Buying a Sofa Online Plus a Fun Bird App
Looking to purchase a new sofa/couch online? I used to think the only way to buy a sofa was to go to an actual store to sit on, touch, look over and test. Those days are over I believe. With so many retailers online, and with the right information and guidance, you can find the best sofa for your home without walking hours mindlessly at a store. You can save yourself a lot of time!
I have researched the web the past couple weeks to help narrow down information and helpful advice. I also added a few links to the bottom of the article that has tons more information about purchasing a sofa online.
Here are a few of my best take-aways to consider before buying a sofa online:
Sofas last approximately 15 years. Prices can run from $500.00 to $5,000.00. For this article, I am concentrating on the mid-range price category, between Ikea and Bernhardt Furniture.
Measure your space to be sure it will fit.
Also, be sure to measure the height, width and diagonal opening of all doorways for clearance into the room.
Order Fabric Samples.
Best to see and feel the fabric to experience their colors and textures in person.
Check Shipping Costs and Read the Return Policy.
Most companies give you at least 30 days to try at home. Read the fine print regarding restocking fees.
Read the Reviews.
I have found some companies bury the negative comments way down the row. Keep reading all comments. You can also Google review a company to read even more.
FinD the right sofa seat depth for you.
Do you mostly sit with your feet on the floor, or do you like to tuck your legs in?
If you like to sit upright, you'll likely respond well to a seat depth that supports your thighs, keeps your knees bent at a 90-degree angle, and allows your feet to comfortably touch the floor. For a person between 5'4 and 5'10, a seat depth of 21" to 22" will allow plenty of clearance between the legs and the front edge of the seat. For a taller person, a seat depth of 23" to 25" is a good option, and for a smaller person, a seat depth of about 20" could work well.
If you like to curl up rather than sit straight, you'll benefit from some extra room—a deep sofa would be a great choice here. You can start by adding a few inches to the standard measurements listed above.
Focus on length to lounge the way you like If you plan to recline on your sofa regularly, you might consider opting for a 3-seat couch over a 2-seat couch. Although couches can vary in size, the standard range is between 72”-96” for a three-seat sofa and 48”-72” for a loveseat.
Consider the reputation and mission of the company.
Choose a reputable company that stands behind their furniture. For example, Arhaus.com, was founded on the principle that furniture should be sustainably made and long-lasting.
Wait for Sales.
Furniture sales are January -February and August -September to make room for new products. During these times you will get the best deals.
Arhaus Chandler Three Over Three Sofa
I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Read full privacy policy here.”
One of the best sites I found online reviewing sofas is The Sofa Review.com. For example, here is a short summary of West Elm:
Our Verdict
3 / 5 STARS
All the “in” styles but expect to pay a premium for a brand name that doesn’t go above & beyond in the experience.
Made In: ★★★☆☆
Sustainability: ★★★☆☆
Starting Sofa Price: ★★★★★
See in-person?: ★★★★★
Upholstery: ★★★★☆
Customization: ★★★☆☆
Comfort: ★★★☆☆
Modularity: ★★★★☆
Lead Times: ★★★☆☆
Financing: ★★★★☆
Shipping & Delivery: ★★★★☆
Assembly: ★★★★★
Return Policy: ★★★☆☆
Home Trial: ☆☆☆☆☆
Warranty: ☆☆☆☆☆
The Sofas
Pros & Cons
Pros:
• Trending styles & fabrics
• Variety of silhouettes
• Plenty of upholstery options
• Sectional builder tool to create your own custom configuration
Cons:
• Quality/Durability concerns
• Lead times are long for anything custom
• Customer support concerns (lot's of complains in comments on social media)
I thought it was a really helpful and thorough site. They also compare different brands, which I found was beneficial.
When I go online shopping for a sofa, my first stop is usually Arhaus. Williams Sonoma is a good brand as well as Grandin Road and FrontGate. Joss and Main is usually pretty good, just be sure to read all reviews. If you do not want to wait months for delivery, many of the better companies have in-stock items ready to ship. A few of my favorite furniture stores, but are only available to the trade, are Lexington, Hooker and Bernhardt. Gorgeous stuff, but price tag is high.
I hope you found something useful in this post if you are looking for a new sofa or couch or any type of home furniture! Please email me if you have any other questions I might not have answered.
A GREAT APP I just found on my IPad, (and IPhone), is called Merlin. When I sit outside, you can press a button to record the sound of a bird in your yard and it will identify the bird for you! I have so many birds I did not even know about in our back yard. My husband and I thought a night sound we always heard was a baby animal crying. I recorded and it was A Great Horned Owl! How cool. Really enjoy playing around with. Plus it’s free!
Have a great week everyone!!