Shopping is not one of my easiest tasks, and furniture shopping is even tougher.

There are so many things to think about: What type of couch? What style? What color? What size? What accessories? How much do I want to spend?

That's too much for a guy like me to think about.

I've had my current couch for seven years. It has provided many movie nights, afternoon naps, and relaxation time, but is seven years too long?

According to Parachute Home's website, a couch lasts seven to twenty years, so I'm in the early stages of thinking about a new one. No big deal; I have plenty of time before I need to invest in a new couch.

After examining the condition of my couch, I may be in the 'it's time to get a new couch' phase.

These are the signs to start looking for a new couch.

  • Creaking noises.
  • Wobbly when sitting on it.
  • Flat/ sagging cushions.
  • Stained, torn, faded, or smelly fabric.
  • Springs poking through.
  • Torn or ripped webbing.
  • Dented armrest.

Sure enough, my couch meets every one of these criteria. According to Slumberland Furniture's website, there are five things to consider when picking out a sofa before considering the design, color, or size.

  • Frame
    • hardwood
    • furniture-grade plywood
    • steel
    • regular plywood (different than furniture grade)
  • Joints
    • wooden dowels
    • double wooden dowels
    • metal screws and brackets
  • Springs
    • sinuous
    • serpentine
  • Fillings
    • polyurethane foam
    • memory foam
    • coil springs
    • polyester fiber
    • goose down
  • Upholstery
    • silk
    • leather
    • fabric

Now that you've reviewed those options, you can choose the couch's design, color, and size.

See, that's not a spur-of-the-moment impulse buy. If I had done more research before purchasing my current couch, I would have been 8 or 9 years from having to make these choices.

If you're in the same boat, my thoughts are with you. If you need more help choosing, I found a straightforward video from @DesignChickee on YouTube.

In the video, she explains how to choose:

  • Fit & Comfort
  • Frame selection
  • Fill & Cushions
  • Fabric & Upholstery
  • Measuring

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