The Ultimate Sofa Buying Guide: Experts Tips for Finding The Perfect Furniture For Your Home

Choosing the perfect sofa for your home is an exciting yet significant decision. This staple piece of furniture sets the tone for your living area's aesthetic and serves as a hub for relaxation and socialization. To ensure you pick a sofa that meets your needs and retains its comfort and style over time, several factors should be considered.

Construction & Quality

A sofa's longevity is rooted in its construction. High-quality frames are typically made from kiln-dried hardwood or sturdy metal composites. For the seating support, look for sinuous springs or, for a more luxurious feel, eight-way hand-tied springs. Good construction directly correlates to comfort and the lifespan of your sofa, so it's worth inquiring about these details before making a purchase. Another element of your sofa that needs strong consideration is what material is inside of the cushions. Cushion fill can range from foam to feathers and everything in between.

• Fiber fill: This is a manmade insert that’s usually combined with either foam or down to make the sofa less firm and more affordable.
• Foam: Convertible or sleeper sofas often feature a high-density memory foam mattress or cushions. Foam fill that is used within the sofa’s cushions typically feels firmer and is a great material to use if you want a sofa that will keep its shape.
• Goose or duck feather-down: Down-fill sofas are higher-end, plush, and luxurious. Down cushions must be rotated and fluffed regularly to preserve their form.
• Spring coil: These cushions usually come with a downfill and are built into the sofa. They require less fluffing versus a regular down cushion and hold their shape better over time. Pieces with spring coil elements tend to cost more but are also better quality than a sofa with foam.

Fabric Selections

Think about your lifestyle when selecting the sofa fabric. If you have children, pets, or a high-traffic living space, look for durable and easy-to-clean materials like a performance fabric or leather. These fabrics are resilient against spills and wear, and they maintain their appearance with regular maintenance. On the other hand, for a less frequented area, you might opt for luxurious textures, such as velvet, which add elegance but require more delicate care. Below is a more in-depth breakdown of the different fabrics to consider when purchasing a new sofa:

• Performance Fabric: When it comes to kids, pets, and frequent spillers, performance fabric is a no-brainer. These materials are manufactured or treated to prevent stains and are typically water and oil-resistant. One of our “go-to” performance fabrics is Crypton, which is carried by several furniture manufacturers. It is also considered to be a sustainable product for anyone looking to be more environmentally conscious.
• Leather: Leather is a true workhorse in the fabric department - easy to clean (just wipe with a damp cloth), but it has its downside. Some leathers can scuff and become worn with heavy use – resulting in a tired look. It can also be hot or cold to the touch, depending on the type of climate you live in. If you’re a fan of leather, we recommend pieces that are made of full grain and top grain, which will stand the test of time and wear nicely.
• Wool blend: Wool is highly durable and great for hiding stains but not always the easiest to care for. If you don’t want to deal with constant pilling, look for a wool and synthetic blend.
• Linen: Linen upholstery is all about aesthetics, and not ideal for everyday use – especially if you have kids and pets. It tends to wrinkle easily and requires professional cleaning for spots and stains. Use this material in more formal areas and/or for pieces that only get occasional use.
• Velvet: Synonymous with luxury and offered in rich jewel tones, velvet can be made from a variety of materials, including silk, which is smooth, shiny, and delicate, and synthetics, such as polyester or rayon, which are highly durable and more affordable.
• Natural fibers: Silk and cotton are common natural fibers used for upholstery. Silk can be sensitive to daily wear and tear as well as sunlight, so it’s not ideal for an everyday piece. Cotton is relatively more resilient and durable, especially when featured in a blend.
• Synthetics: Often used for affordable or performance pieces, synthetics are made to emulate a natural fiber such as acetate (imitation silk), chenille (cotton-like), faux leather, and microfiber (an extremely fine polyester).

Style and Longevity

The overall style of your sofa should complement your home's decor while offering timeless appeal. Classic shapes with sturdy frames and clean lines, often endure through evolving interior trends. Consider elements like tufting, cushion density, and support systems when evaluating a sofa's potential for long-term comfort and durability.

Measuring for Fit

Before shopping, measure your space to determine the maximum sofa dimensions that will fit comfortably. Remember to consider the width, depth, and height of a sofa, as well as the room needed for walking space around it. A good rule of thumb is that you should have 24-36 inches around the sofa to properly allow for foot traffic. It's equally important to measure doorways and hallways before purchasing to ensure your new sofa will fit into your home… without having to take apart a doorway or window.

Price Expectations

Sofa prices can vary widely based on factors such as brand, construction, material, and style. As a general guide, budget-friendly options may start as low as a $500, but keep in mind that these often sacrifice quality for cost. Mid-range sofas typically offer a balance of durability and affordability and range anywhere between $2000 to $6000, while higher-end models can retail for $10,000+. We recommend that you purchase the best sofa that you can afford, especially if you plan to use it for several years. If budgets are super tight, consider looking at used pieces that can easily be cleaned.

Don’t Go It Alone

Purchasing a new sofa is an investment, so choose wisely. Remember, it's not only about comfort or aesthetics but also about the joy and memories it will help create in your home. We understand that selecting the right sofa can be daunting, and our goal is to make your shopping experience as stress-free as possible. If you would like personalized advice or have any questions as you embark on the journey to find your perfect sofa, please feel free to reach out to us.