Ah, the value of choice!
If it’s time for you to retire your sagging, squeaking old couch and you’re looking for sofas for sale, then you’re probably pretty excited about the huge range of options that you have to choose from.
Corner sofa or a couple of two-seaters? A modular option for more versatility or a heavy, classic leather beast?
We’re just as excited as you are about the new addition to your living room, and we’d like to offer our top five tips to help you choose the right sofa for your home.
Sofas for Sale – How do I choose?
The best sofa for you will differ from one that your parents or friends have chosen. That’s because a sofa is a lifestyle choice. We all use our space differently, and our furniture selection needs to reflect that choice.
Take a moment to note down how you use your sofa – and no, it’s not just to sit on. Do you snuggle up with the family and binge-watch Netflix? Do you entertain a lot? Do you have people over who end up staying over? Recognising the various needs that need to be filled is a great starting point, as well as noting down what you don’t like about your existing sofa.
Let’s jump right in.
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Sofa Size
The size of your sofa will depend on the size of your room, so get your tape measure out and note down the dimensions of your space. It’s all about balance, so you want to ensure that the furniture is the right size so as not to be swallowed up by the room, or to overwhelm it.
When sizing your sofa, the room that a couch occupies is not only measured in the arm-to-arm length but also the seat depth.
Logically a smaller room will require smaller or less furniture, or perhaps a different layout than what you currently have. Remember that several smaller pieces may end up taking up more room because of the dead space between them, whereas a larger corner sofa, for example, offers more seating in the space provided.
Consider too, how many people you are accommodating before you buy. An armchair or occasional chair seats one person, a 2-seater can handle two comfortably, or as it happens - several children. A 3-seater seats three people comfortably depending on the style, and a corner sofa can often cater for five to seven people.
If you are buying off the shop floor, be sure to be aware of the measurements of your doors and stairways.
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Style
When we talk about the style of your sofa, we don’t just mean classic or contemporary. The choice within these ranges available to you now is breath-taking, and if you’re choosing a custom-made sofa then even more so.
The style of your home will determine the best choice here, obviously sticking with an overarching theme. A cute country cottage with a sleek minimalist 2-seater isn’t going to work.
So, if your style is edgy and modern then you’re looking for something angular with firm cushions and a simple aesthetic. Metal or straight wooden legs will meet clean and unfussy fabrics with an understated look and feel.
A more traditional home will work well with deep and comfy cushions, curved legs and arms, perhaps an ornate frame and soft fabrics.
If you’re leaning toward a long-lasting classic style, then you’re going to look for neutral colours, simple lines, and ageless fabrics. Pleasantly firm (but not too hard) cushion inners will make for a cosy and comfortable space for years to come.
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Fabric
The choice and colour of fabric on your sofa are what bring it all together.
A family room will certainly benefit from removable covers, hard-wearing fabrics and patterned fabric. Leather is ideal for a busy family sofa as it’s easy to wipe off spills and will wear gently over time.
If your space and personality demand a bright statement piece, then you’re spoiled for choice. The range of patterns and designs available is mind-blowing, and you can have an enormous amount of fun with them.
A few points to bear in mind before you settle on your sofa fabric though:
- Ensure that they are pet-friendly if your furry friends share your space
- Keep fragile fabrics out of a sunny spot
- Don’t put a light-coloured sofa in a busy thoroughfare
- That bright paisley you love may not look as on-trend in five years
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Multipurpose
As mentioned at the outset, a sofa is seldom just a seat.
Many choose to buy a sofa which doubles as a pull-out bed for unexpected overnight guests or visiting family members. These are incredibly valuable items of furniture as you can usually not tell them apart from a standard sofa.
If you have elderly parents, friends, or family members who have difficulty getting around, then a lift and rise chair is a practical addition to your living room.
Modular or sectional sofas are great for those who appreciate the joy of constant change and love the idea of having one sofa with five placement options.
Recliner armchairs and couches are perfect for telly marathons, or even for comfy, late-night conversations about life and the universe.
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Longevity
As with any large purchase, we want to make sure that we get what we want, and it’s going to last.
The average sofa will be replaced every decade or so, which means it’s going to need to be durable and washable. The frame will need to be solid and the cushions well-made and robust.
Look for a guarantee on the piece that you buy which will give you an indication of the quality of the product.
Remember, we want:
- A tough inner frame, especially on larger sofas
- Cushion insides that are not going to compact and become hard ad uncomfortable over time
- Fabric that is easy to clean and will not pull, fray, or pill
- Workmanship which adheres to a high standard from legs to covers
- A design which won’t look dated in a couple of years
In Conclusion
If you’re searching online for sofas for sale, then you’re at the beginning of your journey.
Our opinion is that if you’re want to get something unique and special that suits your lifestyle and makes you feel all warm and fuzzy, then look at getting a custom-made sofa.
Not only are you guaranteed the size, shape and style that you desire, but you know that this quality piece will care for you and your family for years to come – all the while looking beautiful.
Call into one of our showrooms to get the real feel of choice. Call us on 03300 564 111
