How to Choose a Sofa
The sofa is the headliner of any living or family room. That means a sofa isn’t a purchase to be made on a whim. You’ll need to be armed with the best information available to make an educated decision and subsequent purchase. Most people will replace their sofa maybe once every ten to fifteen years. Choosing a sofa will require some serious reconnaissance. If it’s gonna stick around for many years to come; you might as well love it. Here’s a quick guide to help you make the plunge:
Know Your Sofa Styles
The standard size of a sofa is 6 to 8 feet wide and 33 to 37 inches tall. This style of sofa is the most popular and is available in traditional, transitional and modern styling. Sectionals are the second most popular style of sofa and come in several configurations with the most popular being the right or left arm chaise lounger. Reclining sofas are popular with men and seasoned couples where comfort is more important than design aesthetic.
Will It Fit?
Some places, like New York, have notoriously small dwellings. Not matter where you hang your hat, be sure to measure your space before choosing your new sofa. The sofa and TV should be at least 7 feet apart. Also, be sure you have 18 inches of walking space between the coffee table and the sofa. Additionally, measure the doorways and stairwells too. It doesn’t matter how much you love your new sofa, if it doesn’t fit through the doorway, it will have to go back to the store.
Sofa Construction
Considering the construction of any sofa is extremely important. A well constructed sofa can last 20 years, while a cheaply constructed sofa may wear out in just a few years. For a sofa that looks new for many years, consider a tufted or tight back sofa without back cushions. This option isn’t as comfortable as sofas with back cushions, but it always looks neat and tidy. Loose back cushions or semi-attached back cushions are the other two best options. Loose back cushions are the most comfortable but tend to crush over time. On the other hand, semi-attached back cushions stay neatly in place but cannot be fluffed, which may affect your comfort over time.
Upholstery Options
In the end, upholstery may be the deciding factor choosing a sofa. Pet and child-friendly microfiber is the most durable fabric available with acrylic coming in a close second. Linen is a luxurious and comfortable fabric, but is best for households without children or pets. Alternatively, leather is the most durable option and resists tearing. Leather is more expensive than its fabric counterparts, but leather will wear longer than fabric upholstery.
One Last Tip
One last idea, a tip that designers often use. Before you make the purchase, get the dimensions and recreate the size of the sofa in your space using blue painters tape on the floor. This way you can check to see how your sofa “feels” in your space.
