- Spatial Awareness: It may seem obvious, but the most important thing to do when shopping for a sofa is to measure the space in your living room where you intend to put it. Make sure that it will fit into the room, check the measurements carefully as it could easily be bigger than you think. Before you go to buy your sofa map out the area where you are going to place it using newspaper or cardboard boxes. Be sure to co-ordinate the size of the room and the entrance to it with the size of the sofa that you are buying.
- Section by Section: When considering the look and shape of your sofa, sectional sofas are an extremely popular choice as they allow a range of shape options; the L- shaped style, in particular, is best for making use of space in any room as it extends right to the corner. Corner groups don't necessarily suit every room, though they can work wonders in a small space once you get the dimensions right. Low back sofas work really well in an open plan living arrangement. A good thing to remember for smaller spaces is to avoid large rollback sofas with oversized arms, as they will appear to envelop the whole room. If you're blessed with a large living room two large three-seaters opposite one another around a fireplace are great for socialising and a great use of space.
- Durable Materials: When it comes to coverings, leathers and linens are most popular. Leather wears well and can even look better with age and some of the more affordable finishes wipe clean. Chenille, velvets and linens are the best for following trends and can often be practical and easy to clean. They can often also be extremely practical, with removable and washable covers.
- Sofa Fillings: The actual construction of the sofa is the major factor that affects the price but it is also the bit that you can't see, so ask lots of questions before you buy. The main fillings are foam and feather. Foam is great for holding its shape and is very affordable, though it is firm with little support while feather gives a fuller and more expensive look, but must be plumped every day to keep it looking good. As a compromise, consider a foam seat wrapped in feather and down padding to create a firm seat and still achieve the desired look.
- What's it made from? How a sofa is made is crucial to its longevity and comfort. Top notch sofas are made from hardwood frames with coil springs. Try the sofa out in the shop for comfort and lie or sit on it as you would at home. If you can feel the frame through the upholstery forget about it. You definitely do get what you pay for, so expect to fork out that but extra for quality and durability. Ultra cheap sofas are made from chipboard and foam and lose their shape quickly.
- Beware of Trends: Like everything there are trends in popularity. When you're forking out a lot of cash for a new sofa, be careful to avoid fads or trends. What is popular this year may be on the What's Cold list next year. Keep it tasteful and classic.
Advertisement
