Your sofa is a hard working item of furniture, and naturally you want it to be comfortable, durable and stylish. There’s a huge range of choices available, which of course is exciting and means that the perfect sofa is definitely out there waiting for you. However, the sheer variety of styles, materials, shapes and sizes can make it difficult to know where to start.
Here is your guide to finding a sofa with a winning combination of comfort and style.
Do the sit test
If at all possible, visit a furniture showroom such as our Amersham destination, and try out the sofa for yourself and the other members of your household. Do you enjoy curling up with a book, or reclining with your feet up, for example? Do you prefer firm seats with good back support, or soft plush cushions that you can sink into?
Taller people or those who prefer to lounge with their feet up are suited to deeper seats, while shorter people and those who prefer to sit upright will prefer a shallower seat. Also consider the amount of back support the sofa provides, particularly for taller people or those with back pain.
Getting the size right
The size of the sofa may be dictated by the space available, especially if you have a smaller room. Measure up carefully, considering not just the width of the sofa but also how far it will protrude into the room, and any obstacles such as radiators, shelving, and clearance space to allow doors to open easily.
Consider whether the sofa will work well with the proportions of the room and the other items of furniture; ideally, it should neither overwhelm the space or make it feel too empty. One final point is delivery access: larger sofas may need to be partially dismantled if you have smaller doorways, so check in advance if this will be possible.
The style and design
Once you have found your ideal size and comfort zone, it’s time to consider if the sofa’s style and shape suits your taste and will fit in well with the interior decor. For example, if your aesthetic is sleek and minimalist, you will probably be drawn to low-profile sofas with clean lines and tapered feet.
If you prefer a more classic or retro look, then you may like to consider more traditional shapes with rolled arms, buttoned or fringed cushions, and other decorative details.
Colour and fabric
The colour and fabric of your sofa will have a huge impact on the whole room, and even the way your sofa makes you feel, so you want to take your time and choose wisely. Neutral hues of grey, beige, or cream are always popular because they won’t clash with the other colours in your room.
You may prefer a bold splash of colour or even a pattern, particularly if the decor is quite neutral. The final choice is between a leather and fabric sofa: leather sofas are timeless, highly durable and easy to clean, while fabric sofas are cosy but may show signs or wear and tear more easily.
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