The sofa is one of the most essential pieces of furniture that a homeowner is likely to purchase. It is often the focal point of most living rooms, and its style will greatly influence how the rest of the room's aesthetic is designed. It will usually be the central hub for entertainment while also serving as a source of comfort and relaxation.
If you are a new homeowner or do not have experience purchasing a sofa, it can be a little challenging to know exactly what you should be looking for and what you should consider when choosing the right one for you. Do you want a traditional or recliner sofa? Should you invest in a modular sofa? How will you get it into the living room?
A new sofa is generally an expensive commitment, so it is vital that you have a firm understanding of what you need to know before purchasing. That is why we've put together this list of eight questions you should ask yourself as you progress through the buying process.
You should first establish precisely what you will be working with regarding sofa size and dimensions. The last thing you want is to secure your dream sofa, only to find later that there is no possible way of getting it into your living room.
You will need to memorize the dimensions of the most suitable entry points within your living space and be aware of any immovable fixtures that might cause an issue when transporting your sofa. Once you have established the maximum scope of your living space, you will know how large your sofa could be.
Keep in mind that many furniture factories may be able to build for custom dimensions. If space is tight, you could always opt for a sectional sofa style, such as our Hollywood Medium sectional sofa, as these can be assembled once each module is safely in your living room.
As mentioned, a traditional sofa will serve many purposes, though, for most people, some are higher priority than others. It could be used as seating for formal entertainment nights or rowdy evenings with close friends. It could be used as a makeshift sleeping area. You might even be happy for it to be used as a fort for your young children.
Take stock of your circumstances and decide which purpose most closely fits your lifestyle. For example, if you have young children, you may not want to explore very high-end sofas with expensive back and seat cushions. If your sofa will need to accommodate elderly relatives, you may require something sturdy or a piece that will sit upright.
As with almost everything, it is very easy to purchase sofas via online specialists, with practically all major furniture stores now having the option to buy their products online.
There are many advantages to this. It removes the need for laborious trudging throughout unwieldy furniture stores. You can take as much time as you want to explore all your options without feeling pressured by those around you who also want to take a look.
However, a benefit to in-person stores is that you can see the objects you will be purchasing. You will have the option to physically measure for dimensions and even go through the awkward testing of the product to see how it feels.
Ultimately, both methods have their advantages. As long as you are purchasing from a reputable store, you can generally rely on the products being high-quality and as they appear on the website, as well as the critical information being accurate.
While you may be successful in finding the ideal sofa in terms of its appearance, you will want to be sure that it has been built to a high-quality standard using the most effective materials.
When it comes to the sofa's structure, you will want a solid hardwood frame for maximum strength and resistance. Authentic memory foam ensures durability, so this might be another feature that you can inquire about.
Never be afraid to ask for further details on a sofa's design. It is best to be too knowledgeable about a sofa rather than uninformed.
Cushions are another key component of a sofa and should be given due attention. Foam-filled seat cushions and back cushions are likely to last a long time but can make the sofa feel slightly more rigid than if the sofa was assembled with feather-down cushions. Leather upholstered sofas with leather cushions provide further durability, though they are generally more expensive.
This is a consideration often overlooked when choosing your ideal sofa, as the answer can differ depending on your chosen materials.
As a general rule, most standard upholstery can be cleaned with water and a cloth and will not leave a visible mark. However, it should be clearly stated whether some components of the sofa require a solvent instead or if they should not come into content with either water or solvents. For these instances, a vacuum is all that will be required.
You are going to want your sofa to fit in with the general aesthetic of your living room. If neutral tones and simplicity dominate your home, then bold colors and complex patterns for your cushions may look out of place.
If you find a quality sofa that fits your dimensions and appears to have everything you want but is shown in an unsuitable color or finish, then inquire as to whether it can be manufactured to fit your personal preferences.
While you will undoubtedly do everything you can to keep your sofa in top condition, accidents can happen. If something unexpected happens, you will want to know the warranty period for your chosen sofa.
Each manufacturer or designer will likely have its own standards when detailing what is valid within the warranty period.
Securing your ideal sofa can be frustrating, particularly if you are not well-practiced in what to look out for. Most reputable furniture companies and manufacturers will offer detailed information on the features of the sofa and will provide you with the vital information you need to know.
However, it is still prudent to conduct your own due diligence to guarantee all angles are covered and to ensure that you do not find yourself in a tricky position if something was to end up not matching your expectations.
At Viesso, we have been selling high-quality sofas since our founding in and have accumulated vast experience in matching our customers with their ideal pieces. Each sofa we curate has been created with renewable materials, and our partners each share in our vision of manufacturing furniture using sustainable, eco-friendly practices.
