Sofa & Sectional Buying Guide

Start with the room, not the sofa. Grab a tape measure and sketch your floor plan. Note the room dimensions (length and width), window and door locations, traffic paths from entry to kitchen, and any architectural features like fireplaces or built-ins.

Measure your entry path too: doorway widths and heights, hallway turns, stair widths, and any tight landings. Many beautiful sofas have been turned away at the front door because nobody checked.

• Plan 18–24 inches of clearance for main walkways around the piece.
• For sectionals, note max length on each wall and chaise depth into the room.
• If you have kids or pets, think about fabrics that handle daily life—we cover that in the Materials tab.
• Consider how you actually use the room: TV watching, reading, hosting, napping. A movie-night household needs different seating than a formal living room.

Key Takeaway: The #1 mistake is skipping measurements. Bring room dimensions and entry path widths before you shop.

Braden’s tip: Bring room dimensions and a few photos when you visit. We’ll help you dial in scale, layout, and traffic flow before you sit on a single cushion. Schedule a consultation to get started.

Sofa vs. sectional, and which configuration? Map your primary walkways first—don’t block the natural path from entry to seating to kitchen. Then decide on shape:

• Chaise sectional: Best if you want one great lounging seat. Confirm left-arm vs. right-arm orientation while facing the piece.
• L-shape: Good for corner placement and moderate hosting.
• U-shape: Ideal for large rooms and face-to-face conversation when you entertain.
• Standard sofa: Often the right call for smaller rooms or formal spaces.

Seat depth and height matter more than you think. If you’re tall or love lounging, you’ll usually prefer deeper seats (22–26 inches). If you like upright posture, go shallower (20–22 inches). Higher seat height (18–20 inches) feels better for knees and hips; lower seats feel modern but can be harder to rise from.

Try it with shoes off and sit all the way back—you’ll feel quickly whether the lumbar support is right. Arm height matters too, especially if you nap on the sofa or use it for reading.

Key Takeaway: Sit for 10+ minutes in your real positions (reading, TV, napping) before committing. Two minutes tells you nothing.

Ask us: “Can I test different seat depths on this frame?” Many of our custom programs allow adjustments.

This is where long-term durability lives. The parts you can’t see—frame, suspension, and cushion core—determine whether your sofa looks great in year one or year fifteen.

Frame: Look for kiln-dried hardwood with robust joinery. Softer woods and stapled joints are where cost gets cut first. Corner blocks and reinforced stress points add structural life.

Suspension:

• Eight-way hand-tied springs use individually tied coils for even, durable support. It’s labor-intensive and a hallmark of premium construction.
• Sinuous springs (S-springs) use continuous wire arcs. Quality varies widely—heavier gauge wire and secure frame attachment are key.

Cushions: Ask about foam density and resiliency. HR (High Resilience) foams hold shape far longer than low-density alternatives. Down-blend wraps feel plush but need regular fluffing. A good test: sit in the same spot for 5–10 minutes and see if you bottom out.

Key Takeaway: Ask three questions: What’s the frame made of? What’s the spring system? What’s the cushion core? If a retailer can’t answer clearly, that’s a red flag.

Ask us: “What’s the frame, spring system, and cushion core on this piece?”

Choose materials that match how you live. The right fabric or leather can make a sofa last beautifully for years; the wrong choice leads to frustration.

Fabric vs. leather:

• Leather develops character over time and is easy to wipe clean. Protected and semi-aniline leathers are the most practical for families.
• Performance fabrics are engineered for stain resistance and durability—ideal for kids and pets. Look for tight weaves, mid-tone heathered patterns, and avoid delicate loops if you have cats.
• Natural textiles (cotton, linen, wool) breathe well but may need more care.

Color strategy: Order swatches and test them under your home lighting—day vs. night can change everything. If you want flexibility long-term, keep bold color in pillows and accessories, not the sofa itself.

Style: Arms, legs, and silhouette set the tone. Clean track arms feel modern; rolled arms feel traditional. Exposed wood legs add warmth; skirted bases soften the look.

Key Takeaway: Always order swatches and test under your home lighting before committing to a fabric or leather.

Ask us: “Which performance fabrics work best for my lifestyle?” We’ll help you order the right swatches.

Plan ahead, especially for custom. Many of the best sofas are made-to-order—you’re choosing the exact fabric, configuration, and sometimes cushion feel. That means production scheduling drives lead time more than shipping.

• Custom orders: Lead times vary by maker and season. If you need a specific size, configuration, or performance fabric, custom is almost always worth the wait.
• In-stock / quick-ship: Best when timing is the priority and standard sizes work for your room. Quick-ship is often tied to specific fabrics and finishes.
• Delivery: Clear the entry path, confirm doorway widths, and inspect the piece at delivery. Take photos of any issues right away.

Protect the investment:

• Ask about warranty coverage—focus on frame, suspension, and mechanisms.
• Rotate and fluff cushions regularly (especially down-blend).
• Keep leather 12–18 inches from heat sources. Use manufacturer-recommended cleaners.
• For fabric, blot spills quickly and follow care instructions from day one.

Key Takeaway: Custom is almost always worth the wait for the right fit. Ask about lead times early so you can plan.

Ask us: “What’s the lead time, and what warranty coverage comes with this piece?”