Buying the perfect sofa involves weighing options

Sofas - they're are important fixture in the home - in fact, sometimes they're the fixture an entire room is built around.

For the ladies, it's the place to put the dozens of throw pillows while sometimes it's the bed guys are relegated to sleeping in.

No matter how you look at it, a couch is a much-needed fixture in a living room. Just ask any college guy how important one is - odds are he's probably found his on the side of the road, ready for a trip to the town dump.

Choose whichever cliché you wish.

The fact remains, buying a couch for your home goes far beyond getting one for that first singles apartment.

Finding the perfect balance of color, style, craftsmanship and price can indeed be a tough task for the consumer. After all, buying a couch isn't like buying new pair of shoes. There's a significant price variable involved.

+ For those looking to save some green, the best place to start is to look for a sturdy couch. Take a seat, wiggle the arms and lean back a little. You won't need

too much force to test the durability.

Also, listen to the sound a couch makes when you sit on it. Is there any sound at all? Does it come from the cushions or the couch itself?

+ Next, look for comfort. This is where your own personal taste come into the equation.

Would you like to sink down

into the seat, or would

you rather a

firm feeling couch? Again, test your options. Bounce a little on the seats, stretch out or even lay down. However you think the couch will be used is the way to test it.

+ After you've found your sturdy, comfortable couch is the time to find the ideal color or pattern. Fabric also plays a role here. Ask some questions regarding the upholstery. Is it easy to clean? Is the fabric comfortable to sit on? Are the seams and patterns straight or do they seem poorly done?

+ If you're in the market for a leather couch, you may be paying into the higher reaches of the industry, but most agree it's worth it. Leather offers superior comfort and style, plus it's easy to clean and a

cinch to maintain. Most will

also come with a

warranty to cover the life span of the upholstery.

+ If your ideal choice is above your budget, or you have kids and/or pets and feel they may bring damage to your exquisite piece of furniture, remember, you can always add cushions, pillows and a slipcover to make more comfortable and attractive.

+ Also, don't forget to measure. Eyeballing is always risky, especially in most furniture stores, which are often in wide open spaces which can make it confusing to estimate the proper size. It will never hurt to make a few measurements and stick the measuring tape in your pocket. After all, those couches aren't fun to take back.