How do you choose your sofa?
It’s a question that’s on many people’s minds before they buy this living-room essential.
We’ve decided to come to your rescue with 10 sound tips to help you along the way.
Let’s find out without further ado!
1 – Target your sofa usage needs
The first question to ask yourself is how you intend to use your sofa.
“A sofa is only meant for sitting or relaxing”, you may say, but that’s not all.
When furnishing a studio apartment, for example, it will be the centerpiece, and should be as comfortable as it is functional.
Are there five of you at home, including two small children and a dog/cat?
Unfortunately, you’ll have to forget about the 2-seater sofa with immaculate white upholstery, and opt for a sofa with removable covers!
Do you have only a small amount of space and often entertain, whether it’s your grown-up children or your friends?
A convertible sofa, a clic clac sofa or a bz sofa will be your best ally.
These are all points to consider before choosing your sofa.
2 – Evaluate your sofa budget
The budget factor is decisive in determining which models to choose.
Depending on the brand and model, the price of a sofa can vary widely.
So, the best way to find out is to set yourself a minimum/maximum price range.
This will be invaluable if only for your search filters, if you’re buying online.
3 – Size your sofa to fit every room
How do you choose the right sofa size?
It’s important to scrupulously measure your living room in order to define the space you need to devote to your sofa.
Do you dream of a large leather corner sofa for your cocooning evenings?
Make sure you have enough space in your living room to accommodate it, or risk bumping your knees more than you should!
Certain configurations, such as a full-length living room, can also give you a hard time in terms of space optimization.
Beware also of the width of your doors (building, entrance, living room, etc.), which can lead to unpleasant surprises on the day of delivery.
So don’t overlook any nooks and crannies when measuring.
You’ll save precious time when it comes to choosing the style of your sofa!
4 – Define the style of your living room to choose the right style for your couch
Let’s talk about style!
The sofa is the focal point of a living room, around which the decor (coffee table, rugs, etc.) will revolve.
It’s your taste and the existing elements of your living room that determine the style.
Are you a fan of design pieces and have a few must-haves in your living room?
Then a contemporary-inspired sofa is for you!
On the other hand, are you looking for a boudoir feel with retro accents?
A velvet sofa with a vintage feel is sure to win you over.
Want to infuse a masculine note like in a 50s smoking room?
Choose an upholstered sofa.
I think you get the idea!
5 – Choose the right color for your couch
When it comes to interior design, color is one of the most important elements in enhancing the style of a room.
But it’s not easy to make a choice, or to adopt the right combinations.
In a white living room, the problem rarely arises, as we turn to “all-purpose” colors like a white, beige or gray sofa.
But there’s nothing to stop you from opting for singularity, by choosing shades that are off the beaten track and in line with the latest trends.
This is the case, for example, with a:
- green sofa
- yellow sofa
- duck blue sofa
- pink sofa
These ultra-contemporary colors bring new life while remaining timeless and accessible.
Not forgetting, of course, bottle-green or burgundy, for a baroque spirit.
6 – Consider the seating comfort of your future sofa
Seating comfort is of prime importance for a sofa, whose primary function is to be a place for relaxation and conviviality.
Having a straight back and well-positioned legs are decisive factors in your choice.
They will enable you to appreciate your sofa at its true value and avoid a call to order from your neck!
Here are a few essential points to consider:
- The foam filling of the seat cushion must be comfortable.
- Armrests should be at the right height
- Is your convertible fitted with a spring system?
- What about the bed, is he in the right size for you?
- Is the backrest at the right angle?
- Is the height of the backrest adapted to your morphology?
7 – How to choose your sofa online
Do you have no choice but to buy your future sofa online?
That doesn’t have to stop you, as long as you use a few unstoppable techniques.
Here are a few tried-and-tested techniques:
Measure every nook and cranny of your room to match the sofa you’ve found.
Ask for a fabric sample if you’re unsure about a particular shade or covering.
Use 3D software, which allows you to recreate your future sofa at the click of a button.
Don’t hesitate to ask the retailer (or check the terms and conditions) if the sofa in question can be taken back and reimbursed.
8 – The type of sofa covering
To choose the right sofa, it’s important to determine the type of upholstery you want. Leather, fabric or synthetic, each has its advantages and disadvantages. To make the right choice, it’s best to focus on both aesthetic and practical considerations.
Leather, the material that ages best
This noble material seduces with its quality and freshness. Leather is warm and ages well. It develops a beautiful patina over time. The best quality leather is called “full grain”. This consists of the crust and the grain, which has not been modified in any way. The only drawback is its particularly high price.
If you have pets, opt for 3 mm thick leather. This way, your sofa will be less sensitive to rubbing and scratching by your four-legged friends. Don’t forget to maintain your leather sofa regularly, to preserve its qualities and beauty.
