There is a lot more that goes into choosing a sofa than simply picking the first one you see. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing a sofa to ensure you get the right one for you, your style, and your needs.
Style
The first thing you need to do is decide on the style of sofa you want. Sofas typically fall into one of three categories: casual, formal, or elegant.
Casual
From designer sofas at GlobeWest, to ones you will find at a secondhand store, casual sofas are typically the most common. They are squishy, comfy, have big cushions, and are perfect for sitting or lying on while watching a movie.
Formal
A formal sofa is one that has a tight back and seat, and can be described as more “neat” than a casual sofa. While they are still comfortable, these aren’t the type of couches you laze on, but the ones you use to entertain guests.
Elegant
Elegant sofas are tufted sofas, and ones that have a more European look and feel. An elegant sofa can also be one with a unique shape, such as a high back, or an unusual leg design.
Lifestyle
Next, you need to figure out your lifestyle and how the sofa will fit into it. Are you looking for something for the whole family to enjoy on movie night, or is it for a more formal space where you hold brunches and teas with friends?
You also need to consider durability; for example, if it is going to be used a lot, a durable material like leather is great. On the other hand, if it won’t be used much, you can opt for a cotton blend or something similar.
Cleaning Needs
Couches won’t stay clean forever, and therefore, you need to pay attention to their cleaning needs. You may find yourself in a position where you don’t mind making the extra effort to clean it because you love the couch so much.
On the other hand, if you don’t have enough time for sofa upkeep, opt for one that is much easier to clean. Once again, most leather sofas only require a quick wipe-down to look as good as new.
Sofa Versatility
The versatility of the sofa will most likely come down to the style of sofa you choose. For example, a casual sofa is good for relaxing, movie nights, family gatherings, eating, etc. The other aspect of versatility to consider is where in the home the sofa will be.
The point here is to figure out the cost-to-use ratio; as in, do you want to spend more on a couch for how it looks, or spend more because it will be used often due to being in a popular area of the house.
Try it Out
You should never buy a couch without trying it out first. Go to the stores and try each couch out and see what you like and don’t like about them. Pay attention to the small details, such as the angle of the back, the size of the cushions, how useful the arms rests are, etc.
While you can make the final purchase online, if you have tested some sofas out, you will know what you are looking for and what you want to avoid.
Analyse the Frame
Much like when you are choosing a bed frame, you want a frame that has exceptional build quality, is made from the right materials, and will last you for years to come. The frame is the most important due to what it would cost to repair it compared to reupholstering cushions or cleaning the couch.
Additionally, a broken frame could lead to you having to throw the entire couch. Therefore, pick a sofa with a sturdy, well-made frame.
Sofa Filler
Sofas are typically filled with one of three things: foam, down feathers, or a combination of both. While it will come down to personal preference, there are some positives and negatives for all three.
For example, foam is sometimes not as comfortable as down feathers, but it does hold its shape better. On the other hand, down filler is super cosy and comfortable, but you will have to re-fluff the cushions regularly.
Extra Features
While not too important, there are some extra features you can look for and consider. For example, some couches are sold individually, but can be connected to couches in the same range, allowing you to turn a single sofa into an L-shape.
Some sofas may also feature insert pieces, such as connector pieces that have cup holders, storage, or something similar.
Repair Costs
Finally, do your best to establish how much the sofa would cost to repair. Whether it be fixing the cushions, repairing the frame, reupholstering, etc. While you can do some repairs yourself, it can be difficult if some of these parts are “built-in.”
For example, some sofas don’t have removable cushions, meaning fixing or replacing them can be a challenge and potentially expensive. Before you make your final payment, establish the potential repair costs.