Top 7 Tips for Buying the Perfect Sofa

Choosing the best sofa for you to plonk your backside every evening after work is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Not only does it take pride of place in your living room, but there’s every chance that you will spend the next 5 or decade there. Finding the best sofa for your living room can be tricky, so here are the Top 7 Tips for Buying the Perfect Sofa to give you a helping hand. 

The problem comes when you’re just not sure where to start with your search. There is so much choice everywhere and it’s like being a kid in a sweet shop. Do you want a traditional or modern look? Two or three-seater? Leather or fabric sofas and armchairs? 

Before you even set foot in a showroom, the sheer amount of choice is overwhelming indeed. And even when you have a rough idea of the look or style you want, there’s a whole wealth of other things to consider too. 

How can you ensure the quality of the construction? Will it offer the kind of comfort and support you’re after? Will the upholstery look as good five or ten years down the line?

Our guide aims to make the process a little easier by breaking down all the key things you need to know before splashing out a lot of hard-earned money. So read below on how to choose the best sofa for you.

1. Size and Shape

The first thing to think about is where your sofa is going to fit. What manufacturers refer to as small, medium or large can vary enormously, but here’s a rough guide 

  • Small – a two-seater sofa is approximately 152cm – 174cm wide
  • Medium – a two to three-seater sofa is approximately 174cm -191cm wide
  • Large – a three to the four-seater sofa is approximately 205cm – 214cm wide

It’s worth working out whether you would like only sofas or a mix of sofas and chairs, taking into consideration how many people you want seating for in total and how much space you’ll have left. Note a room overcrowded with furniture is never a good look. So make sure you do your own research and be happy as at the end of the day it is ultimately your decision as you will be living with it.

Also, think about whether the shape works with the style of your home. For example, high backs go well in rooms with high ceilings, while corner sofas look good in larger living spaces and make for a good divider in open-plan homes. Also, consider if you’ll need your sofa to double up as a bed too as you may be in a small apartment and have got enough space.

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2. Don’t forget to Measure!

Sometimes one gets carried away with the inspiration and browsing that we forget one small thing – measurement. Don’t forget to measure any height and width of any doorways, hallways or staircases that your sofa has to fit through when delivered. It’s amazing how many people don’t. 

Some companies may be understanding about any dimension related snags but others may not be, so sure to discuss any access difficulties with the company in question if you’re concerned that it may be a very tight squeeze to your front or living room door.

 
 

3. Delivery?

This really depends on the type of sofa you are ordering and where you buy it. Sofa delivery can be anywhere from the same day to 12 weeks or even longer in some cases. To get delivery of your sofa sooner, try buying a sofa that is already in stock and does not require any customisation. 

It’s also worth noting that different stores have different policies on different products, so don’t assume all sofas on sale in the shop are available for same or next day delivery.

4. How important is the frame?

Without a robust and durable frame, your sofa will have much shorter lifespan. Hardwoods such as oak and ash are best. Softwoods like pine, as well as plastic or metal, can buckle or bend and even snap. Ideally, legs should either be part of the frame or screwed or pegged in, not glued.

Bence Balla Schottner-unsplash

5. What about the springs?

This isn’t something most people think about, but different kinds of springs make for a different kind of feel, just as they do with a mattress. If you can, feel the springs through the upholstery to check they’re close together and strong because if they are flimsy or there’s not many of them, the sofa is more likely to sag over time. 

And remember that sofas with webbing or mesh instead of springs may not be as comfortable.

6. What filling is best?

This can make a massive difference to comfort, support, aesthetics, maintenance and longevity. Foam is the most common synthetic filling. It’s low maintenance and feels supportive – but make sure it’s not too hard (uncomfortable) or soft (doesn’t last) and expect it to lose volume a little over time.

If you prefer a more casual, softer sofa, go for a feather or fibre filling, but expect to pay more and you’ll need to plump it up regularly. Increasingly, manufacturers use a layer of foam with a fibre wrap – this gives you the best of both worlds by being supportive with a soft and relaxed top layer.

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7. Fabric Sofa

If your sofa is going to be used daily, go for a durable fabric like cotton, linen, microfibre, leather or wool. If you’re going for a pattern, your best bet is to get one weaved in rather than printed and try to get a fabric that’s been treated for stain resistance. When it comes to colour, remember all fabrics fade in direct sunlight. Once you’ve found the fabric you like, get a swatch to check it goes with the décor of your room and looks the same in natural daylight as it did under the synthetic light in the shop.

 

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Banner image: Sven-brandsma-unsplash and inset image: Bence Balla Schottner-unsplash