What makes a couch worth buying beyond the price tag?

You can get a good price on a couch and still wish you'd chosen a different shape. If you wanted somewhere to stretch out but bought another upright sofa, the discount wears off faster than the frustration.

Before comparing prices, decide what you want the new couch to do better than the old one.

Spend on the part you'll use every day

Maybe you sit sideways on your current couch to put your legs up. Perhaps you like its shape but want a different fabric. Those are two different reasons to buy, and they lead to different choices.

If lounging is the priority, the chaise on our 96-inch L-shaped couch is a feature you'll use. You can put your legs up and leave the regular seating area for someone else.

If you mostly sit upright to talk, a different arrangement may suit you better. Compare couches for the way you'll spend time on them.

Look past the upholstery to the support

Black corduroy gives this model a textured look and a soft surface. Individually pocketed coils and high-density foam form the support underneath.

Read what supports the cushions as well as what covers them. Descriptions such as plush won't tell you much about the construction. Material names are a starting point, though they can't tell you exactly how the couch will feel to you or how many years it will last.

If a listing leaves out something important to your choice, ask about it before buying.

Leave room in the budget for the room

Look at the furniture you're keeping. A couch that works with your existing table and rug saves you from replacing those pieces just to finish the room.

Compare the total at checkout for the configuration you want. Include any carrying help you arrange, and read the current return terms before ordering.

You can choose a throw later. Keep it out of the sofa budget unless you already know you need it.

Save the configuration and total you're comparing. That way, when a sale catches your attention, you can see what you're getting for the price.