If you’re in the market of buying a new sofa, here are some sofa tips to consider before making that big decision.
A sofa should last for 10+ years and will sustain hours of sitting, relaxing, jumping, food spillage, dog napping, cat scratching, dirty fingers, naptime drool, late night movie watching, etc. So please DO NOT skimp on a good quality sofa. This is the one item in your home that you should invest in not only for comfort but because it simply makes the room.
TIP #1 – CHOOSE A STYLE THAT NEVER GOES OUT OF STYLE
Here are (6) types of sofas that are timeless investment pieces:
Mid-Century (think MAD MEN, clean lines, good back support)
Camelback (upright and elegant – AKA “Chippendale”)
English Roll Arm (low with soft arms and cushions, caster wheels on front legs)
Tuxedo (boxy but tailored, the back and arms are always the same height)
Chesterfield (tight back and seat with tufting and rolled arms, formal yet cozy, picture in a library or reading room)
Lawson (loose back and seat cushions, versatile and great for stretching out)
Mid-Century Style sofa from Article
TIP #2 – MEASURE YOUR SPACE
Most sofas come in standard lengths anywhere from 72”L, 84”L, 96”L and 112”L. You’ll want one that fits your room dimensions. Use painters’ tape to map out the right spot in the room. Factor in door frames, walkways and other clearances to be sure you can get your sofa in through your front door.
English Roll Arm Style sofa from Interior Define
TIP #3 – PICK A MATERIAL
Always consider the right one that suits your lifestyle, pets, kids, and wine preference. Some tried and true materials are Velvet, Performance, Wool blend, Linen, and Leather.
Leather ‘Chesterfield’ sofa from Room and Board
TIP #4 – KNOW THE CONSTRUCTION
The most durable sofa frames are made of kiln-dried hardwood, with joint construction of mortise and tenon, dowel or tongue in groove. Make sure you learn the suspension system too. The most common type is a sinuous system of springs. These are constructed with heavy-gauge wires formed into vertical, S-shaped coils that are then reinforced with metal tie rods. But the gold standard of sofa suspension, is the eight-way hand-tied spring system. This is known to be more labor-intensive and costly, but represents a true mark of a high quality piece of furniture. A common ‘trick’ to check for poor craftsmanship, is to shake or jiggle the sofa. If it actually wiggles, this is a a bad sign and means the structural quality is substandard. A long-lasting sofa will remain steady and solid when you attempt to shake it.
Images courtesy of Maiden Home
TIP #5 – TEST THE CUSHIONS
If you can go to a showroom, sit down and stay a while (for like 10 minutes!) Ask about the filling and foam (high-density foam core wrapped in a feather-and-down blend) Cushions should return to form when you rise and not be so stiff that they’re bouncy.
The Warren Sofa from Maiden Home