Cotton
Entirely natural, cotton is still the most popular fabric, not least because it’s so inexpensive. Available in every conceivable shade, this material provides warmth while adding a touch of softness and tranquility to the living room. Durable, cotton doesn’t attract dust and is easy to clean.
It is, however, essential to treat it regularly for stains, especially if you have children or pets. For a warmer look, you can opt for a cotton model mixed with wool or linen.
PVC, or imitation leather
An alternative to leather, polyvinyl chloride, also known as imitation leather, is a covering with impeccable elasticity. Soft and supple, PVC combines suppleness and comfort. This material is becoming increasingly popular thanks to its low price and ease of maintenance. A simple wipe with a sponge is all it takes to clean PVC. Available in different models and colors, it’s made to suit all tastes.
Synthetic or microfiber fabrics
Synthetic upholstery stands out for its strength and versatility. In addition to its precious softness, this fabric is resistant to rubbing and scratching. Thanks to the “peach-skin” effect found in certain textures such as Alcantara, this fabric is very soft to the touch. Like cotton, synthetic fabrics are easy to clean. The upholstery of some microfiber sofas can even be machine-washed.
9 – Materials for the structure of a sofa
The structure of the sofa, also known as the carcass, is the sofa’s skeleton. It shapes the shape of the sofa and guarantees its solidity. The strongest carcasses are made from beech, pine and plywood. For added strength, it’s best to opt for wooden crosspieces. Check that these are properly stapled and glued.
For suspension, opt for “no-sags” springs. They offer greater elasticity and longevity than webbing. As for cushions, the best choice is “high-resilience” foam. High-resilience foam stands out for its durability, comfort and resilience. Choose upholstery foam with a density of over 30 kg/m3.
10 – Choose certain materials to care for your sofa
How do you choose your sofa so you don’t have to clean it every day?
Some coverings require more maintenance than others.
This is the case for leather, which needs to be regularly nourished with suitable products to maintain its shine.
Velvet, too, needs to be cared for as often as possible to avoid looking “old-fashioned”.
Regular vacuuming will remove dust in a jiffy!
Soapy water mixed with ammonia or white vinegar can remove stains from velvet.
The same method can be used to remove stains from synthetic fabrics, which are highly resistant but not immune to incidents!
It’s worth noting that some types of upholstery have difficulty with water.
In this case, you can opt for a “dry” cleaning method based on fuller’s earth, which simply needs to be sprinkled on, massaged in and left overnight before vacuuming.
For parents of young children or pet owners, certain materials such as leather or velvet may be best avoided…
However, if it’s “that velvet sofa or nothing at all” However, if it’s “that velvet sofa or nothing at all”, then there’s nothing to stop you protecting the seat with a large plaid or throw, to avoid broken pots.
Certain pet accessories can also save the day, such as a trendy colored rug to place on the seat of your sofa!
There are many answers and points to consider before making this purchase.
I hope you’ll find these tips useful, and that they’ll help you make the right choice.
Have you recently purchased a sofa? Which model did you choose?
I look forward to hearing from you!
FAQ
How should I determine my sofa’s usage needs?
Consider how you intend to use your sofa. Whether it’s for lounging in a studio apartment or accommodating a family, your usage needs will influence your choice.
What should I consider when evaluating my sofa budget?
Set a minimum and maximum price range for your sofa to narrow down your options and facilitate your search, especially when shopping online.
How do I choose the right sofa size for my living room?
Measure your living room carefully to ensure your chosen sofa fits comfortably. Don’t forget to consider the width of doors to avoid delivery complications.
How can I choose the right style for my sofa?
Select a sofa style that complements your existing decor and personal taste. For example, contemporary, retro, or vintage-inspired styles are some options to consider.
What are some tips for selecting the right color for my sofa?
Choose a sofa color that enhances your room’s style. Neutral tones like white, beige, and gray are safe bets, but you can also opt for bold, contemporary colors like green, yellow, or pink.
How do I ensure seating comfort for my sofa?
Prioritize comfort by checking the foam filling, armrest height, spring system, bed size, backrest angle, and backrest height of your chosen sofa.
What are some tips for choosing a sofa online?
When buying a sofa online, measure your space meticulously, request fabric samples if unsure about colors, utilize 3D software for visualization, and inquire about the return policy.
What should I consider when selecting the sofa covering material?
Consider the type of upholstery material (e.g., leather, cotton, PVC, synthetic fabrics) based on aesthetics and practicality, taking into account factors like pets and maintenance.
Which materials are recommended for the sofa’s structure?
Choose a sofa with a sturdy carcass made from materials like beech, pine, or plywood. Look for proper stapling and gluing and opt for “no-sags” springs and high-resilience foam for added durability.
How can I care for my sofa to minimize cleaning efforts?
To reduce maintenance, select materials that suit your lifestyle. Leather and velvet may require more care, while synthetic fabrics are easier to clean. Consider using protective accessories for added durability.
Thank you! Great information and most of it I never even thought of