After reading the reviews, I was a little nervous about getting the wrong brackets for the arms. But I figured out the problem. 
*  It took about 2 hours to put together because we kept rearranging the bases (seats) around to make it work.
* There are instructions  hardware under the seats (zipper) in every box. The instructions include parts from other boxes. So you have to open every box to see what youre working with. 
* The parts pictured on the box are not necessarily the parts IN THAT BOX. Smh
* The brackets that a lot of people are trying to fit the arms on are incorrect. The GOLD brackets on the arms should connect to the GOLD brackets on the seat. All the other brackets are silver, so that should help. (See picture for the INCORRECT BRACKETS
*Couch is more firm than soft, but I prefer that....to last longer and give us time to break it in. 
* A LOT of boxes. A LOT of feet to screw in. A LOT of Allen Wrenches. Have A LOT of patience.