Things to Consider Before Buying a Sofa

        

                                           Buying a new sofa is an important investment, so choosing a sofa is a big decision.One common wrong practice is that after visiting the showroom you decide what is best for you and think about the size of the room.Whilst comfort is important, the materials and processes used in making a good sofa can be a factor in your decision. All aspects should be considered: size, frame material, filling, style, fabric, and of course the placement and purpose. Don’t worry; In this guide, we will help you with everything you need to know before buying the perfect sofa for your house.                        .

MEASURE UP                                 

                                        When buying a sofa, the first thing to do is measure your space.B’coz sofas are often the largest item in a room; you need to make sure that your sofa does not take up the entire room or that the room does not swallow your sofa. Overall length is good to consider. Consider the proportions of the room and determine the height, length and depth of the sofa to look great in the spaces. 

Leave yourself enough room to walk around the sofa comfortably, and make sure the arms won't get in the way of anything, such as a door opening. If your living room is small, opt for low-back sofas to help give the feeling of more room. Slim legs and a gap between the sofa and floor will also help create the illusion of space.

 If space isn't an issue, then high back sofas look great in rooms with high ceilings. Modular sofas enhance open-plan rooms and offer flexibility, so consider a corner sofa with a removable chaise section or two.You're buying an extendable sofa, make sure you measure your space at the full extended size before you buy, as well as its standard position. 

Finally, check the dimensions of any doors and stairways the sofa will have to pass through on delivery. If you are uncertain, one tip for making sure that your sofa will fit in your space is to cut out the shape of your sofa from newspaper and place it on the floor in the room or consider making a sofa out of empty boxes.

SOFA USE 

                                     When making a long-term investment, you need a sofa that will meet your needs for years to come. As you decide the size and fabric choices, also consider the functionality of your sofa. How many people sit on your sofa? 

Do you want the ability to lean back and relax? Do you want it to double as a guest bed?Larger families or households that regularly host guests will be naturally drawn to sectionals. But to produce a more dynamic and flexible seating arrangement, also consider using two different-size sofas positioned into an L shape, or try a pair of love seats facing each other.

If you plan to spend a lot of time lying on the sofa for reading, make sure it has enough space between the arms. Don’t rely on overall length alone, as the width of the arms will affect the space between. If you’re short on space, think about buying a sofa with low arms or no arms. If you prefer to sit upright while reading, knitting, or using a mobile device, the more tailored, firmer structure of a mid-century-modern–style sofa or one with an upright back will feel more comfortable.

 For families with young kids, avoid down-filled cushions, because little feet will likely deform the malleable filling every day. It’s also a good idea to avoid decorative detailing, like tufting buttons or frilly trim; pulling and picking at these will prove irresistible for some kids.

 TRY BEFORE YOU BUY

                                       When it comes to sofas, one size does not fit all. The depth of the seat and the angle of the back will influence how comfortable you feel. The average sofa has a seat depth of at least 45 -50cm, which gives plenty of room to maneuvers if you have long legs, and allows you to tuck them under if you're shorter. But seat depths do vary, so definitely try out different styles to ensure you get good back support.

 How do you know what depth is right for you? Let experience be your guide. If there’s a sofa you find particularly comfortable, measure the distance from the inside of your knee to the spot where your lower back hits the back of the sofa, then buy a sofa that has similar dimensions.

When it comes to seat height, most designs are between 45cm and 50cm high. There's no right or wrong height, so again, try before you buy to make sure it suits the whole family. If you are someone who wants to touch and feel your sofa before investing, then buying a sofa from Furniture stores is the perfect option for you.

STYLE 

                                           Once you've measured the space for your new sofa and found the perfect fit, it's time to decide which sofa is the best home for you. Make sure you pick out a sofa that works with your overall design aesthetic that you have in the rest of your home. Some people mix and match, but most prefer a cohesive and copacetic look.

When you're looking for a sofa style, think about what type of restoration you plan to do. Sofas tend to fall into five main style groups - mid-century, Chesterfield, contemporary, traditional and country. 

Modern decor and minimalism go hand in hand. So if you have a modern decor in your living room, then a sofa should have the same characteristics. If your living room theme is traditional, you should focus on elegance.

