Selecting a couch is one of the biggest furniture decisions you will make, not only because of its expense, but also because it will be the focal point of your living room. Before you make a trip to purchase a couch, take measurements of the room and decide what length, width, and height you would like your couch to be. At the furniture store, check couches for their comfort, sitting and lying down as you would do at home.

Besides comfort and size, it is important to examine the couch for its construction, choose the material most suitable for your lifestyle, and determine if it would look good in your living room.

Frame, Springs, and Filling
What to Avoid:
·    Soft woods like pine, which may warp or give way over time.
·    Frame joints connected only by staples, nails, or glue.
·    Couch legs that do not look extra-sturdy.
·    Webbing or mesh supports instead of springs.
·    Thin batting that makes the arm rests and back feel hard and uncomfortable.

Recommended Qualities:
·    Kiln-dried hardwoods like maple, ash, or poplar, which are strong and durable.
·    Frame joints connected by wood dowels and corner blocks, or metal brackets and screws.
·    Couch legs that are built-in and solid to withstand weight over the years.
·    Springs that feel firm and are snugly fitted, for example, eight-way, hand-tied springs.
·    High-resilient foam filling is longer lasting and preferred over polyurethane foam and polyester fiber fillings.

Fabric
Leather    : Best for standing up to wear and tear, though typically the most expensive of couch fabrics. While natural leather is difficult to clean, treated leather is significantly easier to maintain.
Microfiber:  Durable, soft and smooth to the touch, and attractive-looking. If you have children in the home, microfiber is a good choice since it is easy to maintain, although stains can be difficult to remove. Microfiber fabrics now come in both solids and patterns, and can have the look of cotton or suede.
Cotton and natural fabrics: Come in many patterns and colors and look wonderful in a more formal space. Natural fabrics are difficult materials to clean and not so durable; therefore they are not recommended for homes with children or pets.

Style
Purchasing a couch is a big investment; choosing a neutral color with a classic look will accommodate style updates over the years. It will be less expensive to change smaller pieces of furniture and accessories if you grow tired of a particular theme or style. Moreover, slip covers for your couch can allow you to change its color and pattern if you desire a different look.
However, if you are more or less settled in your tastes and have a strong preference for a particular style, go for a couch that reflects that style. Traditional-looking sofas usually have big, comfortable cushions and an angled or curved back. Rolled arms and fabric skirting that covers the legs fit in with a country  decor. Modern sofas tend to have low backs, clean and streamlined features, and visible legs.