The sofa is an important piece of furniture in your home and has several functions: it complements your living room, welcomes guests, and offers pleasant moments of relaxation. Therefore, the sofa must combine aesthetics and comfort. A sofa’s appearance often shows its comfort.
Sofas are classified mainly by type (straight, modular, sofa bed, corner sofa, compact sofa, curved sofa, round sofa), choice (sloping, with headrest, with storage, etc.), and style (contemporary, classic, style).
Sofas are more than just a relaxation option. The industry continues to innovate with new technologies that make this type of furniture multi-purpose. “Connected” sofas now include phone chargers and speakers, for example.
How to choose a sofa?
Choosing a sofa is not only a matter of taste but also a lifestyle. You probably won’t choose the white velvet sofa option if you have small children. If you live in a studio apartment, you may need more space for a U-shaped sofa.
The sofa is often the focal point of the living room, where we want to relax while watching a good movie or reading a good book. It also welcomes our guests who can sleep there if it is a sofa bed. The whole family loves the sofa.
So, ask yourself a few questions about choosing the right sofa.
How much space do you have for your new sofa?
How is the room set up?
How much space do you need?
Which cover do you like the most?
Should a sofa be used as a bed?
Do you need an extra bed?
Is easy maintenance an essential criterion for you?s
What budget do you have?
How do you choose the right sofa size?
The first criterion when choosing a sofa is its size. It would be a shame if the couch didn’t fit in your living room. So ask yourself the right questions:
How much space do you have in the living room for your new sofa? Measure the dimensions of your room and write them down as you shop for your dream sofa. Stores have large areas, so furniture tends to look smaller.
How much space do you need? Two, three or… six?
And finally, think about the shape: do you want a corner sofa or a straight one?
Which sofa should I choose?
The second selection criterion is how you want to use your sofa. These criteria depend on your lifestyle and what you want to do. Do you need an extra bed? If so, then the sofa bed option is the best. Do you have small children or pets? Remember that furniture wears out more quickly if you have children or pets. In this case, choosing durable materials with anti-stain treatment is best. Also, think about your space management. Some sofas have armrests that can be used for storage. Corner sofas can have an ottoman that can be used as a cupboard to store blankets, bed sheets or pillows.
Straight Sofa—A classic classic sofa. It is suitable for most living rooms. It is offered as a 2, 3 or 4-seater sofa (or more), and you can choose it as a fixed or modular sofa.
Corner Sofa—This shape allows you to fill a wall or divide a room. It comes with a right corner, a left corner, or even a reversible corner. It is available as a fixed bed or sofa.
Modular sofas are adapted to each morphology and support the spine. They are available in 2 or 3 seats, with corner and armchairs, and with manual or electric relaxation functions (lowering headboard and backrest, lifting footrest).
Semi-circular sofas—Semi-circular sofas are available in various sizes for style and appearance.
Round Sofa—The round shape suits sitting with friends or family. It is also available in independent sections (two sections or four sections), with backrests in each section or only in the middle.
Sofa Bed—Ideal for a first home or a small space. Doesn’t require ample space. It can be used as an everyday bed and as an extra bed. Lying surface dimensions: from 90 x 190 cm to 160 x 200 cm (1 to 2 people).
Which structure and suspension is needed for your sofa?
The structure is the entire supporting structure of your sofa that forms it, from the legs and armrests to the backrest and seat. They can be made of wood or metal (especially for models with a relaxation function), but the most resistant structures are often made of solid wood, such as pine, which is known for its durability. Generally, the structure includes plywood, chipboard or fiberboard to fill the inside of the frame, the strength of which is considered good from a thickness of 15 mm.
When it comes to assembly, stapling remains the most commonly used method because it is the most reliable. It is still possible to find clamped and glued structures for greater strength. Consider the opening mechanism when choosing a sofa bed, especially if you intend to open and close it frequently. Most models generally have three mechanisms, each adapted to the frequency of use of the sofa:
Daily Use—The sofa can be opened directly without removing the cushions.
Typical Use—The back cushion must be removed before opening, while the seat cushion is attached to the structure.
Occasional Use—Back and seat cushions must be removed before unfolding and assembling the bed.
All about sofas: how to choose the right one
The suspension supports the cushions, which in turn absorb pressure, both on the seat and on the backrest. They ultimately determine the comfort level of the sofa. The suspension used for seats, which are usually upholstered in fabric, can be of two types:
Crossed straps—This system provides the best distribution of comfort throughout the seat. It consists of a rubber band 5 to 8 cm wide that is stretched and then crossed diagonally on a flat surface and then clamped. Note: This is the only system used for corner sofas because it is difficult to install springs in the corners.
