Purchasing a sofa

Sofa, Couch, settee – whatever you call it, it’s the focal point of your living room and the place you'll chill and unwind. So, it’s worth getting it right.

Buying a sofa takes time and carefulness. You need to pick a type that suits your living space, a colour you love, a fabric that lasts and – after all that – it has to honestly fit through the front door.

Style is one of the most crucial decisions to make when choosing a new sofa.

When you're selecting a sofa style, think about what will suit the rest of your interior, as well as what you like the look of. Sofas fall into five different style groups - mid-century, Chesterfield, contemporary, traditional and country.

So, what's the difference between the different types of sofas, well that’s where we help.

A mid-century sofa is distinguished by neat lines, a boxy, streamlined shape, wooden curved legs and low arms, a mid-century sofa has a modern old-fashioned feel. It's a tailored look, rather than overstuffed.

Chesterfield sofas are designed with rolled back and arms, both at the same height, a deep, pinched button design and these types are often made of leather, a Chesterfield sofa is a recognisable, elegant statement and is fitted to a variety of interior schemes.

Contemporary sofas are just stylish sofas that often have loose back cushions, one per section of the seat, and straight arms that are the same depth. Metal feet are also a typical feature.

Traditional sofas come in all forms and sizes, however, the most familiar styles, are often referred to as a 'Lawson' or 'Howard', and they tend to feature rounded arms that are more downward than the back, not quite reaching the front of the seat cushions. Sofa feet tend to be curved and are wooden legs and sometimes on castors.

Now, let’s look at some other factors which should be considered when purchasing a sofa such as the filling, the frame and many other factors too.

Sofa Frame

Normally, your sofa should have a hardwood frame, such as ash, oak, or beech. These frames are the most enduring and long-lasting, defying plenty of use.

Softwood frames are generally cheaper, such as those made from pine, but these can distort over time, causing your sofa to break.

Plastic and metal frames are sometimes used, but these are susceptible to cracking over time with regular use.

Manufacturers will often merge metal and hardwood to save costs and produce a more inexpensive couch, which is a likely option if you have a smaller budget.

Sofa Filling

The springs for your sofa should be strong and supportive. The most common types are bending springs, which are springs threaded together with a twisted wire. Sofas without springs can be uneasy and quickly wear out.

When it comes to the filling of your sofa cushions, this can affect how comfy it is! Foam stuffing is the most affordable option, and there are a variety of foams you can select from. They provide comfy support and are the most common choice for sofa seats.

Other choices include duck down and feather, a luxurious and affluent filling reflected in the price.

There are many choices for choosing sofa fabric, but it’s essential to choose something that suits your home’s interior and how you will use the sofa whether it will be for lounging or just used in the spare room.

Leather is a popular option, being exceptionally durable, easy to clean, and enhancing with age. It can work for traditional and contemporary decor but is chillier than fabric and limited in colour options. Leather is an ideal option for families and homes with pets, as it doesn’t hold odours or stain easily.

Faux leather is an affordable and long-lasting alternative. Cotton and soft fabric sofas may not last as long as leather. Still, they present a greater combination of colour and texture choices, including the ability to customise your sofa just how you’d like it.

They tend to be warmer and comfier than leather and much more affordable. However, be careful if you have pets or children, as they are more inclined to stains and odours.

Sofa Size

It goes without saying that you need to make sure the sofa you buy fits comfortably in your home. Other things to evaluate include the number of individuals using it and whether it will fit in comfortably with the extra seating you have in the room if you have for example ottomans or chairs already in the room.

You might want it to be the focal point of your living space or perhaps to complement the furnishings you already have. It’s also important to make sure it will fit via the doorways on its way to its new home!