
Here’s a clear, helpful checklist of things to note before purchasing a fabric-upholstered sectional with plush cushions from ARV Furniture 1451004 Ontario Ltd in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada — plus general tips for sectionals so you make a smart, long-lasting choice.
🛋️ Before You Buy: Key Checks & Considerations
📏 1. Measure Your Space & Access Route
Make sure the sectional will actually fit — not just in your living room, but through doors, hallways, stairwells, and elevators. Measure the sectional’s length × depth × height and your entry path. A corner piece that fits in the room might not fit through your door!
👩👩👧👦 2. Think About How You’ll Use It
Will kids, teens, pets, or frequent guests use it?
Do you eat or watch TV on it every night?
Choose a durable, stain-resistant fabric if the couch will see heavy use. Performance fabrics hide spills and wear better than delicate weaves.
🧵 3. Fabric Type & Durability
Fabric matters — not just how it looks:
Performance / tight-weave fabrics resist stains and abrasion better.
Colour & pattern: darker or patterned fabrics hide stains more easily.
Ask about the abrasion rating (rub count) — higher usually means better long-term wear.
🪑 4. Cushion & Comfort Details
Sit on the sectional in-store if you can — everyone has a different comfort preference.
Ask about cushion fill (e.g., foam density, wrapped cushions, feather vs foam). High-density foam stays supportive longer.
Plush cushions can be cozy, but make sure they still offer good support and won’t flatten quickly.
🪵 5. Frame & Construction Quality
The skeleton of the sofa matters. Look for:
Solid wood or high-quality engineered hardwood frame (not particle board).
Strong joints (glued + screwed with corner blocks) — this helps prevent sagging.
Check that legs aren’t wobbly and won’t scratch your floors.
🔄 6. Configuration & Flexibility
Ensure the orientation (left-facing vs right-facing chaise) works with your room’s layout.
If it’s modular, confirm whether pieces can be rearranged if you “flip” your layout later.
🧪 7. Try Before You Buy
Photos online can be misleading. If possible:
Visit the showroom to feel the fabric, test seat depth, height, and cushion firmness.
Ask for large fabric samples to bring home so you can see colour and texture in your lighting.
📦 8. Delivery & Assembly
Check delivery timeline (especially for custom fabrics).
Ask whether the delivery crew will bring it inside, assemble it, and remove packaging.
Confirm if delivery fees are included or extra.
📜 9. Warranty & Return Policy
Read the warranty details: how long each part is covered and what’s not included.
Review the return policy, especially for custom orders — many stores don’t accept returns on made-to-order pieces.
🧠 Tips from General Furniture Guides
🛋️ Fabric durability counts: Look for materials that hold up to everyday use — especially if you have pets, kids, or heavy lounging.
🛋️ Test comfort in-store: No photo can replace how a couch feels when you sit on it.
🛋️ Measure twice, buy once: Designers and buying guides stress that mis-sizing is one of the most common mistakes when furniture shopping.
If you want, I can help you make a checklist you can print or take with you to the store — just ask!