Choosing the right couch for your family, as well as your home, can be a daunting task.  So, I will go through step by step on everything you need to consider when buying a couch.  Furniture is not cheap, and you want to make the right choice.  The best thing you can do is be prepared!!  Even before you step into a furniture showroom, there is a lot you need to do.

All joking aside, in this case, size really does matter. The first thing you need to do is measure everything! I mean everything! From the entire room to the furniture itself.  How many people do you need space for?  Is it just you and your significant other, or do you have a large family?  Take this into consideration when deciding on the size of couch you will need.

The first step is to measure out the room. You need to know how much room you have to work with before you can go pick out a couch. What is the size and shape of your room? This often determines what your options are. Do you have the space for that sectional with the chaise? Maybe, maybe not. Make a scale drawing of your room, including the placement of windows and doors. It doesn't have to be a perfect blueprint, just an accurate drawing. I have found that the best way to do this is every foot in real space, equals one inch in the drawing. You may need a fairly large piece of paper for this, or you may need to adjust the scale of your drawing.

After you have done this, measure the furniture that you will be keeping in the room. Is that entertainment center staying, or are you starting from scratch? Take a separate piece of paper and draw scale drawings of these pieces of furniture, as well. I recommend a separate sheet of paper, so that you can cut out the furniture, and place it on the room drawing to decide placement of furniture. Label all furniture drawings for easy reference. Keep them in an envelope or folder so that they do not get lost.

Where do you want your new couch? Arrange the furniture on your drawing and see what you like the best. There are also many types of software available that create three dimensional drawings of rooms with furniture, floor coverings, and everything you can think of. This may be an option if you are willing to spend a little extra money. They run from between about $60-$500 dollars, depending on your needs.

 Now that you have an idea of the amount of room you have to work with, and what pieces of furniture are staying in the room, you need to decide on the couch.  Don't rush out to the furniture store just yet.  First, you need to get an idea of what you want.  Salesmen are very good at talking you into something you do not really want, if you are not fully prepared ahead of time. 

Go out and buy some interior design magazines, or browse online at furniture stores, decorating websites, or websites for all those wonderful HGTV shows.  There is a wealth of information available in regards to styles, fabrics and colors.  It can be a bit overwhelming.

Look around you.  What do you see?  Is there a certain style that appeals to you?  Are you more traditional, more contemporary, or more prone to decorate in an ornate fashion?  Use the style you have already incorporated into your home, especially the style you have incorporated into your living room.  What is working for you, and what isn't?  Browse through those magazines and cut out pictures of couches you like.  Jot down a note about why you liked it.  Was it the color?  The fabric?  The curve of the back of the couch? 

If you find a style of couch that you like, you are already most of the way there.  Fabric and color are easy, in that most furniture stores carry the same style couch in a variety of fabrics and colors. 

Fabric and color are very important in choosing the right couch for your family.  Do you have kids?  If so, you want a more durable, stain-resistant fabric.  Do you have pets?  If so, avoid anything that is woven or easily torn.  Even pets with the best trimmed nails, and who generally stay off the furniture, can still cause a tear or two.  When you go to pick out your couch, keep those things in mind, and talk with the salesperson about your concerns and the needs of your family.  They will be able to help you select a fabric that will stand up to what you and your family can dish out.

As for color, couches come in a wide variety of colors, and patterns.  While you may be drawn to that bright purple couch right now, you may not be so fond of it a few months or years down the road.  Generally, on the more expensive furniture items, it is best to go with a neutral color, and add those punches of color with accent pillows or accessories throughout the room.  Neutral does not mean boring!!!  A tone-on-tone neutral stripe with some brightly colored pillows can really bring life to a room. 

 Now that you have all the information you need, you are ready to head to the store.  While at the store, ask questions, look at all of your options, but remember to stick with your needs.  Do you need seating for at least four?  Don't go with the small love seat.  Refer to your style choices, stick with neutrals, and find a fabric that suits the demands that your family will be putting on the couch.  You may not find exactly what you want at the first store you go to, but take your time, and make sure you make the right decision.