Has anyone purchased a sofa online? I find lots of good ones, but hate to buy without being able to sit on it. Also what furniture stores are good? Need to replace 16 year old sofa and I’m repeatedly overwhelmed every time I go to shop. Found some good ones at Crate & Barrel. Apparently they will be having a sale starting 8/11, however it then takes 10 - 12 weeks to make and ship. Tempted to just recover what I have 
I suggest looking at the Laurel Bern blog.
If you have quality furniture, it may be worth reupholstering what you have. I have two sofas. One is about 100 years old, and I have had it redone. You could not duplicate its quality now. The other is about 20 yrs old, and of good quality, but it could be a toss-up whether to recover it, slip cover it, or just buy a new one.
IME, Pottery Barn and Crate and Barrel are more expensive than our local quality discount furniture store, that orders good stuff directly from the North Carolina manufacturers.
When we bought our last sofas the salesperson said you need to think whether you want to sit on or in. I don’t know how you would do that online. I would be open to buying occasional chairs online. My husband likes to nap on the sofa. I wouldn’t chance the firmness or quality.
Furniture is very personal. Do want to buy a piece with longevity or do you replace your stuff every few years from IKEA?
IMO, what Pottery Barn and C&B sell are meh. Fabric or leather? Very impressed with the leather Stressless sofas we looked at many times and finally bought. No regrets.
I’m partial to Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams
We have a leather couch from Costco, maybe 6-8 years old, in our family room that’s held up well.
We bought a sofa and loveseat from Room and Board 2.5 years ago that’s comfy and wasn’t too pricey.
At the lowest end, our weekend place came with unused sofas and a love seat from Ashley that are surprisingly comfortable. I wouldn’t buy from there normally, but they’re working out ok with minimal usage.
I sat on so many pieces of furniture when looking to buy for the living room before I found one that I’d buy, that you couldn’t pay me to buy on line. To use was a PP said, I’m one who sits in, not on, so finding the just right had to be done in person.
Unless you’re buying something very neutral, odds are it’s the 10 week delivery.
There are some Joss & Main sofas that I like with good reviews, but I think not being able to try first is going to be a deal breaker. Leaning towards Crate & Barrel. Definitely want to stay away from IKEA. There is a Mitchell Gold in our area, thanks @emilybee for the tip! Also might look into reupholstering, frame is good, but cushions are shot.
So BunsenBurner, I did not understand your position. Are PB and C&B meh or what? What did you buy?
Stressless loveseat and sofa, all reclining. Love them.
I am personally not in love with grey drab overstuffed fabrics of PB and C&B.
@emilybee - that is a cool store!