Best couches and sectionals

Top pick: Captiva Designs Cloud Modular Sectional. It's the safest all-rounder for a living room — a deep, low "cloud" seat with a matching ottoman, in chenille or corduroy, and it's sold by a mainstream retailer with a real return policy. Modular pieces mean you can reshape it when you move.

Who the others suit:

• OVIOS U-Shaped Modular — the best pick for a big room or a family that hosts; seats four with room to sprawl.
• BedLuxury 111.5" Modular with movable ottomans — the most-reviewed of the bunch, so the most proven; good if you want reassurance before buying.
• Captiva Designs 5-Seater Cloud — same cloud feel, more seats, for a long wall.
• JONPONY 111" Cloud with movable ottoman — a budget route into the cloud look if you're furnishing a first place.
• Union 3-Seat Sofa — a compact, conventional couch for a small living room; check the weight limit if it'll take heavy use.

Before you buy: measure the wall and the doorway, and sit on a modular sofa if you can — deep low seats are love-or-hate.