Listen and follow The Wirecutter ShowApple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube | iHeartRadioWhether you call it a sofa or a couch, it’s arguably the hardest-working piece of furniture in your home. And given the expense, shopping for one can often trigger decision paralysis.This week, Wirecutter home and decor editor Daniela Gorny joins us to break down the complex world of sofa shopping. She shares a practical checklist for testing sofas in-store. And she gives her best tips for shopping for one online, so you won’t be disappointed once it arrives.We also discuss a few easy ways to give new life to an old sofa.This episode coversHow long a sofa should last: A truly high-quality sofa should last you 10 to 15 years, while cheaper options may start falling apart, creaking, or sagging after just two or three. To ensure longevity, always look for manufacturers that offer a lifetime or limited lifetime warranty on the frame and the springs.How to decipher online specs: When shopping online, prioritize solid hardwood or high-quality plywood frames over MDF (particle board). Look for cushions made with "high resiliency" and "high density" foam, which bounce back much better than cheaper alternatives.How to choose a fabric: Daniela explains how to avoid fabrics that will thin or pill over time, how to decide between natural fabrics (like linen or cotton) and more durable high performance fabrics (like acrylics and polyesters). If you prefer leather, stick to top grain or full grain hides, and steer clear of "bonded leather.”How to test a sofa in person: Showrooms are invaluable for testing how a sofa actually wears over time—especially in heavily trafficked store floors like IKEA. When testing, try lifting the edge of the sofa; if it feels exceptionally heavy, it's a great sign that it's made with dense hardwoods. Don't be afraid to aggressively launch yourself onto the cushions—if the sofa shifts or squeaks, walk away.How to make sure the sofa fits your space: Always measure your doorways, hallways, and elevators before purchasing. If space is tight, consider modular sofas that arrive in separate, manageable boxes, and use painter's tape or cardboard to map out the physical footprint in your room before clicking buy.Products we recommendA curvy, low-slung sofa Sabai The Elevate SofaSabai The Elevate SofaMade with repairability and longevity in mind, this low-profile sofa invites lounging as well as socializing. But the armrests may be too firm to rest your head against.Buying options: $2,895 from Sabai, opens in a new tabA sofa with staying power Room & Board Metro SofaRoom & Board Metro SofaThe Metro has been Room & Board’s best-selling model since 2004, and it’s a favorite among our staff as well. Loungers may prefer the deep version over the standard.Buying options: $2,199 from Room & Board, opens in a new tabA pillowy place for kicking back Sundays Get Together Modular Sofa (Large)Sundays Get Together Modular Sofa (Large)Deep seats, plush cushions, and included throw pillows make this sofa perfect for naps and nesting.Buying options: $4,400 from Sundays Company, opens in a new tabCustomizable, with a lifetime guarantee BenchMade Modern Eva SofaBenchMade Modern Eva SofaThis curvy, deep-seated sofa comes in eight widths and dozens of upholstery choices. But you can’t try it in person before you buy.Buying options: $4,253 from BenchMade Modern, opens in a new tabAn airy sofa with natural fabrics Sixpenny Aria Grande SectionalSixpenny Aria Grande SectionalThis generously sized sofa has dozens of non-synthetic fabric options, like cotton and linen.Buying options: $5,249 from Sixpenny, opens in a new tabA sofa for small spaces Burrow Range SofaBurrow Range SofaThis sofa has angled fluffy backs and firm upholstered seats, with petite dimensions, so it works well in small apartments. But assembly can be tedious.Buying options: $1,304 from Burrow, opens in a new tabA great starter sofa IKEA Kivik SofaIKEA Kivik SofaA longstanding budget pick, this couch offers a simple design at a bargain price. But construction details are less than perfect.Buying options: $799 from IKEA, opens in a new tabBest portable mini projector Nebula Mars 3 AirNebula Mars 3 AirThis compact, 1080p projector offers good image brightness and contrast, above-average sound, easy setup, and a built-in battery. But mounting it on a tripod may prove tricky.Buying options: $550 from Amazon, opens in a new tab$550 from Best Buy, opens in a new tab