Buying a sofa is not just about heading to the store and picking the largest or good-looking piece on display. While beauty is inspiring, it’s important to consider other factors and ensure the style and design works for your room and long-term needs. Use this guide to snatch yourself the best sofa from Grado.
Think about the Style
Sofas come in various styles from trendy curved and boucle designs to classics such as Chesterfields, tuxedo, and the English roll arm. Think carefully before splashing your money on a design. Yes, a trendy sofa will make your living room fashionable in the meantime but when the trend disappears you may end up with a piece of furniture that doesn’t suit your lifestyle.
Test before Buying
Before buying a sofa, determine if the seat depth, height and quality of materials make sense for you. The average sofa seat stands 17.7” and 19.7” high and at least 23.6” deep. Short individuals may prefer sofas with shorter backs vs higher backs.
Keep in mind that even if two sofas look identical, they may not be the same. Test the sofas in the manufacturer’s shop. Press down on the cushions using your hands to feel their softness then seat and bounce up and down to gauge the amount of support in the seat. Avoid sofas that sag in when you sit on them.
Consider the number of users and your lounging style too. A long sofa is the best if you like to lounge and stretch your body. In contrast, a deeper sofa is the best for those who like to sit and keep their legs up. Alternatively, get a recliner for comfortable sitting and lounging.
Inspect the Frame
Consider frames made of metal or solid hardwood such as teak, mahogany, walnut, maple, cherry, birch and red oak. Metal frames excel in rigidity while wooden frames make for a more comfortable seating experience. In any case, consider the guarantee. The longer the manufacturer’s warranty, the better.
Check Fillings and Padding
When it comes to fillings, feather stuffed seats and back offer more comfort but usually need regular cleaning unless they feature down proof ticking to keep feathers from sticking out. On the other hand, fiber or foam fillings offer great structure and cost less but are not as comfortable as feather fillings.
But if you want the best of both squishiness and structure, choose a hybrid design that features feather stuffed back and fiber or foam cushions. Verify that it’s high density foam since medium density foam is suitable for users weighing up to 198lbs only.
Check the seams for signs of good stitching then run your palm along the armrests and back to check the quality of the padding and ensure there are no sharp edges.
Consider the Fabric Material and Style
The fabric is the material that covers your sofa to protect it from the elements. It also sets the mood and tone for the room. Inspect the quality, feel, stitching and look.
Keep in mind your lifestyle and the sofa’s location. Sofas with natural fabric or a blend of polyester and acrylic are the best for use outdoors or near a window compared to silk and linen which fade.
Measure the Sofa
Think about the size of the available space and any existing radiators, furniture and openings. If you get a sofa that’s too big you may have to squeeze it into place and it might not fit or even if it does you may not be able to move around comfortably and open or close any adjacent doors. However, a small sofa will be a waste of space and may mess up with your existing arrangement and theme.
Get the measurement of the available space taking into account existing ventilation, entryway, shelves, radiators and other furniture then select a sofa that will fit well.
Consider Additional Features
Gone are the days when sofas were simple long pieces of furniture with armrests, cushions as well as backrest. Thanks to continued human invention, modern sofas offer various extra features such as built in storage compartments and mattresses for space economy, reclining backrests for comfort, integrated stools for versatility and even removable fabric for cleaning from time to time.
That being said don’t throw your money on features you don’t need. For example, only spend extra on a sofa with a built-in shelf if you really need it. Don’t buy a reclining backrest design if you don’t have the space to enjoy it. Consider each additional feature carefully and whether having them is worth the extra cost.
A sofa may look good in your friend's house but it doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Think about your lifestyle, the number of users, how you hope to use it and the available space then get a design that is of suitable shape size and material.
You can also ask for pointers. Our experts are always there for you. Visit our website to feed your eyes on the most stylish sofa designs at competitive prices and let us help you pick the right one.
