Well, you made it. Your living room is almost complete. Whether you’re moving into a new home and putting your living room together for the first time, or redesigning your current living room, you did the work and now you’re here. That alone deserves a round of applause.
But wait, somethings missing! What could it be? You have the entertainment center, you have the coffee table, you even have the rug and accessories to pull it all together…
Wait - that’s it! You forgot the sofa! HOW could you forget the SOFA?! You spent all this time and energy putting together the perfect living and you forget the sofa?? Don’t worry, it’s okay, take a deep breath. While choosing the perfect sofa for your living can be a daunting task, with all the sizes, styles and materials to choose from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But if you just consider a few key factors, you’ll be able to find the sofa that fits your needs and compliments your space.
The size and shape of your space will help you determine seating.
1. Size and Shape
The size and shape of the sofa you choose will largely depend on the size and shape of your living space. Do you have a smaller space? You might want to opt for a space-saving small sofa (and if you’re looking for tips on how to decorate your small space, click here. Do you have a large great room? Maybe go for a large U-shaped sectional. Whatever size space you have, it’s important to measure the dimensions of your room and any architectural features like windows and doorways, as these may impact the size of the sofa you choose.
When it comes to shape, there are several options that you could consider! You could opt for a traditional sofa with a straight back and arms, which is a classic choice that works well in most spaces. If you’re going for the larger room or open concept, then a sectional sofa is a popular option that you could consider for your home since it provides ample seating for that kind of space. Or, if you’re looking for something even smaller than a standard sofa, a loveseat or settee can be a good option - they would even work as an accent piece in a larger room!
The material you choose for your sofa will elevate the style in your room.
2. Material and Durability
The material of your sofa can impact both the style and durability of your furniture, so be sure not to overlook this consideration! If you’re looking for something sleek and sophisticated, a leather sofa might be the right choice for you. Leather is also durable and easy to clean, so any furniture piece with this material is a good choice for high-traffic areas. On the other hand, fabric sofas offer more versatility in terms of style and color options, but may require more maintenance and cleaning.
There are also numerous "performance fabric" options available today. These fabrics offer easy cleaning and protection from fading, allowing you to opt for a ligher-colored sofa without having to worry about the maintenance that typically comes with these colors.
Before making any decisions, you’ll also want to consider how the sofa will be used. If you have pets or young children, a durable and easy-to-clean material, like leather or a stain-resistant fabric, may be the better option.
Be sure to choose a sofa that comfortable and gives you support where you need it.
3. Comfort and Support
You want your sofa to look good. Obviously, because what’s the point if it doesn’t? But, along with looking amazing in your living room, it should also be comfortable and provide an adequate amount of support. There’s nothing worse than sitting on a pretty sofa only for it to be hard as a rock. So, when shopping for a new sofa, be sure to test it out by sitting on it for several minutes at a time. Pay attention to the seat depth, back height, and cushion firmness - in other words, throw everything you know about being polite in a public area out the window. Lounge on it, bounce on it, rub your face on it. Do what you have to do to really determine if that sofa is right for you.
You’ll also want to pay close attention to comfort and support if you have back or neck pain. In this case, you’d want to consider a sofa with a higher back and good lumbar support. Or, if you prefer a softer feel, look for a sofa with plush cushions or down-filled pillows!
In general, nicer-quality upholstery is engineered for comfort by matching seat pitch with the right seat and back cusion depth and firmess.
Pick a sofa that fits your aesthetic!
4. Style and Color
The style and color of your sofa will largely depend on your own personal taste and the overall aesthetic of your living room. If your style is more modern or minimalist, a good choice may be a sleek and streamlined sofa in a striking black or white, or a neutral gray. Or, if you prefer a more eclectic or traditional vibe, a sofa with unique details like nailhead trim or tufting might be the way to go. You could even make a statement with a bold color or pattern!
And speaking of color, when choosing a color for your sofa, you need to consider the other elements in your space, like wall color, flooring, and other furniture pieces you already have. A sofa in a neutral tone, like gray or beige, can be a versatile option that can be easily dressed up with accent pillows or throw blankets.
A sofa is an investment.
5. Price and Quality
Last, but certainly not least, is the price and quality of the sofa. A sofa should be seen as an investment piece, so you’ll want to make sure that you’re getting a good value for the money you’re spending. While it can be very very tempting to go for the cheapest option (we know, we’ve been there), it’s important to consider the long-term durability and quality of the furniture in your home.
That being said, when shopping for a new sofa, be sure to look for reputable brands and retailers that offer warranties or guarantees (like Willis Furniture). Think about the materials used and the construction of the sofa - will they stand the test of time? A high-quality sofa may cost more up front, but it will ultimately save you money in the long run since you won’t have to worry as much about maintenance and repairs. In addition, a higher quality and price gives you more choices and custom features.
And just like that! You now have all the knowledge you need to pick out the perfect sofa for your living room. The final piece of the puzzle is your hands - all you need to do now is put it into place.
If you still think you need design help, Willis Furniture’s experienced in-home design specialists are here to help! Collaborate with an experienced and motivated sales guide from Willis to navigate all of the choices available to you, and to land on the best fit for your needs. Get free design advice now, or contact us when the time is right.