With springs—On the other hand, this system offers more independent comfort because each spring reacts individually to applied pressure. This system is also known for its long-lasting elasticity. There are different types of springs: classic coil springs (also called “coating springs”), flat suspended moulded wire springs, and Pullmaflex steel wire mesh. However, the ideal quality remains a pocket spring or no-sag spring (also called “zigzag”, “wave”, or “bow spring”), which keeps its shape longer despite many limitations. Because backrest suspension is under much less stress, it is usually done with elastic straps or sturdy supports, usually particle board or wood fibre board.
How do you choose the proper filling?
“Filling” refers to the material that fills the back and cushion of the chair. Therefore, it has a direct impact on the strength of your sofa.
Different types of fillings with different characteristics are available: Polyurethane foam is the most recommended due to its higher density (between 30 and 35k g / m3). This filling is often used for seat cushions, which are more comfortable than back cushions.
Polyether foam, often low-density (between 20 and 25 kg/m3), is more commonly used for back cushions or to strengthen seat cushions. It can also be used to cover structures and dampen the strongest corners. For softer absorption, padding wadding, with a density between 200 and 500 g/m3, can be replaced.
With the foam core as support, springs can also be added between the base and cover to create a soft layer. This technique increases the softness of the upholstery.
FoamFoam flakes, often used for pillow filling, can be an alternative to the previous choice for a smaller budget for a smaller budget.
Few things in home decor have the power to make or break a room like a sofa. Your home’s focal point is the sofa, where you’ll relax, entertain guests, and make memories. However, finding the ideal sofa can be a daunting task, with so many styles, fabrics and sizes available. To make the process easier for you, we’ve put together this comprehensive sofa shopping guide. We’ll cover everything you need to know to buy a sofa that not only looks amazing but also meets your functional needs, from figuring out the right size and shape for your space to choosing the ideal color and fabric. Read on for our expert advice on how to choose the ideal sofa for your home, whether you’re starting from scratch or simply looking to replace your current one.
Sofa Considerations
There are several factors to carefully consider when choosing the ideal sofa for your home. When making your decision, you should consider factors such as size, style and material. Below we’ve listed what we consider to be the most important factors.
Try before you buy
Are you familiar with the traditional basic test when shopping for a new mattress? Sofas can be tried out in a similar way. The average sofa seat depth is at least 60cm, providing plenty of room to move if you have long legs and allowing you to tuck in if you are short. However, seat depths do vary, so it is important to test out a few designs to ensure good back support. Most designs have a seat height of 45 to 50cm. Again, test before you buy to ensure it is the right fit for you, as there is no right or wrong height.
Check the size of the sofa
It doesn’t hurt to take measurements! Some errors can be made at this stage of the process, so ensure you know exactly what length, height, and width the sofa will fit in your space. While a sofa may be the perfect size for your living room, it may not fit through your front door or a narrow stair landing. Measuring your doorways and hallways is crucial.
We might opt for a large corner sofa or a compact loveseat depending on the space available. It all depends on the size of our living room and the number of people who will be sitting on the sofa at once. I believe that larger chairs are better, more comfortable, and more conducive to socializing.
Choose your sofa material
There are two types of materials: fabric and leather. Fabric is more budget-friendly, while faux leather is slightly cheaper. Although many people have had negative experiences with leather-like upholstery, manufacturers claim that the quality of faux leather today is quite high. The fact that fabric is softer to the touch, warmer in the winter, and does not stick to the skin on hot days remains unaffected. Different fabric categories exist. The top-end, which is stain and scratch-resistant and ideal for small children and pets, is the most expensive.
Buy a quality frame
Invest as much as possible in a high-quality frame because it will provide years of relaxation. A solid oak frame is a good choice, but it’s best to avoid metal or particle board construction. Before making a purchase, also consider the warranty. Always choose a manufacturer that offers a minimum of a 15-year warranty.
Order a sample
Having a real sofa in your living room can make a significant difference. Without a sample, it can be difficult to determine the pattern repeat or how the living room lighting will affect the color or sheen of the fabric.
When renovating a whole room, most stores offer free or inexpensive color swatches that can be obtained with paint or wallpaper samples. While it’s always recommended to have a physical mood board, there are great design tools and websites available if you prefer the digital approach.
