1. Planning

A plan is essential for nearly every successful purchasing program. A sofa is an important buy, so planning is essential. Make sure as well as measuring the area where you want the sofa to go, you also measure doorways and the width of corridors. If you have small doorframes or not a lot of room to manoeuvre, look for sofas that have removable legs or arms. Also bear in mind that once the sofa is in your room you may not like it in its chosen spot, so have a back up and make sure you measure that space too. A good idea is to make a template out of newspaper to ensure a perfect fit.

2. How Many Seats?

The size of sofa you need will depend on how many people are going to sit comfortably on it. It may be that you have a large family or regularly entertain, so think carefully about this when deciding whether to purchase a two or three-seater sofa. Three-seaters are invariably more comfortable as sprawling out is always an option!

3. What Kind of Sofa?

Corner Sofas:

Corner sofas are great if you have a small or awkwardly shaped room. They immediately free up more central space – but only if you have carefully measured up, ensuring that doors and windows can be opened comfortably. Corner sofas usually come as modular units, which slot together and give you added flexibility.

Tailor Made:

It may be the case that you just can’t find the sofa you want. If so it may be worth considering having a bespoke sofa made. More stockists than ever now provide a service in which an expert will come to your home to discuss exactly what you want, and weigh up the options available for you depending on the style of your room.

4. Loose Covers

If you have small children or are prone to spilling things yourself, loose covers will be your saving grace. Most loose covers can be washed at 40 degrees although they should never be tumbled dried as this could cause shrinkage. Many sofa stores stock loose covers in a range of colors – perfect if you want to update your living room on a budget. If you’re happy with your initial choice of style, fixed covers offer a more tailored look, but will need to be cleaned in situ.

5. Color

It may seem obvious, but the color of your sofa is hugely important, especially if you intend to buy a more expensive sofa. While that lime green sofa fits your living room scheme now, it may not in a few years time when you want something a tad more subdued. Neutral colors will never let you down on this front and, if you’re prone to changing your scheme, they can be easily updated with cushions and throws.

When you are buying furniture for a new design or remodel, where do you start? I usually recommend starting with the largest and most expensive item, which, in the case of a living and family room, is usually the sofa. The sofa is usually a focal point, the seating area most often used, and, if the wrong choice is made, the source of the most complaint. It’s important to chose the right sofa style and size for your design. You have several choices to explore:

a. Traditional sofa. The scale of the traditional sofa (in form, not in style) is usually from 6 to 8 feet, although longer sofas can be custom made. The average sofa fits three people comfortably and is the piece most often chosen for the living room.

b. Convertible sofa. This sofa can be converted into an extra bed for guests. The newest convertibles have an inflatable mattress, making the bed more comfortable than in years past and ensuring your company will stay longer – which may or may not be a pleasant circumstance.

c. Love seat. This smaller version of a sofa will sit two people and is perfect for smaller rooms. For more seating in small rooms or even as a conversation area in larger room, two loveseats can be positioned facing each other.

d. Divan. Think backless sofa. It is usually placed against a wall with pillows added for comfort. A version of this sofa with one side angled to recline is called a “fainting couch” – ideal for those with a more delicate temperament.

e. Settee. This is a form of loveseat. It usually has a wood frame, open arms, and an upholstered seat. It is considered more formal (and usually more uncomfortable) than a loveseat and sits a bit higher.

f. Sectional sofa. A 9 to 16 foot sofa separated into several sections that can be repositioned to fit the room. Its ideal for large rooms or large families that need seating for more people. Some styles have reclining sections. Sectional sofas are wonderful if you have a contemporary look in your home and enough space to handle a large couch. Good quality sectional sofas can be quite expensive, but they’re a good value as you can get reclining features or even sofa-bed and coffee table features built right into the sectional.

Whichever style you choose for your family, there are several things to consider:

* Will the sofa fit through the door?
* Will it satisfy your occasional guests?
* Will it overwhelm or underwhelm the room?
* Is it constructed to last?

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