There are a variety of factors that must be considered when you begin the quest of finding an outstanding performance-efficient sofa for your living room. A remarkable piece of furniture can greatly impact the overall outlook of your home and, thus, must be carefully purchased. The average sofa possesses a seat depth of around 60 cm, which is sufficient enough for sitting comfortably.
Similarly, height is another important aspect that must never be neglected especially incase of taller individuals. Thus, this article guides you into what to look for when buying a sofa, including seat depth, height, quality frame, fabric material, cushioning, and much more. So, keep reading the article below for an in-depth buying guide.
What to Look for When Buying a Sofa?
Seat Depth
First and foremost, seat depth is of extreme importance. As mentioned earlier, the seat depth of an average sofa is around 60 cm which is sufficient for you to sit comfortably. However, if you are one of those people that like to sit on the sofa with your legs up, it is recommended to check that sofa that is deep enough to support the posture.
Especially when more than one person is sitting on the sofa at a time, experts recommend using a recliner sofa in this regard to get the maximum output. In addition to this, seat depth varies from model to model, and hence, it is advised to try out the product before purchasing it to avoid future concerns.
Height and Length
Apart from seat depth, height is another significant factor, especially for taller individuals. Most models are designed with the height ranging between 45cm to 50 cm. Since height is an objective factor, there is no correct height. You can select the appropriate height for yourself by trying out various units.
The height also depends on the sitting style of the consumer. You might require a heightened and long sofa if you prefer to lie down instead of a normal sitting posture. Similarly, taller people might require a higher back to provide additional support for their backbone and muscles for relaxation. The height and length of the sofa should be large enough for you to stretch out. You can also look for its convertibility into a sleeper sofa.
Quality Frame
Investment in a quality frame can enhance the life of your unit and contribute to ultimate performance efficiency. It is recommended to look for a hardwood frame to impart durability to the overall product. Hardwood materials are mostly preferred over metal and plastic boards due to their sturdiness and long-lasting abilities. In addition to this, wood is not prone to damage by extreme weather conditions and thus, can perform better than many metal items present in the market.
Thus, next time you visit a furniture store to buy a sofa, look for a wooden frame for better quality. Furthermore, it is also advised to always check the guarantee of the equipment before buying it for future use. Always opt for a tool that offers at least a 10 to 15 years warranty. Doing so would relieve you from the concern of accidentally damaging the apparatus.
Construction Fabric
Next up on the list is construction fabric. This factor takes into account the fabric material along with the pattern and design printed on it. Firstly, fabric material is essential in the quality and performance of a sofa. Look for a fabric that is durable, breathable, and less vulnerable to getting dirty.
The last one is a must. You do not want to purchase a material that attracts a lot of dust and gets dirty easily as it means regular maintenance, which might become a hassle for most consumers. Look for materials that are easier to clean, such as leather, which can be cleaned with the help of water. Avoid the use of detergent on leather as it will damage it by causing its color to fade out.
Loose covers are best in this regard as they can be effortlessly removed for cleaning whenever required. Similarly, you should choose a sofa made up of synthetic fabric if it is exposed to sunlight regularly, for example, in the case of units that are placed near windows. In addition to this, the color of your upholstery fabric should be compatible with the color scheme of your living room. This will improve the overall outlook of your home.
Cushions
Cushioning and padding of the tool are as important as the outer fabric. It imparts the structure to the apparatus and also provides comfort. There are two types of cushioning materials available in the market, including feathers and foam. Most high-end products consist of feather-based cushions and backrests. However, the problem associated with these items is the regular plumping, which must be carried out to maintain the proper shape.
Apart from this, foam-based products are also widely available in the market, but similar to their above-mentioned counterparts; they are also prone to flattening over time. Thereby losing their shape in the long term. Hence, it is recommended to opt for a combination product that consists of both foam and feather at the same time. This will offer both squish and structure, keeping the cushions in the perfect shape even after continuous use.
Measurements
Measurements of the sofa according to the size of your room shall never be neglected. It is important to consider the depth of the back of your tool alongside its width. There is nothing more annoying than purchasing the wrong product for yourself. It is recommended to take the depth into account while looking for the sofa for a smaller room as compared to a larger one.
Similarly, the height can also significantly impact the performance of a unit and shall be considered in the case of rooms integrated with radiators and shelves. Along with this, the experts and interior designers also advise cutting out the shape of your sofa on a newspaper for analyzing its dynamics and the space it is going to occupy.
This can be achieved by placing the material on the floor and analyzing the amount of space left for you to walk freely. Hence, it is a great approach towards selecting suitable furniture depending on the layout of your room. You should also look into the possible obstacles the equipment is going to face before reaching its final destination, for example, stairs and doors.
If you have limited access to various tools in your living room, it is advised to opt for a low-back style sofa along with removable legs. This will allow the model to be delivered in various sections, thereby relieving you from the concern of damaging the walls and the sofa itself. For small rooms, it is best to keep a two-seater or a snugger for efficient performance in the long term.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for when buying a sofa?
There are various factors that should be taken into account while looking for the best sofa for your living room. They include the seat depth, height, measurement, cushioning, construction fabric, and price of the item. All these factors combine together to offer an extraordinary product. Height and seat depth are essential elements and are directly associated with the comfort and practicality of the usage. Cushioning is also of great significance, and hence, it is recommended to look for an item that uses both feather and foam for cushioning purposes.
What type of sofas lasts the longest?
Sofas that are made up of dense and sturdy wooden frames last longer than their other counterparts. Most notable examples in this regard include the maple wood and walnut-based frames that are sturdy and impart durability to the whole unit. Hence, increasing their life span over the long term. In addition to this, for upholstery construction, models that are made up of leather and woven textile are an ideal choice because of their long-lasting nature.
How much should I spend on a sofa?
It is advised to spend around $1500 to $3000 for a good quality sofa that can last in the long term. The high-quality products displaying the wooden frame and leather fabric are mostly available in this range and do not disappoint the consumer in the long term. Moreover, you should also check for the warranty of the material. Always purchase the models that are available with at least 10 to 15 years of warranty.
Wrapping Up
Purchasing a sofa is a time-consuming and hectic process and requires a lot of effort on the consumer’s part. Moreover, these units are expensive, and you do not want to purchase one that is not suitable for you. Hence, we have developed a list of factors that should be considered while looking for the best sofa for your living room. First and foremost, seat depth and height are crucial aspects as they are directly associated with the practicality of use.
They are followed by cushioning and fabric material which imparts the shape and durability of the material and can greatly impact the comfort level as well. Lastly, measurement of the model according to the size of your living room is also important. It should be carried out to analyze the traffic flow and the performance of gadgets in different conditions.
