The 8 best places to buy a couch, whether your budget is $500 or $5,000

FAQs

Alyssa Powell/Insider

What are the differences between sofas and couches?

While many designers prefer to use the word “sofa” to indicate luxury or higher quality, the terms “sofa” and “couch” can be used interchangeably and refer to the same item, so search both while shopping.

What are the best materials for couches and sofas?

If you’re spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on a new sofa you’ll want to make sure your investment will last through everyday wear and tear, spills, and other accidents that are bound to happen. Kuhl recommends looking for products made with olefin yarn as “it’s sustainable, it’s super durable and soft.” 

What type of couch or sofa should I buy if I have kids or pets?

If you have children or pets, you should look for fabrics labeled as “performance.” Performance fabric has been treated to be more durable against spills and heavy usage.

You can find performance versions of your favorite fabrics including velvet, linen, microsuede, chenille, tweed, and more. Parents and pet parents might want to look for sofas with removable covers that can be washed or replaced as needed. Our experts also recommend parents choose a couch with fewer cushions, as cushions will eventually show signs of heavier use.

Where do I start when looking for a sofa online?

Start your process by establishing a realistic budget that will ensure quality while also allowing you to avoid overpaying. “Sofas are definitely a category where you get what you pay for, for the most part,” said Kuhl. You’ll also want to think about the main functions you desire from your sofa. Whether you’re looking for a couch based on aesthetic, design, comfort, or durability, you’ll want to establish these factors prior to shopping. 

After you’ve determined the key functions you’re looking for, you’ll want to seek out brands that offer those features and go from there. Do some research and become familiar with the brand’s return and warranty policies and make sure you have a clear way to contact customer service in the case that any issues arise. Pay close attention to reviews, as they will quickly help you determine quality, comfort, and even if there are any major design flaws. 

Li suggests ordering swatches of any materials you’re interested in as they are a great indicator of true color, quality, and durability. 

How do I choose the best sofa size and proportions for my space?

In addition to taking accurate measurements, it’s important to consider size, scale, and proportion when purchasing a new sofa. Wangman recommends that customers sketch out a floor plan of their space that includes the length and width of the room as well as the ceiling height. If you’re not comfortable drawing a floor plan out by hand, she also recommends using free floor plan software programs such as SketchUp, SmartDraw, or Draft It.

What does a good couch cost?

Type of couchBudgetMid-pricedHigh-pricedCustom2-seater$500+$1,000+$2,000+$1,5000+3-seater$800+$1,500+$2,500+$3,000+4-seater$1,000+$2,000+$3,000+$3,500+Sectional$2,000$3,000+$4,000+$4,000+

How can I afford a couch on a budget? 

Many brands currently offer financing through third-party partners such as Affirm, or through opening a store credit card. Many of these options include a 0% APR time period that can last anywhere from 12 to 18 months depending on the price of the items purchased. 

However, if you don’t pay off the entire balance by the end of the 0% APR time period you’ll be stuck paying off high amounts of interest. 

If you don’t have a huge budget but are in need of a new sofa, you have a few options. First, consider shopping with more budget-friendly retailers such as Wayfair and Zinus. You can also wait for sales, which typically occur during the summertime and during major sale events like Black Friday. 

A great way to save money while shopping is to find out if any of the brands you’re interested in have a retail outlet. “If you are willing to do a little research and possibly a minor repair here and there, you can score a quality sofa for 30% less than the MSRP by locating the retail outlets of some of your favorite manufacturers,” said Li.

Our experts recommend, if you can, spending more money initially to ensure you’ll purchase a piece that will last you a long time versus having to constantly replace cheaper-made furniture every few years. Another tip is to buy modular furniture (Burrow is a popular option) that can be added on to and adjusted over time, allowing you to slowly expand your seating as your budget increases. You can also purchase a smaller sofa with a chaise, which will allow for additional seating space at a lower price.

Should I purchase a pre-made or custom couch?

When deciding whether to purchase a pre-made or custom couch, you should consider two main factors: budget and timeframe.

While custom products allow you to choose the fabric, style, and even the legs, you’ll also have to wait several weeks to months for the couch to arrive. Custom also typically comes at a higher price. While pre-made couches don’t allow customers as much design flexibility, they are available in many designs and fabrics, typically have a lower price point, and offer faster shipping times.

Overall, if you have time to wait and a higher budget, a custom couch can be a unique fixture in your home and better match the rest of your decor.