Black Friday Sofas: What to Check Before You Buy

Before buying a sofa, measure the room and every doorway it must pass through, then check the frame material, cushion fill, upholstery and delivery terms. A sofa that fits the wall but not the entrance is the most common and most expensive mistake. More in the furniture department.

Measure the room and the route

Mark the footprint on the floor with painter’s tape. Leave walking space around the sofa and keep clear of radiators, vents and windows that need to open. Then measure the route: front door, hallway, stairwell, elevator and any tight corner. Door frames lose width to hinges, so measure the clear opening.

Compare these with the sofa’s width, depth and height, and keep in mind that many sofas travel tilted. A listing that gives only one dimension is not enough to decide.

Frame and construction

The frame is what you cannot see and cannot easily fix. Solid hardwood, or well-joined plywood, is generally a better sign than particleboard or a stapled softwood frame. Listings that mention doweled or corner-blocked joints, and that name the wood, are more reliable than those that stay vague.

Sit on it if you can, and lift one corner to feel for flex. For online buying, read the materials list and look at the underside photos.

Cushions, fill and fabric

Removable cushion covers make cleaning easier, and zippered covers can sometimes be washed according to the care tag. Performance fabrics and leather suit homes with pets and children, while delicate weaves show wear faster. Always read the care label before you assume a stain will come out.

Sofas to compare

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Shape and size

A sectional fills a room fast, so decide first whether you want the chaise on the left or right when facing the sofa. Sleeper sofas add a mattress, so check the mattress type and whether the frame still feels comfortable as a daily seat. Depth matters for comfort: a very deep sofa looks inviting but can leave shorter people without back support.

Delivery, assembly and returns

Ask whether delivery is curbside or room of choice, who carries the sofa up stairs, and whether packaging is removed. Some sofas arrive in boxes with legs or arms to attach. Check the return policy for restocking and pickup rules, since returning a sofa is rarely simple. When buying from an online seller, check feedback, photos of every side, and the stated condition before you pay.