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Furniture Buying Guide & FAQs
From finding the perfect sofa depth to choosing the right table for your rug, get the expert advice you need to design your home with confidence.
Living Room & Upholstery
What size sofa fits a small living room?
It will always depend on your space and how it’s laid out, but something under 85 inches is usually safe for a small living room. One trick to be sure: put a rectangle on the floor usingpainter’s tape. Make it as big as you’re comfortable with in the space, and see how easy it is tonavigate around. Measure that rectangle- that’s how much room you have.
What’s the best couch material for pets?
There are two materials that are best for putting on your sofa when you have pets. The first is leather. Leather is durable and makes it simple to wipe off hair, dander, and messes. However, leather is more expensive and can be susceptible to scratching. Another great choice for pets is microfiber. This material is durable, less expensive, and doesn’t have large loops in the fabric that hair can get caught in.
How long should a quality sofa last?
A good quality sofa should last 10 to 15 years, or more. To tell if your sofa is a good quality, see what the frame is made of (solid wood is better, plywood is best) and check out how the pieces are joined together. Another way to tell is the spring system under the cushions.
Good quality = rubber webbing. Better quality (and most common) = S-shaped springs (sometimes called sinuous wire). Best quality = 8-way hand/machine tied, or a metal/steel spring.
| Feature | Good (<5 years) | Better (5-10 years) | Best (10+ years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frame construction | Pressboard/MDF | Solid Wood | Plywood |
| Joinery | Staples/screws | Glued joints, corner blocking | Mortise-and-tenon, glued dowels |
| Spring system | Rubber webbing | Sinuous wire | 8 way hand/machine tied, metal/steel support |
What type of cushion holds its shape best?
The sofa cushion that holds its shape the best is one that has a higher density- look for one that has a density of 2.0 (measured in pounds per square foot) or more. You can also look for specialty cushions made of memory foam, similar to that in a mattress. Pro tip: no matter which type of cushion you get, make sure you rotate them to spread out the wear and tear.
How deep should a sofa seat be?
It depends on how you want to use it. For a formal living room (where you’ll be sitting
properly on your sofa), look for something a little shallower- between 21 and 24 inches,
measured from the front of the cushion to where it touches the back cushion. Anything over 24
inches is best for something more casual usage, especially if you like to lounge. Adjust
accordingly if the people using your sofa are especially tall or short.
| Sofa Seating Depth | Better for: |
|---|---|
| 21 to 24 inches | Formal living rooms, shorter people |
| >24 inches | Casual living rooms, taller people |
What’s the difference between top-grain and bonded leather?
When leather is taken off a hide, it comes off in layers. As its name implies, top-grain leather is the layer from the very top. It is usually sanded or buffed to remove imperfections, and then finished to give it a uniform look. (If you like those imperfections, look for full-grain leather.) While bonded leather is technically leather, it is made of ground-up scraps of leather that are glued together, and it has a tendency to peel with moderate usage.
What is performance fabric?
Performance fabrics are fabrics that are easier to maintain and clean. Nothing is bulletproof but performance fabrics stand a better chance against spills, stains, and everyday wear and tear. They are usually made of polyester, but some can actually be made with recycled plastic. Consider performance fabrics if you have kids, pets, or messy people in your house.
How do I measure for a sectional?
When measuring for a sectional, the most important thing is to measure the whole footprint that it will take up. Measure from the outside of one arm to the corner, and then the corner to the outside of the other arm. Write down both of those dimensions. For a chaise, measure from the
back of the chaise to the front of the chaise cushion and write that down as well. If you’re planning to replace a sofa and loveseat with a sectional, make sure to include that empty space between the two pieces (you probably have an end table there) in your overall measurements.
What’s the best sofa for families with kids?
For a family with kids, there are several important things to consider when looking for a new sofa:
- Fabric: look for a performance fabric (polyester, polypropylene/olefin) that is easy to clean. Fabric with a little color variation (even if it’s highs and lows of the same tone) will hide stains better.
- Cushions: you’ll want seat cushions that are finished all the way around (so they can be flipped) with a zip-off cover. Consider a detached back cushion (one you can take off the sofa- again, so you can flip it and rotate it). For durability and resilience, make sure the seat cushions have a density of at least 2.0 (measured in pounds per square foot).
- Frame: for the best durability, get a sofa that has a solid wood or plywood frame.
- Other considerations: don’t get a delicate fabric like cotton. Avoid delicate features like button tufts and light colors
Dining Room
How big should a dining table be for six people?
It depends on the shape of the table you want, but for a rectangular or oval dining table, you’ll want a minimum size of 60x36” to fit six people. 72x36” or even 72x40” is more comfortable if your space will allow it. If you’d rather have a circular table, go for a minimum of 48” round, or 54” round to be more comfortable. No matter what size you choose, make sure you leave a minimum of 36 inches clear on each side of the table so you can move your chairs in and out 42 inches is better.
| Table Shape | Minimum Size | More Comfortable Size |
|---|---|---|
| Rectangular/Oval | 60” long, 36” wide | 72” long, 36-40” wide |
| Round | 48” round | 54” round |
What size rug goes under a dining table?
