Checkout Lane: How to pick the right couch
With breakout.
When buying a couch, there are several factors to consider, from style and color to fabric preference. But perhaps no factor is more important than making sure that couch actually fits in your front door, says Rick Morde, owner of The Furniture Market.
"You don't want to buy a sofa and have the delivery guy not be able to get it in your house," said Morde, whose Furniture Market has locations in Kingston and Hanover.
When couch shopping, Morde recommends telling the salesperson what room you are planning to put the couch in, how much traffic the room gets, and the size of your house door.
Morde said those with particularly small doorways or narrow staircases might want to choose a reclining couch because the backs are removable and easier to fit through tight entryways.
Sectional sofas, which often recline or come with beds built in, may be a good option for those looking to get the most bang for their buck, according to John Schipper, a salesman at Robbin's Furniture in Rockland.
While sectional couches may cost a bit more, with prices of $1,000 and up, Schipper said, their additional features make them a good buy for those looking to furnish much of a room with one purchase.
Those without entry constraints should next consider how often they plan to use the couch. If you're looking for a couch for your living room, and particularly if you have children, Morde recommends looking for a couch made of leather or microfiber. Both materials are durable and easy to clean.
"Microfiber doesn't stain. You can spill mustard, ketchup, red wine and clean it off with water," Morde said. "It's great for an active family or space that gets a lot of use."
Shoppers looking for a less-used couch, perhaps one that will sit in a more formal room, may consider one made of cotton fabric. Morde said cotton print couches typically allow for more vibrant colors and decorative floral patterns.
Most couches range in price from $500 to $1,000, Morde said.
"If you pay $300 for a sofa, you're not getting a hardwood frame. You're getting a plywood box with foam," Morde said.
A.J. Bauer may be reached at ajbauer@ledger.com.
MIND YOUR MATERIAL
Leather -- The most durable couch material, it is also the most expensive. But if you can afford it, leather is easily cleaned and can be repaired, unlike other fabrics.
Microfiber -- Relatively inexpensive, durable and easy to clean, making it a good choice for families with children or those looking to furnish a high-traffic room.
Cotton fabric -- Cotton prints allow for vibrant, colored couches that would fit nicely in a formal living room. But those with children should be cautious because cotton is not as easy to clean and is not as durable.
Source: Rick Morde, owner of The Furniture Market in Kingston and Hanover.