How to buy a good sofa

A sofa is one of the most important investments you will make for your home. If it's a quality sofa, it will be a piece that will stay with you for a long time, perhaps decades. For this reason, we advise you to spend some time researching before buying a new sofa.

Aesthetic preferences are something extremely personal, but when you're in the process of choosing, there are certain considerations you should weigh up to ensure you're buying the ideal sofa for you.

These considerations include: the space where the sofa will be, both in terms of size and style, how you will use the sofa, what features you would like it to have and, perhaps most importantly (or limiting), what budget you have available for the sofa.

Sofa measurements

Make sure the sofa isn't too big for the space it's intended for. This can make it too heavy or impede circulation. A frequently used "rule" is that the sofa should not exceed 2/3 of the size of the wall behind it. It shouldn't take up the whole wall and have some space on either side.

In addition to the dimensions associated with the final space, we advise you to take measurements (height, width, diagonals) of the spaces and doors through which the sofa will have to pass. This will avoid awkward situations such as a sofa getting 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 in with your style of decoration and life. To start helping you figure out what might work, we suggest asking the following questions:

How will I use the sofa?

Defining the type of use you will give your sofa can help you select most of the other features. So, how do you intend to use the sofa? Will it be mainly for daily activities, such as relaxing, reading or watching TV and Netflix TV, or will it be used occasionally in a more formal setting? For a sofa used more for relaxing and playful activities, a deep, well-cushioned sofa like the Edmond. A more formal sofa, on the other hand, may have more delicate upholstery or a sculptural structure, being more visually interesting than comfortable or as hard-wearing as other coverings.

Who will be using the sofa?

It's very much linked to the previous question, but thinking about the people who will be using it can help answer certain questions. If the users are tall, a deeper sofa will be more comfortable. If it's for someone who has trouble getting up, a higher sofa with a shallower seat will make it easier.

Are there children or pets in the house? Then more resistant coverings are advisable to give the sofa more longevity.

What's the style of the space?

When choosing the color or pattern of the sofa fabric, it's important to consider the colors or patterns that already exist in the space. If you want to make a bolder statement, you can opt for a strong color, but in that case, choose a sofa with simpler lines. If you prefer to play it safe and almost guarantee that the new sofa will fit into the space, neutral tones are generally the most suitable for most spaces, especially smaller ones. If you want to add some color to a neutral-toned sofa, you can do so with cushions in vibrant colors and patterns or add blankets.

Special Features

Think about the sofas you've already had or tried out. Try to remember what features or functionalities they had that caught your eye and that you would like to have in your next sofa. Cup holders, reclining seats, removable covers, being a sofa bed. There are lots of options you can explore to personalize your sofa and knowing what you like best beforehand can help you decide what you want.

Budget

Setting a budget before buying a sofa is key to ensuring that you don't spend more than you'd like. In addition, having a price limit in mind can help you focus on the options that really fit your budget, which saves you time and energy when searching for your sofa. Therefore, it's important to be realistic about your needs and choose a sofa that not only fits your budget, but also meets your needs in terms of comfort, style and durability. Speaking of durability, we would 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 advise you to spend a little more (within your means, of course), but buy a sofa with good materials that will last you for decades.