We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.

Advertiser Disclosure

Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

How We Make Money

We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently from our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.

How Do I Choose the Best Used Couch?

By Amanda R. Bell
Updated May 17, 2024
Our promise to you
WiseGEEK is dedicated to creating trustworthy, high-quality content that always prioritizes transparency, integrity, and inclusivity above all else. Our ensure that our content creation and review process includes rigorous fact-checking, evidence-based, and continual updates to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Editorial Standards

At WiseGEEK, we are committed to creating content that you can trust. Our editorial process is designed to ensure that every piece of content we publish is accurate, reliable, and informative.

Our team of experienced writers and editors follows a strict set of guidelines to ensure the highest quality content. We conduct thorough research, fact-check all information, and rely on credible sources to back up our claims. Our content is reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and clarity.

We believe in transparency and maintain editorial independence from our advertisers. Our team does not receive direct compensation from advertisers, allowing us to create unbiased content that prioritizes your interests.

When choosing a used couch, it is important to shop around for the best deal instead of quickly purchasing something that you may not love in the end. It can also be helpful to pay attention to the shape and condition of the couch rather than the finishes, as these can be changed. Inspecting the entire piece of furniture will help to ensure that you don’t run into any unexpected surprises. Factoring in the original surroundings will also be helpful in choosing a previously owned couch.

There are many places that sell used couches, and chances are one of them will have something that will work for your home. In order to get the best deal, check your local classifieds, internet listings, and garage sales when picking a used couch. Many towns and cities also have furniture stores that specialize in used furniture; for the most part, the items for sale are in decent condition and the store will likely have a used couch for a fraction of the cost in a large furniture store.

For many, it can be difficult to look past the first impression of a used couch, especially the color and fabric type. When buying a used couch, it is important to remember that many things can be changed. Choosing a couch based on its overall shape and comfort, rather than its looks, can help you to get a good deal. Slipcovers and even reupholstering can make the sofa match your style. When shopping, keep any refinishing work in mind for your budget; these things can increase the overall cost.

As with any previously owned furniture, it is important to thoroughly inspect the item before buying it. Before paying, look the couch over from top to bottom. Flip over cushions and pull out the bed if you’re looking at a sleeper sofa. This will help to give you a better idea of the overall condition of the used couch; it can also be helpful to check the sofa for any foul odors. Make sure to also check the seams and edges for signs of bed bugs or any other signs of infestation, as bringing a piece of furniture into your home with any insects could put your whole house at risk.

After you’ve inspected the couch itself, take a look around the area where it is stored. If you’re buying from a private seller, take note of whether or not there are pets in the house or if the owner smokes indoors. It is nearly impossible to rid a used couch of odors from pet urination or smoke. If you’re buying from a retailer, check to see if the showroom is clean and well-maintained, as this will give you a good idea of how they care for their merchandise.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Discussion Comments

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.