Sofas & Couches Buying Guide
Just like any other piece of furniture, a sofa set plays a vital part in the living room. Sofa set can make or break the entire look of the living room. More than the look, the wrong choice of the sofa might feel uncomfortable while sitting or relaxing. If picked correctly, your living room could turn into the center of attraction in your home. It altogether relies on the selection of the couch set. Regardless of whether you are spending an extremely comfortable evening with your family or planning to watch a movie, a comfortable sofa set can fix it all.
Today the market is full of different types, styles, designs and types of sofas & couches to go for. So, purchasing an ideal couch set can be a tedious task. Thus, following this detailed sofa buying guide can be beneficial for you while planning on buying a sofa set or couch for your home. Read to know more.
Benefits of Buying Sofas & Couches
Adds Comfort
Watching TV, playing PlayStation or even interacting among friends without a perfect sofa set can be uncomfortable. Sofa sets have comfortable back cushions with padded arms, thus adding extra comfort while you are sitting. These features allow you to spend sit comfortably, relax and spend some quality time with your family and friends.
Adds to the décor
A stylish and elegant sofa can switch the mood of the room. The right choice of sofa set can add a classic look to your living space and make it look classy or vintage as per your tastes.
Storage Facilities
Most of the couches that are available today come with extra space for storage. You can utilize this space by storing regularly used things like blankets, quilts, and pillows. This will create more space in your wardrobe to store other things.
Variety of Styles & Designs
Sofa sets come in a variety of materials, styles, and designs which give you the option to choose the right one that matches the style and décor of your room. Some of the most popular styles are- chaise lounge, tuxedo, camelback, Lawson, chesterfield and cabriole. It is advisable to read through each carefully to make a suitable choice.
Factors to Consider While Buying Sofas & Couches
Room Size and Shape
Room's size and shape should be the first thing to consider while purchasing a sofa. Consider the extent of the room and determine what height, length, and depth of sofa would look best in the space. If you're uncertain, mock-up an impression on the floor using masking tape or blue painter's tape before the purchase.
Type
Nowadays, there are many types of sofa available in the market. The popular ones among them are 2-seater sofa, 3-seater sofa, L-shape and sectional sofa. However, choosing among them depends on individual preference. But we will recommend you to buy one that accords best with your space and the size of the family.
Frame
Frames are usually made of metal, hardwood, and particleboard. The most popular options are hardwood construction like kiln-dried oak, beech, or ash because they are durable and long-lasting. Although they are more expensive than other options, they are your best bet. A sofa frame made of particleboard, plastic, or metal should be avoided, as it will probably bend or break and most of them are uncomfortable.
Material
There are different materials used in sofas, like fabric, leather, and leatherette. However, the fabric is the most comfortable sofa material available today as they are breathable and can be sat on for a longer time. Though fabric sofas are budget-friendly, they need high maintenance. On the other hand, a leather sofa is an ideal choice if you are looking for the most durable option. They are also low maintenance and easy to clean.
Cushioning
Cushioning is a significant factor to consider when you're selecting a sofa. A few people will need nap- friendly cushions they can sink into, and others will need more organized, firmer seating. Generally, you will find four cushioning options- poly wrap foam, goose/duck down, innerspring core, and memory foam. However, the popular choice among buyers is innerspring core and memory foam for sleeper sofas.
Upholstery
Retailers offer a wide scope of upholstery textures at various costs. The least expensive textures are more vulnerable to stretching and staining. Upholstery fabric usually has a rub-check rating, which indicates its life span. Consider 50,000 counts as standard, 80,000 as premium, and 100,000 as high performance. Rub count of 25,000 for residential usage is apt. But, if you have a huge family or pets, we suggest you incline towards 50,000 because the amount of friction across the fabric will add up.
Budget
We know a big chunk of money goes towards furniture items like a couch. However, you can get a great furniture piece on a budget as well. You just need to find the right place. There are numerous alternatives available for you to discover reasonable furniture without compromising on the looks. One easy alternative is to go online for your furniture shopping. Shopping sites like Amazon is the ideal way to find the best deals, discounts, and offers available on the sofa.
Conclusion
After a mattress, a sofa is likely the most-used piece of furniture in a home. The quality of the frame, cushions, and upholstery affects how long a sofa will last, something we elaborate on in our guide. However, choosing a sofa also depends upon room size. With a good sofa set, you can increase comfort and add style to the room. Therefore, investing in a good sofa & couch is imperative. But, among the hundreds of options available in the market that offers varying sizes and functionalities, we tried helping you to find an appropriate option with this buying guide
If you need more help in making a final decision, we have listed our recommendations in our featured section above. We have reviewed these products based on their quality, performance, and durability.