If you would like guidance on which of our sofas could be right for you, or if you have any other questions or queries, do not hesitate to contact us. You could also check out our beginner's guide on how to ensure your sofa and curtain designs match.
A couch or sofa is a significant furniture investment you may live with for decades, so spend some extra time doing your homework before buying. Style preferences are a personal matter, but when choosing a high-quality sofa, there are objective criteria you can use to ensure you're getting a good sofa.
Consider how you will use it, the space it will be in, and the style of the room. This comprehensive guide can help you distinguish good quality from shoddy construction and all the bells and whistles to consider before purchasing.
In the United States, a couch and sofa mean precisely the same thing—a long, upholstered piece of furniture for sitting. Historically, the two were distinctively different. "Couch" comes from the French "couche," meaning furniture with no armrests for sitting, much like a chaise lounge today. Meanwhile, "sofa" comes from the Arabic "soffah," meaning a raised part of the floor, covered with rich carpets and cushions, used for sitting.
While sofas can last years, they also suffer a lot of wear and tear over time—particularly in households with children or pets. Fortunately, there's plenty you can do to revive an aging couch. You can restuff couch cushions to help them feel plush and comfortable again, reupholster them to give them a whole new look (and replace worn, torn, or stained fabric), and even fix any sagging.
That said, sometimes it's more cost-effective to replace a couch. If your current sofa is damaged or otherwise beyond repair, a shape or type that doesn't meet your needs or style, or is simply too small, you'll want to start shopping around for a new one. If you don't have a sofa, purchasing one will give your living space a central gathering spot, so you should start the search as soon as possible.
Make sure the size of the sofa doesn’t overpower the room or impede the flow of traffic. Before shopping, measure the entire space, especially the wall where the sofa will go. Measure the height, width, and diagonal opening of all doorways in your house, too, and have these numbers on hand as you shop for your sofa.
More than one sofa has been returned to the store because the delivery service could not get it through the doorway. Many couches have legs that can be unscrewed and removed to make delivery more manageable, and, in some cases, you can remove a door from its hinges to enlarge the opening enough to squeeze in a large couch.
Also, take into account the style of your space. Couches come in many styles, such as contemporary, midcentury modern, Scandinavian, Victorian, and more. Spend the extra time narrowing your sofa options to match your style.
To keep your sofa looking its best, it is essential to select the right fabric. If you have children or pets, you naturally want a more durable and easy-to-clean material. Couches with high-maintenance fabrics, such as silk, are best for areas used infrequently. Microfibers are great in heavy usage areas, attractive, and easy to clean. Textured fabrics show less wear and tear than smooth ones, and leather is a good option if you are looking for longevity.
Like well-tailored clothing, patterns, and stripes should match at the seams. Although it might not catch your eye immediately, mismatched patterns or stripes will give you the sense that something is off. Stripes that match at the seams make a sofa look well-finished. Patterns should be centered, and all seams and welts (piping) should run straight. Uneven welting and seams that pull to one side mean the manufacturer poorly tailored the cover. Higher thread counts indicate a denser weave and more durable fabric with fabric upholstery.
There is considerable debate over which stuffing is best for sofa cushions. Many people like overstuffed couches or deeply cushy cushions. Polyurethane foam is the most common material used, but it is essential to find a balance between a firm, long-lasting foam that may be too hard and a soft, comfortable foam that may break down too quickly.
High-resilient (HR) foam is a step up from polyurethane, making for a comfortable and long-lasting cushion. Some experts recommend a hybrid cushion of HR foam wrapped in down and feathers, combining durability and comfort. Costly couches often use goose down mixed with feathers, but you will pay dearly for this luxury, and the cushions must be plumped frequently.
Upholstery fabric and cushions can be replaced when they get old and worn, but you can't consider a couch good unless it has a solid, quality inner frame. If you want to buy a good sofa, look closely at the frame. Cheaper sofas may have particleboard, plastic, or metal frames, but a good-quality couch will have a solid hardwood frame—preferably a "kiln-dried" hardwood frame made of oak, beech, or ash. Pine frames are economical, but they often begin to warp and wobble within five years or so.
Pick a size that best suits your sofa plans—entertaining, relaxing, reading, whatever. Seats should be comfortable for all family members, and you should get a couch large enough to seat everyone in your household. Consider a giant sofa or pair your couch with easy chairs or additional seating if you entertain often. The golden rule with room proportionality is that the sofa should be about 2/3 the size of the wall it will be against. It shouldn't fill the whole wall and should have space on each side.