It depends on how big your table is- but the rug should be at least 30” bigger on every side of the table, so the chairs always stay on the rug and stay flat. If the rug is too small, the chairs will be uneven on the floor. Too big, and the room may look unbalanced.
| Common Table Size | Ideal Area Rug Size |
|---|---|
| 36x60” rectangular/oval | At least 8x10’ |
| 42x72” rectangular/oval | At least 9x12’ |
| 48” round/square | At least 9’ round/square |
| 54” round/square | At least 10’ round/square |
What’s the difference between solid wood and veneer?
Solid wood, as the name implies, is one piece of solid wood. It’s durable, heavy, and unique from piece to piece. Veneer is a thin piece of wood that’s layered over a thinner piece of solid wood. Usually, the thin layer is a more expensive or durable wood, where the solid wood core is less expensive. Solid wood costs more and can sometimes be prone to warping or cracking, and can have color variations or markings from piece to piece- but it’s very durable and beautiful. Veneer is more consistent and less expensive, but can be lighter and less durable.
| Type of Construction | What It Means | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solid Wood | A single, solid piece of wood—often finished/stained | Heavy, durable, unique. A timeless heirloom piece. Longer-lasting. | Expensive, more color/pattern variation. Potential warping or cracking. |
| Veneer | A wood core with a thin piece of wood layered on top | More consistent color/pattern, less expensive. | Lighter, less durable, no uniqueness from piece to piece. Prone to chipping. |
What wood is most durable for dining furniture?
These woods are prized for their hardness and have differences in graining, knotting, and how they take stains:
- Maple (1450 on the Janka scale): unique coloring, smooth grain, strong and durable
- Oak (1260 on the Janka scale): distinctive grain patterns, very versatile, wear-resistant
- Walnut (1010 on the Janka scale): strong, durable hardwood with a mostly straight grain and luxurious feeling
- Cherry (950 on the Janka scale): satin-smooth texture, circular grain, deep warm tones that will darken over time
- Elm (830 on the Janka scale): colorful, varying grain with a natural warm brown color
Bedrooms
What size dresser do I need?
It depends on a few things- how much space you have in the bedroom, how much you have to store in the dresser, and how you like to organize the contents. There are a few different sizes
for dressers/chests, along with how many drawers they have.
| Type | Avg. Width | Avg. Height | Avg. Depth | Avg. Drawers | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small/Tallboy | 30” | 50” | 18” | 4 | Small spaces, apartments, etc. |
| Standard Dresser | 48” | 35” | 18” | 6 | Most bedrooms |
| Wide/Double | 65” | 35” | 20” | 12 | Master bedroom, for couples, large wardrobes |
| Chest | 35” | 50” | 18” | 5 | Narrow spaces, vertical storage |
The size of your wardrobe also plays a part in the ideal dresser size for you. An average sized wardrobe would work best with the standard sized dresser, whereas a small dresser or chest would be fine for a minimal wardrobe. If you have a larger wardrobe, a double/wide dresser would be best, or a standard dresser and a chest, if you have the space for numerous pieces. Bulkier items like jeans, sweaters, sweatshirts, etc. would require deeper drawers, whereas smaller items such as underwear and socks only need small drawers. Getting a dresser with numerous drawer sizes allows you to store a mixed variety of clothing. Now as discussed in the table above, the size of the bedroom is also something to keep in mind. Chests or small dressers would work best for smaller bedrooms because they take up less space, but allows you to take advantage of having vertical storage. A standard sized dresser would be good for a medium sized bedroom, while anything bigger you could do a wide/double dresser or do a combo of chest and standard dresser. Make sure you get measurements of your space and the pieces you intend on adding to your space, just to make sure everything is going to fit as you
intend.
What is the standard height for a nightstand?
The standard height of a nightstand is usually around 24-30”, but what size you need depends on the height of the bed the nightstand will be going next to. Keep in mind if your mattress is going to be on top of a box spring or has a pillow-top because that will add some extra height. Your nightstand should be within 1-2” of your mattress height so you don’t feel like you have to reach for anything from bed.
What bed frame works with an adjustable base?
Most adjustable bases work with platform beds, slatted frames, or any frame that has an open interior. The base needs to sit inside the frame and/or replaces the slats, so beds with drawers or built in storage, footboards that sit too close to the mattress, or has slats or crossbars that cannot be removed would not work with a base.
How much space should I leave around a bed?
