How to Choose the Right Sofa for Any Room
November 23, 2022
Aside from the bed you sleep in, a comfortable sofa is probably one of the most significant furniture investments you’ll make for your home.
The sofa in your living room should be suitable for watching TV, entertaining, lounging, and even taking an afternoon nap. You want to make sure you put a lot of thought into this purchase because you’ll likely have to live with it for years to come.
From choosing the best fabric to match your décor to taking measurements, here’s how to choose the right sofa for any room.
Try It Before You Buy It
Suppose you’re not looking at ready to ship sofas online. In that case, you should try your furniture before you buy it whenever possible – whether it’s your bed or sofa.
Most sofas have seat depths of 60cm – providing plenty of room to move if you’re taller, or tuck your legs underneath you if you’re shorter. However, the depth of a sofa’s seat varies, so try out a few different styles to ensure your back is getting enough support.
The average sofa’s seat height is between 45cm and 50cm – but trying a specific height to see if it’s comfortable for you is always recommended.
Another thing to consider when choosing a new sofa is how you like to lounge on it. For instance, if you and your partner enjoy sitting with your legs up, make sure the sofa is deep enough for both of you to sit comfortably.
If you prefer to recline, consider buying a recliner sofa or a chaise end – just make sure it’s long enough for you to lounge comfortably. You may also want to consider getting a sofa with a higher back if you are tall.
Make Sure It Has a Sturdy Frame
When you spend as much as you can afford on a sofa with a quality frame, it will last a lot longer. Solid hardwood frames are good, but avoid metal or particle board constructions.
Another aspect to consider is whether the sofa has a guarantee. Ideally, you should purchase from a supplier who offers at least a 15-year warranty.
Order Fabric Swatches
When choosing a sofa for a particular room in your house, seeing physical fabric swatches can give you a better idea of how the sofa will look against your wall color or in the room’s lighting.
Many furniture suppliers offer low-cost or free fabric swatches that you can examine against wallpaper samples or paint swatches. If you are redecorating an entire room, creating a mood board will help you make sure everything works well together. If you prefer to design your décor on your computer, there are also mood board apps that can help you with interior design.
Get Accurate Measurements
If you’ve ever miscalculated measurements and bought furniture that doesn’t fit into your home, you’ll know it is incredibly frustrating. Before you choose a sofa for a room, be sure to get precise measurements.
Measure the sofa’s dimensions against any stairways, corridors, or doorways that it will have to come through to make sure it will fit in your space. If your home offers limited access, you may need to choose a sofa with removable legs, a low back, or even a modular unit.