You might think that, after quarreling over countertop materials, floor designs, and wall colors choosing a sofa won’t be so difficult. Right? Well, if you know the design, size, how it will fit in its designated place, color, and overall build, then you have nothing to worry about.
Now, if you already know the things mentioned above, you probably know what sofa you want (lucky you!). However, if you’re currently buried under a ‘mountain’ of Pinterest and Instagram posts (sofa-related), you’re probably in need of help.
If this is the case, here are the top five most important features to keep in mind when choosing a sofa:
1. The Brand is Important
Big brands care about design and quality while also looking to create elegant products that will last the test of time. That’s why the price is a bit higher than with no-name sofas. These tend to look somewhat similar to the ones promoted by big names (at a lower price, of course) but the manufacturing process usually skips a few important steps that lower the quality.
So, considering the fact that a sofa will be with you for years to come, it’s best to invest thinking of the future. And you can find some very interesting designs at acceptable price tags even on the offer of high-end brands (you just need to look hard enough).
And, to help you get started, here is a list of the best sofa brands to browse before deciding on the design, size, and features.
2. Size & Features
- Where do you want to install the sofa?
- Should it convert into a bed?
- Do you need built-in storage space?
- Should it have a cup holder or a designated area for snacks & stuff?
These are only some of the questions you should be asking before talking about color and type of cushions. In general, the features will decide the approximate size of the sofa, but you also need to consider the space where it will be placed in your home.
3. Type & Fabric of the Cushions
In most cases, the cushions can be overstuffed or tailored. The first type gives the sofa a casual friendly look, while the second type provides an elegant, well-suited look. Of course, there are designs that combine both types, with tailored cushions at the bottom and loose, overstuffed cushions at the top.
Once you decide on the type of cushions, the next step should be about the fabric. This one is a bit tricky since you have to take your lifestyle into consideration. For instance, you may like a silky, velvety fabric that looks drop-dead gorgeous, but if you have kids or pets, the beautiful aspect won’t last more than a week (unless you wrap it in plastic, which sort of defeats the purpose).
4. Arms & Legs
The arms provide extra comfort but also define the overall style of the sofa. Therefore, if you want a cute, feminine design, go for rolled arms that are soft and cozy. Otherwise, you can choose straight arms, which are more modern and masculine.
5. Frame
We may address the frame last on this list, but it should be one of your first concerns. The frame needs to be solid and durable, so the sofa won’t break when your big dog wants to join you for movie night.
Moreover, modern designs use high-end materials which are durable and lightweight, so the overall weight of the mattress is no longer an accurate indicator of sturdiness.
Wrap Up
A sofa is one of the important pieces of furniture for your home, so take your time in choosing it. After all, you need the best sofa to create your ideal living room (since the sofa is often the centerpiece of the living room)!
Photo by Nathan Oakley on Unsplash
