Sofa Buying Guide – Part 2

Before buying your perfect sofa, there are a few questions you may want to ask yourself. For example, what style suits your living room? What size do you want it to be? Is it best to have a regular 3-seater sofa or do you want a corner sofa? A sofa is a major investment as it will be the main focus of your living room and you should try to get the highest quality possible for your money. It may be worth investing in one which may be slightly more expensive but will endure the test of time. Here are some tips on how to choose your dream sofa.

Sofa Size

Before buying a sofa, you need to take some measurements of the room you want to put it in. Decide if you’re room will be spacious enough for a 3-piece set, two smaller sofas or a sofa and matching armchair. High back sofas are best with high ceilings, and lower backs will make the ceiling look higher. Also, make sure that the sofa will fit through the entrance to your house and the room it will be going in.

Leather Or Fabric Sofas

Fabric sofas may be best for the family home, especially if there are kids around the house. Good quality leather may be spoiled by excessive spillage or wear and tear. Leather sofas are always in style and can give the room a contemporary or traditional atmosphere depending on the style. When buying a leather sofa, check that it is made from high-quality leather all the way through. When buying either of these types of sofa, it is a good idea to check what the frame is crafted from and how sturdy it will be. The harder the wood the better, as it will endure the test of time and will be less likely to incur structural damage. A frame with wooden corner blocks, wooden dowels or metal brackets and screws is well put together. Do not buy a sofa that is constructed solely with staples, nails or glue; these should only be used for reinforcement.

Sofa Beds and Corner Sofas

Perhaps it would be a better investment to buy a sofa bed if you often have guests staying over. Contrary to popular belief, a sofa bed does not have to be a cheap fold-out couch; they are made in all sorts of styles and sizes now. A foam fold-out is best for occasional use whereas a metal action couch is better for regular or longer stays.

Corner sofas can give the illusion of a larger room and are great if you entertain a lot as they generally seat more people than the average 3-seater. Be sure to measure the space starting from the corner of the room and working out towards each side so that it will definitely fit. If you often have people staying over, a corner sofa that folds out into a sofa bed may be ideal, and there are many styles to choose from.