What to Consider When Buying a Sofa

How many people you want to accommodate

Consider both your household members and frequent guests:

• Is your sofa going to be the only seating element in your room? Then you might want to stay on the large side;

• Have you already got a few chairs that could come in handy whenever you have a few guests around? Then you can easily choose a sofa just for yourself and the other members of your household;

• The most popular options are 2, 3, and 4-seaters, but, depending on the layout of your room, you can always consider corner models, too. They're a particularly effective choice if you're hoping to separate a specific area from the rest of your living room.

Find the right size

As well as the number of seats, you must be realistic when it comes to the size of your room and living area.

Don't make the mistake of thinking that you can figure it out just by looking at the sofa and picturing it in your living room!

• Measure the designated area where you're planning on placing it;

• Don't forget to leave enough room for you to walk around it comfortably without creating a cramped look.

Consider the right type of upholstery material for you

The main choice will be between timeless leather and fabric upholstery, with the latter offering a wider range of colors and patterns.

Still, there are quite a few different types of fabrics to consider, too:

• Pure or blended cotton is a breathable and versatile material that's natural, comfortable, and easy to care for, but you might have to act super quickly if you happen to spill something onto it;

• Wool is the coziest choice in colder climates: as well as being soft, warm and hard-wearing, it adds texture and a felted look to your sofa;

• Linen is another natural alternative that's even stronger and results in a more sophisticated look, but might need more regular maintenance;

• Polyester is a cheaper alternative that's also durable and particularly painless to care for;

• If you're striving for the most elegant and luxurious look, you could consider velvet upholstery. However, keep in mind that it's rather delicate and will probably ruin with spillages, so we don't recommend it if you have young kids;

• Leather, on the other hand, is mainly available in neutral but versatile colors and, while more expensive, results in an iconic look that helps you make a statement. Because it's water-repellent, it's also easy to care for, but try and keep it away from direct sunlight, as it could ruin it over time. These sofas are four times more durable than faux leather, but the latter might be a wiser choice if you or someone else in your household is vegan or vegetarian.

Pick a reliable frame

If you want your sofa to last you for years, then you must pick a sturdy frame:

• While they'll usually be more expensive, the best options are hardwoods (especially when kiln-dried) such as oak, maple, pine, or birch;
• Metal is another type of hard frame that will most definitely not snap, but could bend slightly over time;
• Plywood is a cheaper alternative to wood: it's lighter but also more fragile, so you might have to replace your sofa in the long run.

Choose the right type of sofa cushions

Depending on personal preference and how much support you're after, you can choose among soft, medium, or hard when it comes to firmness. Not sure? Try and think of how you like your mattress!

As for the filling:

• Foam is one of the most supportive options;
• Fiberfillings result in a softer and overall cozier look, quickly adapting to your body shape;
• Pocket-sprung cushions can be a safer choice for larger sofas and usually offer more customizability when it comes to firmness;
• Feather fillings are obviously the softest, but they're now much less common. If you or someone in your house is particularly sensitive to allergies, you should definitely check whether a particular feather sofa is safe for them.

Choose a color that matches your palette

Before falling in love with a specific hue, consider your existing room's palette and try to keep it consistent:

• Your sofa could either be in a neutral hue that complements your primary/secondary color or become the brightest accent element in your room;

• Alternatively, a creative compromise is to have a neutral sofa and add some throw pillows in your accent hue.

Maintain your interior style consistent

For a cohesive living room, you want your sofa to match your décor style as well as your palette. For example:

• Simpler, more streamlined shapes work better in contemporary and minimalist settings;

• More decorative styles such as shabby chic and French country could do with more ornate designs, curved lines, or even some harmonious armrests.

Consider whether you need any additional features

Finally, is there any other box that your new sofa must tick in order to be considered perfect for you?

Some popular options are:

• Choosing a sofa bed if you occasionally need to accommodate guests for the night;
• A sofa with a recliner feature for increased flexibility and comfort;
• Cup holders and/or a drop-down tray if you like to enjoy a drink or a snack when watching TV but are afraid of spillages;
• A built-in audio system to take your movie experience to a cinema level.