Today, let’s talk about buying a sofa! Did you know that the average person sits on their sofa for four hours every day? With such a big investment of time, you should probably look into ways of buying a sofa that will be comfortable and long-lasting so you can enjoy every minute of those four hours. So here are the five most important tips to look for when you’re investing in a new sofa or couch or chesterfield, or whatever you call it. When you’re spending anywhere between 15 to 30 percent of your living room furniture budget on a sofa – and yes, that’s a good number to use when planning your budget – you’ll want to test it out. If you’re going to be using your sofa for watching TV, then you’ll want to sit and curl up on the sofa. This might mean you should look for a sofa that is deeper, maybe with a low arm so you can lie down and rest your head on it. If you’re looking for a more formal couch, then you’ll want a sofa that supports your back, has a shorter depth, and keeps you in a more upright position. So however you want to use your sofa, test it out for a good investment.
You’ll want to purchase a sofa with a strong and well-built frame. The upholstery and fabric may wear away, but you can always reupholster the sofa if the frame is worth upholstering. Look for a manufacturer that uses kiln-dried hardwood, preferably oak, beech, or ash. Stay away from sofas that are made with plywood, particleboard, plastic, and/or metal. Look for feet that are attached to the frame with screws or dowels, not just simply glued in place. These are all signs of how long-lasting your sofa will be. A true test of a good sofa is the padding and filling. It’s what most people comment on as soon as they sit on a sofa. It’s either too soft or too hard, so something in between is your best bet. You’ll want support when you sit, with a little give for comfort. And most importantly, you’ll want that cushion to spring back to its original position. Over time, cushions that don’t spring back make the sofa look old and you won’t be as comfortable. A great combination is to have the seat cushions filled with a dense foam, and the back cushions in a down fill. That means you’ll have good, comfortable support. One thing to remember is that down-filled cushions will need to be fluffed often, like pretty much every time you get up from the sofa. So if you’re not a fan of fluffing, look for foam-filled cushions throughout. Aside from the actual look and style of the fabric on the sofa, you’ll want to take a closer look at the fabric and its construction as well. Natural fabrics fade over time and in the sunlight, so look for synthetic or blended fabrics. Also, a higher double rub count means the fabric is more durable and therefore will look better for longer. Leather couches are easier to clean, but the leather does stretch over time and may get marked up if you have pets and little ones. You’ll also want to look at how the fabric is applied to the sofa – patterns should be evenly spaced and line up at the seams. If you’ve got button tufting, make sure the buttons are all firmly secured to the sofa. And last but definitely not least, you must measure before you even go out to look for a sofa. Measure the space for your sofa and definitely measure the width and height of every door, hallway, and stairwell into your room.
Important Tips for Buying a Sofa
Test the Comfort
When choosing a sofa, it’s important to consider how you will use it. If you plan on using your sofa for watching TV or lounging, you’ll want to sit and curl up on it to ensure it provides the level of comfort you desire. A deeper sofa with a low arm may be more suitable for those who want to lie down and rest their head. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more formal couch, you’ll want to choose a sofa that supports your back and keeps you in a more upright position. By testing the comfort of the sofa before purchasing, you can ensure that you’ll be making a good investment and enjoying every moment spent on it.
Look for a Well-Built Frame
The frame of a sofa plays a crucial role in its durability and longevity. It’s essential to purchase a sofa with a strong and well-built frame, as the upholstery and fabric may wear away over time. Look for manufacturers that use kiln-dried hardwood, preferably oak, beech, or ash, as these materials are known for their strength and durability. It’s best to stay away from sofas made with plywood, particleboard, plastic, or metal, as they may not withstand the test of time. Additionally, pay attention to how the feet are attached to the frame. Feet that are attached with screws or dowels, rather than simply glued in place, indicate a more sturdy and long-lasting construction.
Consider the Padding and Filling
The padding and filling of a sofa greatly contribute to its overall comfort. It’s crucial to find a sofa that strikes the right balance between being too soft and too hard. Look for cushions that have a little give for comfort while still providing adequate support when you sit. The cushion should also spring back to its original position after use. This is an important feature to look for, as cushions that don’t spring back can make the sofa look worn out and less inviting. A great combination for comfortable support is to have the seat cushions filled with a dense foam and the back cushions filled with a down fill. It’s important to note that down-filled cushions will require frequent fluffing, so keep this in mind if you prefer low maintenance options.
Check the Fabric and Construction
In addition to considering the comfort and durability of the sofa, it’s essential to pay attention to the fabric and construction. Select a fabric that is both durable and fade-resistant, especially if your sofa will be exposed to sunlight. Synthetic or blended fabrics are typically more resistant to fading than natural fabrics. It’s also advisable to choose a fabric with a higher double rub count, as this indicates increased durability. Additionally, check how patterns are applied and aligned on the sofa. Patterns should be evenly spaced and line up at the seams for a more polished appearance. If your sofa has button tufting, ensure that the buttons are firmly secured to prevent any potential damage over time.
Measure Your Space
Before embarking on the search for your perfect sofa, it’s crucial to measure your space accurately. Not all sofas will fit in every room, so taking precise measurements of the available space will help you avoid any potential complications. Measure the width and height of doorways, hallways, and stairwells that the sofa will need to pass through to ensure it can be maneuvered into your desired location. Additionally, take note of any low-hanging fixtures that may affect the height of the sofa. It’s helpful to jot down all measurements on a piece of paper for easy reference. If you have tight spaces or doorways, consider a modular sofa like a sectional, as it can be assembled in the room and provides more flexibility in terms of fitting into tight corners.
Conclusion
When it comes to buying a sofa, it is crucial to consider various factors to ensure you make a worthwhile investment. By testing the comfort, looking for a well-built frame, considering the padding and filling, checking the fabric and construction, and measuring your space accurately, you can find a sofa that meets your needs and stands the test of time. Remember to think about your specific usage and preferences when choosing a sofa, as this will greatly impact your overall satisfaction with the purchase. With careful consideration and attention to detail, you can find the perfect sofa to enhance your living space and provide a comfortable and inviting seating area.
Did you know that on average, you spend around 4 hours sitting on your sofa every day? Given the amount of time you invest, it’s important to find a sofa buying guide that helps you choose a comfortable and durable sofa so that you can enjoy every moment of those four hours! Here are the 5 essential tips to consider when investing in a new sofa, or couch, or even a chesterfield – however you prefer to call it.
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By the way, have any of you experienced difficulties when trying to get your sofa into your house or room? I absolutely love that Friends episode with Ross and the pivot instructions – it’s just too funny.
If you’ve ever had a similar sofa problem, let me know in the comments below!
For more information on sofa measuring guidelines, visit the following link: [RESTORATION HARDWARE SOFA MEASURING GUIDELINES](insert link here).
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PIVOT episode: Friends!
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