Another sizing consideration is the depth of the seats. Select deep or shallow seats, depending on your height. If you're buying a recliner sofa, ensure it is comfortable in all its positions. The couch back should support your back adequately with your feet flat on the floor and the backs of your knees just slightly forward of the lower seat cushion. And if you like to nap on the couch, lay down on it and see if it is long enough for comfortable snoozing.
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Consider your current sofa or sofas you've used in the past, and what—if anything—you would like to add to it. Couches may have cupholders, reclining seats, built-in beds, replaceable covers, built-in storage, and other features to suit buyers' needs and add greater opportunities for personalization. Some have built-in coolers and plugs for charging devices. Knowing what you would most enjoy can help you sift through the array of features out there.
Unlike a conventional sofa, sectionals are versatile and have multiple independent pieces that you may arrange in many ways. Sectionals commonly come in "L" or "U"-shape configurations that create great cozy, conversational settings. This type of sofa makes sense for people who often entertain or have larger families. For added comfort, you can have reclining sectionals, as well.
A relatively recent development for sofas, modular couches allow buyers to pick a couch style and add pieces to build their ideal sofa size and shape. These couch-building blocks can be added to, removed, and rearranged to make couches of various sizes and shapes. These versatile sofas are great for growing families and frequent movers; they can be broken down into smaller pieces, facilitating moving.
Sleeper sofas are an excellent option for small spaces or if you often host overnight guests. Sleeper sofas have built-in beds that fold out of the couch, typically with an included plush surface similar in width to a full-size mattress. Once notoriously uncomfortable, modern sleeper sofas have evolved to offer relatively comfortable sleeping surfaces.
Some couches with built-in recliners will have seats—usually at either end of the sofa. These styles offer the same comfort and mechanism as reclining chairs but with the width of a sofa. Designed for people who like to kick up their heels at the end of the day, recliners save you the space of having an ottoman. Reclining sofas are also perfect for homes with a home movie theater or for people who have circulation problems, benefiting from resting with their legs up.
Buying a sofa that you can use both inside and outside works great for high-traffic and convertible indoor-outdoor spaces. Outdoor fabrics have improved to the point where they are just as luxurious as indoor fabrics and offer easy cleaning and sturdiness.
Technically a type of couch, a futon is an affordable alternative to buying a sofa. You can purchase futons for about $300. You can buy the frame and cushion separately for more customization options. Futons consist of a convertible cushion and frame that can be laid flat to form a bed-type surface or propped upright to form a sofa. These dual-purpose space savers help make small spaces functional. They tend to have thick, sturdy wooden frames. Many futons lack armrests; however, you can find some with arms. Less expensive futons can also be fabricated of metal or steel.
You can expect to pay anywhere from $700 to $2,500 for a basic sofa. If you’re on a tight budget, visit clearance centers or ask for floor models. Sometimes, you can find good value at special sale events. You can always get a futon for about half the price of a traditional sofa.
Stylish sofas or couches with high-quality materials can cost several thousand, depending on the designer or retailer. Buy the best quality you can afford; you’ll live with your purchase for a long time. Depending on its level of use and quality, a sofa can last anywhere from seven to 15 years.
Cost most often correlates directly to size: Smaller sofas cost less than larger ones. Various features can also increase the price—a sleeper or recliner sofa typically costs more than a standard sofa of the same size and make.
You can find major furniture sales each year around Memorial Day, Presidents Day, and Labor Day in the United States. Many companies also offer discounts around Black Friday and Cyber Monday. If possible, time your purchase around one of those dates; however, many people will have the same idea so that the supply may be low, and you may experience delivery delays.
To start figuring out what might work for you, ask yourself these questions:
Determining the kind of usage your sofa will get can help you select most of the other features you need. So, how will you use your sofa? Will it primarily be used for everyday activities such as relaxing, reading, or watching TV, or will it be used only occasionally in a formal setting? For a sofa you will use for relaxation, you'll want a deep and cushy couch with loose pillows. A formal couch can have high-quality upholstery or a sculptural frame; it's more visually interesting than comfortable.
Pay attention to making your sofa fit your family. For instance, a taller person will appreciate deeper seating. If someone has bad knees, shallow seating and a tight back make getting up from a seated position easier. Households with pets or small children may prefer a sofa low to the floor; little ones can easily climb onto it. If you have overnight guests frequently, a sleeper sofa might be a good option, especially if you don't have a separate guest bedroom.
To select a sofa color or fabric pattern, always consider any preexisting colors or patterns in the room. If you want to make a bold statement, go with an intense color, but if you do, consider buying a sofa with simpler lines. Neutrals work best in most rooms, especially small ones, but you can dress up your sofa with more vibrant colors and patterns in the pillows or add throws. A patterned fabric also works well in areas with heavy usage to hide minor stains.
