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The sofa is the heart of the living room, a place to relax after a long day and enjoy time with family and friends. With so many styles and options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect sofa for your home.
Start by considering your needs and preferences. Then, consider the size of your space and any unique architectural features or obstacles that may impact placement.
Consider Your Needs and Preferences
A sofa is a big purchase you will be living with for years, so it is vital to consider your needs and preferences before shopping.
For example, if you have a very particular design style that you are following in your home (like mid-century), it is crucial to find a sofa that fits in with your overall aesthetic. Otherwise, it will feel like a mismatched addition that needs to be put in the right place.
How will you use the sofa, and who will sit on it regularly? For example, choose a more durable fabric that protects against spills and tears if you have kids and pets.
If you love to redecorate your space regularly, stick with a neutral color to switch out accent pillows and rugs easily.
Measure Your Space
When selecting the right sofa, you need to keep the bigger picture in mind. It includes the furniture and decor that will surround it. If you want the room to have a certain vibe, like rustic or glam, look for a sofa that fits those aesthetics.
You must also measure the space you’re working with to ensure the sofas will fit. It will help you avoid buying something that’s too big for the room and dominating it or too small and needs to fill the space better.
When measuring, take sofa length and depth measurements with the legs included (sofa height usually excludes the feet). And remember to measure any hallways or internal doors that it will need to pass through. Ensuring the piece will fit once it’s delivered and you’re ready to install it is essential.
Explore Styles and Materials
There are many different styles and materials to choose from regarding sofas. Some have tufted cushions with buttons, while others are plain or have a basket weave. Some have a low back and are perfect for rooms with lower ceilings, while others have high backs and give the room a more formal feel.
If you have children or pets, you’ll want to choose a durable fabric that will resist stains and other damage. Cottons are an excellent choice, but you can also find performance fabrics that are more stain-resistant and easy to clean.
If you need help deciding what fabric to select, request swatches and see how they look in your space. Also, pay attention to the stitching and quality of the fabric. A well-tailored couch will have straight seams and evenly spaced welting (piping). Mismatched stripes or patterns that pull to one side are signs of poor artistry. In general, higher thread counts are better than those with lower ones.
Test for Comfort
Please test whether you’re buying your sofa in person or online. Sit, lounge, and lie on it to see how well it fits you and your family.
Take durability into account as well. If you have kids and pets, select a sofa with performance fabrics that stand up to stains, sticky hands, and paws. Other options include leather and textured fabrics that hide wear and tear.
Choosing a sofa with low back cushions for smaller spaces helps create the illusion of space beneath lower ceilings. Avoid tall-backed designs, which can cut across the room and dominate its design.
Lastly, if you’re purchasing your sofa from an online retailer, try to find out if they offer a home trial period or furniture swapping. It will allow you to test your sofa in your living room and provide peace of mind that your purchase will look great.
