How to find the perfect sofa

Posted on: June 25th, 2015

A sofa is the center of a living room. So before go out shopping, you should ask yourself some questions to figure it out which kind of sofa is the right one for you. We know that is not an easy task so we’ve selected some quick tips to help you out with this important decision.

Size and shape

The size of your room and your personal taste play important roles when it comes to deciding the right size and shape of the sofa. If you have a wide-open living room, a sectional is a good option. On the other hand, in tight spaces a love seat may be the best fit.

To make sure the sofa you love will fit in your space, just cut a template from paper in the same size of the sofa and place it on the floor and see how it looks before you buy.  And don’t forget to take into consideration if the room will have other elements such as a coffee table or accent chairs, for example, especially if you want to keep your room uncluttered.

Function

What is the main use of the sofa? Watching TV? Reading? Lounging? It will be used frequently or eventually for more formal reunions? Those are very important questions so take your time to answer them; because they will define the kind of sofa will suit your room best.

Least but not last, if you have kids the sofa should be comfortable and maintainable. For that reason avoid tufted details, because they collect crumbs and will make your sofa look messy.

Upholstery

Aesthetics and functionality are key when it comes to choosing the right upholstery material for your sofa. Cotton and linen are natural fibers and generally softer, however they are more susceptible to stains and fading. Leather and synthetic fibers like nylon, usually are more durable and stain-resistant.

Colors and Patterns

Solid neutral colors that coordinate with the walls and curtains establish harmony and a more peaceful room. Patterns and strong colors make a statement saying you are bold and not afraid to try something new in your décor.

If you love to change your living room periodically, choose a neutral-colored sofa and play with colorful accent pillows, rugs, and curtains. But if you really want to stand out, go ahead and choose something exotic that suits best your style.

Style and Details

Choose a style that complements your home décor, something that reflects your personality. If you have a modern house, a sofa with structured rectangular arms is the right choice. However, if you house is more casual, consider a sofa with stuffed rounded arms.

Details are also important. Embellishments such as trim and piping give your sofa a unique personality. Opt for details that won’t fight your décor.

Fill

Feather, foam, down… which one is the best? Well, it depends on what you want. Foam holds its shape, but maybe you would prefer something softer like feathers. Another option is to choose a combination of feather and down. It is a little bit more expensive the foam, but it worth it the investment.

Try it out

Finally, don’t forget to take a few minutes to try the sofa out. Seriously, take a moment, sit down on it and pay attention to how you feel. Is it comfortable? Does the upholstery feel good? A brand new sofa is a big investment and you don’t want to end up with something that is not what you were looking for.