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Choosing a sofa can be an overwhelming experience because there are so many choices out there. Here’s a step-by-step process to follow when choosing a living room sofa:
Step 1 Measure your living room and sofa (length and width) to make sure the sofa isn’t too small or large for the area. The sofa should be roughly two-thirds the size of the living room or the wall that it’s placed against. Take into account the size of the other furniture pieces in the area. Measure twice before deciding on the final measurement.
Step 2 Measure the entryway of your home to ensure the sofa will fit upon entering. If the sofa is in a box, you probably won’t have any trouble. Confirm the state of delivery (assembled or unassembled) before purchasing. If assembled, make sure the depth of the sofa will fit through the doorway.
Step 3 Consider the height of the coffee table. It should match (or be a little higher) than the seat height of the sofa.
Step 4 Choose a sofa that matches the architectural style of your home. It may seem like an obvious thing to do, but most people go to the furniture store, choose a sofa that doesn’t match their home. The best way to get an idea of what you like, go to Pinterest and play with different styles.
Step 5 Consider your lifestyle and function of the sofa. Questions to consider: Are you watching TV everyday on the sofa, do you have kids, are you a pet owner, do you like to eat/sleep/drink on the couch, how many will sit on the sofa at once, will mainly short/tall people sit on the sofa, is the sofa for a formal sitting room etc.
For relaxation purposes, sofas with extra cushions work well and formal sitting rooms require sofas with more structure that tend to be upright. Kids appreciate sofas with lower seating and tall people love seat depth. Opting for a sofa that can withstand wear & tear, have removable sofa cushions are suitable for families with small children.
Step 6 Consider the fabric. Couches come into many different finishes, such as leather, polyester, wool blends, boucle, twill, velvet, leather etc. Performance fabrics work well with small kids and entertaining friends. Leather is easy to clean and scratches easily. Choose a fabric based on your lifestyle.