While getting new furniture is exciting, paying thousands of dollars for a cheap sofa isn’t. Getting a good quality sofa for a reasonable price seems impossible sometimes. We’ll be going over how much you should actually pay for a new couch and how to avoid overpaying for cheap furniture.
Buying a sofa is similar to buying a car. With a car, you have to decide if you want to pay extra for keep-lane assist, Bluetooth, and heated seats. With a sofa, you have to decide what kind of cushions you want, what fabric fits your lifestyle, if you’d like it stationary or reclining, and much more. Each add-on will cost a little extra, but will generally be worth it.
There are some things to consider before you buy: how much you actually want to pay, if you have kids, if you have pets, if you want something that will last a decade or just a few years, where it will be (sitting room sofas don’t get used as much as family room sofas), and the level of comfort you are wanting.
So here’s your first tip: anything under $699 is considered an inexpensive sofa. $799–$1,999 is the average you’ll pay for one sofa. Any sofa within the $2,000–$3,000 is considered “higher-end”.
Kids and Pets
There are two routes you can take when it comes to buying a sofa with kids and pets. You can buy a lower-quality sofa because the chances of it getting a paint job or scratched by dirty paws are pretty good. Or you can invest in a high-quality fabric sofa that will last a long time. Performance fabrics (olefin, acrylic, nylon, etc.) have stain-repelling qualities, repel moisture, and are known to be very, very easy to clean. They can even last 10 times longer than standard fabric! This fabric may cost you a little more, but the cost will be well worth it in the long run.
Material
The price of a sofa depends a great deal on the materials. Leather and silk sofas are going to be priced higher than cotton and polyester couches. There are even different grades of leather that will increase cost and longevity. Down-filled cushions will be more expensive than dacron-filled cushions. The density of foam also plays a role in the price. Keep in mind that the type of material isn’t just for aesthetic purposes, it does play a part in the longevity of the sofa. For example, leather sofas tend to last longer than fabric sofas. If you have kids and/or pets, but don’t want to buy another sofa in 4 years, then this is where fabric can play a huge role in your decision. Sofas made out of performance fabrics are a go-to for families with lots of active members.
Longevity & Construction
When shopping for a new sofa, you need to consider how long you’ll want to keep it. If you are prone to following the latest trend, you may want to opt for a cheaper sofa. But if you are looking for something to last, you’ll want to shop at a higher price point. The construction of a sofa affects not only the price but how long a sofa can last. If the frame is glued rather than nailed together, then the price may be lower, but the life expectancy of the sofa will be lower, as well. The same applies to the frame; a metal frame will last longer than a wood frame. Consider where this sofa will go. If it is going in a front sitting room, it may not get as much attention as the sofa in the living room. If your sofa is going to be used every day, consider buying a sofa with strong construction.
Comfort
Be honest with yourself, how much time do you spend on your sofa? If your couch is only a place for your guest to sit, then a cheaper sofa will do. If your sofa is your other half, then you’re going to want to spend a little extra cash for a little extra comfort. A sofa priced under $1,000 can be comfortable enough, but over time, higher-priced materials will hold up better and maintain their shape longer. Avoid saggy cushions and buy a nicer couch! Foam is manufactured in different densities. The higher the quality of the foam, the longer the cushions will keep their shape and comfort level.
Warranties
Most furniture stores and manufacturers offer warranties on cushions, frames, and materials. We offer a 5-year warranty on cushions and electric (electric leg rests, recliners, etc), an 8-year warranty on frames, and a 1-year warranty on fabric. This is good to keep in mind when shopping for a new sofa.
Additional Features
Shopping for a sofa is similar to shopping for a car. When shopping for a car, you can add additional functions and safety features, like keep-lane assist, backup cameras, sunroofs, etc. These additional features will increase the cost of your new car. The same goes for sofas. You can get a standard sofa, or you can get the same sofa with power footrests, massage functions, and in a sectional. These extra features will add to the price of your sofa, but they will make the sofa more comfortable and personalized to you and your lifestyle.
Some additional features you can add to your sofa are power headrests, lumbar support, massage features, reclining, cupholders, and more.