Your sofa is the main part of your living room. But given its importance and the amount of time it’ll be in your life, it’s not a purchase to be taken lightly. Avoid wasting your hard earned money and precious time on a product that isn’t perfect for you – your home deserves the best. So the interiors experts at James & Rose are here to help you avoid the heartache and pick out the perfect sofa.
Size
First things first, size. Chances are you’ve spent countless hours scouring Pinterest looking at stunning sofas. While huge luxury sofas look great on screen and good in theory, be sure to think realistically about the amount of space you have available. If you splash out and end up with a sofa too big, it’ll make your living room look smaller and more cramped than it actually is.
Our top tips? If you’re a little short on space, choose a sofa with low arms and legs that raise the seat off the ground, as this will give the illusion of more space. If you have a lot of space to play with, don’t forget to factor in other pieces of furniture such as sideboards, chairs, coffee tables and TV stands.
To make sure you’re getting something perfect, consider having your sofa made to your measurements – it’s not as pricey as you think.
Practicality
As your sofa will be used every day for years to come, it’s important to consider how practical your choice will be as it becomes part of your life. Children, pets and users should all factor into your decision.
Leather is incredibly practical as you can easily see where the mess is and it can be wiped clean in an instant. If you have pets like a cat or dog, avoid materials such as wool, satin and velvet. Even steer clear of leather unless you want cats sinking their claws into it. There are even pet-friendly fabrics out there such as distressed leather and microfiber so do your research.
How many people do you envision sitting on your sofa? If you have a big family opt for a corner sofa (if space allows) or a three-seater. For a couple you can choose a loveseat or smaller couch with matching snuggle chair.
Longevity
Ask yourself this; “In five years time, will I still like this sofa? And will I still enjoy sitting on it?” You don’t want to regret your purchase a couple of years down the line.
It’s a big investment, so you want to make sure it’s built to last. Here are a few things to look out for…
- Inspect the frame structure to check if it’s sturdy
- Make sure it’s made from hard wood such as birch, teak, cherry, oak or mahogany, rather than a soft wood like spruce or pine
- Is it held together with screws and dowels, or glue and staples? Avoid the latter as they break easily
- Check the fabric too. Ask for the number of rub-tests, especially when it comes to leather
Comfort and style
You’ve checked everything else but now comes the moment of truth; does your dream sofa-to-be feel as good as it looks? Make sure you’ve truly fallen in love, as you’re going to be sitting on it for a long time.
The style and comfort of your chosen sofa should match your personality and how you want to use it. Could you see yourself lounging there with a cup of tea? Or snuggling up with your significant other? Remember that cushions, textures and throws can be added to make it truly your own, but can you see it in your forever home?
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