How To Choose A Sofa

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Perfect Sofa - Selecting a sofa involves more than just choosing something that looks nice. Here are four essential considerations to keep in mind:

Exploring Sofa Types

With an array of sofas available—from cozy loveseats to spacious chaise lounges—there’s a perfect fit for every home. Here’s our comprehensive guide to match you with the ideal sofa for your space:

Left: Audo Copenhagen Offset 2 Seater Corner Sofa | Right: Broste Copenhagen 3 Seater Bay Sofa

Two-Seater Sofas
For smaller spaces that still require the comfort of a sofa, a two-seater is an excellent choice. Typically featuring two seat cushions and two back cushions, these sofas provide ample seating for two people to relax comfortably. They also work wonderfully in larger rooms when paired with another sofa, creating a cozy and versatile seating arrangement.

Three-Seater Sofas
For those who enjoy stretching out while watching TV or relaxing, a three-seater sofa is an ideal option. Perfect for couples and families, it provides more space than a two-seater without being overly large. Typically, these sofas feature three seat cushions and three back cushions, offering a comfortable and spacious seating solution.

Left: New Works Covent Residential 4 Seater Sofa | Right: PolsPotten A-Round U Corner Sofa

Four-Seater Sofas
For homes with ample space and a need to accommodate several people, a four-seater sofa is an excellent choice. These sofas comfortably seat four people, or provide a roomy spot for two to relax undisturbed. They typically feature four seat and back cushions, though some designs may include two longer back cushions.

Corner Sofa
Corner sofas are ideal for maximizing your space, offering ample seating while maintaining a compact footprint. These sofas fit seamlessly into corners or can serve as a striking centerpiece in the middle of the room. Typically L-shaped, some corner sofas also come in U-shaped designs, providing versatile options to suit your layout needs.

Audo Copenhagen Eave Modular Sofa

Modular Sofa
A modular sofa is perfect for any home size, as it can be customized to fit your space. Composed of individual sections that can be arranged in various configurations, modular sofas offer endless possibilities. Whether you need a spacious U-shaped sofa or a compact two-seater, a modular sofa provides a versatile and adaptable solution.

Left: Audo Copenhagen Eave Chaise Sofa | Right: PolsPotten Puff Love Seat

Chaise Sofa
For smaller homes desiring the comfort of a corner sofa, a chaise sofa is an excellent alternative. Chaises mimic the shape of a corner sofa but feature an open side without a backrest, providing a comfortable footrest without enclosing the space. Despite their compact design, chaise sofas offer ample seating and a stylish, space-efficient solution.

Loveseats
A loveseat strikes the perfect balance between a petite sofa and an oversized armchair. It's an ideal size for cozying up with a loved one or stretching out solo. Perfect for awkwardly sized spaces, such as bay windows or areas just too large for a single armchair, loveseats offer a versatile and stylish seating solution.

Left: Northern Daybe Sofa Bed | Right: Design House Stockholm Knot Footstool

Sofa Bed
Ideal for smaller homes, sofa beds effortlessly convert your living room into a guest bedroom when needed. You have the option of fold-out or click-clack sofa beds. A fold-out sofa bed transforms by folding the seat cushions to create a bed, while a click-clack sofa bed simply requires folding down the backrest.

Footstools
If you love having a place to rest your feet but lack the space for a chaise sofa, a footstool could be the perfect solution. Available in various shapes and sizes, footstools can fit any living room. Opt for smaller ones for compact areas or larger ones with integrated storage for added functionality. Find a footstool that suits your space and enhances your comfort.

Finding Your Sofa Style

Your sofa should reflect your personal taste and blend seamlessly with your home decor. Some popular styles include:

Stylish Mid-Century Sofas
Mid-century sofas are defined by their sleek lines, tapered legs, and minimalist design. They strike a perfect balance between style and comfort. Modern renditions of mid-century designs incorporate current comforts while retaining their iconic aesthetic.

Family-Friendly Sofas
If your sofa is the hub for family movie nights, complete with kids, pets, and popcorn, choose one that’s spacious and durable. Opt for a sofa with easy-to-clean upholstery, such as smart fabrics and removable covers, to handle the daily hustle.

Contemporary Modern Sofas
Modern sofas stand out with their straight lines, unique shapes, and sculptural legs. They’re designed to make a statement while offering superb comfort. Today’s modern sofas provide a plethora of choices, blending innovative design with plush seating.

Pro Tip: While trends can be enticing, a sofa is a long-term investment. Choose a piece that resonates with your personal style rather than fleeting fashion trends.

Choosing the Perfect Fabric

Fabric selection is crucial when picking a new sofa. It must align with your lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and home decor. Most brands offer fabric swatches to help you make an informed choice. We highly recommend ordering samples to see how they look in your space.

Upholstery: What to Consider

When choosing upholstery, think about how often the sofa will be used, its cleaning requirements, and whether pets will be lounging on it. Here’s a deeper dive into popular upholstery types and their durability:

Leather
Perfect for high use
Leather stands out as an exceptionally durable upholstery material, ideal for sofas due to its ease of cleaning and longevity. With time, leather develops a unique patina, adding character that reflects your lifestyle. It's an excellent option for households with children and pets, offering both style and practicality.

Smart Fabrics
Perfect for high use
Crafted from synthetic fibres, smart fabrics boast exceptional durability and longevity. They're an excellent option for households with families and pets, offering resilience against everyday wear and tear. Additionally, if the covers are removable, smart fabrics are often machine washable, providing added convenience for easy maintenance.

Cotton
Perfect for medium use
Known for its breathability and softness, cotton is a premium upholstery fabric option. While it tends to be pricier than synthetic materials, its natural fibers require slightly more maintenance. Cotton upholstery can still be suitable for homes with children, but it's important to give it proper care to maintain its appearance over time.

Wool
Perfect for medium use
Wool remains a favoured upholstery option for its ability to regulate temperature, keeping cool in summer and warm in winter. Often combined with synthetic fibers to enhance durability, wool becomes an excellent choice for active households seeking both comfort and resilience.

Linen
Perfect for medium/high use
Linen upholstery offers durability comparable to cotton while retaining many of its desirable qualities. Perfect for households with children and pets, linen is highly breathable and ensures comfort, especially during the summer months. Although it may initially display creases, linen softens over time, developing a charming lived-in appearance.

Velvet
Perfect for low/medium use
Velvet stands as a highly sought-after upholstery fabric, though it requires diligent upkeep. Its susceptibility to spills makes maintenance a bit more challenging compared to other fabrics. Typically crafted from cotton or synthetic fibers, depending on the brand, velvet exudes luxury and elegance but demands careful handling to maintain its pristine appearance.

Measuring Your Space Accurately

Before you order your new sofa, precise measurements are crucial. Imagine the disappointment of waiting weeks for a custom sofa only to find it doesn’t fit. Proper measuring ensures your new piece harmonises with your space. Here’s how to do it right:

1. Clear the space where you’d like the sofa to sit.‌
2. Measure out the maximum width and height of a sofa that the space could fit. ‌
3. Remember to consider side tables or floor lamps that change the available space.‌
4. Compare these dimensions to your shortlisted sofas and then make sure the chosen sofa will fit through your home on delivery day.

Pro Tip: Use masking tape or spread out newspaper on the floor to mimic the sofa’s footprint. This simple trick will help you visualize the space it will occupy.

Your living room sofa is likely one of the most-used pieces of furniture in your home. It’s where you entertain guests, relax, take naps, and sometimes even eat. Choosing the right sofa means finding one that suits your lifestyle and needs perfectly. Let us guide you in finding the sofa that’s made just for you.

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