A sofa is used every day for years, so it pays to check a few things before you fall for a colour or a photo. Work through these in order and you will narrow the choice quickly.
1. Start with the space, not the sofa
Measure the wall or area where the sofa will sit, then mark the footprint on the floor with painter’s tape. Leave about 30–36 inches for walkways and 14–18 inches between the sofa and a coffee table. Our sofa size guide shows typical sizes by room.
2. Check it can get in
Doorways, hallways, stairs and elevators stop more sofa deliveries than anything else. Measure them before you order. Our measuring guide explains how, and each sofa’s page has a fit checker that compares your measurements with the listed dimensions.
3. Match seat depth and height to how you sit
- Seat height of about 17–19 inches suits most adults; lower seats feel more lounge-like but are harder to get out of.
- Seat depth of about 20–22 inches suits upright sitting; 24 inches or more (a “deep seat”) suits curling up and lounging.
- Taller people usually prefer deeper seats and higher backs; shorter people often prefer standard depth so their feet reach the floor.
4. Choose the shape
A standard three-seat sofa suits most living rooms. Sectionals seat more people and fill corners; loveseats suit small rooms; sleeper sofas add a guest bed. See how to choose a sectional if you need one.
5. Look at what is inside
- Frame: kiln-dried hardwood or engineered hardwood with reinforced joints lasts longest; particleboard-only frames are lighter-duty.
- Suspension: sinuous (“S”) springs are the most common and durable for everyday use; eight-way hand-tied springs are a premium option; webbing alone is lighter-duty.
- Cushions: see choosing cushion firmness for foam, fibre and feather fills.
6. Pick a fabric for your household
Pets, children and sunny rooms all change the right choice. Compare the options in fabric vs leather, and check the cleaning code before you buy (sofa care explains the codes).
7. Read the delivery and return terms
Before ordering, check how the sofa is delivered (boxed or assembled, curbside or inside), how long it takes and what happens if it does not fit. These details are on each product page under Delivery & returns.