Your sofa might just be the most important piece of furniture in your home, given the amount of time you spend on it every single day. Whether you’re watching TV, reading a book, working on your laptop, or hanging around with your family and friends. Some of the major aspects to consider are its size and comfort factor. But don’t ignore the materials and style, of course!
SCALE
When it comes to size, we are often constrained by the space it will be used in. Always keep in mind that the furniture in your space needs to be proportionate with the room size, otherwise it will look out of place. A larger sofa will look bulky and impede free movement in a smaller space, while a small sofa in a big space will look weird and out of balance.
Take into account people’s natural desire for personal space. Unless at a crowded party, adults rarely sit three in a row on a three-seater sofa. Usually, two adults tend to sit on a three-seater sofa, while one adult will choose to sit on a two-seater. People tend to seek corners on a sofa. Make sure they can face each other while having a conversation.
If you will be incorporating a side chair into your seating area, this needs to be about the same height as your sofa.
COMFORT
Take your time when shopping for a sofa. Sit in every seat for at least three minutes. Check for comfort and make sure there is no hard framework or springs that can be felt. Check your seating posture and the armrests. For taller people, consider designs with more seat depth.
MATERIALS
While aesthetic is important, the functionality should be a key factor to consider when choosing your sofa. Think about the members of your family and choose a fabric that would work with your lifestyle. Leather, linen or cotton fabrics are classic upholstery materials which are worth investing in. Microfiber can also be a great option, durable and easy to clean.
Nowadays, the modern fabric treatments and high performance blends have narrowed the gap between practicality of leather versus fabric. However, if your household has pets or small children, leather is still the better choice, given its ease of cleaning and durability.
STYLE
If your room is a blank canvas, your options are definitely wider. Always start with a well defined idea in mind of the overall style you would like to achieve. On the other hand, if you're just looking to replace your old sofa, choose one that would complement the rest of the furniture items you might already have. We know it can be quite challenging to define your personal style. You might start narrowing down your options by just eliminating those you are definitely not interested in.
If your style is sleek and modern, pick something with clean lines and dramatic colors.
While leather brings a touch of luxury, most matt fabrics add a contemporary feel to your space. If you're looking for a timeless and sophisticated style, neutrals are definitely the way to go.
There is an endless amount of options out there, almost to the point of becoming overwhelming sometimes. If you’re still indecisive and have a hard time identifying the style and color that would best match your interior, consider reaching out for expert advice. Interior designers have in-depth knowledge of the fabrics, materials and styles, and are up-to-date with latest technologies and trends which can help you achieve your desired look.