Probably the most important piece of furniture in your living room is the couch. It gets the most use out of everything else in the living room, whether you’re catching the game, watching a movie, or playing a video game. No one wants to sit on something hard and uncomfortable, so here are a few things to consider when you’re looking for a new couch.
Lifestyle
Before you go off to look at leather couches, consider your lifestyle as a starting point for your personal needs. Do you have a family? Are you a single bachelor? How often do you use your couch? Do you have the time to properly maintain it? These are just a few of the questions you should be asking yourself before proceeding with a purchase.
If you’re a bachelor, you might consider a sofa bed. This will save space for those apartment-bound bachelors. If you have a bigger space, a sofa bed gives frequent guests a comfortable place to sleep.
If you have kids, you might want to consider a larger couch that offers space for all members of the family. You might also want to buy a couch made with a more rugged, easy-to-clean material in the event that your kids get a little too rowdy on the sofa.
Size & Color
Once you understand your own basic lifestyle needs you can begin to shop for your couch. Make sure to measure your space beforehand. You don’t want to buy a couch only to bring it home and realize it won’t fit anywhere. This includes width and height. Remember that you still have to get the couch into your home, which might require walking up some stairs or riding an elevator.
Color depends almost entirely on personal preference. It’s not necessary to choose a bright, strong color. Neutral colors are still the ideal choice. In smaller spaces, use lighter tones to create the look of a more open space.
From there, you can add color through couch accessories. Throw pillows are much less expensive and can give the splash of color you need. You can also easily change the look by simply changing pillow cases.
At the Store
When you’re at the furniture store, make sure to completely go over a desired piece. Inspect each and every section of the couch: the trimmings, the wood used, the padding, the underlying construction. Most important of all, sit on it and make sure it’s comfortable.