So you’ve decided on a sofa style
and now you’re ready to shop. But there’s a lot more to sofa-buying
than just picking a style and color. Before you make a purchase (which
will likely be one of the most expensive in your home) make sure you
know what to look for.
Sofa Sizes
Sofas take up a lot of
space – both visually and physically. Before buying any sofa make sure
it fits in your home. Measure the height, width, depth, seat height and
arm height. You have to make sure it will fit through doorways, around
corners, and up the stairs if necessary. There’s nothing worse than
having an expensive couch delivered only to discover it won’t fit
through the door.
Construction
There’s a lot that goes
into sofa construction, and generally speaking you get what you pay for.
That's why it's advisable to always buy the best you can afford. But
whatever your price point, make sure to run your hand down the back of
any sofa you’re considering. A hollow back isn’t a great sign as it
usually indicates poor construction.
A padded back is what you want whether you're spending $500 or $5000.
Fabric Choices
Fabric
is a very important consideration in any sofa, and what you want should
be directly related to how you will use it. If the sofa is going in a
family room and will see a lot of activity (kids, pets, spills, etc.) a
durable fabric is important (think along the lines of heavy cottons,
canvas and wool). If it’s going in a formal living room you can probably
get away with something daintier such as silk. Remember, your sofa and
its fabric should reflect your lifestyle so don't buy it just on looks.
Color and Pattern
Color
and pattern are important for a couple of reasons. The first is
decorative. Sofas take up a lot of visual space and will have a large
impact on the overall look and feel of your room. They’re also expensive
and can’t be easily replaced. So be sure to choose a color and pattern
you love and can live with for a long time. The other consideration is
that depending on where they are, sofas can see a lot of action and thus
get damaged. Certain colors and patterns can help camouflage the regular wear and tear many sofas get.
Slipcovers vs Upholstery
As
a general rule, upholstery is best for a clean, tailored look, but that
doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best choice for your home.
Slipcovers are great because they can be easily removed and cleaned.
This takes the worry away for people who have kids, pets, or just tend
to spill a lot! It's also great because you can easily change them if
you want to switch up your decor with the seasons. It’s usually (but not
always!) cheaper to buy a slipcover than it is to buy a new sofa, or
even to have a sofa reupholstered, so if you have commitment issues a
slipcover could be the right choice for you. Slipcovers are also great
for hiding damaged or ugly sofa frames.
Comfort
Comfort is
key when choosing a sofa. Before you buy test out the sofa in the
store. Lie down, put your feet up, rest your head on the arm – whatever
you plan on doing at home should be tried out in the store (within
reason of course). Don't kid yourself about how you will use it.
Sofa Cost
The
cost of sofas varies wildly, and getting the best quality that can fit
your budget should be a priority. When thinking about cost remember the
golden rule of sofa quality – a low-mid price sofa should last about 10
years, while a higher priced sofa should last 25 years or more. Budget
accordingly.
By Lauren Flanagan
Family & Living Rooms Expert
