A couch may be one of the greatest furniture investments you make in your home. If you choose wisely, they can potentially last for decades! Even cheaply made furniture can be costly, so it's better to do your research and spend a little more on something that will last. Here are a few things to keep in mind before you buy:

Assembly

Look for a couch with a hardwood frame (avoid metal and soft woods). Also take note on how the rest of the couch is assembled. Avoid furniture pieces held together with nail, staples, and glue. The most practical and long-lasting pieces will have wooden dowels, metal screws and corner blocks instead.

Composition

We all love going into a furniture store and plopping down on the biggest, squishiest sofa cushions we can find. Those are generally 100 percent down filled and highest quality (although you'll spend a good amount of time fluffing them to look full). If you don't want to splurge on 100 percent down, just try to stay away from 100 perfect foam cores that break up over time.

Material

To keep your furniture from looking worn in after just a few months of ownership, look for a sofa with some solid natural fabrics like wool, cotton, leather, and higher thread count materials. These tough fabrics will last you through many blanket forts, Netflix binges, cuddle sessions, and family movie nights for many years to come. 

Durability

If you have the opportunity to shop for a sofa in person, make sure to test the strength of the frame! Just lift one corner of the couch and see of the corner next to it lifts up with it. Listen for any creaking noises from the springs, then take a seat in it to test the comfort and durability. 

Comfort

Lastly, make sure the couch you choose fits your body and frame. This may sound a little silly, but everyone sits and settles a little different in the comfort of their home. Do the arm rests go too high or too low? Are the cushions wide enough to lay down comfortably with extra room? Do the cushions detach? Does the couch sit at a good height from the ground? 

Furniture shopping can be a fun, but daunting task. While size and color may be on the forefront of your mind, it's important to look for these other specs to get the best bang for your buck. If you find something that's a little out of your budget, Progressive Leasing partners with thousands of furniture stores through the USA to help you pick out exactly what you want. Visit Progressive Leasing today to learn more.