Traditional living rooms feature warm colours. The most commonly used colours are beige and brown with slight variations. Let’s take a look at the different materials and features associated with sofas. Understanding the positives and negatives of each type of sofa, and deciding which options suit your lifestyle.

FRAME 

                                       Most sofa frames are made out of wood. A solid hardwood frame is a good option. Hardwood construction like kiln-dried wood is durable and long-lasting. It’s the most expensive option, but also the best investment. Softer wood is a popular affordable option, but it may warp or buckle after a few years. A sofa frame made of particleboard, plastic, or metal is to be avoided, as it will likely warp or crack and is generally uncomfortable.

Other options for frame materials include engineered woods like plywood. Many manufacturers now feel that high-quality plywood can be just as good as traditional kiln-dried hardwoods. If you choose one of these, take a note of the guarantee before committing.

The best sofas have joints that are double dowelled and fitted with corner blocks that are both glued and screwed into place. These are quality joins. Avoid a sofa that’s solely held together with nails, staples, or glue. While these elements can often be used to reinforce a frame, they shouldn’t be the main feature of a sofa’s construction.

Eight-way, hand-tied springs are a hallmark of fine furniture, but sinuous S-shaped springs can provide nearly as much comfort. Drop-in coil springs are a less costly alternative. Avoid cheap, lightweight serpentine springs which can press on the fame or sag.

FILLING 

                                       Remember that what's inside a sofa is just as important as what's used on the outside.How your sofa is filled will not only impact on how comfortable it is but how it looks too. When it comes to the sofa back and seat, polyurethane foam is a common cushion filling that’s durable and easy to care for .But be selective: foam that’s too dense can feel hard, and foam that’s too soft can deteriorate quickly with regular use. Firm foam wrapped in polyester batting is an economical choice that’s also comfortable.

For a top-of-the-line sofa, Feather-filled cushions are high on comfort but they will need regular plumping, Recommend choosing a combination of feather and foam as 'feathers give the squish while the foam provides structure’. Back cushions filled with feather and foam and seat cushions filled with foam or fiber works well. It’s lush, plump, and long-lasting.

  UPHOLSTERY

                                          The upholstery of a sofa is what gives it a finished look. Your choice of upholstery will have a huge impact on the room, so choose carefully to ensure it fits with your scheme. As such, it's vital that you don't get carried away in the cosmetic elements of a sofa, and instead think about the durability of the fabric, and what you need your sofa to be able to withstand.

Sofas in chenille, Cotton,Jute or linen fabric and wool are classic upholstery materials that are worth investing in.Synthetic fabrics like microfiber are also great options that are durable, colorfast and easy to clean.

Leather has a luxurious look and feel and is exceptionally resilient. Over time it will soften and gain character, whilst still retaining its shape and strength. Generally speaking, leather sofas tend to get better with age. If well maintained, a leather sofa can last a lifetime.

PVC or PU upholstery is cheaper compared to leather. But, they are waterproof and also easy to clean,but they aren't as durable. However, if you are looking to bring a leather-look into your home at a budget, a PU or PVC sofa could be a valid option.Upholstery colour is a hugely personal choice; certain shades work better than others in specific situations.You’ll want yours to stay in fashion as long as possible. Given that, it’s best to stick with a neutral fabric.

It's particularly important in a busy family home, and if you have a dog or cat, opts for a fabric that's easy to spot clean.Microfiber and leather upholstered sofas are the easiest to clean and maintain. And because both are smoother, they’re less likely to be scratched into remnants by a pet’s claws. If you have kids consider a darker colour or a sofa with a subtle overall pattern.

BUDGET 

                                    How much you should spend on a sofa, especially if you’re not even sure what the average cost of a sofa is. However, if you can get high-quality furniture pieces on a budget, look where you need it.A good place to start is getting familiar with some average price ranges for couches and sofas. You can visit stores during various festivals to take advantage of amazing deals.

 I hope after reading this article has to make shopping for a sofa more comfortable and easy.

For advice on buying a sofa, including sofa style& design, Visit- https://stylelivingkerala.blogspot.com/2019/03/find-right-sofa-for-your-home.html