Selecting a sofa is one of the most important furnishing decisions you can make! Think about it — so much of your home life centers around this one piece. Relaxing after work or on the weekend, watching TV, hosting friends and family, taking a nap… all activities that take place on the sofa! So, before investing in this key piece, read on for our top designer tips on how to choose the perfect sofa for your home.

 

1.    Consider Your Lifestyle

Before diving into different sofa styles, take a moment to consider your lifestyle and what you may require from a sofa in day-to-day life. If you have a big family, a sectional might be the best choice for you. If you have pets or kids, it may be a good idea to opt for stain-resistant performance fabric upholstery. If relaxation and comfort are at the top of your mind, you may want to look at motion sofas styles that recline. Going into your shopping experience with a few key “must haves” in mind will save you lots of time and energy.

 

2.    Determine Sofa Orientation

Another element to decide on before going shopping is how you plan to orient a sofa in your space. Will you be placing the sofa against a wall or will it be displayed in the center of a room where its back will be exposed? If you are looking for a sectional, where do you want the corner piece to be? Knowing these details will help to eliminate any options that don’t fit within your requirements.

 

3.    Measure, then Measure Again

You can never measure too many times! A lot of errors can be made in this step of the process, so be sure you know exactly how large or small of a sofa your space can accommodate – including length, height and width. It is also important to take measurements of your doorways and hallways, because while a sofa may be the perfect size for your living room, it may not fit through your front door or through tiny stairwell landing spaces!

 

4.    Be Selective with Upholstery Fabric/Leather Type

Choosing the right upholstery fabric or leather type for your lifestyle is vital. Like mentioned before, if you have pets or small children, opting for a performance fabric selection is wise. It’s also essential to research the quality of the upholstery fabric or leather type for any sofa you like, including cleaning codes and upkeep recommendations.

 

5.   Pick Out A Color That Works With Your Space

Now it is time for one of the biggest decisions yet… your sofa color! There are so many different directions you can take here, from a bright statement, to a detailed pattern or a reliable neutral. There really is no wrong or right with what kind of palette you select just as long as it is something you know you will love (and not get tired of) for years to come.

 

6.    Choose a Style That Suits Your Home

Of course, another component to keep in mind is the existing furniture in your living space. If your side chairs, cocktail table and console all have more of a traditional flair, we suggest sticking within this style type for your sofa. Similarly, a more contemporary home usually requires a modern sofa for a nice complement. However, based on your design comfort level, you can still mix and match between styles, just as long as the end result creates a cohesive, appealing statement.

 

7.    Be Mindful Of The Arm Style

Arm styles of a sofa are often an afterthought, but they shouldn’t be! With many styles ranging from winged silhouettes to clean-lined angles, from rolled armrests to oversized and undersized, there are endless options that all offer different benefits. It’s also crucial to test out the arms of any sofa you like, to ensure they are sturdy and firm.

 

8.    Test The Seat Cushions

Seat cushions come in many different shapes and sizes. If you are shopping for a livable comfort piece, you will want to look for more of a comfy, “sink-right-in” feel. But, if you are shopping for a formal sitting area, you may want to go with a firm, structured cushion that keeps it shape.

 Contributors: Kelli Ellis, Patti Borelli, Skaie Knox