Ashley Furniture is one of the most popular brands for living room furniture in the U.S., offering a wide range of styles from traditional to modern. But with so many options, it's easy to make mistakes that cost you money or leave you unhappy with your purchase. This guide will help you navigate the process, avoid common pitfalls, and find pieces that fit your space, style, and budget.
1. Measure Your Space Before You Shop
One of the biggest mistakes people make is buying furniture that's too big or too small for their room. Before you even browse Ashley's website or visit a store, measure your living room carefully.
Step-by-step:
- Measure the length and width of the room.
- Note the locations of doors, windows, and outlets.
- Determine the traffic flow – leave at least 18-24 inches of walking space around furniture.
- For sofas, measure your doorways and hallways to ensure the piece can be delivered.
Real tip: Use painter's tape to outline the furniture dimensions on your floor. This gives you a visual of how much space it will take up.
2. Understand Ashley's Quality Tiers
Ashley offers furniture at different price points, and quality varies. The main lines are Signature Design by Ashley (mid-range) and Benchcraft (budget-friendly).
Key parameters to check:
- Frame: Look for hardwood frames (like oak or maple) rather than particleboard or engineered wood. Solid wood frames last longer.
- Suspension: Sinuous springs are common; ask if they are gauge 8 or 9 (lower gauge = stronger). Some sofas have no-sag springs.
- Cushions: High-resiliency foam with a density of 1.8 lb/ft³ or higher is more durable. Down-wrapped cushions offer softness but may need fluffing.
- Upholstery: Performance fabrics (like Crypton or microfiber) resist stains and wear. Check the rub count (Wyzenbeek) – over 15,000 is good for residential use.
Pitfall to avoid: Don't assume all Ashley sofas are the same. A $600 Benchcraft sofa may have a particleboard frame, while a $1,200 Signature Design sofa has hardwood. Always check the product details online or ask a salesperson.
3. Choose the Right Fabric for Your Lifestyle
Fabric choice can make or break your satisfaction. Consider who uses the room: kids, pets, or just adults?
Best options:
- Leather: Durable and easy to clean, but can be cold in winter and hot in summer. Ashley's bonded leather may peel over time; top-grain or full-grain leather is better but pricier.
- Microfiber: Affordable, stain-resistant, and soft. Great for high-traffic areas.
- Velvet: Luxurious but shows wear and pet hair easily. Avoid if you have cats or dogs.
- Performance polyester: Often treated for stain resistance. Look for “performance” in the description.
Pro tip: Order swatches from Ashley's website before committing. Colors on screen can be misleading.
4. Test Comfort and Construction In-Store
Even if you plan to buy online, visit an Ashley store or authorized retailer to test the pieces.
Checklist for testing:
- Sit on the sofa for at least 10 minutes. Does the seat depth work for your height? Your feet should touch the floor.
- Check the back height – some sofas have low backs that offer no head support.
- Press down on the seat cushions – they should bounce back quickly. Slow recovery means low-quality foam.
- Wiggle the arms and back – any wobble indicates poor construction.
Common mistake: Buying based on looks alone. A beautiful sofa that is uncomfortable will be a regret. Always sit, lie down, and test the reclining mechanism if applicable.
5. Avoid Common Buying Mistakes
Here are pitfalls that many Ashley furniture buyers face:
- Ignoring delivery details: Ashley often uses third-party carriers. Check if they bring the furniture inside, assemble it, and remove packaging. Some charge extra for these services.
- Not reading the fine print on warranties: Ashley's warranty typically covers manufacturing defects for 1-2 years, but not fabric wear or frame damage from misuse. Extended warranties may not be worth the cost.
- Buying a whole set without planning: A matching sofa, loveseat, and chair can look dated quickly. Mix and match pieces for a more curated look.
- Forgetting about maintenance: Fabric sofas need regular vacuuming and spot cleaning. Leather needs conditioning. Choose accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ashley Furniture good quality?
Ashley offers good value for the price, but quality varies by line. Signature Design models are generally better than Benchcraft. Always check construction details.
Does Ashley Furniture have a warranty?
Yes, most items come with a 1-year limited warranty against defects. Some credit cards offer extended warranty coverage.
Can I return Ashley Furniture?
Return policies vary by retailer. Ashley-owned stores may charge a restocking fee (often 15-25%). Check before buying.
How long does Ashley Furniture last?
With proper care, a mid-range Ashley sofa can last 5-10 years. Higher-end pieces may last longer.
Final Tips
Buying Ashley living room furniture can be a great investment if you choose wisely. Focus on frame construction, fabric durability, and comfort. Don't rush – take your time to compare models, read reviews, and test pieces. Remember that a higher price doesn't always mean better quality; look for the specific features that matter to you. Happy shopping!