps? Watch movies with the whole family? Work on a laptop? Eat dinner while catching up on television? Your habits can help you choose a comfortable couch.

Someone who likes to curl up may prefer deeper seats and soft cushions. Someone who sits upright may prefer shallower seating with firmer cushions and more back support. If you frequently nap on the couch, pay attention to the length and arm style.

6. Check the seat depth

Seat depth can dramatically change how a couch feels. A deep couch gives you room to curl up, lounge, and pile on pillows. But deep seating isn’t comfortable for everyone. If you’re shorter or prefer sitting upright with your feet on the floor, a very deep couch may leave your legs dangling. A shallower seat can provide more upright support. When possible, try different depths before buying.

7. Check the seat height

Don’t forget about height. Sit down and stand back up several times. Your feet should be able to rest comfortably based on how you prefer to sit, and getting on and off the couch shouldn’t feel unnecessarily difficult. Seat height may be especially important for older adults, taller or shorter people, and anyone who has difficulty getting up from low furniture.

8. Pay attention to the back

Couch backs can vary just as much as seats. Some are low and sleek. Others provide tall cushions you can lean your head and shoulders against. Think about how you normally relax.

A low-backed couch may look great in your room but drive you crazy if you like leaning your head back while watching a movie.

Also check whether the back cushions are attached or removable. Removable cushions can be easier to rearrange and fluff, but they can also shift around more.

9. Test the cushions

Don’t judge cushions by how fluffy they look. Sit on them. Then move around. Try your normal couch positions rather than sitting perfectly upright like you’re waiting for a job interview. Pay attention to whether the cushions feel too soft, too firm, or just right.

Also consider how much maintenance you’re willing to do. Some soft cushions may need regular fluffing and rotating to maintain their shape.

10. Look at the cushion construction

Ask what’s inside the cushions. Couch cushions can contain different combinations of foam, fiber, feathers, down, and other materials. These fillings affect how the couch feels and how much maintenance it may require.

A very soft cushion may give you the sink-in feeling you love, but it may need more frequent fluffing. A firmer cushion may hold its shape better but feel less plush. There’s no universally perfect choice. Pick based on how you like to sit and how much maintenance you’re willing to do.

11. Check whether the cushion covers come off

Removable cushion covers can make dealing with spills, crumbs, fur, and everyday dirt easier. But removable doesn’t automatically mean machine washable. Check the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions before you buy. If washable covers are important to you, confirm that they’re actually designed to be washed at home.

12. Choose upholstery for your real life

A beautiful fabric isn’t particularly useful if you’re terrified to sit on it. Think about what your couch will encounter.

Do you have:

• Kids?
• Cats?
• Dogs?
• Frequent guests?
• Messy snackers?
• Someone who spills coffee regularly?
• A couch-loving pet with muddy paws?

Look for upholstery that matches your household and how much maintenance you’re willing to do. If spills are common, easy cleaning may matter more than the softest fabric in the showroom.

13. Think about pet hair

If you have pets, think about how visible their fur will be on the upholstery. A black couch may look fantastic until your white cat takes a nap on it. Choosing a color closer to your pet’s fur can make shedding less noticeable between cleanings.

Texture matters, too. Some fabrics grab fur more than others, while smoother surfaces may be easier to vacuum or wipe. If possible, get a fabric sample and see how easily you can remove pet hair from it.

14. Think about claws

Cats and dogs add another consideration: claws. Loose or highly textured weaves may be tempting scratching surfaces or more likely to snag. A tightly woven fabric may be a better option for some pet households.

Look closely at the fabric sample. If you can easily catch your fingernail in the weave, pet claws may be able to catch it, too. Of course, no couch fabric is completely claw-proof.

15. Check the cleaning code

Before buying an upholstered couch, find out how you’re expected to clean it. Don’t assume you can attack every stain with your favorite upholstery cleaner. Different fabrics may require different cleaning methods, and using the wrong product could damage or discolor the material.

Keep the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions somewhere you can find them later. Future you, standing over a mystery stain with a wet rag, will appreciate it.

16. Get fabric samples

If you’re shopping online or ordering a custom couch, request fabric swatches when they’re available. Look at them in your actual room. Colors can appear very different under showroom lights, website photography, daylight, and your home’s artificial lighting. Check the fabric in the morning, afternoon, and evening.

Also hold it next to your:

• Walls
• Flooring
• Rugs
• Curtains
• Chairs
• Wood furniture
• Other major furnishings

Touch it, too. Something that looks beautiful but feels scratchy against bare skin may not be something you want to lounge on every evening.

17. Consider the couch color

A couch takes up a lot of visual space, so its color can have a major effect on the room. Neutral couches can provide a flexible backdrop if you like changing your decor frequently. But neutral isn’t mandatory. A green, blue, burgundy, pink, orange, or patterned couch can become the focal point of the room. If you’re choosing a bold color, ask yourself whether you genuinely love it or simply like that it’s currently trendy.

18. Choose a style you actually like

Trends move much faster than couches. Look at the furniture you’ve consistently liked over the years and stick with that decorating style.

Maybe you’re drawn to:

• Midcentury modern
• Traditional
• Contemporary
• Victorian
• Art Deco
• Bohemian
• English country
• Maximalist
• Minimalist
• Eclectic
• Cottagecore

You don’t necessarily need to identify your exact decorating aesthetic, but knowing what you’re consistently drawn to can help you avoid buying something because it looked good in one viral living room.

19. Look at the arms

Couch arms affect both comfort and appearance. Wide arms take up more space but may give you somewhere to lean, set a pillow, or occasionally balance the remote you swear you won’t lose this time. Narrow arms can maximize seating space when the overall couch width is limited. Low or padded arms may be comfortable for napping, while tall or firm arms may not make a particularly good pillow. Think about function as well as appearance.

