13 Things About Best Quality Couches You May Never Have Known
Getting the full report Out of Your Couches
A sofa can have a significant impact on the mood of the room. The right sofa that fits your requirements and budget is challenging with so many options.
Forbes Vetted recruited a panel of furniture experts who have kids and pets to test the best couches available. Their findings focused on durability, comfort, and value.
Comfort
A quality couch must be comfortable to sit on for prolonged periods of time. A good sofa will support your back without making it sore. This is crucial for those who suffer from chronic back pain or other health issues like osteoarthritis. The right material for your sofa is also important. Always read the label on any sofa you're thinking of buying. Some fabrics can be more allergenic than others.
The best couches are made of solid hardwood frames that have been kiln dried or kiln-dried because they are more durable and last longer than plywood or manufactured wood frames. They won't break down after prolonged use. Some companies offer a lifetime guarantee on their frame and upholstery and some offer warranties that cover up to ten years. It is also important to think about the amount of time you'll be using the couch. If you're planning to use it for frequent family gatherings, think about a sectional that can seat many people comfortably.
One of the highest-scoring couches we've tested, this 7th Avenue model features an extremely durable fabric that's stain-resistant and water-resistant. It also comes with removable and machine washable covers. It is also available in more than 75 colors and fabrics, with pet-friendly options. The fabric feels thick and sturdy, and the color matched our tester's decor aesthetic well.
In our tests, this sofa was the most comfortable of all of them, with the testers giving it as nine out of 10 for napping. It comes with a foam and fiber filling that was more rigid than our other top picks but still offered plenty of support. It was also surprisingly durable and held up to jumping tests and the regular abuse of toddlers. The cushions on the back were a little on the firmer side but they softened over the course of six months.
Sixpenny's couch is perfect for families. It has a large seating area that can comfortably accommodate two adults or up to three children. During our tests, it was extremely comfortable for everyone and allowed one of our test subjects to take the catnap and not feel uncomfortable. The fabric and frame have a high-quality construction with solid wood constructions and sturdy upholstery. They have held up to a variety of spills and scratches. The cushions are also supple and firm, which gives it an incredibly comfortable and cushiony feel.
Durability
A sofa that stands against wear and tear should feel sturdy to sit on and be well-constructed. A solid frame is constructed of solid hardwoods or kiln dried wood, not plywood. It should also have no obvious creaking or sagging when you sit on it. The upholstery should be well-made as well, with no loose threads or pilling. You should also consider the amount of cushions your sofa requires, depending on how large your room is and how it will expand to accommodate guests.
The durability of a couch is determined by several aspects, such as the upholstery material, and how much abuse it is able to withstand from children, pets, and other household members. Panelists tested couches by jumping on them and looking for cracks and springs. They also slept on them, using their pillow as a backrest and evaluating whether or not the sofa caused neck or back discomfort. If you are looking for a couch online, read reviews to find out how it holds up to the use of your family.
Leather is typically more expensive than fabric, but is often seen as more durable. It's more difficult to scratch than other materials, and it will resist stains and odors more easily. It's easy to clean and is a good option for allergy sufferers because it doesn't hold dust or pet hair.
If you're looking for a durable elegant and stylish sofa that will last for a long time, we recommend this model from 7th Avenue. Its modular design can be adapted to suit your space and grow with your family. It's upholstered with water-repellent, stain-resistant performance fabric, with removable cover that is machine washable. This sofa was tested by three people frequently sitting on it, and showed no signs of wear.
This couch is made by Allform is a great alternative. It lets you modify nearly every aspect of it, including the leg finishes, color of the upholstery, and its size. The assembly is a bit more difficult than other couches, and at minimum two people are required. But the end result is a chic and comfortable sofa that can blend with any decor aesthetic and can be easily moved to meet your requirements.
Style
A couch is a significant investment. To make the right choice, you need to find a balance between style, comfort, and durability. Forbes Vetted invited panelists to test 19 couches over a period of months. The panelists made precise notes about how the couches performed during normal use, slept on them, worked at home and even arranged film nights. They also tracked any joint aches as well as how easy it was to readjust the cushions, and how many people could comfortably fit on each sofa.
It can be difficult to navigate the various specifications for a couch, especially when dealing with classic brands or direct-to-consumer sellers. Certain retailers offer a wide range of customization options including upholstery fabric, cushion material, Martindale abrasion ratings, and type of joinery or springs.
Based on the material you choose, it may help to decide what type of couch you want before you begin looking at the color and fabric options. If you are looking for something that is sturdy, stain-resistant, and comfortable, choose a polyester couch instead of one made from cotton or linen. Polyester is more likely to withstand wrinkles and stains, whereas linen and cotton are susceptible to staining and pilling.
Another important consideration is how the couch looks in your home. If you have an aesthetic that is more contemporary think about a modern silhouette and opting for an unfussy, neutral material. On the other side, if you're drawn to traditional design You may prefer a more traditional elegant, tailored style and more plush, dark fabric.
Check if the sofa is available in different sizes so you can choose the ideal option for your space. Similarly, it's worth double-checking whether the sofa you're looking for is available in various shades. Some stores allow you to sort by sofa width or collection of couches that can be useful when trying to find the top quality couches.
If you're ready to purchase, consider whether your preferred retailer offers white-glove delivery. This is typically an additional-cost upgrade that includes at-home assembly, placing and removal of the packaging. In our tests, this option was quick and simple. If you're not able afford white-glove, you can choose standard delivery, which usually is a flat cost but does not include assembly or the removal of boxes.
Price
Getting the most value of your sofa will rely on the quality and longevity of its frame as well as its fill and upholstery. The frame should be constructed from kiln-dried wood with mortise-and-tenon joinery. The cushion filling must be composed of spring coils, soft fiber or down. Performance fabrics with a rub count of 50,000-150,000 are durable, but you may want to consider the possibility of having a fabric that can be recovered or covered in the event of it becoming dirty.
A couch's life expectancy also depends on the materials used and design, according to Margaret Carroll, who oversees Better Homes & Gardens' sofa-testing lab in North Carolina. She says a low-quality sofa will last between three and five years, whereas a high-quality, hand-tied couch can last as long as 20 years.
If you're strapped to time, or you aren't familiar with furniture, consider buying your couch at a furniture sale. These sales usually occur around the holidays or at the end of the winter, and may provide discounts as high as 30%. During our testing, we found that the sofas in Article's latest collection of fabrics were well-priced.
Another option to find fantastic bargains on couches is Pottery Barn, which offers an extensive selection of in-stock and customizable pieces. On the website, you'll find a wide selection of options for size, depth and colors (the 93" two-seater sofa we tried included seven length options). The brand's white glove delivery includes assembly and positioning and is priced at $99, however returns and exchanges are subject to a 10 percent charge.
Other online furniture retailers offer similar policies similar to Pottery Barn, but may require a greater upfront investment. 7th Avenue, for example allows customers to return an item within 10 days of receiving it and receive a full refund. However, its upholstered items are shipped directly from the manufacturer and may take longer. Universal Home, an online retailer, provides free swatches and showcases furniture collections from a variety of brands. The majority of its best-scoring sofas are available as special orders, so you'll need to wait for something today.