Choosing the right sofa can be a challenging process. Depending on your living space and personal preferences, there are many different factors to consider when making this decision. Do you prefer a modern aesthetic? Are you looking for something neutral that will complement your color scheme? Is it necessary for your sofa to offer enough seating for guests? Perhaps you’re most concerned with finding something comfortable or affordable. In any case, it’s important to remember that often the first piece of furniture visitors see when visiting your home is your sofa. As such, this should not only be an agreeable space to relax in but also an opportunity to showcase your own personal style. The best sofas are versatile enough to accommodate multiple people and last for years to come as part of a living room set or as the focal point of a smaller space. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or ready to take the next step toward owning your first sofa, we’ve got you covered with these top tips on what makes the perfect sectional.
What to Look for When Shopping for a Sectional
First and foremost, it’s essential to consider your personal preferences. What is your ideal seat depth? Do you prefer to stretch out on the couch or prefer a more upright sitting position when watching TV? How many people do you need to comfortably fit on your sofa? You’ll also want to take the size of your living space into account. It’s often recommended that your sofa should take up no more than one-third of the room so that it doesn’t appear too imposing. If you have a large family and want to be able to fit everyone on your sofa at once, you may want something bigger. Personally, I have a cat so I wanted to make sure that the couch wouldn’t get ruined based on their basic need for scratching. Other considerations include whether you prefer a soft or firm sitting surface and the amount of maintenance required for your sofa’s fabric.
The Importance of Comfort
No matter what kind of sofa you end up buying, it’s important that it feels comfortable. If you’re shopping online and can’t try out the different options in person, make sure to read the various reviews and focus on the positive ones. Something that may look beautiful in a photo but ends up feeling too stiff or low-quality for your own personal tastes may not be the right choice for you. Some sofas, particularly those made with pillows, may not be the best option for those with back pain or limited mobility. If you or someone in your household often experience aches or pains while seated, a firm, supportive sofa covered in a soft, breathable fabric like linen may be a better option.
Material Selection
It’s important to take the type of fabric your sofa is made out of into account. Not only will you want it to look good but you’ll also want it to be durable enough to withstand regular use and cleaning. – Leather: A timeless option that can be dressed up or down depending on the color and style you choose. Leather is easy to clean and has the added benefit of being durable and naturally hypoallergenic. Be aware, however, that it requires regular maintenance and will darken with use. – Wool: An eco-friendly option that is both comfortable and resilient. Wool sofas are easy to maintain and can be cleaned with the help of a professional or at home with the help of cleaning products designed for wool. – Cotton: A breathable, washable material that can be dyed in a diverse range of colors. It is generally considered a less luxurious option than leather or wool but is a great choice for families with pets or young children. With consideration of my cat I went with a beautiful grey performance velvet couch from West Elm.
Brands You Can Trust
Some of the most trusted brands in the furniture industry include:
– Ashley Furniture: This artistically inclined brand is known for its high-quality handcrafted furniture at an affordable price.
– Pottery Barn: A modern, design-driven brand that offers stylish and functional furniture options, perfect for any living space.
– Crate & Barrel: A classic, upscale brand that offers everything from sofas for every living room style to nightstands and stools for smaller spaces. They also have an outlet store so check there as well.
– Safavieh: A modern brand with an eye for detail and dedication to sustainability. A bit more pricey but you get what you pay for.
– West Elm: An on-trend designer brand with a focus on high-quality fabrics and attention to detail. My personal choice for my media console as well as my sectional. They also have an outlet store as well.
Footrest
A footrest can make a significant difference when it comes to the comfort of your sofa. Many sofas with reclining mechanisms will include a footrest as part of their design but if yours doesn’t, you may want to look into purchasing one. This can be particularly useful if you have small children or pets and don’t want them to be restricted to the sofa and unable to stretch out completely. Footrests are available in many different materials and can be attached to a chair, loveseat, or sofa with the help of a Velcro strap. You can find one that will match the color of your furniture or be sure to buy one that contrasts with your sofa to help it stand out. I personally decided that I would prefer a storage ottoman to go along with my sectional. I keep all the seasonal through pillows as well as the heated blankets and throws inside.
Size and Shape
Choosing the right size for your space is imperative to finding the perfect sofa. If your sofa is too large for your living space, it will appear imposing and make your room feel cluttered. If it is too small, your guests may have trouble relaxing on it and you may have trouble fitting the sofa in your room altogether. The width of the sofa should be proportional to the size of your room. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least six inches on each side of the sofa so that you can easily walk around it and maneuver your room without feeling cramped. Many types of sofas come in multiple shapes including square, oversized rectangular, and L-shaped. Generally speaking, the most important factor when choosing the shape of your sofa is the type of seating it offers. Square sofas are perfect for smaller living spaces but may feel crowded when there’s more than two people seated on them. Oversized rectangular sofas may be a better choice for those who need to seat more than two people. My living room is very long but not so wide so I went with a very long design that would still not take up the entire living room space which allows to movement without having to big of price of furniture that makes the room feel small.
The Bottom line
Choosing the perfect sofa for your living room can be a daunting task. There are a lot of options out there, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. With the help of these tips, you should be well on your way to finding the perfect sofa for your space. Whether you want something classic and neutral or modern and bold, there’s a sofa out there for everyone.
