Sofas and couches are long and upholstered pieces of furniture which can be used to sit or lounge. Colloquially both terms are often used interchangeably. Designers prefer to distinguish between the two.A sale is the transference of ownership to another party in exchange for money or other valuable items. Every day millions of sales transactions are made to improve the financial health of the consumer and business.
1. Affordability
Buying a couch can be costly and furniture stores often offer discounts and deals. NerdWallet suggests shopping for a couch during these times to discover the lowest prices and to avoid spending too much.
Another option to save money is to shop for a second-hand sofa. The type of sofa you choose is less expensive than buying one brand new, even though you can't modify it. There are bargains to be found at local flea markets and yard sales and also on the online marketplaces of major furniture stores.
Take into consideration the frame when looking for a couch. The cheaper options are made of webbing or mesh, while better couches have a kiln-dried frame made of hardwood, like oak or beech. The springs on couches are also available in different quality levels. The ones that are less expensive don't have springs at all, while the ones with higher quality may have serpentine springs or eight-way hand-tied springs.
For the most comfort and convenience, a sofa could include extra features like LED lights, power reclining mechanisms and built-in beds. You can add a table with a low rise or a coffeetable to your living area as an additional storage solution as well as a decorative element. Before you purchase, research all the available alternatives and visit a showroom to try the furniture in person.
4. Environmental Sustainability
Fast fashion is a trend that sustainability experts have warned against. However, it's important to consider the environmental impact large pieces such as couches which will be thrown out. A couch made from sustainable materials made by a local manufacturer will likely leave a smaller carbon footprint than a couch imported from abroad.
Apart from the kind of materials used in a sofa, the process of manufacturing is an important factor to consider when determining the sustainability of a couch. Does the company make use of renewable energy sources in its production? Does it recycle materials to reduce waste? What is the way that manufacturing facilities are operated to ensure the protection of natural resources and minimizing pollution?
Look for a couch made of 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 out of landfills for longer. Or, check out the options at Kaiyo, an online marketplace that sells and purchases used furniture to prevent it from being discarded.
If you're looking to buy a couch that is more sustainable, choose one made from organic fabrics or wood that is sustainable procured. For instance, VivaTerra's sofas are made in the USA using wood that is ethically sourced and GOTS-certified organic cotton or hemp. The cushions are made without formaldehyde, flame retardants, or Cradle To Cradle-certified foam. They also ship sofas in 100 recycled corrugated boxes and offset their carbon emissions for the entire year.
Then there are companies like Maiden Home, which crafts their couches to order in order to cut down on waste and create them locally in North Carolina. They make use of repurposed and recycled materials, including upcycled velvet and polyester that have the OEKO-TEX and GRS certifications.
