Sofas and couches are long, upholstered pieces of furniture which can be used to sit or lounge. Both terms are interchangeable in common usage. Designers prefer to differentiate between the two.
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1. Affordability
Furniture stores often offer specials and discounts. NerdWallet suggests shopping for a sofa during these times to secure the most value and avoid spending too much.
Another way to save money is to search for a used sofa. This kind of sofa is cheaper than purchasing one brand new however, you aren't able to customize it. You can find bargains at local flea markets and yard sales, as well as on the online marketplaces of major furniture retailers.
When looking for a couch, consider the frame's quality. Webbing or mesh are cheaper alternatives, whereas the best couches have a frame made of hardwood that has been kiln dried, such as beech, oak or beech. The springs of a sofa also come in a variety of types of quality. Cheaper ones don't have any springs whatsoever, whereas the higher-quality types may feature serpentine springs or eight-way hand-tied springs.
For the ultimate in comfort and function sofas can be fitted with extra 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 area as an additional storage option and for decoration. Find out all the options and visit showrooms in order to test the furniture.
4. Sustainability in the EnvironmentWhile fast fashion has been considered by sustainability experts as something to avoid, it's also important to consider the environmental impact of large furniture items like couches that will ultimately be tossed to the curb. A couch made of sustainable materials and designed by a local manufacturer will likely leave a smaller carbon footprint than one imported from overseas.
Aside from the type of material that are used in a sofa the manufacturing process is another important factor to consider when determining the environmental sustainability of a particular sofa. Does the company use renewable energy sources for its production? Does it make use of recycled materials to reduce waste? What is the way that the manufacturing plants it uses run in terms of conserving natural resources and reducing pollution?
Find a sofa made of sustainable materials. You can find them in a second-hand or vintage seller. Many of these sellers provide professional cleaning and repair services that can extend the life of furniture that will keep it out of landfills for longer. Check out the offerings on Kaiyo, a marketplace that sells and buys furniture that is used to keep them from being thrown away.
If you're looking to buy a couch that is more sustainable, pick one made of organic fabrics or wood that has been sustainably obtained. For example, VivaTerra's couches are made in the USA with wood that is sourced ethically and GOTS-certified organic cotton or hemp. Their foam is Cradle To Cradle certified and they don't use any formaldehyde or flame retardants in their cushions. They also ship sofas in 100% recyclable corrugated boxes and offset their carbon emissions for the entire year.
There are also companies like Maiden Home that make their couches to order in North Carolina, reducing waste. They use repurposed materials as well as recycled materials like velvet or polyester that has been upcycled and is OEKOTEX and GRS certifications.
