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.