If you're like me it'll probably go something like this:
You'll start your research online. You might take a look on Pinterest for some inspiration or some snazzy interior design websites to get an idea of the style and colour you're after. You might then decide to browse some online furniture stores to see if there's anything that takes your fancy. You make a shortlist and a plan to take a trip to said stores at the weekend. For the rest of the week, your Facebook feed has been throwing up pictures of different sofas all over the place. One of the adverts catches your eye and you add that one to your shortlist too.
Several couch visits later you figure you need to sleep on it before you make a decision but there are two definite contenders. You dig out the brochures you picked up in store and take another look. You get the measuring tape out to confirm the dimensions of where it will go. Ah ha... one of them is a tad too big and would mean you'd have to lose one of the side tables. Decision made!
You head back to the store the following day and place the order. The store assistant advises you that it will take 6 weeks for delivery and recommends an upgrade that will help protect it and keep it clean. It's a little extra than you had budgeted for but you figure it's worth it. You also spot some cushions that will look divine with it and you just have to have them. You walk out the door cushions in hand, excitedly anticipating the arrival of your new couch which will be delivered just in time for Christmas! Job done.
So what was the point of that story I hear you ask?