20. Check what’s underneath the upholstery

You can’t judge couch quality from fabric alone. Look at the overall construction. Ask about the frame material, joinery, suspension system, cushions, and warranty.

If you’re shopping in person, sit in different spots and pay attention to how the couch feels. Listen for squeaks or creaks, and see whether anything feels unstable. If you’re shopping online, look for detailed construction information instead of relying only on photos and reviews.

21. Check the legs

Take a look at how the legs are attached and what they’re made from. Also consider their height. Higher legs can make it easier to clean underneath the couch, especially if you use a robot vacuum. Very low couches may leave a narrow gap that collects pet hair, toys, and crumbs but is difficult to reach. If you plan to use a robot vacuum, measure its height and compare it with the couch’s clearance.

22. Decide whether you want a sofa or sectional

Sectionals provide lots of seating and can create a comfortable lounging area, but they take up substantial space. Before buying one, consider how it affects the flow of the room. A standard sofa paired with chairs may give you more flexibility. You can move individual chairs when entertaining or rearrange the room more easily later. A sectional may make more sense if your priority is maximizing lounging space in a room with a layout that accommodates it.

23. Check the sectional orientation

If you’re buying an L-shaped sectional or sofa with a chaise, make sure the extension is on the correct side. Look at where doors, windows, walkways, fireplaces, televisions, and other furniture are located. The wrong orientation can block traffic through the room. 

24. Consider a modular couch

A modular couch is made from separate sections that can be arranged in different configurations. This can be useful if you like rearranging your furniture or expect to move in the future. You may be able to turn a large sectional into a smaller sofa and chairs or add additional sections later.

Before buying, check how the sections connect. You don’t want pieces slowly migrating across the room every time someone sits down.

25. Consider a sleeper sofa

If you regularly have overnight guests but don’t have a dedicated guest room, a sleeper sofa can make your living room do double duty. Check both the couch and the bed before buying if possible. A great couch with an awful mattress isn’t particularly helpful if guests actually need to sleep on it. Also measure how much room the bed requires when fully opened.

26. Think about storage

Some couches and sectionals include storage underneath seats or inside chaises. This can be useful in a small home where every bit of storage counts.

You could use the space for:

• Blankets
• Extra pillows
• Board games
• Seasonal decor
• Toys
• Guest bedding

Just don’t treat hidden couch storage as permission to keep things you don’t actually want.

27. Think about moving day

Your couch may fit your current home perfectly, but how difficult will it be to move later? Large sectionals, sleeper sofas, and oversized couches can be heavy and difficult to maneuver. If you move frequently, modular furniture or a smaller couch may make life easier. Removable legs, detachable backs, and separate sections can also make a couch easier to transport.

28. Don’t forget your other furniture

Your couch doesn’t exist by itself. Think about how it works with your coffee table, side tables, chairs, ottomans, lamps, and storage furniture. If your new couch is significantly larger than your old one, you may discover your current coffee table is suddenly too small or there’s no longer room for your favorite chair. Tape out the entire furniture arrangement if necessary.

29. Set a budget before shopping

Couches can range dramatically in price. Decide how much you’re comfortable spending before you fall in love with something that costs three times your budget.

Remember to account for possible additional expenses such as:

• Delivery
• Assembly
• Fabric upgrades
• Extra modules
• An ottoman
• Stain protection
• Removal of your old couch

Compare the total cost, not just the advertised starting price.

30. Don’t rush the decision

A couch is large, expensive, and difficult to return. Take your time. Measure twice. Order fabric samples. Sit on different couch styles. Read the care instructions. Check the delivery requirements. Think about how the couch will work with your actual habits. The best couch isn’t necessarily the trendiest, softest, biggest, or most expensive one. It’s the one that fits your room, your body, your household, and the way you actually live.

How to Choose a Couch FAQ

What should you look for when buying a couch?

Look at the couch’s dimensions, seat depth and height, cushion firmness, upholstery, cleaning requirements, frame and suspension construction, and overall comfort. Also make sure it fits both your room and the delivery route into your home.

How do you know what size couch to buy?

Measure the room and mark the couch’s dimensions on the floor with painter’s tape. Make sure there’s still enough room for walkways, doors, tables, chairs, and other furniture.

How do you know if a couch will fit through your door?

Compare the couch’s width, depth, and height with your doorway and the entire delivery path. Measure hallways, corners, stairs, elevators, and other tight spaces. Find out whether the legs or other components can be removed for delivery.

What couch fabric is good for homes with pets?

Look for durable, tightly woven upholstery that’s easy to clean and doesn’t snag. Also consider how readily the fabric collects pet hair. Request a fabric sample to test its texture and how easily fur comes off.

Is a firm or soft couch better?

Neither is automatically better. Soft couches can be comfortable for lounging but may require more cushion fluffing. Firmer seating can provide more support and may hold its shape better. Try both and choose based on how you normally sit.

Should your couch be lighter or darker than your walls?

Either can work. Contrast can make the couch stand out, while similar colors can create a more cohesive or monochromatic effect. Consider your overall decorating style rather than following a strict rule.

Is a sectional better than a regular sofa?

A sectional can provide more seating and lounging space, while a traditional sofa may give you more flexibility when arranging a room. Your room size, layout, household size, and how you use the space can help determine which works better.

How long should you keep a couch?

There’s no single replacement schedule for every couch. Consider replacing yours when the frame or support system is failing, cushions no longer provide adequate support, upholstery is badly damaged, or the couch no longer works for your household or space.