Many of today’s popular furniture brands operate solely online, which means you may end up purchasing a couch without ever seeing or sitting on it. This may work for you if you know what you like in terms of seat depth and cushion filling, and many retailers will send free or low-cost fabric swatches to let you see the upholstery before you buy. However, if you’re not sure what size and style of couch you want, it’s best to try out different models in person, and if you do decide to buy online, check the brand’s return policy in case you ultimately don’t like it.