Inspect the cushions
Keep in mind that the interior of a sofa is just as crucial as the exterior. While foam or fiber can shrink and lose shape over time, down-filled cushions are comfortable for the back and seat of a sofa but require regular straightening.
The best solution? It’s recommended to use a combination of down and foam because down provides springiness while foam provides structure. Down-filled back cushions and foam or fiber-filled seat cushions both work effectively.
Focus on fabrics
Your choice of upholstery, whether it’s a bold color, pattern, or neutral, will significantly impact the room, so ensure it complements your design style. If your sofa will be near a window, choose synthetic fabrics over natural ones, as natural fabrics can fade in direct sunlight.
Choose fabrics that are easy to clean if you have pets, as this is especially important in busy households. In this case, leather, microfiber, velvet, and canvas are all excellent options, and textured weaves are durable and stain-resistant. Given that these fabrics can be taken apart for cleaning and some are washable, a sofa with a loose-fitting cover is worth considering.
Opt for timeless
In general, it’s wise to invest more in items that are used frequently. If you enjoy lounging in front of the TV, allocating a larger budget for your new sofa is crucial.
If you want your investment to endure, be cautious about buying a trendy sofa. While velvet, bouclé, and curved sofas have been popular in recent years, it’s important to carefully consider whether spending a significant amount of money on something that may quickly go out of style or not suit your lifestyle is worthwhile.
Measure
There’s nothing worse than buying furniture that doesn’t fit your space, so take measurements before making any decisions. Use a measuring tape to determine the largest size sofa that will fit in your space and look good.
Consider the width (the measurement across the back of the sofa) and depth (the measurement from the back to the front of the sofa). If you’re purchasing a sofa for a smaller room, pay attention to the depth of the sofa, as it rarely changes from a larger to a smaller sofa. If your room has a radiator or shelves, take the height of the sofa into account.
One way to ensure the sofa will fit in your space is to cut out the shape of the sofa from newspaper and place it on the floor of the room. This allows you to ensure there’s enough room to move around comfortably and that you’ve made space for radiators, shelves, other furniture, as well as cupboards, doors, and windows.
Consider additional features
Gone are the days when you had to choose between practical extras on a sofa, such as a sofa bed or rocking chair, at the expense of style. Consider features that go beyond a basic two or three-seater sofa. Would it be useful to have an attached footrest? Can a sofa bed eliminate the need for a guest bedroom? Do you need a removable cover that can be machine washed?
Also, think about the sofa’s adaptability. For instance, modular sofas can be broken down into smaller pieces when guests visit and a coffee table can be placed in between. This makes the living room more inviting for socializing. If you start with the right model, your sofa will be more tailored to your needs.
Which Sofa Is Right for You?
There are countless cushion combinations available for sofas, including fixed backs with loose seats, fixed backs with fixed seats, and loose backs with fixed seats. For example, an English roll-arm sofa typically has removable seat cushions and fixed back cushions.
The appearance of fixed cushions can be more tailored, while loose cushions can appear more professional or casual. You should choose the option that best fits your personal style.
If you have small children or pets, it’s a good idea to opt for removable cushion covers.
If you’re considering purchasing a chaise lounge for your master bedroom that will only be used occasionally by adults, fixed cushions with button tufting would be a great choice.
The number of cushions on your sofa, whether it’s a bench seat, a pair of cushions, three cushions, or more, will impact its overall look. For example, a tuxedo sofa with channel embroidery complements a bench seat well because there’s less physical interference, allowing the channel embroidery to have its intended impact and creating a unified look.
Sofa Care:
The quality and lifespan of a sofa can be greatly affected by the care it receives. Even a well-made sofa may start to look worn if the upholstery is not properly cared for.
We want your sofa to remain the focal point of your living room and to last for many years. Follow these sofa care and maintenance tips to keep your beloved piece looking as good as new.
Sofa Care Tips:
Regularly vacuuming and dusting your upholstery will keep it looking and smelling clean, and help reduce dirt and dust buildup.
After vacuuming, use a soft-bristled brush to restore the raised textured surface of the upholstery.
If possible, fluff and flip your cushions frequently. If your sofa cushions only have one side, this may be more challenging.
Use pillows or blankets to prevent dirt from sticking to the back and armrests of the sofa. A blanket on the armrests can also act as a stain barrier and won’t look out of place.
To prevent excessive wear and tear and difficult-to-remove stains, it’s best to keep pets off the sofa.
Consult your sofa manufacturer for advice on fabric treatments that can be applied to extend the life of your sofa upholstery.
Schedule regular professional cleanings to maintain the cleanliness and appearance of your sofa.