Sofa is an important investment
A great sofa is a companion, not just a piece of furniture. And finding the right companion is never easy. To determine what kind of sofa will fit in your, lifestyle and budget, you need to consider myriads of factors. Let’s take a quick look at our Starter Guide to Buying a Sofa.
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A sofa is a staple piece of furniture in any modern living room, and it plays an important role in the overall style, decor, and comfort of the space. When it comes to buying a sofa, it’s important to consider several factors, including the size and layout of your room, your personal style and preferences, and your budget. In this guide, we’ll cover the different types of sofas available and provide a step-by-step process for buying the perfect sofa for your home.
A few Common Types of Sofa
Sectional Sofa
A sectional sofa is a great option for larger living rooms, as it offers plenty of seating space for the whole family. These sofas come in a variety of shapes and configurations, including L-shaped, U-shaped, and curved designs. Sectionals can be particularly useful for open-concept living spaces, where the sofa can be used to divide the room into different functional areas.
Loveseat
A loveseat is a smaller sofa that is perfect for cozy living spaces or as an accent piece in a larger room. Loveseats typically seat two people and are available in a variety of styles and designs. They can be a great addition to a bedroom or reading nook, providing a comfortable and intimate seating area.
Chesterfield Sofa
A chesterfield sofa is a classic design that features a tufted back and arms, and typically has a leather upholstery. This style is perfect for traditional or formal living spaces, and can add a touch of elegance to any room.
Sleeper Sofa
A sleeper sofa is a versatile piece of furniture that can serve as a comfortable place to sit during the day and a bed for overnight guests. These sofas come in a variety of styles and sizes and are a great option for small apartments or homes without a dedicated guest room.
Recliner Sofa
A recliner sofa is a great option for those looking for a comfortable place to relax and unwind after a long day. These sofas have built-in reclining mechanisms that allow you to kick back and put your feet up, and are available in a variety of styles and designs.
See our article on types of sofa.
Consider Sofa Design & Types
The first step is choosing a sofa design. A good rule of thumb is to choose a style that fits your personal taste, not just your pocketbook.
There are two basic types: traditional and contemporary. Each category offers a wide variety of sofa styles, allowing you to pick a piece that will suit your needs perfectly. Keep reading to learn more about each type and how to decide which style is right for you.
Traditional Sofas
The classic traditional sofa is a timeless choice. It features clean lines and straight support arms. Traditional sofas tend to be large and comfortable enough for most people and can be found in a range of sizes. They can be made of wood or leather and are usually available in a number of fabrics including linen, cotton, and wool.
Traditional sofas can be purchased with a solid color or a patterned fabric. Some manufacturers offer a mix of patterns in different parts of the sofa. A popular option is to choose a neutral-colored fabric and then add accent pillows in coordinating colors to create a custom look.
Another way to customize a traditional sofa is by choosing upholstery options such as slipcovers or seat cushions. These are easy to clean and maintain.
Traditional sofas have clean lines; they usually have straight back support arms and a rounded end at each corner. They tend to look more formal than contemporary styles, which may feature curved lines and curves instead of sharp angles. Both designs offer comfort, but there are some things to keep in mind when making this decision. The most obvious difference between the two types is price—sofa prices vary widely based on materials used in its construction, fabric options, and overall quality. However, both styles can cost thousands of dollars.
Contemporary Sofas
A contemporary sofa features curved lines and curves instead of straight lines and angles. The most common contemporary styles are tufted and have a soft, plush feel. They are usually available in a variety of sizes and styles. Contemporary sofas are usually constructed with foam and fiberboard instead of hardwood or other types of wood.
They also tend to be lighter in weight than their more formal counterparts. They may have a contemporary design but still offer the same level of comfort and durability as a traditional model. They can usually be found in a range of upholstered styles.
The most popular include microsuede, velvet, and suedette. Microsuede is composed of millions of tiny fibers and provides the most luxurious, silky look. Velvet is a thick, rich fabric that is often used to cover the back of a sofa. Suedette is a combination of both.
Measure Your Room
Once you’ve decided on a model, it’s time to measure your room. If possible, ask someone who lives nearby to come over and take measurements. You’ll also need to know where all doors lead into the room.
Ask questions. For example, does your bedroom open directly onto the living area?
Do you have a hallway connecting bedrooms?
Is your kitchen adjacent to the dining room?
How high off the ground is the couch?
Make sure these details are taken care of before moving forward with the purchase.
Cushions
Also consider whether you prefer hardwood or soft cushions. Hardwood models typically last longer and require less maintenance while softer cushion models feel better against your skin.
Find Stores Online or Nearby
Next comes finding stores or a dealer near you. Furniture stores sell new sofas as well as secondhand pieces. Although dealers don’t always carry every brand available, they’re often able to help you narrow down choices by providing information on their inventory.
In addition, dealerships are generally willing to give free estimates for purchases above $500. Once you find one, go ahead and make an appointment to see the showroom floor.
This is especially helpful if you plan on purchasing online because it allows you to touch and examine items firsthand. And remember, even though it’s tempting to buy online without seeing furniture in person, unless you have experience shopping for furniture, buying from a store is much safer.
We recommend going to multiple showrooms during the week to get a sense of what’s out there. Don’t limit yourself to only new products either. Many retailers hold sales on discontinued styles too. So if you want something specific that isn’t readily available, check around. Here’s another tip: bring cash! Most dealers won’t accept credit cards until after the sale has been completed.
Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed the article. (Starter Guide to Buying a Sofa). Please share it with your friends and family. If you have any comments or suggestions, please comment below. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. And, do not forget to give us a LIKE or SUBSCRIBE.
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