Six Tips for Choosing the Perfect Sofa
Buying a sofa is a big deal and a major investment.
A good sofa should last for years, but it is also important to be comfortable and fit well in your living room layout and design.
Finding the right sofa should not be stressful.
There are no wrong ways to design your home, but direction helps.
Here are six tips for choosing the perfect sofa for you and your family.
1. Measure Up
When choosing the perfect sofa, one of the first things to consider is the size of your living room.
Generally, a large room requires a larger sofa, and a small room needs a smaller sofa.
Measure the entire room before you go shopping and consider allowing a minimum of 30 inches in front of it.
However, if you want to add a coffee table, allow an additional 15-18 inches between the sofa and the table.
2. Determine Which Shape Will Suit Your Room Best
Now that you know the size of your room and the right size for your sofa, it's time to decide which shape will better complement your living room’s design and style. Here are a few options to consider:
L-Shaped Sofas
As the name indicates, this sofas takes on an L shape, looking like two sofas merged together. This shape is considered to be the most versatile shape, wedged into a corner or in the middle of a room. However, they are more suitable for smaller living rooms as they can be placed against the wall and can help save the remaining space for an entertainment center or simply for walking around.
U-Shaped Sofas
These sofas wrap around in the shape of a U. They are a great way to fill a large room while offering plenty of seating. U-shaped sofas allow for dynamic interactions where everyone can sit comfortably and connect with a center table to hold coffee or other beverages. In addition, they also look neat and can provide sleeping accommodations in an emergency.
Curved Sofas
Add a distinct sophistication feel in your living room with a curved sofa. It can help maximize lounge potential in a small room by providing the perfect corner seat. If your home has a curved wall, you already have the perfect space for it. Try mixing raw materials for a more organic appeal or select a mid-century style for a vintage look.
Chaise Sofas
Nothing feels better than putting up your feet at the end of a long day on a chaise sofa. This is a two-piece sectional consisting of a left- or right-arm sofa and a left- or right-arm chaise. The latest innovation in sectionals is the reversible chaise. This could be a smart choice if you plan to move to a different home in the future or like to rearrange occasionally your living room.
Modular Sofas
Modular sofas are becoming more and more popular due to their versatility. They allow you to arrange and rearrange your living room as often as you want and to easily move pieces around. Moreover, you can design your own sofa by selecting only the exact pieces you like or need.
3. Choose a Style That Complements Your Home
Consider different styles and make sure they fit well in your home design and style. There are a few classic sofa styles that are timeless and popular throughout the world.These include the Bridgewater, Camelback, Chesterfield, English, Lawson, and Tuxedo. Of course, you can consider something modern and trendy, if that matches your style and preferences. Small details like nail heads and trim will give your sofa a unique personality and will make it stand out.
4. Select a Color or Pattern
If you are adding a sofa to an already decorated room or if you want your sofa to be an accent in the living room, then choosing color becomes crucial. The most common approach is to choose a sofa that complements your decor and is not the center of attention. This is why neutral colors remain to be the most popular for most homes. These are easy to decorate around and can be easily incorporated in a new design over the years. Don't forget accent pillows and throws as finishing touches when coordinating your sofa with your room decor.
5. Focus On Fabric
Aesthetic is important, but functionality is key when it comes to choosing the fabric of your sofa. You should always check to see if the fabric wrinkles easily or stretches. If it wrinkles easily, it will be difficult to maintain its look for a long time. Natural fibers like cotton and linen are soft and nice, but may be more susceptible to fading or pilling. Synthetic fabrics like suede or microfibers tend to be more durable and stain-resistant. Leather is a good option, if you are looking for an easy to clean sofa.
6. Feel Your Fillings
Everyone differs in what they consider to be comfortable. Some people would like a sofa they can sink into, while others prefer a firmer seat. The most popular cushion fillings are polyurethane foam, goose feathers, duck feathers or a combination of these.
Polyurethane Foam
This is a low-cost, easy-care, and durable cushion filling. It comes in two types of density: high-density, which can feel hard, and low-density, which deteriorates more rapidly.
Goose/Duck Feather Fillings
These are top of the line and more expensive cushion fillings. Although very soft and comfy, these can clump and need frequent fluffing.