Buying a sofa set because it looks good is, on the surface, fine to do. However, that’s not the only reason to purchase a sectional sofa, recliner, or other kinds of furniture. You should definitely check out the quality of the piece before purchasing. Here are some tips on what to look for.

First, when you find a couch that you might enjoy, you should check to see if it fits in your home. Then look at how it’s made. Check the stitching on the cushions and the frame upholstery. Like wallpaper it should be one piece the whole way around and line up well. The seams should match up well and not appear loose. Pick up the seat cushions. Usually, the heavier the cushion, the better the quality. Better quality usually means more comfortable for a longer period of time.

Ask if the sofa frame has been “kiln dried.” This means that the wood has been sucked of humidity and sealed by heat. These types of sofas also tend to last for longer periods of time.

If you’re buying leather, ask if it’s top grain. Don’t let the salesperson trick you by saying it’s “leather like” or a “leather match.” This just means that it’s vinyl masquerading as leather and you shouldn’t pay top dollar for it.