How to Buy a Sofa You Won’t Regret

A sofa, inside of a bubble in front of a blue background.

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Whether you call it a sofa or a couch, it’s arguably the hardest-working piece of furniture in your home. And given the expense, shopping for one can often trigger decision paralysis.

This week, Wirecutter home and decor editor Daniela Gorny joins us to break down the complex world of sofa shopping. She shares a practical checklist for testing sofas in-store. And she gives her best tips for shopping for one online, so you won’t be disappointed once it arrives.

We also discuss a few easy ways to give new life to an old sofa.

This episode covers

  • How long a sofa should last: A truly high-quality sofa should last you 10 to 15 years, while cheaper options may start falling apart, creaking, or sagging after just two or three. To ensure longevity, always look for manufacturers that offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty on the frame and the springs.
  • How to decipher online specs: When shopping online, prioritize solid hardwood or high-quality plywood frames over MDF (particle board). Look for cushions made with "high resiliency" and "high density" foam, which bounce back much better than cheaper alternatives.
  • How to choose a fabric: Daniela explains how to avoid fabrics that will thin or pill over time, how to decide between natural fabrics (like linen or cotton) and more durable high performance fabrics (like acrylics and polyesters). If you prefer leather, stick to top grain or full grain hides, and steer clear of "bonded leather.”
  • How to test a sofa in person: Showrooms are invaluable for testing how a sofa actually wears over time—especially in heavily trafficked store floors like IKEA. When testing, try lifting the edge of the sofa; if it feels exceptionally heavy, it's a great sign that it's made with dense hardwoods. Don't be afraid to aggressively launch yourself onto the cushions—if the sofa shifts or squeaks, walk away.
  • How to make sure the sofa fits your space: Always measure your doorways, hallways, and elevators before purchasing. If space is tight, consider modular sofas that arrive in separate, manageable boxes, and use painter's tape or cardboard to map out the physical footprint in your room before clicking buy.

Products we recommend

Made with repairability and longevity in mind, this low-profile sofa invites lounging as well as socializing. But the armrests may be too firm to rest your head against.

The Metro has been Room & Board’s best-selling model since 2004, and it’s a favorite among our staff as well. Loungers may prefer the deep version over the standard.

Deep seats, plush cushions, and included throw pillows make this sofa perfect for naps and nesting.

This curvy, deep-seated sofa comes in eight widths and dozens of upholstery choices. But you can’t try it in person before you buy.

This generously sized sofa has dozens of non-synthetic fabric options, like cotton and linen.

This sofa has angled fluffy backs and firm upholstered seats, with petite dimensions, so it works well in small apartments. But assembly can be tedious.

A longstanding budget pick, this couch offers a simple design at a bargain price. But construction details are less than perfect.

This compact, 1080p projector offers good image brightness and contrast, above-average sound, easy setup, and a built-in battery. But mounting it on a tripod may prove tricky.



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