One of the most important rooms in the house, the place where we rest after a long, busy day at work and where we host our family and friends is none other than the living room. Since this room is often regarded as a relaxing place, it is important to have a nice sofa which will perfectly fit in your interior and offer both comfort and functionality.
As sofas are a major furniture investment, it is important that you make the right decision when you are going sofa shopping. From a cloud sofa to a settee to sectionals, there is a wide variety of living room sofas you can choose from. Besides getting the one that best fits your personal style as well as your interior decor, there are several things you must consider in order to make the right choice for your sofa. We’ve compiled a few tips you should follow to help you choose the best sofa for your home.
Consider the shape and size
Sofas come in many different lengths, depths and heights. For that reason, it is important that you have the right dimensions of your sofa that will fit perfectly and suit your space. Since sofas are often considered the focal point in your living space, they should blend in seamlessly without overwhelming the room.
Also, the shape of the sofa must be taken into account as not all shapes will work in every living space. For example, if your living room is rather small and long, a cloud sofa will be the perfect choice as it will fit the room best and provide enough seating space for guests.
Match your sofa with your decor
In order for your living room to look perfect, all elements must complement each other. This includes having a sofa that will perfectly blend in with your decor and be a representation of your personal taste.
With so many different sofa styles out there, you should go for the one that provides the best overall tone you want for your living space. For example, if your interior design is more traditional, then you should opt for a sofa that offers elegance such as the classical tuxedo sofa.
Or, if your living room includes a wide-ranging mix of colors and designs, then a Lawson sofa is a great option for you.
Pick the right fabric
Besides the style you choose, the fabric of your sofa also helps set the tone for your living room. Since this room is one of the most visited in every home, it is recommended that you go for a durable fabric that is stain resistant and preferably man-made.
For example, leather is one of the most desired fabrics for sofas among homeowners. They last for many years and require low maintenance. Although it is usually sold in a few basic shades, it goes perfectly well with most living room decors.
Another fabric that is popular among homeowners is cotton. They are very comfortable, easy to maintain, and also come in many colors.
Combine comfort and functionality
Because the living room is a place where homeowners spend most of their free time, the comfort of the sofa must be considered. In general, sofa seats are filled with foam, feather, or fiber, or sometimes a combination of them all, which account for the overall comfort of the sofa. For example, a combination of feather and foam for your sofa seats is the best because the feathers provide the softness while the foam provides structure.
The functionality of your sofa will be determined by your everyday activities and living needs. Some of these include whether you plan to spend long hours resting and watching TV or simply having extra sleeping space for guests.
Evaluate the springs
While cushions give your sofa a shape, the suspension underneath them is what determines the comfort of your furniture. In other words, their main role is to soften the cushions and provide you with a so-called relaxing sitting experience.
A typical sofa will include springs in the back of the sofa as well as in the seat. In fact, this is what helps take away the pressure from the joints that make up the outer frame.
The most common spring system will be either a coil or cone spring system because they offer the best support and comfort. This system is made up of eight-way hand-tied springs which are fastened to the base of the sofa and held down by a strong cord.
Pay attention to the frame
Generally speaking, the materials and methods used in constructing any sofa will ultimately determine how durable your furniture will be. This includes the construction of the frame and how well it has been done.
A high-quality, sturdy frame won’t crack or twist which is why you should opt for sofas made with kiln-dried hardwood or high-quality engineered hardwood. If you choose engineered hardwood for your frame, make sure you go for the one that consists of at least seven layers of solid wood to create a strong material.
If you want to test the frame, you can lift one front leg of the sofa to a height of 6 inches. If the other front leg raises off the ground as well, then the frame is strong.
Choosing the color
The color of your sofa will also provide a visual effect in your living room. If you are willing to experiment with your interior, you can choose a sofa with vibrant color shades. No matter what sofa style you choose, the color can easily transform the overall look and feel of the living space.
For example, if you want to make a statement with your sofa, you should opt for strong or vivid color. If not, you can go for a less eye-catching color, such as neutral shades, and blend your sofa with the rest of the decor.
Just remember to stick to monochromatic sofas instead of patterned ones because patterns age fast and you may get bored with them soon.
Final thoughts
Although going sofa shopping may seem like an overwhelming task, the end result is what matters the most. No matter how beautiful or comfortable the sofa looks, it is advised that you take your time and consider all factors in order to make the right choice. If it helps, you can even test the sofa out for comfort and quality before you make your purchase.
