A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Sofa

The sofa is the centrepiece of your living room, so it’s only natural to want something that fits in with your style and offers the perfect level of comfort. But how do you know which sofa sizes, features, and fabrics will work best for your home and lifestyle? It's time to get out there and explore the wonderful world of sofas so you can choose the perfect option for your home.

Size

There’s no set rule for how large or small a sofa should be, but, in general, you want to maximise seating without blocking important walkways and doors. It’s best to measure before shopping so you can be sure a sofa you like will fit. If you have access to the room you want to furnish, do this simple exercise to determine whether a sofa you’re considering is the right size:

Usable Space not available space!

Use a tape measure to measure the dimensions of the sofa on the floor. Create an imaginary sofa according to those dimensions with string or masking tape on the floor.

Walk around the marked sofa dimensions to see whether you have enough room to get around comfortably. Don’t forget to factor in other furniture, such as end tables or whether you’ll need to access windows, shelves etc.

If you don’t have access to the room, use room dimensions to decide if the sofa’s length and width seem appropriate. If you can’t get room measurements, focus on looking for a sofa that feels like a standard size and not overly large. If you decide to rent instead of buy, you have a chance to test out a size without committing to a purchase.

Features

There are many different sofa styles and types, and the differences between them extend beyond mere aesthetics. The features that characterise different styles can actually impact the overall atmosphere of your living room based on varying levels of comfort.

Linear, sectional classic or modern?

Linear sofas look lovely, but they can take up quite a bit of space. However, they do make a great social seating area and can break up and zone off a large open-plan room.

If you’re tight on space, look for a sofa with compact arms. Slim and taller sofa legs can also give the illusion of space.

Materials

The upholstery material you choose for your sofa can have a big impact on the overall style and feel of the room. Colour plays a big part in which side of the spectrum your sofa falls under, but the texture of the upholstery is also part of the equation.

These popular sofa upholstery options each have strengths and weaknesses. Consider your lifestyle and how you like to use your furniture before deciding which type of material might be right for you.

Velvet: Velvet works best in rooms with a stylish, glamorous feel. Due to its deep pile, velvet can more easily hold onto spills, pet hair, and dust than other fabric types.

Leather: One of the toughest upholstery fabrics, leather has a classic aesthetic that can complement a variety of decor styles. Synthetic leather can be a good alternative, with a similar look and feel at a lower cost.

Cotton: Cotton upholstery fabric is typically thick and durable. Its versatile look is ideal for formal or casual rooms of all styles. This is a great choice if you aren’t sure about texture.

This may seem like a lot of information to consider, but knowing what works for you in each of these categories can make it much easier to pick out the right sofa. Check out our selection of sofas to rent and find the ideal one for your home.