Living Room

Most sofas that don't work out never make it past the front door. Measure every doorway, hallway and stair turn the piece has to travel, and compare the narrowest one to the sofa's diagonal depth — not its straight depth.

• Doorway width and height, with the door open
• Tightest hallway turn and any low ceilings on stairs
• Ask whether the legs and back cushions come off

Seat depth decides everything. If you curl up and nap, look for 24 inches or more. If you sit upright, have shorter legs, or host older guests, 20–22 inches with a firmer cushion is easier to get in and out of.

• Sit for a full minute — first impressions lie
• Feet flat on the floor with knees at hip height is the sweet spot
• Down-blend cushions feel soft but need fluffing; foam-core holds its shape

Kids, pets and Friday-night takeout all point to performance fabric — tightly woven, stain-resistant and often cleanable with water. Leather wears in beautifully and wipes clean, but sun and cat claws are hard on it.

• Tighter weaves resist snags better than loose boucle
• Mid-tones hide wear better than very light or very dark
• Ask to see the cleaning code (W, S, W/S, X) on the tag

Float the sofa off the wall if the room allows — even 6 inches makes a space feel designed. Put the rug under at least the front legs of every seat so the grouping reads as one room.

• Leave 14–18 inches between sofa and coffee table
• Keep conversation seats within about 8 feet of each other
• Plan the TV wall and the walkways before the sofa