HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST SOFA, A SHOPPING GUIDE FOR SOFAS
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A sofa purchase requires thought and consideration. Choose a design that complements your living space, a color you adore, a material that will last, and — most importantly — make sure it will fit through the front door.

Learn about the different sizes, fillings, and finishes before you hand over your money. Even if a new sofa doesn’t have to be expensive, there are some expenses you should avoid making and others where you should spend more money. Unsure of where to purchase a sofa? In our customer poll, learn which couch stores are the finest.

Sofa designs

One of the most crucial things to account when selecting a new sofa is style. In our most recent poll on couch satisfaction, 2,900 Which? Members were surveyed, and nearly half (49%) felt that sofa style was crucial when purchasing a new sofa.

Consider both what will go with the rest of your design strategy and what you like when selecting a sofa style. The five main style categories for sofas are mid-century, Chesterfield, modern, classic, and country. 40% of the Which? Members we polled said they have a traditional-style sofa in their home, making it the most popular model.

Various couch back styles

Different components that makeup sofas determine the piece’s overall appearance and texture. You’ll start to recognize the features of a teak outdoor sofa that appeal to you as you become familiar with the various designs of the arms, feet, base, and back cushions. Start at the back of a sofa’s silhouette to determine whether it has a fixed, scatter back or cushionback.

Fixed-back couch Instead of employing loose or permanent cushions, the sofa’s back frame is sprung and upholstered. Offers easy upkeep along with stylish, tidy, more formal lines. Provides slightly firmer seating on the whole.

Sofa with a few backs

To create a more casual look, loose cushions are used to cover a sofa’s upholstered back frame. Polyester fiber or plush feather stuffing is frequently used in scatter pillows.

Back-cushioned sofa The cushioned back is typical of a sofa. The back will be covered with two or three equal-sized boxed-sided cushions.

A sofa or chair’s arm style might indicate whether it is traditional or modern. While higher, typically slimmer, arms are frequently seen on modern and contemporary couches, low arms frequently indicate a more conventional form.

Ordering sample sofas

Order multiple swatches of the various fabrics you’re interested in before deciding on a color and material. It’s worth the time to choose a shade you enjoy because more than half of all Which? Members surveyed (51%) owned their previous sofas for more than ten years.

It’s ideal to obtain a variety of different selections because swatches are frequently gratis. It just isn’t the same as touching and inspecting the fabric in person rather than seeing it in a picture.

Spend at least a couple of days interacting with the swatches. To see how they will seem at various times of day, examine them in both natural and artificial light.

While some people like the support of something taller, others enjoy lying down and leaning on a low, flat arm.

Picking fabric for a sofa

The material your teak sofa loveseat is upholstered in will determine the atmosphere of your living room, whether you choose soft leather or linen with a casual appearance. If you frequently utilize a room, you might pick a durable man-made fabric with stain-prevention treatment for the seating. A durable option is a good-quality leather.

The most resilient materials are usually those made of man-made materials. Textured flat weaves are among the most durable and family-friendly since they are more forgiving of stains and less likely to snag.

Leather

With time and frequent use, the shape and texture of a genuine leather sofa will stretch and crease. Any scratches or stains will only enhance its charm. A genuine leather sofa will withstand regular use effectively in addition to being robust and durable. Use a fabric that is just a little bit moist to clean the leather. Real leather couches typically cost twice as much as their synthetic leather counterparts, but they can last up to four times longer. The drawback of leather sofas is that they can get hot and sticky in summer and feel chilly to the touch when you first sit down on them in the winter.

Cotton mixture

Cotton is quite adaptable, whether it is pure or mixed. It’s no surprise that 21% of the Which? Members we polled chose a cotton blend sofa because they are cozy and simple to maintain. You can selectfrom a huge variety of colors and patterns as well.

Wool mixture

Wool is naturally soft and adds texture and warmth. A wool blend sofa will feel and look felted when brushed. Any wool blend will inevitably pile up and bobble. Thus some maintenance is required.

Woven textiles

Given that woven textiles are so strong, they are a wise choice if kids or animals will be climbing up and down on your sofa frequently. In order to create a flat weave that is incredibly durable while still looking like cotton, natural cotton is combined with synthetic fibers. You frequently find woven fabrics on sofas with more angular shapes since they maintain their shape effectively.

Velvet textiles

Velvet is now enjoying a comeback, so it’s a fashionable pick. Velvets, however, can, over time acquire natural creases, bruising, and coloring. Additionally, velvet is impervious to spills.

How should a sofa be measured?

Even though it might seem obvious, carefully measure the area where the sofa will go. Nothing is annoying than picking out a sofa, getting it delivered, and then discovering it doesn’t fit. If it’s pre-assembled and being delivered, be sure to measure your door frames as well and account for any sharp angles. You will need to start over if it doesn’t fit through the front door. This is a regular issue; according to 19% of the survey participants who had trouble with the arrival of their sofa, they had difficulty getting it through the front door.

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