Choosing a sofa appears to be a simple task. You go to the store, select one, and have it delivered. Better still, order it online and have it delivered with the click of a button. But not right now. It’s not easy to find the right sofa for your home.
Sofas are one of the most expensive home design items you’ll buy, so you want to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible. So before you go out and buy the first sofa you see, be sure you’ve done your homework.
The Perfect Size
When buying a sofa, don’t overlook the importance of size. The number of people you need to accommodate, the size of the area, and your physical ability to bring the piece of furniture into the room are all aspects to consider when it comes to size.
Needs for Seating
How many people will use it regularly? What are the numbers one, two, and three? This will directly impact how spacious your sofa needs to be. You could be flexible if it’s just for one or two people, but if it’s for more than that, you might want to consider a spacious 3-seater sofa.
Room Dimensions
What is the size of the room where you will place your sofa? It’s crucial to make sure the couch is sized correctly for the rest of the space. Many people who live in small areas choose small “apartment” size sofas, but this can be a mistake depending on how furnished your room is. A room might get congested if there are too many minor components. Instead, consider a regular-sized sofa to fill the space and make it look full, even in a small room.
Fit Physically
Make sure to measure the entrances, hallways, and staircases to ensure that the sofa will fit. Also, check if the couch will fit inside and around any corners. The most common cause for large furniture returns is that it does not fit, so take meticulous measurements before you buy.
Quality
Quality is essential when purchasing a sofa, and the phrase “you get what you pay for” should always be considered.
Prices for sofas range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. If you’re on a tight budget, stick to the lower end of the spectrum, but keep in mind that the less you pay, the more likely you’ll have to replace it in a few years. So, while it may appear to be cost-effective at the time, you will end up spending more in the long run. That implies you have to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a sofa, but you should consider price and quality. Keep in mind that a high-end sofa should last more than 25 years, whereas a low-end sofa will likely last only ten years.
There are two things to look for when determining whether or not a sofa is of decent quality. First, inquire about an eight-way hand-tied structure from the manufacturer. This is a sign of high quality, and most high-end furniture is constructed in this manner. The other option is to rub your hand across the sofa’s back. If it feels hollow, it’s a sign of inferior quality. Remember that cost and quality typically go hand in hand with sofas and other big pieces of furniture. So it’s always a good idea to choose the most excellent quality you can comfortably afford.
It will not last if you do not take care of it, no matter how excellent the quality is. As a result, be sure you don’t do anything to destroy your sofa.
Pattern and Color
While size and quality are essential, the color and pattern of your sofa may have a more significant impact on the room’s overall look. Because sofas take up so much visual space and are so expensive to replace or recover, conventional decorating wisdom says it’s best to play it safe.
Stick to neutrals that are easy to live with and simple and minimal patterns. While bright colors and trendy designs are fun for a while, they can start to look dated after a time, or you may grow tired of them. Sticking with a neutral basis and dressing it up with colorful pillows and throws is the best thing to do. Remember that neutral does not always imply plain. Tweed and herringbone are subtle textures that can add depth to neutral palettes.
Shape and Style
There are many different kinds and shapes of sofas available nowadays. If you’re unsure what you want, consider your home’s overall style, the room you will place in it, and the look you want to achieve. In general, you don’t put a traditional sofa in a modern home, but in some cases, that’s precisely the look someone wants.
Take into consideration the arm style, cushion type, back shape, and base style. Then, examine photos of several styles in rooms comparable to yours to pick which you prefer.
Comfort
When purchasing a sofa, an essential factor to consider is comfort. It doesn’t matter how nice it appears, how well it fits, or how cheap it is if it isn’t pleasant to sit in. Unfortunately, too many people buy this item only to find out they can’t use it the way they planned.
So, before you buy a sofa, take it for a test drive. Sit in it, lie down in it, and try to get comfortable for a few minutes. Also, be truthful with yourself about how you want to utilize it. Don’t buy it if it doesn’t feel right in the store.
Photo by Terry Magallanes from Pexels