Sitting on that brand new, very expensive looking couch is wonderful. There's just something unique and fascinating when choosing a sofa for your home. Besides providing a place to sit, a sofa also enhances the comfort and aesthetic appeal of the living room, making your space more inviting for both relaxing and entertaining. Whether it's an upgrade or adding a brand new piece of furniture, selecting a sofa can make all the difference. Here are five important things to remember before you buy a sofa, to ensure it fits your lifestyle, space, and budget.
1. Assessing Your Space
Room Size and Layout
A very crucial step while assessing your sofa would be measuring the space of your living room as well as the sofa itself. It is very easy to fall in love with a sofa without considering the space you have in your living area. To avoid all of this, the space where you plan to place the sofa should be measured in terms of length and width. You also need to factor in how the sofa will fit with other furniture such as armchairs, coffee tables, or side tables.
Visualize where your sofa will go in the room. You may use tape on the floor to mark out how big your sofa is or you can even just arrange your furniture with the help of a room planning app. Remember to leave enough space for movement so that your sofa does not block the natural traffic flow. So, you will be able to choose confidently from different types of sofas sectional, 2 seater sofa, loveseat, and more.
2. Types of Sofa Sets
There are different designs and configurations available in sofas. Based on one's requirement and room, here are a few of the most common types:
Sectional Sofas: They can be used in larger rooms or areas of an open plan. The sections allow for a great deal of seating space, and sections are also available based on the configurations required by the consumer, which is often for families and guests.
2 Seater Sofas: 2 seaters are compact as well as comfortably designed. One can use a 2 seater sofa in smaller rooms or create additional seating in larger spaces since they are comparatively more versatile in size and movements.
Recliners: If comfort is your priority, then a Recliner Sofa is for you. These sofas have reclining mechanisms built into them allowing you to stretch out, lean back and relax in absolute comfort.
Loveseats and Armchairs: For a cosier feel or smaller rooms, loveseats or a single, standalone armchair can provide just the right number of seats without overwhelming the room.
When choosing between these sofa styles, think about how you will use your sofa, how many seats you need it to accommodate, and the configuration of your rooms.
3. Material Matters
Upholstery Options
The material of your sofa influences its comfort, durability, and its maintenance. Here are the most commonly available in the market:
Leather: Leather sofas are luxurious and durable. They are easy to clean and less prone to staining. However, they can quickly get scratched up, and hot weather may make some people uneasy as leather isn't very breathing. Leather also matches well in modern and sleek living rooms.
Fabric: Fabric sofas come in the most extensive varieties of textures, colours, and patterns. A little more problematic to clean compared to leather, fabric sofas can be very versatile in design. They are the perfect choice for a cosier, casual feel and tend to be softer compared to leather.
Microfiber: Microfiber sofas are durable, stain and odour resistant, and appropriate for families or homes with pets. They are soft to the feel but do not seem to breathe well as some other materials may be detrimental in warm climates.
Each material has its pros and cons, so choose between the two based on your lifestyle and needs. If you have children or pets, you would want a sofa material such as microfiber to last long.
4. Support and Comfort Cushioning Firmness
The most important feature when selecting a sofa is comfort. Cushions come in different firmness, so it is very important to test them before buying. A firmer sofa is much more supportive of the back, and a softer one might be used more for lounging. Test the cushions for both comfort and durability as some can lose their shape and firmness after a period of time.
Ergonomics
An ergonomic sofa is one that supports your natural posture. Seat depth, height, and back support are all features to look for. It should allow you to sit down and stand up comfortably, the depth of the seat must support your legs without feeling too cramped. It also reduces strain on your back, so it is very important if you plan to spend a lot of time sitting.
The best way to ascertain whether it would actually feel comfortable and supportive over periods of usage is by sitting on a sofa for a while. Any feeling of discomfort in the body indicates that the sofa may not be right for you.
5. Budget Considerations
Setting a Budget
Determine and set a budget for buying a sofa before you visit the showroom or browse online. Sofas vary in price, and you will be able to avoid going over budget with such a limit set. Add to that the costs for delivery, warranty, and accessories.
Cost vs. Quality
You will be tempted to buy at the lowest price. But, actually, the bottom line is that the cheaper a product is, the lesser its quality and comfort. Sofas are investments in the long term, hence it would be a better decision to invest a little extra for a long lasting stylish sofa. In case you have a very limited budget, always keep an eye open for sales and promotions that offer good deals with discounted prices. That said, an expensive sofa doesn't always match its price in terms of materials and comfort. Assess the quality yourself by looking at reviews of the seller or try out the Sofa yourself at the store.
Ready to find that special sofa for your space? At Urban Deco, we boast a wide collection of stylish sofas ranging from 2 seater sofas to armchairs and even sectional sofas, each one created to suit diverse requirements and budgets. From an ergonomic sofa for working from home to a highly durable fabric sofa designed for family use, we offer it all and for every kind of style or preference.
Visit our website now or our showroom in Dubai to browse our beautiful collections and get an extremely personalized level of assistance.