Having the right couch sets the tone for your living space. It can be a statement piece with a bold color or an earth tone that blends into the decor, either way, it provides comfort.
Finding the right couch is tough, especially on a budget. Moving into a new space, or needing a new couch is an expense. Couches can cost thousands of dollars, and not everyone has that kind of money laying around for a couch when it could fund your next vacation or student loan payments.
Luckily in the online market, there are affordable options for buying couches and furniture. If you haven't bought furniture online before, there are a lot of things to keep in mind while doing your research. Most of all, the couch is supposed to be comfortable, but buying online does not allow you to touch or try sitting on it.
For these reasons it is important to do your research, know what you are looking for, and know your space before even looking online. This article also contains some recommended online shops for buying affordable couches.
Do Your Research
If you search for affordable couches on the internet, tons of cheap options will pop up on random marketplaces or Amazon. Be careful, because the cheap price can mean cheap quality, and buying the wrong couch is something you will regret every time you sit on it.
Do your research before buying. That means, read reviews, read the full description to understand what the materials and dimensions are. It isn't like buying jeans, if they don't fit you can't send them back, couches come with higher shipping costs and are a real pain to return.
Make sure to be aware of any return policies, that is essential for first-time online buyers. It is better to be able to return it than be stuck with a couch that isn't what you want, even if it is a hassle to return it.
Know What You Are Looking For
First, know your living space. What dimensions exactly are you looking for, or willing to give? If you are looking for a good price, you might have to be a little flexible on the dimensions. Have more than one dimension in mind, your ideal, the biggest size you are willing to go, and the smallest. This will help narrow down the options because there are millions on the internet.
Become fluent in fabrics and cushioning. If you have time, go to a furniture store and touch different fabrics, sit on different cushions so you can have an idea of what to look for online. Don't be afraid to buy fabric samples to have as a reference while online shipping.
Cushioning is super important, as everyone has their own preference for a stiffer or more fluffy feel. This is a personal choice, but if buying second hand it might be more difficult to navigate. Ask the second-hand owners about the feel, get a full picture before buying. Go in informed, so that when the couch arrives it is exactly how you expected it to be.
Once you know your dimensions, fabric and cushioning preferences, all that is left is shopping for the right couch to fit your living space aesthetic. Think about what style you are interested in, the color preference and if the couch should have other functions such as reclining or transforming into a pull-out bed.
Where To Buy Affordable Couches Online
After doing your research and knowing exactly what you are looking for, it is time to finally get shopping. It can be overwhelming looking through various stores, at the price tags and then at your bank account. Don't be afraid to look at second-hand, it is sustainable and of better quality for the price. Here are some options for both new and second-hand shops or marketplaces to get started on your furniture hunt.
New Couches:
- Ikea, while it is a bit obvious, it is always a good price and maybe you can try it out in stores before buying!
- Cost Plus World Market, they have so many deals, try to look for a coupon and keep your eye on an item until a sale comes around (it always does).
- Wayfair, affordable and new, has a lot of sales!
- Overstock.com, new furniture that is overstock, so they constantly have new selections and prices.
Second-Hand Couches:
- Facebook Marketplace, one of the most used marketplaces for selling second-hand furniture.
- Offer Up, super affordable site for buying and selling second-hand locally.
Picking the right couch is an investment, even if you are investing on a budget. It is an investment in Netflix binging, dinner parties, take-out movie nights and home memories.
