5 Things to Check Before Buying Furniture

Shopping for furniture for sale can feel overwhelming. You scroll through endless options and still feel unsure. Will it fit your space? Will it last? These concerns are valid.

Whether you're setting up your living room, bedroom, or home office, the right decision can save money and stress. Before you swipe your card or click “add to cart,” make sure you check the following five things. These checks will help you choose smartly and avoid regret.

1. Measure Your Space — Twice

Size is everything when it comes to furniture. Before buying, grab a measuring tape. Measure your available floor space. Note door widths, stairways, and hallways.

Don’t guess. A large couch or queen bed frame won’t squeeze through narrow doors. Worse, it may block walkways in your room.

Leave enough space to move around. Ideally, keep at least 24–30 inches of clearance between pieces. This makes the room feel open and breathable.

2. Check Frame and Build Quality

Good furniture has a strong core. Sofas, beds, and chairs should have hardwood or metal frames. Particleboard or plastic won’t hold up over time.

When browsing couches for sale, press on the arms. Shake the frame. It shouldn’t feel wobbly or hollow.

Check for thick legs and reinforced corners. If you're shopping online, read the material details. Look for kiln-dried hardwood or metal bases. Solid build means longer life.

3. Know the Materials and Fabrics

The material impacts how long your furniture lasts—and how easy it is to maintain. Fabric sofas feel soft but may stain easily. Leather cleans quickly but needs care.

Wood varies by type. Oak and maple are strong. Pine dents easily. Some finishes chip faster than others.

If you live with kids or pets, choose performance fabrics. These resist stains and wear better. Visit a mattress store or showroom to test material texture and firmness in person.

4. Test Comfort and Function

Looks matter, but comfort counts more. Sit down. Lie back. Open the drawer. Lift the bed frame. Try everything.

For a couch or chair, check the back support and seat depth. On a bed, test the height and base support. For storage pieces, check hinges, handles, and drawer movement.

You should feel comfortable using it every day. Don’t rely on photos alone. Always test if you can.

5. Review Warranty, Return Policy, and Delivery

Before you check out, check the fine print. Can you return it if it doesn’t fit? Are there restocking fees? Does it come with a warranty?

Warranties protect your purchase. For example, bed frames and sofas should include coverage on frames, springs, or fabrics.

Also, confirm shipping costs. Will they carry the furniture into your home? Or drop it curbside only?

Bonus Tip: Match Style With Purpose

Think beyond trends. A piece should match your daily life. For example, a couch may look trendy, but does it seat enough people?

Check if colors and textures go with your current décor. Consider durability if the room gets heavy use.

FAQs

Q: What’s the best fabric for couches in busy homes?
A: Choose performance fabric or leather. These resist stains and are easier to clean.

Q: How do I check if a couch is durable?
A: Look for hardwood frames, heavy legs, and reinforced corners. Avoid soft or hollow arms.

Q: Should I buy furniture online or in-store?
A: In-store lets you test comfort. Online offers more variety. Check return policies either way.

Q: How much space should I leave between furniture?
A: Leave at least 24–30 inches between large pieces. This helps movement and airflow.

Q: Is a warranty really necessary?
A: Yes. It protects against frame or mechanism defects. Always review the coverage details.