Depending on the couch you have, moving it can be a challenge. There's no guarantee your current sofa will fit into your next home. Frequent movers should consider getting a modular sofa that can be rearranged to suit every space they live in. Another option, if you move frequently, is to consider a low-cost sofa that you won't mind donating or reselling when it's time to go.
A couch is a large, pricey purchase. Many people prefer to see their options in person to make sure they like the feel and look before committing. You want to avoid the hassle of having a large piece of furniture delivered only to return it. Still, some people do not have the time or prefer online shopping. Online options allow you to order for delivery sight unseen.
If shopping in-store, don't be afraid to ask questions. Qualified sellers at furniture stores should be well-versed in what makes (or breaks) a great sofa, and they should be able to answer all your questions and help you find the perfect fit. They can also assist you to customize your purchase. While shopping, take your time, try many different types, and closely inspect these features:
Evaluate the Frame
The legs of the couch should be either integral parts of the frame or held on with screws or dowels. Avoid a couch if its legs are only glued on.
An easy test for solid frame construction is lifting one front corner or leg of the sofa off the floor to a height of 6 inches. If the other front leg doesn't quickly rise off the floor, too, it's a sign the frame is twisting and weak. Avoid a sofa that visibly twists or creaks during this test.
Ask About the Joinery
Although the method by which the frame parts are held together may not be immediately evident, the salesperson or the printed technical specifications should have this information. Look for frames joined with wooden dowels, double wooden dowels, wooden corner blocks, or metal screws and brackets. Never buy a sofa that is only assembled with staples, nails, or glue, although these materials may be used as supplements to provide additional reinforcement.
Test the Arms
A sofa with a good hardwood frame assembled with dowels or corner brackets should be a quality piece of furniture, but it is still a good idea to forcefully test the arms of the sofa to make sure they are very tight with no give or wobble when you lean on them. In a family with active children, arms are the most common area of failure on a couch (other than the upholstery). Avoid any couch that isn't rock-solid.
Consider the Springs
The springs that hold up the cushions on a couch come in three levels of quality. The least expensive (and least durable) options don't have springs and only use webbing or mesh. Avoid these couches if your goal is a quality piece of furniture.
Most couches use serpentine springs—sinuous pieces of snaking wire that span the gap between frame members. These offer good support but may sag over time if the metal isn't heavy-gauge.
Luxury sofas are usually fitted with eight-way hand-tied springs, which may be very comfortable but expensive. Some experts dispute if hand-tied springs are much more relaxed than good serpentine springs, so try couches out that have both and judge for yourself.
Feel the springs through the upholstery. Good springs should be firm and spaced close together for good support. You should not notice too much give when you sit on the couch.
Feel the Padding and Cushions
The frame and all the corners of the couch should be well-padded. Run your hand over all corners to ensure you can't feel the edges of the frame through the upholstery. If you can feel the frame, the upholstery may wear down quickly, and your couch will not be comfortable.
Seat cushions should be firm, resilient, and fit snugly within the sofa frame. The cushions should regain their shape after you press down and let go. A cushion that stays put when you press down will be flattened in no time, and you will look unsightly and feel uncomfortable when you sit on it. Cushions that do not fit snugly will also lose shape quickly, and the edges will look unattractive.
Test the Operating Mechanisms
Reclining or motion furniture is generally more expensive, and you pay for a functioning, smoothly-running mechanism. If your couch is a recliner or sleeper, operate the mechanism repeatedly and aggressively to ensure it runs smoothly and easily. Don't overlook any mechanical glitches or rough operation you notice—these quirks will only become more pronounced after repeated use in your home.
Evaluate the Upholstery
If there are any buttons, check to ensure they are securely sewn on. Loose buttons will come off and quickly get lost.
Look for the UFAC Tag
For fire safety reasons, look for the gold Upholstered Furniture Action Council (UFAC) tag, indicating that the sofa manufacturer certifies that it has been made using UFAC methods. The UFAC was founded in to make upholstered furniture more resistant to ignition from smoldering cigarettes. UFAC claims that household fires have decreased considerably since they implemented these standards.
If you are buying a couch online, do your research. Read reviews and all the product information you can find. Take advantage of a virtual assistant or go through all the question-and-answer features of the site. If possible, see if a nearby showroom has the type of couch you're considering. Try it out in person if you can.
Once you've decided, know the return policy and delivery options. Some companies offer white glove delivery, where a delivery team brings the item into your home and sets it up for you. Some companies even offer to remove your old couch. Some ship the sofa to your door; the rest is up to you. Select the best delivery option for you and your space, and always make sure you can return the couch if it's not what you hoped for.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of living room sofa supplier. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.