Sofas come in all shapes and sizes, from traditional to modern to easy chairs. There are dozens of options.
If you’re wondering how to choose a sofa that will impress your guests and fit into your home decor, follow these simple steps!
When you’ve had a long, hard day, there’s nothing better than lying on a comfortable sofa with your favorite drink. But choosing the right sofa is a difficult task. With so many sofa styles, fabrics, fillings and colors, where do you start?
Cost is also an important factor to consider – how do you know if you’re really getting your money’s worth?
There’s nothing worse than buyer’s remorse! Keep reading if you are looking for simple steps to choose a sofa for your home and family.
How to choose a sofa
It would be helpful to buy a sofa but you need a little help. A sofa is often a long-term investment, so making a decision can be difficult.
But buying a sofa doesn’t have to be complicated. It all boils down to budget, comfort and longevity.
If you can tick these three boxes, you’re on the right track to purchasing the perfect sofa for your home. Remember that regular maintenance, such as vacuuming and spot cleaning, can significantly extend the life of your sofa.
Follow these seven simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to discovering the perfect sofa that will bring joy and comfort to your home.
Step 1: Take your time
Investing in such a large piece of furniture in your home should be made immediately. Before you go to buy a sofa:
He makes A list of all the things you want in your perfect sofa.
Make sure to measure the space your new sofa will take up.
Double-check the sofa’s measurements against it as you go.
You should try sofas while shopping. Any reasonable salesperson will understand that you want to sit or lie down on a potential new sofa. If you find “the one,” check your list of important factors.
Be bold and visit multiple stores, then return for your best picks. This way, you will make an informed decision without any pressure.
Step 2: Try different styles
Now, you are spoiled for choice regarding the style, shape, length and depth of your sofa. Sofa styles are everywhere, from the classic Chesterfield sofa to sleek mid-century modern designs. It can be difficult to know what you want, but testing practicality is a great way to determine your favorite sofa style.
How do you sit on the couch? Are you tall or short? Is your sofa suitable for relaxing or formal occasions? Important things to consider are the height and depth of the sofa seating. A sofa with a deep seat will be more comfortable if you are tall. A sofa with a shallow seat may be easier to reach if you have trouble getting up from a sitting position.
Remember to test the back of the sofa. Do you like a high or low back, firm or soft? These are some of the things you should consider and note on your list before shopping for a sofa. And think about the armrests. Do you like wide armrests with wooden cushions or narrow wooden armrests? These details can make or break your comfort and satisfaction with your sofa.
Step 3: Comfort test
The comfort of your sofa is determined by its filling. Ask yourself, what kind of sofa do you like to sit on? Everyone has their own opinion about what is comfortable or not.
After all, it’s your sofa, and you should prioritize your comfort over your guests’. Remember, a beautiful sofa is only as good as it is comfortable.
Test different styles of sofas and their padding when shopping. Note what you think is more comfortable in the long run. Aside from filling your sofa, think about which sofa cushions you like best.
Sofa cushions should fit comfortably and neatly within the sofa frame. High quality pillows will retain most of their shape when compressed. If your sofa cushions become completely flat and do not maintain their shape, this can cause discomfort in the long run.
Look at the materials inside the pillows too – do you like the firmness of foam or the luxury of feathers?
Some sofas offer a combination of both, a balance of softness and support. Testing these items in store will give you a better idea of what will suit your comfort needs.
Step 4: Your home environment and sofa fabric
This is an important consideration if you have children or own a pet. A sofa can withstand a lot throughout its life, so the fabric of the sofa should be one of the most important factors in determining your choice.
Aside from the practicality of the fabric, you will also want the sofa fabric to fit the style of your home. What’s the point of buying a boring sofa just because it’s functional? Before purchasing sofas, research the best fabrics that fit your home and lifestyle.
If you need a stronger, more rigid fabric, add it to your list. Ask the sales representative if you are not sure about a particular type of fabric.
When testing your sofa, pay attention to how the fabric reacts and feels. Does it wrinkle or stretch easily? Does it feel too slippery or too rough?
The quality and style of the fabric also determine how comfortable your sofa is, so keep that in mind.
For example, microfiber and leather are known for their durability and ease of cleaning, making them ideal for households with children and pets. Velvet and linen are luxurious but require more maintenance.
Step 5: Color scheme for your room
This may seem like a no-brainer, but your room’s color scheme will ultimately determine the color of your new sofa.
Remember that sofas of unusual colors are difficult to clean, maintain and repair if they are torn, burned or scuffed.
If your sofa is entering a family room, darker, more neutral colors are highly recommended as they clean easier and hide stains better.
If you’re looking at a sofa with patterns or textures, make sure it won’t overpower the rest of the room.
Consider how the color and style of your sofa will fit into your decor. Will it match your existing furniture and accessories or will it clash?
Neutral colors like grey, beige and navy are versatile and timeless, so they’re safe for most interiors. If you want to add a pop of color, do so with vibrant pillows or a blanket instead of a sofa.
Step 6: Process Sofa
Ultimately, the style of your sofa will be determined by how functional you want it to be. If you have a family, and want to share your sofa with a love seat, otherwise the freestanding sofa will not suit you.
The L-shaped sectional sofa is perfect for relaxing and sharing with one or more people.
Would you eat dinner on your couch or watch TV, or would it be a masterpiece? Think about the practical use of your new sofa, and you will be one step closer to purchasing the right furniture.
Think about the function of the sofa, do you need it to be a guest bed? If so, consider a sleeper sofa or futon.
If storage is a priority, look for sofas with built-in compartments for blankets and pillows. Practical features like stain-resistant fabric or removable and washable covers can make a big difference in maintaining your sofa’s appearance over time.
Step 7: Check all working mechanisms
There are a lot of luxury sofas on the market today with multiple mechanisms to maximize comfort. If you are purchasing a reclining sofa or sofa bed, make sure all of its moving parts are working before purchasing.
These types of sofas are a little more expensive, so do a thorough test before purchasing. Be bold to test these features while you’re in the store. The salesperson will understand that you are just testing your money’s worth!
Check operation – Do the reclining features move smoothly and quietly? Is the sofa bed easy to pull out and put back?
These practical measures are key to getting the most out of your investment. Also ask about warranty and after-sales service so you are protected if any issues occur.
Find your sofa?
Mid In Mod, based in Houston, Texas, has an amazing collection of mid-century modern furniture for every home. From quirky to traditional pieces and tips on choosing a sofa, Mid In Mod has you covered.
Shop their sofas here. Whether you need a statement piece for your living room or a functional and comfortable sofa for everyday use, Mid In Mod has options to fit every need and style. Contact their staff for personal recommendations and advice.