When shopping for furniture, try some of these tips to help you choose pieces that are comfortable and a good value.
Sofas and Loveseats
Place both hands on the back of the sofa or loveseat and squeeze. You shouldn’t be able to feel the frame through the padding. With both hands placed firmly on the back, try to give the piece a good shake. If you feel much movement, move on to another piece. Sit on sofas or loveseats to make sure the cushions are firm.
Also, measure the sofa for length and height but don’t forget to measure for depth. Furniture looks much smaller in a large show room than it will in your home. You don’t want the sofa to stick out so far that you won’t have room for a coffee table, so measure that area before you leave home.
Chairs and Recliners
Sit in a chair to test the comfort but also move around in the chair. Pay attention to movement if any of the frame and to squeaks in the joints. When looking for dining chairs or similar pieces, check for “stretchers.” These are the pieces that fit between the legs. Look for double stretchers from left to right and for additional stretchers that go from front to back. Chairs built this way are far sturdier.
Measure a recliner when it’s in a reclining position to make sure it will work well in the space that you plan to use it. Many recliners today have a space saving design, but they still may take up more space than you think.
Mattresses
Do not feel awkward about lying down on a mattress in a showroom to test it out. It’s expected. Don’t jump up right away either. Lie there long enough to get a sense of whether or not the mattress will provide the comfort and support that you need.
Pillow top mattresses are comfy, but if there is a big difference in price between pillow tops and other styles, you may want to opt for the more economical mattress and simply add a padded mattress cover.