The Journal — Read Before You Renovate
Materials, budgets, upkeep — the lessons we've learned, written down.
88 articles
How to Pick a Small Couch That Won't Let You Down
A small couch can be the smartest seat in a compact living room if you choose th...
Sleeper Sectional Buying Guide: How to Pick One That Actually Holds Up
Sleeper sectional sofas let you host overnight guests without losing living room...
The Oversized Chair That Earns Its Square Footage: A Buyer's Guide
Thinking about an oversized chair for your living room? A former RH buyer explai...
How to Buy a Leather Sectional Without Getting Burned
Find a leather sectional that lasts without overspending. A former furniture buy...
How to Pick a Leather Sofa That Still Looks Great in 10 Years
Looking for a leather sofa? Learn how to spot bonded leather, check the frame, a...
Modular Sofa Buying Guide: What a Former Furniture Buyer Would Tell You
Modular sofa buying tips from a former RH buyer: frame, foam, and fabric checks,...
Modular Couch: The Smart Way to Buy a Sectional You Won't Regret
Wondering if a modular couch is worth it? A former furniture buyer explains what...
How to Pick an L Shaped Couch That Actually Fits Your Room
Find the right L shaped couch for your living room: sizing, chaise vs. wedge, fa...
I’ve Sat in 200 Sofas for a Living. Here’s How I Pick One.
After 15 years evaluating seating for Crate & Barrel and Restoration Hardware, I...
I Spent 45 Minutes in This Sectional at Three Different Stores. Here's What Nobody Tells You.
Tested the same L-shape sectional at $1,200, $2,400, and $4,500. The mid-tier di...
The Weekend I Tested Every Dining Chair Under $300. Here Are My Notes.
Twelve dining chairs, all under $300, tested over one weekend. Three chairs deli...
I Tested 12 Bed Frames for Squeak, Sag, and Assembly Pain. Four Won.
Tested 12 bed frames from $200 to $1,500—shaking, loading, and assembling every ...