Sofas have been around for a very long time, from 2000BC to be exact. They were first crafted in Egypt, and even though they weren’t as comfortable as they’re now, they were still used a lot. Since then, they’ve been reimagined and recrafted many times but remained popular until this very day. They are one of the most commonly used pieces of furniture worldwide.
Sofas come in many shapes, sizes and materials and can fit in any style or design. During their evolution, sofas changed their appearance and levels of comfort, but today, modern and contemporary ones are a combination of practicality, coziness and beauty. Here’s how to find your new favourite piece of furniture with ease.
Take Measures
The first thing to do in this process is to measure up the available space for the sofa. And do it more than once; measure it a couple of times because even a tiny mistake may cause you to end up with something that’s either too big or too small for your space. Write down the length, width, and height and start from there. There is one trick that many people use to make measuring easier. Take newspaper and shape and trace the floor. This way you’ll know it won’t be too close to any other furniture, walls or radiators, and you can open closets, windows and doors with ease.
Another important thing to measure is the dimensions of the doors, stairways and hallways you have to take the sofa through. You may have the perfect modern sofa bed for the living room, but it’ll be all in vain if you can’t get it in. If there’s a problem with these dimensions, you may want to consider something smaller or a sofa that can be delivered in pieces.
Positioning and Purpose
Decide on the positioning of the sofa before going shopping. Will it go in the centre of the room, against the wall, facing the TV? By knowing this, you’ll have a guide to eliminating anything that doesn’t fit in that position. Also, think about its purpose. In a TV room, it’ll be a great piece of furniture to sit and relax with under your throw blanket while you watch your favourite show. In the living room, you can position two sofas facing each other in the living room for a more sociable environment.
Lifestyle and Design
Being ready and knowing what you need and what you don’t want will help you a lot. For example, if you have kids, a stain-resistant material will be perfect; if you are a big family, choose a sectional sofa. If you’re single and feeling comfortable and relaxed is the top priority, you can go with contemporary sofa beds that recline. Take some time to think about your lifestyle and habits, and then decide.
The rest of the house’s interior design is also important. If you’re a fan of the more traditional look and your chair and side tables support this look, stick to that style for the sofa. A modern sofa will complement the contemporary design of the living room. But you can still combine and mix and match styles and design, as long as they look cohesive and not chaotic.
Frame and Material
Experts advise spending as much as you can afford for a quality sofa frame. This should be the base for your sofa and should last for many years. The best option would be a firm hardwood one, they’re solid and usually come with a guarantee of at least 15 years. Also, take note of the metal constructions and particleboards.
Be very selective of the materials that the sofa is made of. Choosing the wrong one will lead to replacing your furniture sooner than you think. High-quality materials won’t wear and tear or fade soon. If you have kids or pets, things can get very messy very fast. Always go for materials that are easy to maintain and clean. Also, thin covers are an option. They’re washable and inexpressive to replace. Here are some of the most commonly used sofa materials:
- Cotton – looks glamorous, tightly woven and breathable;
- Silk – unique look, sturdy but expensive;
- Linen – one of the most popular, durable and eco-friendly;
- Leather – easy to clean, versatile and comfortable;
- Olefin – eco-friendly, durable and for inside and outside use;
- Velour – cheap, luxurious and soft;
- Nylon – comfortable, breathable, but hard to clean;
- Rayon – strong, reasonable price and soft;
- Acrylic – stylish, fade-resistant and versatile;
- Polyester – breathable, durable and cheap.
Cushioning and Color
Sometimes, what’s on the inside is more important than what’s on the outside. This rule applies to sofas and sofa cushions without a second thought. After a long hard-working day, you’ll need a comfortable seat to relax and unwind. This is also a key factor in how long will your sofa last, so making the right decision is crucial. Here are some of the top cushioning materials:
- Foam – most common and widely available, soft, provides comfort and muscle support and is resistant to sagging;
- Hollow-Fill Fiber – soft and squishy, suitable for short naps;
- Feather – comfortable; you can decrease and increase the number of feathers, but it requires regular plumping;
- Polyester – inexpensive, durable, smooth but can flatten quickly;
- Batting – good cushioning, tough but can flatten in time.
When it comes to colour, the options are endless. It seems like it’s impossible to make a decision. Depending on your existing designs and the colours of the interior, you can go with just one colour or combine colour with patterns. If you have neutral colours, you can buy a sofa with a pop of colour to spruce up the space. If you already have a lot of bright furniture and accessories, buying a simple, neutral modern sofa bed will be a perfect match. At the end of the day, if you’re a rule-breaker, none of these matters and you can combine anything and everything, as long as you like it.
Try It Before You Buy It
Of course, when you’re buying something that should last for years, you’re looking for something cozy and comfortable. Before you buy the sofa, try it out. See how it fits your body, does it provide good support, and does the material feel right? Pay attention to the sofa’s arms. They should be the right size, not too bulky to block the view or restrain some movements, and not too small not to provide comfort and stability.
To Summarize
Sofas are an essential part of every household. They are a piece of furniture that can fit in every home because they’re practical and comfortable. Their versatility makes them a popular item you can sleep on, nap, enjoy a movie or just chill with your friends and family.