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From entertaining to relaxing, you’ll need a sofa that can withstand years of jumping children, guest sleepovers, and lazy Sundays. If you need a new sofa for your home but don’t know where to start, these tips can help you narrow down your choices.

Consider Your Lifestyle

There are many different types of couches out there, all of which are typically selected based on lifestyle choices. For example, if you have a family or like to switch up your decor often, you’re better off looking for the best places to buy a sectional sofa. However, if you don’t have pets or kids, you could get away with a pleated or tailored light-colored Chesterfield.

Consider the Space

Sofas can fit in any room, large or small, but you’re probably going to place your first sofa in the living room. No matter where you’re putting your sofa, you need to consider how large the space is and how you want to orientate your couch. Will it be up against a wall? Facing another sofa? In the center of the room? This choice can determine what can fit in your space.

Measure the Space

Once you’ve decided on the location of your new sofa, start measuring to determine what kind of couch your space can accommodate. Measure the length, width, and height of the area and the doorways and hallways. Your sofa will do you no good if you can’t turn it into your living space, lift it over your head (in some cases) or maneuver it around a staircase.

Choose the Color and Fabric

Your lifestyle may also determine the color and fabric of your new couch in some cases. For example, if you have children, you may prefer leather or darker fabrics as they’re easier to clean. Families or singles with older children or without kids don’t have to consider upkeep as their primary reason for color or fabric selection, but all buyers should pick something that fits their decorative style. If you want to make a statement, choose a bright-colored sofa.

Matching the Couch

Since your couch will be the centerpiece of a room, it needs to match everything else around it and not the other way around. Modern homes with 21st-century trims, doors, and window trims may want to avoid retro styles unless their decor matches the couch. However, this isn’t a tried and true rule. Many styles, like boho, look chaotic but still have a consistent, comfortable flow.

Test the Arms, Springs, Operating Mechanisms, and Cushions

Before you jump into the cushions to get a good feel for the couch, test the arms, springs, and operating mechanisms to ensure they’re sturdy, comfortable, and well made.

Arms: Consider the arm style first. Do you want rolled, oversized, undersized, or square? The couches’ arms can change the silhouette of the sofa as well as the comfort level. When you test the arms, check that they’re tight by leaning on them and pushing up against them. If you notice a wobble or lack of cushion, buy a different couch.

Springs: Cheaper couches will have less durable springs or none at all. Avoid these at all costs, as they’re prone to breaking. Luxury sofas are fitted with eight-way hand-tied springs, which are comfortable but expensive. A mid-range couch (recommended) will usually come with serpentine springs, which offer good support but sag over time. 

Operating Mechanisms: A reclining or modular sectional will have operating mechanisms that hold the couch together. Try to take the sectional apart and see how secure the latches are. If either the recliner or modular sofa is too loose, avoid it.

Now you can test the cushions. If you’re looking for a comfortable piece, opt for something that allows you to sink right in. For formal sofas, shop for something firm and structured.

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The sofa has always been a main centerpiece and focal point when it comes to the living room. Afterall, a sofa is something you will use not only while watching TV, but also while chating with guests, while napping, and even eating. Sofas are usually what interior designers buy first, and then start decorating around it. The type of color your sofa is, the texture, and the style will play a big part in how you decorate your living room. As interior design enthusiasts, we have our heart set on a few types of sofas that make decorating a breeze. Not only will they look fabulous, they are also super easy to match with any type of decorating style. Keep reading!

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The Chesterfield Sofa

If you are into classic designs and furniture that is built to last (literally a lifetime!) the Chesterfield sofa is the sofa for you. Made originally in Britain out of real leather (and later other fabrics such as canvas) for the Earl of Chesterfield, this sofa is a design classic and one of the most recognizable pieces of furniture in the world. It is highly sought after and goes with any type of color scheme. Whether you are a fan of plain white walls, or even green walls, the Chesterfield seamlessly blends in and compliments any type of color palette and decorating style.

Velvet Sofas

One of my favorite fabrics for sofa upholstering, the velvet sofa is the perfect sofa to add warmth and comfort to any space. When decorating a living room, you want it to feel inviting and comforting, and playing with textures is one of the things you need to keep in mind. Velvet is soft, warm, and super cozy and using this type of fabric for a sofa is an easy way to warm up a space. Velevet sofas add a certain level of sophistication to a room that is great if you are looking to get that expensive look-for-less.

Photo via: La Perla

Sofa Beds

Sofa beds are a great way to increase the capacity of your home, especially if you have family or friends frequently visiting. If you are also renting out your home or apartment, a sofa bed is a complete must! Sofa beds have become quite stylish in the last few years, and can be bought in tons of different styles, colors, and fabrics. So there is no need to worry about purchasing a sofa bed that isn’t stylish. Long gone are those days, as sofa manufacturers are realizing that more homeowners would like to be practical but also still stylish! You can include a sofa bed in your living room as well as your bedroom for extra sleeping space. To purchase sofa beds check out our favorite store Furco: https://www.furco.co.uk/sofas/sofa-beds. There are also sofas that are called futons. Don’t get a futon and a sofa bed confused, to learn more about the difference click here.

Photo By: West Elm

Neutral Colored Sofas

If you are on the market for a new sofa to buy, you really can’t go wrong with a neutral colored sofa. Taupe, beige, and cream sofas and always a safe color to choose for your living room sofa. Even if you are a fan of color, you can easily bring your living room to life with brightly colored pillows and throw blankets. Keeping your sofa a neutral tone is a smart way to create a blank canvas and then build up your decorating with accessories and artwork.

Photo via: Befort

The L Section

Sofas that are built into an L shape are a great option if you enjoy entertaining, watching movies, or if you have a large family. Not only are these sofas super confortable and great for lounging, they can also fit a ton of people! They are also great to convert in beds if you ever have family visiting over. Consider purchasing an L section if you are certain that you have enough room in your living room and if you are ready to lounge around – they are absolutely irresistible!

Consider following some of our choices above if you are in the market for a new sofa. Whatever your decorating style is, the sofas above can certainly complement any type of style and color scheme. What’s your favorite sofa style? Let us know in the comments below!