Save or spend: Spend
"The sofa is the anchor of your living room," says interior designer Thom Filicia. That alone may make it worth a splurge.But also: Above $2,000 you tend to get something sturdier. "The biggest thing to consider is the frame," says Jennifer Litwin, author of "Best Furniture Buying Tips Ever!"
On cheaper couches, the frame may be made of metal or pressed wood. Kiln-dried hardwood like you'll find in this sofa from Restoration Hardware is better; it gives, therefore it won't crack.
Look for a down-foam mix in the cushions. "The best couches feature eight-way hand-tied coils too," says Litwin.
Ask the salesperson whether the store has a cutaway. But also just lift it - a solidly constructed sofa shouldn't be easy to pick up.
