Does shopping for a couch make you anxious? Here are practical tips from someone who recently went through the process and survived.
I’m the kind of person who gets buyer’s remorse over a small purchase, so making a big, long-term investment like a sofa felt intimidating. (Don’t even mention cars.)
Our old couch served us well for years and was clearly loved and well used.
We bought it new at an auction two decades ago, along with the matching loveseat.
It was very much a 1990s country-blue checked piece with dusty-rose accents—trendy at the time and comfortable enough that we kept it for years.
When we moved into our townhouse, we decided it was time for a replacement that better suited our new space and this stage of life.
At first the idea of a new sofa felt exciting; very quickly it became overwhelming. I was anxious about making a mistake on such a large purchase and postponed the decision until spring.
Now the new couch is home, and I love it. Meet Edie:
Edie is our new La-Z-Boy reclining sofa, and she’s quickly become a favorite. Because choosing a sofa felt so daunting, I want to share practical advice from my recent experience that might help you navigate the process more confidently.
Things to Consider when Buying a Couch
Get help if you feel overwhelmed
Even though I enjoy home decor, translating inspiration images into a functional plan for a small townhouse was difficult. There’s no shame in asking for help. I worked with a friend online who guided me through decisions, helped me narrow options, and gave me the confidence to commit.
Think about comfort and your family’s needs
For our household, reclining functionality was non-negotiable—my husband requested it and I agreed. Years ago friends surprised us with a recliner when I was dealing with chronic pain, and that comfort made us loyal to La-Z-Boy recliners. As you plan, consider who will use the sofa, whether you need a sleeper, and how it will fit into daily life.
Consider room scale and measure carefully
My friend’s professional input helped me determine if a reclining sofa would overwhelm our small living room. She assured me it would fit and work well against the wall while still allowing the footrests to operate. Accurate measurements and imagining how the piece will sit in the room are essential.
Because this model was designed to hug the wall and still recline, it worked perfectly in our space.
Research extras before you buy
Buying furniture is a lot like buying a car: there are optional upgrades and add-ons that affect the final cost. Before you shop, decide where you stand on items such as:
- extended warranties,
- fabric stain protection,
- the grade or durability of fabric, and
- overall construction quality.
These choices influence price and longevity. Know your priorities and budget so you can make informed decisions at checkout.
Take your time choosing fabric
I wanted a light or white sofa for the aesthetic I’d been pinning, but practicality won out—I didn’t want to fight constant cleaning or wash out the room. After weeks of deliberation among more than 200 fabric choices, we chose a dark charcoal gray that matched the model in our local store. Fabric selection was the hardest decision for me, so give yourself time and sample options in person if possible.
Shop where you feel most comfortable
Some people buy sofas online without hesitation; I preferred to try before I bought. Being able to sit, feel cushions, and compare heights mattered because my husband is tall and I’m much shorter. We needed a sofa both of us could relax on comfortably. Edie doesn’t look like a typical recliner but functions as one—ideal for a small space where comfort and appearance both matter.
One fun bonus: two people can share a footrest, which makes cozy movie nights possible for more than two people if everyone gets along.
Prepare your questions in advance
Go to the store with a list: size requirements, construction details, warranty options, origin of manufacture, return policy, and delivery procedures. Salespeople are usually eager to explain product details, so ask about anything that matters to you.
Be patient—custom pieces take time
If you order a customized or made-to-order sofa, don’t expect immediate delivery. Our La-Z-Boy estimate was 12 weeks; it actually arrived earlier. Plan for production and shipping timelines so you’re not surprised.
Measure doorways and consider power
Before buying, measure all doorways, stairwells, and hallways the sofa must pass through. Also remember that power-reclining pieces need an accessible outlet where the sofa will sit. We measured at the last minute and were relieved when Edie fit easily through our doorway, but others have had delivery issues, so check ahead.
Understand the delivery process
Our local store handled delivery professionally. We received calls and emails confirming timing, and the delivery team was prompt and careful. They carried the sofa inside, assembled the legs, and plugged it in. (Pardon the blurry photo, but you can see Edie’s center support leg.)
We appreciated the friendly service and how smoothly everything went. While this reads like praise for La-Z-Boy, it’s simply our honest experience—though I wouldn’t mind blogging for them someday.
Related Post:
If you want to see Edie’s matching chairs in another room, I spotted them on the Handmade Home blog after I placed my order—one of my favorite blogs and a great source of inspiration.
Final takeaway: plan, measure, know your priorities, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. A new sofa is a big purchase, but with the right preparation—comfort, scale, fabric choice, and a clear delivery plan—you can find a piece that suits your home and lifestyle.