Couch shopping is one of the biggest furniture struggles there is—finding one that’s somehow chic as hell and in your budget can make you want to scream into your throw pillows. Maybe you’re obsessed with velvet sofas (I feel you!), maybe you’re in the market for a sleek leather couch, or maybe you just want the most luxurious sectional you can find. In any case, you can find your dream sofa in your budget, and at your favorite online stores, no less.

That said, if you’re shopping for your first sofa, there are some things you need to know: Pick something you love that will last you a long time, because you’re sofa should last a long time. Maiden Home’s CEO Nidhi Kapur told Apartment Therapy that your sofa should last between seven and 15 years, for example. She also noted that you’ll know it’s time for a new one when there’s too much visible chair, it’s sagging, and it makes cracking or squeaking noises when you sit down or get up. The other thing that matters? Fabric. Sure, you might prefer velvet to leather or linen because of your own personal aesthetic, but it’s worth noting that some fabrics are more durable than others. If you have pets, for instance, design and cleaning experts suggest going with a woven fabric or a leather if you’re worried about damage, since both options take wear and tear better than other options. You can even go with an indoor/outdoor fabric that’s meant to stand the test of time, if you’re concerned. Low pile fabrics, like microfiber and synthetic velvet are also great if you’re worried about your sofa retaining odors. (You can read more about choosing the right upholstery when you have pets here, in our fabric guide.)

At the end of the day, whether you buy from this list or you find your perfect sofa on your own, make sure you read the reviews, do your research, test it out if you can, and pick the right fabric for your lifestyle so that you end up with a couch that works for you and your family. But if you’re ready to get shopping, there’s a little something for everyone here—a handful of sofas each under $500, $1,000, $1,500, and ultimately capping out at $2,000, in order from lowest to highest price, all in various fabrics, sizes, and colors. Whether you want to splurge a little or find a chic steal, this list has you covered.

source: housebeautifull