As far as investments go, it’s very likely that you haven’t given much thought to your sofa. And why should you? After all, it’s just a piece of living room furniture that the husband sleeps on occasionally when he’s forgotten an anniversary.
But is it really?
Made to order sofas are no longer the domain of the well-to-do who need that exact shade of taupe to match the drapes. No, there is a move towards custom sofas for you and me, the need to create something that suits our lifestyle and our exact needs.
Just as you would spend some time testing out various mattresses before you make a purchase, you may well test out a few sofas. Are you going to find exactly what you want on the high street? Probably not, which is why so many people simply settle for the best that they can find, even if it’s not ideal.
Ode to Sofas
Our kettles boil water. They have one job. The coat rack in the hallway will happily hold your coat, but don’t expect it to make you toast.
The sofa?
Ah, the sofa is a multi-dimensional piece of our family. One article highlights the diversity of the humble sofa, saying, “… over the course of the average 11-year life of a sofa, it will see couples kiss 2,105 times, families sit down to watch 3,135 films, and 2,299 hours – which equals to almost 96 days - of phone conversations.
“As one of the most used pieces of furniture in our home, the sofa is also home to people reading books for 2,728 hours – the equivalent of more than 16 weeks over the 11 years. Meanwhile, a toy will be lost behind the cushions once a month, and a hunt for the remote control will take place 421 times during its lifetime.
“The average sofa will witness 1,236 arguments, have 2,728 drink and food spillages on it – and see men sleeping on it after getting kicked out of bed 191 times.”
With all this activity, the sofa is arguably the most important item in our living room.
Bearing this in mind, don’t you feel that it’s worth getting the very best you can afford, and not simply settling for what you can find?
We’ve delved deep to unpack four excellent reasons why you should consider a made-to-order sofa. Would you like to know more?
Why Made-to-Order Sofas Are a Smart Move
Design and Style
The sofa is often touted as the cornerstone of the interior design world around which the rest of the room is built. Wallpaper, paint, curtains and blinds can all be changed up fairly quickly, but your sofa is a more permanent feature.
That being said, do you want to style your living room around an item of furniture that you don’t love? Will you have to compromise on colour or character because your sofa isn’t quite what it should be?
The design of your home speaks to who you are, your personality, your flair…and goes a long way towards determining how you are going to feel at the end of a long day.
Designing a custom sofa to fill the exact space you need, in the shape, colour and style of your choosing is incredibly rewarding and offers you the best possible result. This is a golden opportunity to create the magic that you hold in your head, safe in the knowledge that nobody else in your phone book will have the same piece.
Quality
If you’re spending money on anything that you’re hoping will last, then the matter of quality will come into play. Mass produced furniture tends to be manufactured quickly and isn’t known for its top-quality finishes or longevity. A bit of chipboard and some foam covered by pretty material and there it is, in the shop window dressed like it’s something special.
The life expectancy of a sofa is around 10 years; it’s not something we replace often. So, how is it going to age? Can it stand up to the rigours of family life and a couple of removal vans? Can it withstand the weight of Aunt Penny and Uncle Arthur?
Made-to-order sofas not only give you exactly what you want, but they do it in style. High quality finishes, superior product use, and excellent craftsmanship show in the attention to detail of a custom piece.
Practicality
Yes, off-the-shelf furniture is a quick and painless decision and can be ready to use in your home within the day. (Except if you’re ordering from Ikea, then “some assembly may be required.”) The downside of ready-made furniture is that it may not fit up your stairs, it may be too big or too small for your space, or it only came in two colours – neither of which you love.
A custom-made sofa will be made to fit that awkward space, it will have the additional storage that you need, and allow you to choose between 4500 leather and fabric coverings.
One of the best things about having your sofa made for you, is that it will fit your lifestyle. Perhaps you’re planning on having children and you need to factor in durability and ease of cleaning. Maybe, your children are leaving the family home and you can finally buy that cream sofa you’ve always wanted. Would a sofa bed be a better option, considering all the teens that come for sleepovers?
Personal Comfort
Have you ever sat on a sofa and just couldn’t get comfortable? Yes, some furniture choices are questionable, and you wonder how the person lives with their choice.
If you’re more of a lounger and love to snuggle up while watching your favourite movies, then you’ll be looking for something cosy and deep with soft edges and deliciously cuddly fabrics. Tall people tend to be more comfortable with higher backed options and deeper seats to accommodate their longer legs.
Older people may need a firmer seat with a lift and rise option, while those with indoor furry friends will certainly want washable covers. Those with recurring back issues may want to take a closer look at the best lumbar support variations – the list is long.
Where Can I Order a Custom Sofa?
There is the belief that a made-to-order sofa is going to cost the earth. That’s not the case. Yes, they will certainly cost more than something off the high street, but they will also be exactly what you want and will last you a lifetime.
If you have an idea in your head that you would like to explore, please feel free to give the friendly and talented team at Signature Sofas a call. With decades of experience and a huge variety of options, we are the experts you have been looking for.
