The ultimate sofa guide: How to choose the right sofa
Choosing the right sofa can be a difficult and overwhelming decision. After all, a sofa is more than just a piece of furniture; it is the heart of your living room, a gathering point for friends and family, and your personal space for relaxation. With so many needs to cover, it is important to find just the right sofa that will suit both your home and your lifestyle. In this guide, we will help you navigate in the world of sofas, and which factors to consider before investing in your next one.
Sofa size and orientation: Where will the sofa be placed?
When looking for a new sofa or couch, it is fundamental to evaluate where the sofa will be placed and how it will fit into the room. If you have a small living area, you might want to consider a 2-seater sofa which is perfect for small gatherings but without taking too much of the room space. On the other hand, if you have a larger living area, you could go for a more spacious sofa like a 3-seater sofa or a chaise longue sofa. Both models are perfect to fill out a room while at the same time creating a cosy and relaxing atmosphere.
When determining the size of the sofa, remember also to consider where in the room you envision the sofa to be placed. A good idea is to identify the room’s focal point like a window, fireplace, or TV. Typically, these points are the centre of attention and therefore it is optimal to place the sofa facing one of these. Knowing the placement is further important because it also impacts which sofa dimensions you should look for. For instance, if you are opting for a chaise longue sofa, you need to know whether the chaise should be placed on the left or the right side of the couch. Ideally, the chaise should be placed in the side that gets the least traffic. Knowing such basic details will help you eliminate the options that does not match your needs.
Tip! Use tape to map out the area where the sofa will be placed. This is a great way to visualise its size and how it will fit into the room.
Sofa functionality: How will the sofa be used and by whom?
Another aspect you need to consider is how – and by whom – the sofa will be used. Do you love a relaxing night in while watching your favourite movie or TV-show? Then you will love a sofa with deep seatings and some soft cushions that you can sink into. On the other hand, if you like having guest over and want your sofa area to be more of a social gathering point, you might want to consider a firmer sofa. Firm sofas provide a better support and a natural environment for conversations.
Are you a family of many, including small kids and pets? Then you could benefit from a sofa in a strong and durable material that is easy to clean and maintain, like a leather sofa. Or maybe you often have friends and family members sleeping over? Then you might want to invest in a sofa bed that perfectly combines lounging and sleeping. Different lifestyles require different features, and that you should all take into account when looking for a new sofa.
Sofa models: Classic, modular, or a corner sofa?
When it comes to sofas there are plenty of different models to choose from. Below we have listed the main sofa models, including their unique characteristics and benefits. Choose the model that will serve you the best, both in terms of style and aesthetics but also in terms of functionality and practicality.
2-seater sofa and 3-seater sofa
2-3-seater sofas are straight and classic sofa models that comes in various styles and materials. The main difference between a 2-seater sofa and a 3-seater sofa is within their seating capacity and size. A 2-seater sofa accommodates 2 people while a 3-seater sofa accommodates 3 people. Consequently, it is a very flexible sofa model that can be adapted to different room sizes and needs. More so, their straight design makes them easy to combine and arrange with other sofas or furniture.
Chaise longue sofa
Chaise longue sofas are characterized by their long and extended seat. They provide a stylish yet functional option for relaxation, making them ideal for living rooms or cosy corners. Do you love to read a book, watch TV, or take a well-deserved nap after a long day? Then a chaise longue sofa might be just the right choice for you.
Corner sofa
Corner sofas, or sectional sofas, are designed to fit into the corners of the room. They are typically designed in a L-shape or a U-shape, providing a cosy and “snuggle in” atmosphere. A corner sofa is one of the biggest sofa models, making them ideal for larger rooms and living areas. It provides plenty of seating spaces, so here you really have the chance to gather all your friends and family for both relaxing and social moments.
Modular sofa
Modular sofas are sofas that are made up of different sections or “modules”. They offer some fantastic benefits due to their flexible design that allows you to customize the sofa according to your needs and preferences. More so, modular sofas are great for changing lifestyles as you can easily reconfigure them whenever your needs change. Maybe you also like spicing up your living area from time to time? With a modular sofa you can unfold your creativity and rearrange the sections to refresh your living room layout – without buying new furniture.
Sofa beds and daybeds
Sofa beds and daybeds are a dual-function furniture that can serve both as a sofa and a bed. It is the perfect space-saving solution and a convenient choice if you often have friends and family sleeping over. They are great to use in guestrooms, home offices, or even living rooms, where they offer an easy transition from a seating area to a sleeping area.
Sofa materials: Leather sofa or fabric sofa?
When choosing a new sofa, another important factor is the sofa material, which influences both the aesthetics, comfort, and functionality. Oftentimes the decision revolves around two popular options - leather or fabric. Both offer some different advantages and disadvantages.
Leather sofas/faux leather sofas are known for their luxurious look and feel. They are available in various finishes, from polished to distressed, allowing you to find just the one that matches your personal style. Maybe you like a smooth and sleek finish for an elegant and sophisticated look? Or maybe you like bringing some vintage vibe into the room and want the leather to look worn and aged? Both options are possible!
One of the key advantages of leather is its durability; it is easy to clean, hypoallergenic, and then it can withstand wear and tear over time, making it a good long-term investment. However, on the downside, some leather sofas may not provide the same warmth and softness as a fabric sofa. More so, as leather is a natural material, it is less breathable compared to other materials.
Fabric sofas, on the other hand, come in a wide variety of different textures, giving you multiple design possibilities. They offer a cosy, inviting feeling and are often considered softer and more comfortable than some leather sofas. While fabric sofas can be less durable than leather sofas, especially in terms of resistance to stains and scratches, they often come at more affordable price points. Additionally, fabric tends to be more breathable than leather, providing comfort even in warmer weather.
Sofa colour: Neutral and classic or colourful and characteristic?
One of the final steps in your sofa searching process comes down to colours. Choosing a colour for your sofa is just as important as choosing the model and the material as it sets the overall tone and style of the room. The decision often comes down to whether you should choose a neutral and classic shade or whether you should go for something more bold and colourful.
Neutral colours like beige, grey, and white offer timeless elegance and can easily be combined with various design styles. They are especially good for small rooms as they can help to create an open and airy feeling. Also, if like spicing your sofa area up from time to time, you can always add some colourful cushions or throws that can help bring some charisma into the room.
On the other hand, going for a colourful sofa can make a bold statement and serve as the centrepiece of your room. Bright colours or unique patterns add personality and help in creating just the atmosphere that you are looking for, whether this is a fun and characteristic yellow or a warm and welcoming brown.
Ultimately, the choice between a neutral or colourful sofa should always be evaluated against your personal style and how you want your living area to feel. With our assortment of sofas, you have a variety of different design options, enabling you to find just the right sofa for you and your home.
Don’t forget to add the small and cosy details...
When having found the right sofa, it is time to complete the living area with all the extra details you can add for a nice and relaxing atmosphere. Maybe you need a new coffee table that suits perfectly to your new sofa? Or maybe you need just the right lighting for a cosy and relaxing atmosphere? For additional tips and tricks on how to bring “hygge” into your living room, read our guide: 3 tips to more "hygge" in your living room. Then you are ready to swing up your feet and enjoy your new sofa area!
