Try Angie's List!

Search: I Can Fix Up My Home
index sitemap advanced
search engine by freefind

www.icanfixupmyhome.com home page Read the icanfixupmyhome.com blog Read electrical & appliances articles Read green building & energy efficiency articles Read home interior articles
Read home exterior articles Read drywall and framing articles Read plumbing articles Read painting and wallpaper articles Read tools and woodworking articles

How to Shop for a New Sofa


Consider the Size and Shape, Type of Upholstery (Leather or Fabric), and Your Level of Comfort

© 2011 by Magdalena Ehnes all rights reserved; content may not be copied, rewritten, or republished without author’s written permission.

A comforable couch with brown fabric upholsery; photo courtesy Kelly Smith

Buying a new sofa is a major purchase. It will last for years and cost you several hundred dollars so it’s not a purchase to be taken lightly. The living room is usually the social center of any household and therefore the sofa is guaranteed constant use.

Of course there are so many things to consider. Price, comfort, style, durability, color... Price will of course be the deciding factor and this will dictate the quality of the sofa. More expensive sofas will have a well-made frame, quality stuffing in the cushions, and are less likely to use coil springs — therefore it won’t sag over time like a cheaper make.

Buying a cheap and nasty sofa is really a false economic decision. A well-made one should last you a decade.

Buy the Correct Size and Shape Furniture

Depending on how large your family is will determine the actual style you choose. If you have a large family and entertain often there’s no point buying a two seater. For extra bodies you can purchase armchairs, love seats, and pouffes.

L-shaped sofas can fit into corners and seat twice as many people as your average sofa. They also look incredibly contemporary and can add a touch of class to any living room.

Usage Determines the Type of Upholstery

Do you have children or pets? This will dictate the fabric you choose. Leather sofas are a good choice — classy, easy to clean, and never out of style.

A comforable couch with brown fabric upholsery; photo courtesy Kelly Smith Leather is also pretty hard-wearing as opposed to fabrics that can be stained and are harder to keep clean. Similarly, light colors will show up dirt and after a while will look old and worn. Dark colors are better for hiding stains.

You’ll also have to consider the color and design style of your living room. Is it clean and minimal? If so, a chunky square sofa may not look right. Is your living room cosy and traditional? Therefore a low, funky-shaped model would look out of place.

Also consider who needs to use the sofa. Do you have a bad back? If so, a sofa which you sink into and struggle to get up from may aggravate matters. If you have bad knees, something with shallower cushions may suit better. Make sure the sofa is comfortable but test a few before making a choice. As we said before, it’s an expensive purchase and you’ll need to make it right!

You Might Also be Interested in:

HTML Comment Box is loading comments...

hard_soft 160x600



Search from over
9000 products!

Return to the Interior project page

Return to ICFUMH Homepage

Website © 2011 all rights reserved; content may not be copied, rewritten, or republished without author’s written permission. Webmaster’s Google profile

Article © 2011 Magdalena Ehnes all rights reserved; content may not be copied, rewritten, or republished without author’s written permission.