Sofas and couches are long pieces of furniture with upholstered cushions that sit or lounge. Colloquially both terms are often used interchangeably. Designers prefer to differentiate between the two.
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1. Affordability
Furniture stores often offer discounts and specials. NerdWallet recommends buying couches during these times to discover the best prices and avoid spending too much.
A used couch is another option to save. While you won't have the ability to modify this sofa, it's much more affordable than purchasing a new one. You can find bargains at local market and yard sales and on the online marketplaces for major furniture retailers.
Take into consideration the frame when looking for a couch. Webbing and mesh are the cheapest options, while the better couches are made from a hardwood frame that has been kiln dried, like beech, oak or beech. The springs of couches are also available in various levels of quality. The ones that are less expensive don't have springs at all, while the more expensive ones may include serpentine springs or eight-way hand-tied springs.
For the ultimate in comfort and functionality sofas can be fitted with additional features like LED lights and power reclining mechanisms. You can also have built-in beds. Include a low-rise table or a coffeetable to your living space to provide additional storage and to add some style. Find out all the options and visit showrooms in order to try out the furniture.
4. Environmental Sustainability
While fast fashion has long been viewed by sustainability experts as something to avoid, it's also important to consider the environmental impact of big furniture items like couches that are eventually put to waste. A sofa made of sustainable materials and made by a local maker will likely leave a smaller carbon footprint than a couch imported from abroad.
The process of making a sofa is also important to take into account in determining its environmental impact. Does the company make use of renewable energy sources during production? Does it use recycled materials to reduce waste? How are the manufacturing plants operated to ensure the protection of the environment and reducing pollution?
Find a sofa that is made from sustainable materials. You can find them in a second-hand or vintage seller. Many of these sellers offer professional cleaning and repair services that can extend the lifespan of a piece, keeping it from being thrown away. Or, check out the products available at Kaiyo an online marketplace that buys and sells used furniture to keep it from being thrown away.
If you're looking for a couch that is more sustainable, select one made of organic materials or wood that is sustainable obtained. VivaTerra for instance, makes couches in the USA with wood that is ethically sourced and organic cotton or hemp certified by the GOTS. Their foam is Cradle To Cradle certified and they use no formaldehyde or flame retardants in their cushions. They also ship their sofas in 100% recycled corrugate boxes and offset all of their carbon emissions.
There are also companies such as Maiden Home, which crafts their couches to order in order to reduce waste and make them locally in North Carolina. They make use of repurposed and recycled materials such as velvet or polyester that has been upcycled and has OEKOTEX as well as GRS certifications.
