You know it's time for a new sofa when the only visable pattern 
on your old one is the one made by your kid's kool-aid stains. 
Or when there is more stuffing outside of the sofa than inside. 
Or when your guests need help "getting out" of your sofa. Or 
when you find out your sofa was a "divan" when your grandmother 
bought it new. Finding a new one that is right for your family 
and your lifestyle is a daunting task, but here are a few tips 
to make that task a bit easier:

1. Before you shop for a new sofa, determine what size sofa you 
   need. That may not necessarily be determined by the size of 
   your room. If you live in an upstairs apartment, it may be 
   determined by the width of the stairs, the height of the 
   elevator doors or the size of your "always-ready-to-help-
   move-furniture" friends. Make a note of the maximum width, 
   height and length that will fit in your space or entrance. 

2. Remember that this too shall pass away. That color that's 
   oh so hot today, will be tomorrow's avocado green or burnt 
   orange. Pick a neutral color that can be dressed up with 
   throw pillows in all those wild new colors. Pillows are 
   inexpensive and you can change the look of your room every 
   hour on the hour if you wish!

3. Pick an upholstery fabric or leather that will wear well 
   with your lifestyle. Is the sofa going to be used in a 
   formal living room or a rowdy family room? If you have 
   kids, you should probably stay away from white satin sofas. 
   If you are a careful single adult, white satin might be 
   perfect.

4. If the sofa will be in high traffic areas, try to pick a 
   pattern that will hide soils and stains.  Multicolored 
   patterns or tweeds are ideal. The idea is to have a sofa 
   that still looks good while hiding all of those little 
   "accidents" kids will always have.

5. Sit on the sofa in the store. If possible have at least two 
   other people sit on it as well. Is the sofa comfortable when 
   more than one person is sitting on it? How about the center 
   cushion? Is it as comfortable as the outside cushions? How 
   about the arm height? Do the back cushions allow you to 
   "sink in" or must you sit with your best posture? Is the 
   seat the correct height for your leg length?

6. Stand back from the sofa and check the pattern. Does the 
   pattern on the back of the sofa match the cushions? Does 
   the pattern on the cushions match the skirt? Are the stripes 
   aligned at the edges? The mark of quality construction is 
   the careful matching of patterns. If it doesn't match, don't 
   waste your money on it.

7. Look at the trim. Does the cording fit flat and straight or 
   does it curve? Again, if you suspect shoddy workmanship, 
   don't waste your money on it.

8. Remove the cushions and unzip the covers. Be aware of how the 
   cushions are constructed. Is the foam wrapped? Is there extra 
   padding? What is used to stuff the cushions?  Foam? Down? 
   Peanuts (don't buy it!)?  

9. Look at the body of the sofa. Make certain all surfaces are 
   covered and padded. Unless it is part of the design of the 
   sofa, you shouldn't see wood under the seat cushions.  

10. Look at the construction. Are the corners blocked and glued 
    or bolted? If they are just glued or stapled, again, don't 
    waste your money!

There! Now you are ready to hunt for that sofa. Hmmm…do you need 
a license to hunt sofa in this state?