Let’s be honest, sofa shopping can be overwhelming and stressful. I’ve been there. There is a lot to consider when you are choosing a sofa for your space. Everything from fabrics, to size to style…the list goes on.
I have been designing a lot of main living spaces lately, and the sofa is one of the main conversations we have when starting a project (it’s also one of the bigger ticket items you should be spending more on). So, I decided to unpack the process we go through to land on choosing the right sofa, and share it with you!
Ask yourself these questions first.
Before you even head down the path to selecting a sofa, you need to ask yourself the following questions:
- What is the main function of our sofa? Is it for watching Netflix? Entertaining? Reading? Napping? Determining function will help narrow down the type of couch you need.
- What is your budget?
- What is the orientation or layout of your sofa? Will you be adding accent chairs or other items?Knowing where your sofa is going will influence size, and shape.
Determining your requirements for a couch is key to narrowing down the choices on the market. There is a LOT of choice on the market, and you can be easily overwhelmed if you don’t know what you are looking for.
Fabric vs. Leather
Lifestyle will play a key role in deciding what material is best for you. Pets and children are the number one thing clients mention to me when we talk couches. You don’t want to set yourself up for stress and frustration if your beautiful sofa gets a stain. This is where performance-fabrics are always worth the extra money.
Slip covered or reversible cushions are also smart options, since you can wash them as soon as a stain appears. However, the first stain always feels a bit painful (especially with white couches like me haha). I did want to cry… but it washed out – phew!
Leather on the other hand is easy to clean, and is timeless. Leather is also great for people with allergies, as it doesn’t collect dust or allergens like a fabric couch does. But, the one downfall to leather is that many clients find it either feels too cold in the winter or too hot in the summer. So, sometimes material comes down to personal preference.
Quality + Comfort of your couch
Quality and comfort are SO important when choosing a couch. The frame of your couch should be sturdy, such as solid wood. Stay away from particle board if you can – it won’t stand the test of time.
The fill of your cushions is also very important. Opt for high dense foam, rather than low density to ensure it holds it shape. Feather-filled feels comfortable on your back, but will require regular fluffing to keep them looking good. A mix of foam and feather is your best bet for comfort and something that will hold shape.
Find Your Style + Colour
The options are endless when it comes to style and colours of sofas. I typically like to use a neutral coloured sofa and use accent chairs, pillows or other accessories to add colour. A neutral sofa is timeless and you will get the most bang for your buck, as your less likely to change it out right away.
Deep and cushy sofas are best for watching movies and lounging, while a more classic upright sofa is great for entertaining.
Another thing to pay attention to is the arm shape. It can determine how traditional vs more contemporary the couch is. Usually, the rounder the arms, the more traditional (think grand-millennial style), and the more straight lines a couch has the more contemporary it will be. Transitional style is in between the two and is a great alternative, if you like to mix styles.
Design Tip:
For smaller living rooms, avoid buying bulky, heavy furniture. Picking a sofa with an open base or skinny legs will help keep the space feeling light and airy.
I hope those tips help you on your quest for the perfect sofa. And, if it’s still overwhelming, I’d love to work with you and help you create the perfect living space! Check out my design services for more information, or request a project here.
