A sofa is one of the most important investments you will make for your home. If it is a quality sofa, it will stay with you for a long time, perhaps decades. For this reason, we recommend spending some time researching before buying a new sofa.
Aesthetic preferences are extremely personal, but when choosing, there are certain things you should consider to make sure you are buying the right sofa for you.
These include: the space where the sofa will go, in both size and style; how you will use the sofa; what features you would like it to have; and, perhaps most important (or limiting), the budget you have available.
Sofa dimensions
Make sure the sofa isn't too big for its intended space. This could make it look too heavy or obstruct movement. A frequently used "rule" is that the sofa should not exceed 2/3 of the length of the wall behind it. It shouldn't take up the whole wall and should leave some space on either side.
In addition to the dimensions of the final space, we recommend measuring (height, width, diagonals) the spaces and doors the sofa will need to pass through. This will avoid awkward situations, such as a sofa stuck in the front door.
Lifestyle
Finding the perfect sofa can be a challenge. The options are practically endless, and you need to find a model that suits your taste and fits your decorating style and lifestyle. To help you work out what could work, we suggest asking yourself the following questions:
How will I use the sofa?
Defining how you will use your sofa can help you choose most of its other features. So how do you plan to use it? Mainly for everyday activities such as relaxing, reading or watching TV and Netflix, or occasionally in a more formal setting? For a sofa used mainly for relaxing and leisure, we recommend a deep, well-padded sofa such as the Edmond. A more formal sofa might have more delicate upholstery or a sculptural frame, making it more visually interesting than comfortable or as durable as other upholstery.
Who will use the sofa?
This is closely linked to the previous question, but thinking about who will use the sofa can help answer certain questions. If the users are tall, a deeper sofa will be more comfortable. For someone who has difficulty getting up, a higher sofa with a shallower seat will make it easier. Are there children or pets at home? Then more durable upholstery is recommended to extend the life of the sofa.
What is the style of the space?
To choose the colour or pattern of the sofa fabric, it's important to consider the colours and patterns already in the room. If you want to make a bolder statement, you can opt for a strong colour, but in that case choose a sofa with simpler lines. If you'd rather play it safe and almost guarantee the new sofa will fit in, neutral tones are generally best for most spaces, especially smaller ones. To add some colour to a neutral sofa, use cushions in vibrant colours and patterns or add throws.
Special features
Think about the sofas you have owned or tried. Try to remember which features caught your attention and which you would like in your next sofa: cup holders, reclining seats, removable covers, a sofa bed function. There are countless options for customising your sofa, and knowing what you like in advance can help you decide what you want.
Budget
Setting a budget before buying a sofa is essential to make sure you don't spend more than you'd like. Having a price limit in mind also helps you focus on the options that really fit your budget, saving time and energy in your search. It's important to be realistic about your needs and choose a sofa that not only fits your budget but also meets your needs for comfort, style and durability. Speaking of durability, we'd advise against buying the cheapest sofa you can find. Although it may seem like you're saving money, these sofas are usually of lower quality and may not stand the test of time. We recommend spending a little more (within your means, of course) on a sofa with good materials that will stay with you for decades.
