6 Tips to Take You to That Perfect Sofa

We break down the sofa buying process so that you get the piece that is right for your needs and space

Like everything else in this era of endless choice, there seem to be infinite options when it comes to choosing a sofa. You might think you know exactly what you want, but once you walk into a shop or browse images online, the styles, shapes, and customisation alternatives can become overwhelming. Save yourself the time, money, and potential buyer’s remorse and use these tips to get a clear idea of what you want (and what you need!) before you start the hunt.

1. Consider size first
If you have a bigger living room, you’ll need to decide exactly how much of the living room you want your sofa to fill. Do you want to include other sofas or chairs? Do you want a coffee table? If so, a simple sofa, or one with a slight L-shape is probably the best fit. If you’re looking for a sofa that will be the focal point of your living room, look for rounder sofa shapes that take up a bit more room and provide a lot of seating.

If you have a small living room, odds are you’ll need a smaller sofa . With less space, any sofa or sofa is going to be in the spotlight, so it’s important to pick something that is practical, but is also of a strong design that carries and complements the rest of the space.

2. Decide exactly how the sofa will be oriented
Successfully organising a living space starts with analysing your lifestyle. What do you do the most in that space? Do you like to wind down in front of the TV? Make sure your sofa faces that direction. Love hosting game or wine nights? Create a semi circle (or even full circle) around a central table.

Does your family use the living room to lounge, relax and read? Surround your sofa with chairs and cushions to create multiple seating areas that can be enjoyed individually, or as a large group.

Browse sofas and sectionals

3. Determine which shape will suit the room best
Now that you’ve decided your sofa’s function, it’s time to figure out which shape will help it fulfilthat purpose. A clean L-shape is great for open areas that need to be divided – such as separating the living room from the dining room.

A rounder shape is a bit more conducive for a smaller space meant to serve as a gathering area for groups of people, but could also be perfect for a media room.

Does your room have a well-rounded personality?

If you want to have more chairs and tables in your living room, a chaise or a daybed could be a good alternative to a traditional sofa. It still provides seating for several people, but is compact.

4. Research upholstery materials. Which will be best for you?

Aesthetic is important, but functionality is key when it comes to choosing a material for your sofa. Some of us that would love to indulge in a plush, white suede sofa – they’re so gorgeous, but so dangerous. Suede can be a poor choice if you have pets or small children who will cause some serious damage.

Leather – particularly in darker colours – is consistently in style, generally wears well with age, and can be fairly easy to clean.

Choosing a Sofa: Fabric vs. Leather

Another choice is to opt to have your couch upholstered in an outdoor fabric. Many companies now carry weather-proof fabric, which resist stains, water and fading from the sun. Many outdoor furniture companies also have outdoor sofas and love seats that are so simple and classic in design that they could easily be used indoors.

Stay sun smart with soft furnishings

5. Choose a style that complements your home
It can be a little hard to nail down your own personal style, but go with your gut instinct when picking the type of sofa that will fit naturally in your home. If your style is sleek and modern, pick something that reflects that in clean lines and dramatic colours.

If your home is an eclectic mix of colours and designs, a sofa that combines several styles (such as a vintage sofa re-upholstered in a colourful fabric, or a more modern shape with traditional accents) could be the perfect expression of your taste.

If your look is a little more traditional, a classically structured sofa in a durable and neutral fabric will stand the test of time and will work well with various colours and complementing pieces.

6. Pick a colour: bright, printed, or neutral?
Re-upholstering furniture is an option for anyone who wants to personalise a piece of furniture.

Don’t be afraid to choose a sofa with a fun or unique print! It can add a surprisingly personal touch and quickly transform the feel of the entire room.

If you’re too nervous to experiment with bolder colours and patterns in your sofa, you can always opt for a funky ottoman that can double as a coffee table. It’ll add a more subtle sense of diversity to your living room, while complementing more classic sofas and chairs.

TELL US
What do you look for in a sofa? Share in the Comments below.

Houzz Editorial Staff, Vanessa Brunner 12 October 2017.

If you are in Singapore, contact www.centrepiece.com.sg or email: info(at)centrepiece.com.sg