Choosing the Right Sofa
Sofas are so important in our lives because it is a space where life unfolds. On a sofa we can relax, commune with friends and family, watch our favorite shows and movies and have game nights! There are many aspects of choosing a sofa and this guide is meant to help you find the sofa that is just right for you.
A clear starting point in your sofa search is with size. Start by measuring your space to find the basic length, width and height measurements. Also consider ceiling height and the overall scale of your room. Will it fit in your space and mesh with your home’s vibe? For example, if you have a large, open floor plan, a larger sofa will make the most sense to fit the space and look right. If you need extra help, contact us for our Room Service interior design services. Learn more here: https://ciaointeriors.com/room-service/
Another important aspect to consider is your lifestyle. Do you have children or pets? Do you enjoy eating and drinking on your sofa? A sofa that is designed well considers both functionality and style. The vendors we work with allow for customization in fabric, leg style, cushion fill and more. If you need a more durable fabric on your sofa we recommend a performance fabric.
There are many styles of sofas to look into: 2-seater sofa, 3-seater sofa, chaise sectional, corner sectional, U-sectional, L-shapes, curved sofas and sleeper sofas. If you want a more modern aesthetic, opt for straight lines and boxier silhouettes. More traditional styles have rolled arms and intricate leg styles. Cushion shape also influences the style of the sofa and the room. Less cushions means less seams for a cleaner look.
Now for configuration. How many people will use the sofa each day? Does it meet your needs for what you intend to use it for? If you love to entertain, opt for a large sofa with other collaborating furniture pieces to accommodate your guests. A TV room or den may need a corner or U-sectional for lounging while a more formal sitting room would be conducive to a three-seater or love seat.
Style and color are also very dependent on the type of fabric you choose. This is a fun aspect of sofa hunting! Move the fabric samples around your space noting how the colors mesh with your flooring, paint color, current furniture and decoration. It is best to create a natural balance between furniture, textiles, and walkways in the room. It is best to create a natural balance between furniture, textiles, and walkways in the room. See how the lighting in your room affects the fabric sample hue. The more you work with your sofa fabric samples up front, the more confident you’ll feel in your end choice later on.
Another size consideration is seat depth. This is the measurement from the front edge of the seat to the back cushion. A shorter person may prefer shallow seat depths so that their feet can hit the floor. A smaller room may also require more shallow seat depths because a deep-seated sofa would look out of place. Different seat depths to consider:
1. Standard Seat Depth
This range is from 21 to 24 inches. This size is great for various living rooms.
2. Deep Seat Depth
More than 24 inches. These deep-seat depth sofas, are wonderful for lounging and relaxing.
3. Shallow Seat Depth
Less than 21 inches, allow for an upright seating position. They are a good choice for formal settings or for those who prefer more back support.
Next is comfort. Just like a bed mattress, consider how firm or soft you want the sofa to be. Down sofas are very plush and soft and tend to be more expensive than foam. Foam density refers to the weight of a square foot of foam. Foam and coil resiliency refers to the sofa’s ability to return to its original shape and comfort as time goes on.
Having summer guests? A sleeper sofa is a way to have a sofa and bed in one and to optimize space while ensuring your guests get a good night’s sleep.
As you can see, there are many factors that influence your sofa decision. Its an important part of your home. We are here to help if you need further guidance!