Practical Guide for Choosing the Perfect Sofa
Choosing the perfect sofa will make your living room a cozy and comfortable room. The sofa is one of the most important pieces of furniture in the house, so it’s worth carefully analyzing which one to buy.
Before deciding on a particular type, it’s important to take the measurements of the space where the sofa will be. That’s the only way to know how much space you have available to add a side table, a floor lamp, etc.
Choosing the perfect sofa – tips to not go crazy
It’s very important to analyze the volume of the sofa you’re going to choose. This is to check that it’s proportionate to the rest of the furniture in the room.
Once you’ve chosen a style, and before you decide on buying it, measure the space you have and make sure that the sofa fits nicely. This is a very important step, as looks can be deceiving.
A very simple trick to check if it will look good in a certain place is to mark out the floor area that the sofa will cover with tape. By doing this, you can visualize how much space it’ll take up.
Choosing the perfect sofa – four things to consider
1. Color and print
The color and print of the sofa will play a very important role in the decision you make. These two elements will set the tone for deciding whether to opt for one style or another.
A sofa that has light tones or a large print will seem more voluminous. On the contrary, a sofa in dark colors, that’s plain or has a small print will integrate better into the decoration.
2. The frame
This is the most important part of the sofa. The sturdiness, thickness, and flexibility of this piece of furniture will largely depend on the quality of the frame. Therefore, it’s very important to consider this.
Solid wood frames (pine, beech, etc.) are the most resistant and durable. To check the robustness, we recommend lifting the sofa a little. If it’s light, then the frame isn’t strong enough.
Chipboard structures tend to not be a great option, as they aren’t very resistant. This kind of structure can’t endure as much continuous use as a solid wood one, making it more prone to breaking. The advantage, however, is that this material is cheaper.
Metal structures, such as steel or iron, are a good alternative. However, if they’re poorly made or low quality, they can eventually oxidize, so choosing these will not pay off.
It’s important to make sure that the legs are attached to the structure; this will make the sofa sturdier and more balanced.
3. The filling
The comfort of the sofa depends on how hard or soft it is. The filling can be feathers (duck, goose, etc.) mixed with foam or synthetic fibers.
Feathers are a good option for the backrests but not so much for the seats, as they squish too much. It’s better to use a high resistance foam and wadding.
Another option is using foam rubber. While this is less resistant and comfortable, it’s also a cheaper material. However, this material must be covered with several layers of polyester to round off its shape.
The ideal sofa should have a supportive seat (1.5 to 2.2 lb/ft3) and a soft, feather, or foam backrest. Keep this in mind and you’ll choose the right option.
4. Straps and supports
These support the weight of the body of the sofa. The stability, durability, and comfort of the seat depend on them. They must be ultra-resistant and flexible to adapt to movement.
Choosing the perfect sofa – the details
When choosing the perfect sofa you must also look at important design details that will give make it comfortable.
Don’t forget about the wheels. Some designs incorporate them in the front legs to facilitate moving the sofa around and making its handling easier.
It’s also worth mentioning folding or adjustable backrests. They allow you to move them to various positions so you can rest better. For example, some models have a reclining mechanism with three positions.
Hidden drawers for storage are also very practical to save space in your living room; some models have them under the seat. Keep this in mind because they’re great a plus.
Last but not least, consider the accessories. Some sofas include special side bits that can transform into side tables. Others have a small shelf on the side or at the back.
A smart sofa choice will add comfort and aesthetic appeal to your living room. Do you have an option in mind?