For easy movement, it’s best to leave 24-30” of open space around the sides of a bed, and at least 36” at the foot of the bed. You want to make sure you have enough space to walk around the sides, have access to the nightstands, and to allow any drawers or doors to open fully to prevent congestion. To double check to see how the room would be laid out, measure the bed frame, subtract that from the part of the room the bed is going, and divide the remaining space by 2 so you know how much space you’ll have on either side. Not giving enough space can make it difficult to get in/out of bed, can prevent drawers or doors from opening fully, or too large nightstands that can limit walking space.
Home Office
What makes an ergonomic office chair?
“Ergonomic” means that a piece is designed to fit the human body and how it moves naturally. Here are some features to look for:
- Adjustable seat height: this will let you adjust it to the height of the user(s)
- Lower back support: this differs from person to person, so make sure you sit before you buy. It should follow the natural curve of your spine without pushing you forward awkwardly
- Correct seat depth: too shallow or too deep makes for an awkward seating situation
- Tilt tension: the chair should move with you
- Adjustable armrests: you should be able to adjust the height, at least. Some chairs allow the user to adjust the pitch and length of the armrests, too.
- Seat cushion support: again, this is different from person to person so make sure you sit before you buy
- Casters: smooth rollers make it easy to move around your desk and office
What desk size is best for a small home office?
If you have a small, dedicated office space in your home, look for a desk around 60 inches in width. There are desks that are 48 inches or smaller, but these are meant for kids’ rooms or very small spaces. Desks that are a lot bigger than 60 inches are meant for bigger offices or executive spaces. Also, make sure you leave at least 30 inches (at a bare minimum- 36 inches is better) behind your desk so you can move your chair around comfortably.
Decor and Layout
How do I choose a color palette for my room?
First things first- how do you want the room to feel? If you’re looking for a tranquil and serene space, you’ll want to look for soft and neutral colors. Warm and earthy tones will make your space feel cozy, intimate, and homey. Bright colors will give a more lively vibe. Choose your base/primary color first…most people choose a neutral (warm off-white, warm gray, taupe, etc) for flexibility.
Then, choose one or two secondary colors that compliment each other along with your base color. If you’re doing a taupe, for example, you could do brown and sage green. Grays look great with blues and teals. To finish your color palette, pick an accent color- but use it sparingly so it doesn’t overwhelm.
Choose these carefully but intentionally.
1. Primary color first- neutrals are best
2. Secondary colors- they should complement each other as well as your primary color
3. Accent color- it can be your favorite color, but use sparingly and intentionally. They should pop, not dominate
What furniture styles are trending in 2026?
A few years ago, contemporary furniture was all the rage- furniture had a lot of clean lines and gray tones. In 2026, the most popular furniture is warmer, with softer curves and more personality. The most popular style is called transitional- in other words, it’s not super traditional but not super contemporary- but somewhere in the middle. Some older styles are being reimagined to fit today- think of a wing chair with cleaner lines or a rustic dining table with a clean, modern finish. Many people are prioritizing functionality, craftsmanship, and durability as well. Organics are popular as well, including natural materials such as wood, stone, and linen.
How do I mix modern and traditional furniture?
The best way to mix different styles of furniture is to make sure there is some kind of common element that ties them together. It needs to look like it was done with purpose. Give it a neutral foundation and then pick things that are tied together in some fashion, whether that’s through a color, shape, finish, or some other element.
Things to avoid:
- Too many similar pieces from one style (don’t do a traditional sofa and chair- do a traditional sofa and modern chairs, for example)
- Choosing busy, bright colors that make the room feel chaotic
- Having something that doesn’t relate to the rest of the room in some fashion, to avoid randomness
How do I arrange furniture in an open floor plan?
If you have an open floor plan, the best way to arrange your furniture will depend on how you’re planning to use the space. Even without walls, you’ll want to create different areas for different purposes- a living room/TV area, a dining area, and more. You can easily define each space using an area rug and lighting, as well as orienting the furniture in each space so it faces “inward.” Also, keep in mind that the rooms are open to one another- the colors don’t need to all be identical but they should all play nicely and make sense together.
Things to keep in mind:
- Use rugs and lamps to separate and define each space
- Orient your furniture so it faces a wall/corner. Float the big pieces towards the center of the space
- Be cognizant of walkways and clearance between pieces/spaces
- Keep it cohesive but it doesn’t all have to be matchy-matchy
How do I make a room look bigger with furniture?
If you have a small room that you’re trying to make look bigger, the #1 thing to remember don’t cram your room full of furniture! Too much furniture in a room will make it look cluttered. Choose pieces that are smaller in scale (queen bed instead of king, sofas under 85 inches wide, etc) and make sure you leave enough negative space around it. Focus on function over stylefurniture that can serve multiple purposes is most helpful. Finally, make sure you include lots of light and a mirror- that will make the space appear larger. (This doesn’t necessarily have to do with furniture, but you can use optical illusions to make the room bigger. Paint the walls a darker shade and the ceiling lighter…or if you have a long/narrow room, paint the furthest short wall a darker, contrasting shade.)