A good sofa can set the mood for any space. In a living room, a sofa is the central piece that creates the atmosphere. The style and overall look of your sofa can provide a sense of relaxation and serenity to the living room, while also giving it an energetic feel and providing warmth. The sofa should complement your existing design elements in the room and be functional, providing comfort to its users. To find a sofa that fits your taste and lifestyle needs, shop for the best couch at Poly & Bark.
Finding the right sofa for your home requires some thought about how you use the space. A good sofa invites comfort and improves your quality of life. The best and most long-lasting fit for your new sofa will be created when you take the time to evaluate how to incorporate your sofa with your lifestyle.
There are many factors that go into determining your choice of sofa, including what types of activities you will be doing on your sofa and where you will be doing them. By understanding your needs, you will be able to choose a sofa that has a good configuration and is made of the right materials to suit your lifestyle.
Measure Your Space
Prior to purchasing a sofa, an individual must first take accurate measurements of the space where the sofa will be placed (including length of walls, number of windows, size/shape of doorways). Is there a baseboard heater (if so, what is its location) or anything else that could affect the proper placement of the sofa?) Many people make the mistake of purchasing either a sofa that is too large and apartments feel cramped, or a sofa that is too small and rooms look unfinished.
Make sure that you have at least 18 inches of walking area around the couch to make it easier to navigate the room and create a balanced layout. If necessary, you could tape measure to determine the size of the sofa on the floor so that you can visualize its size/shape.
Define Your Lifestyle Needs
Consider how the sofa you purchase will be used by you and your family. Is a sofa that is child-friendly and pet-resistant necessary? If so, durability is the most important factor. If you are a family with children and/or pets, it may be wise to purchase a sofa made of fabrics that have a high stain resistance, such as microfiber, leather, or a highly durable synthetic blend. If the sofa is mostly going to be used for entertaining guests, you may want to purchase larger sectionals or modular sofas. If you are single or in a couple, you may want to focus on purchasing sofas that have features designed for relaxing and napping comfortably. As you make your decision, consider the activities that you do every day, and that will help you determine what features are most important to you.
Select the Appropriate Style
Your living space’s mood is expressed through its styling. If you want a clean-lined minimalist style, modern furniture has such a look. Traditional spaces provide a stunning contrast with the use of arms, tufted back rests and other ornate styles. If your style is eclectic, then look for an eye-catching piece of furniture that features bold shapes, lively texture or interesting patterns. When selecting a style for your sofa, match it with the existing decor and style of your room to provide a cohesive and carefully chosen look.
Choose the Right Material
The type of upholstery you choose for your sofa will help determine how comfortable and easy to take care of it is. Leather is a classic material to use for a sofa and has both a sophisticated and tough look, especially when used in busy household environments. Performance fabric is manufactured to resist stains and wear, so this makes performance fabrics a smart choice if you have pets or children. Velvet and linen are both considered luxury materials, but they are also very high-maintenance materials that require more frequent attention to preserve their aesthetics. Carefully consider your willingness to keep the sofa looking its best versus how comfortable or practical you want the sofa to be so that you choose a fabric that meets your needs for many years to come.
Consider Color and Pattern
The color of your sofa will create the atmosphere in your room. Choosing neutral colors, like gray, beige and taupe, are great choices because they offer a lot of design options over time as you change your accent pillows, throw blankets or area rugs. Bright bold colors and graphic patterned items can be used to establish a strong design statement and convey a sense of individuality, but you should remember that designs and tastes will change over time. For a timeless look, select classic colors for your upholstery and use accessories to filter in the trendy colours or patterns.
Evaluate Frame and Cushion Quality
Having a sturdy and durable frame is the first step toward achieving durability. Examples of hardwoods that provide superior durability are oak, maple, and ash. A properly built sofa frame uses a combination of double dowels and glue as well as screws. Under no circumstances should a frame of any kind be constructed exclusively using staples. The most comfortable cushions are made with high density foam along with some type of feather or down wrap. The proper construction of a sofa will prevent sagging and provide superior comfort for many years.
Test for Comfort
Comfort is often very personal, so be sure to try out a product before purchasing it. Before making your final choice, take a moment to sit on the sofa and evaluate each aspect of its comfort level – height, seat depth, back angle, and cushion density – to determine whether it meets your needs.
If you typically take naps on the sofa, then you will want a deeper seat; however, if you prefer a straightforward conversation over casual seating, then a firmer and shallower seat would work best for you. Consider how you plan to utilize your sofa daily and ensure that it offers comfort in each of those uses.
Budget Wisely
An investment in furniture is often a large expense, so finding the right sofa doesn’t mean sacrificing the quality you expect to see based on your price range. When planning your purchase, be sure to determine the price range you can afford (if you’re on a limited budget) and focus on the construction of the sofa rather than the price of the sofa design. In most cases it is better to buy a less expensive sofa with better construction and more durable fabrics, than it is to buy an expensive sofa with cheaper materials.
Try to remember that manufacturers or retailers with a solid warranty are likely to provide you with great customer service and peace of mind as well. When making your informed decision on your new sofa, be prepared with a detailed plan outlining each step of the process to ensure you find a sofa that fits your home, as well as your personal style and lifestyle for years to come.
