One of the most frequently asked questions I get, “What are your recommendations on sofa’s?”
Measure & Plan
I get it. This is an expensive decision and there are SO many options out there. Especially in this era of online shopping where the old way of going to your local big box furniture store, and choosing a sofa based on their inventory on the showroom floor is now…..unfortunately, outdated. We know there are far more options out there now. Customized to our own liking. Why limit ourselves to showroom floors inventory? However, where does one begin to determine what “their own liking” should be? That is why I thought it would be great to share my go-to tips of how I source sofa’s for myself & clients.
“Planning how you actually utilize the space to begin with, and then how you want to utilize the space secondly will help you determine which sofa is best for you.”
- Measure the space in the room. Knowing the space you have to work with is an imperative first step to choosing the right sofa. Keep doorways, entryways, windows, and staircases in mind for appropriate placement and size requirements.
- Map the layout. Planning how you actually utilize the space to begin with, and then how you want to utilize the space secondly will help you determine which sofa is best for you. From L shape sectionals, double sofas, or unique shapes & figures the options are endless, but not endless for all spaces that come in a multitude of shapes and sizes as well. I often use painters tape with the ideal sofa size, or the sofa I have in mind measured out in the room to easily visualize if the fit makes sense as well as layout.
- Consider the size. Ideally your sofa should allow you to maneuver around the room with multiple entry points to provide a nice balanced flow. Also when talking size think of the size of the people using them. If you have a taller family deeper seating is likely needed, but if you have a shorter stature family (woot, woot!) who don’t like dangling their feet when seated you should look for a shallower sofa. The back cushion height is also important. You want to keep the height lower to make the space feel more open & roomy if the space is smaller in size.
Determine the Rooms Function & Your Personal Style Preferences
- Lifestyle. Also think about firmness vs. softness when selecting your sofa. If you tend to need more support a firmer density would be more suitable vs. a softer density for those that need to sink into their sofas for maximum comfort. Sofa’s also have different features like sewn on cushioning vs. removable. If you dislike having to fluff your cushions after a loungey evening than sewn on might be better, but if you have children/pet’s removable cushions might be better as they often have removable covers that can be thrown in the wash.
- Purpose. Consider your rooms purpose, such as do you need a sleeper sofa to allow additional sleeping areas for frequent guests? A traditional sofa will allow someone to change layouts if you are someone that likes frequent change (…not speaking from personal experience or anything). The type of room you are considering also factors in. Playrooms, basements, lounges, libraries, sunrooms, outdoor living spaces, and offices will all have different purposes & needs to consider.
- Style. The sofa chosen should complement the style around your home. While the sofa should be a focal point you do not want it to stick out like a sore thumb. Ensure that you are intentional about the style and feel you want to bring to the space.
“The sofa chosen should complement the style around your home. While the sofa should be a focal point you do not want it to stick out like a sore thumb.”
Check Material, Comfort, & Quality
- Material. One of the most important factors to consider. You can love the look of the sofa, but what if you get it home and it immediately starts piling? Or the pet hair is absolutely unmanagable? If you have pets lean towards a chenille or velvet sofa for ease of pet hair removal. The ever popular boucle is amazing (so soft, so cozy, plus texture for days!), but a nightmare for dog/cat hair removal & finicky process for stains. Linen also isn’t so great for pet hair either, and even stain removal. Some linen & micofibers you have to wash the entire cover as spot cleaning is not possible. These types of care/maintenance requirements should be in the descriptions, so be sure to read carefully. If a sample can be found, do it! This is the best way to determine not only the material that will work, but also if the color is as advertised.
- Comfort. Not all sofas can be treated equally. I rely heavily on reviews when determining if a sofa will be comfortable. Whenever possible visit the retailer to sit on the sofa yourself. Comfort is not just the firmness of the sofa, but the back support of the seat cushions. The overall height of the seat cushions not only matter for making the room feel larger, but also for adequate head support if you like to fully lounge on the sofa.
- Quality. I also rely heavily on reviews to determine quality. However, knowing the build will also help determine this. Sturdy tightly woven fabrics, frame build type – metal or kiln dried hardwood, eight way hand tied springs or sinuous springs for suspension, strong joinery, secure legs, dense foam, foam wrapping, all indicate durability and comfort. Also confirm the product warranties & return policies. Ask if restocking fees or shipping fees apply if you decide to change your mind. There is often no need to settle. This is a big investment, and your satisfaction should matter most.
If a sample can be found, do it!
Now, for my favorite sofas.
This is admittedly difficult to provide because of all the factors to consider above; however, some of my favorite options on the market.
- Lovesac Sactionals
- Customizable layouts & size options
- Many fabric choices & free samples
- Comfortable & Loungey
- Machine washable/removable covers
- High quality build & fabrics
- Unique Features such as speakers, charging stations, reclining
- Lifetime warranty (come again?)
- 60 Day return period at no cost (unheard of)
2. Interior Define Apartment Therapy
- Unique sophisticated design
- Low profile, deep seat
- High quality fabric & cushions
- Extremely comfortable
- Includes lumbar throw pillows
- Free samples
- 60 day return period with 15% restocking fee
- 10 year frame warranty
3. Room & Board Metro Sofa
- Classic but modern design
- Very supportive without being too firm
- US made; exceptional customer service
- 20 free samples
- Customizable length/cushions
- 90 day return period
- Lifetime warranty (you just can’t ignore this)
