How to Choose a Sofa

Sectional sofas are modular, multi-piece sofas that can be arranged in a number of configurations and can come in many different shapes and sizes. For instance, a loveseat-chaise lounge combination is a comfortable setup for smaller spaces, while an L- or U-shaped design built with sofas and corner chairs is ideal for spacious open floor plans. This type of sofa is a good option for large family rooms and spaces where multiple people (and pets!) gather to unwind. Learn more about our sectional sofas.

The frame is the foundation of your sofa. It supports the entire structure, plus all of the people sitting on it. Most of our collections include a wooden sofa frame or metal frame. Many of our frames are constructed with FSC-certified wood, meaning it comes from forests certified to be responsibly managed, environmentally sound and socially beneficial.

First, check your sofa's care instructions and cleaning code. Some slipcovers can go into a washing machine on the gentle cycle, and others need to be hand-washed. Using cold water and a mild detergent, wash your slipcover on the gentle cycle, making sure not to use detergent with bleach. Tumble dry on low or check the care instructions to air dry and prevent shrinking. Check out our slipcover collections for more information.

It depends on the upholstery or material type. If you have a leather couch, use leather soap and conditioner to keep it looking fresh. If your couch is made of fabric that can be cleaned with a water-based cleaner, try using steam to loosen up dirt and stains. For busy households with performance fabric sofas, a simple spot clean should do. Each of our upholstery fabrics and leathers comes with an industry standard cleaning code that tells you how to treat spills and stains.

To measure a sofa for delivery, compare your furniture measurements to the dimensions of your hallways, doorways and the room your sofa will sit in. Don’t forget to take rug size into consideration along with stairwell banisters, wall fixtures and ceilings. By doing this, you’ll be able to see whether the furniture needs to come in at an angle or if it will fit straight through. For complete instructions, check out our how-to guide on measuring furniture for delivery.

To measure a sectional sofa, you will need to find the overall width and the overall length. Think of the overall width as the backside (or the side that sits up against the wall). The overall length will be the side of the sofa that protrudes from the wall. Recording length, width and height will be the baseline for what sectional size you can comfortably fit in the room. Don’t forget to take into consideration the furniture that will be around the sectional, like rugs, coffee tables and end tables.

Think about how you will be using the space. Sofas with shorter seat depths have a more formal or upright feel and can be easier to stand up from, Deeper sofa seats encourage lounging and allow plenty of room to stretch out or snuggle up.

With simple and regular care, your sofa should be right at home for many years to come. Rotate cushions and pillows weekly to distribute wear. Vacuum upholstery weekly using the upholstery attachment and crevice tool of your vacuum to remove loose particles. To prevent possible “bleeding” of ink onto fabric, do not leave newspapers or other printed materials lying on upholstery. Take special care when spraying household chemicals and commercial products near upholstery. The best way to minimize stains on fabric is to pretreat it with an upholstery protector, like Scotchgard. Another option is to cover your couch with a slipcover, which can easily go into a washing machine. If you have pets or kids, consider a performance fabric sofa that can stand up to stains and regular wear.

Your sofa’s suspension system can have a big impact on comfort and support. Suspension is used within the sofa to absorb shock and provide firmness and elasticity to the seat. There are different types, such as coil spring suspension or web suspension.

Sofas that are FSC®-certified are made with wood from forests certified to be responsibly managed, environmentally sound and socially beneficial. Look for the FSC®-certified icon throughout our furniture collections.

Most sofa cushions are filled with feathers, foam or polyester fibers. The best type of couch seat cushion depends on how you like to lounge—do you prefer soft and cushy? Try a pillow back sofa. Would you like something a little more tailored? A tight back sofa might be right for you. Do you like the traditional look? Try a couch cushion back with perfectly placed tufts.