What to look for when buying a sofa

When buying a sofa, the stakes feel high.

This single piece of furniture takes centre stage in your living room as the prime spot for curling up with a book, binging the latest Netflix craze, or catching up with a friend over a bottle of wine.

For design devotees buying a sofa also means investing in a show-stopping piece that perfectly balances form and function.

Whether you’re furnishing a new home or upgrading your existing setup, this sofa buying guide will walk you through the key considerations, from materials to measurements. We’ll discuss the importance of choosing a well-constructed frame, compare fabric and filling options and explore sustainable options, so that you can invest in a quality sofa that suits both your design taste and your lifestyle.

Quality and construction

When assessing any piece of furniture, construction and workmanship set the foundation for durability and longevity. The comfort and sustainability of your sofa will be determined not just by its external appearance but by its core construction.

The frame

For sofas that are built to last, a quality frame is key. A well-constructed frame can endure years of use, maintaining both its shape and integrity. Here’s what to look for:

• Solid Hardwood Frames: Opt for frames made from solid hardwoods like oak, ash, or beech. These materials are renowned for their strength and durability. A solid hardwood frame is more resistant to warping and breaking compared to softer woods or particleboard.
• FSC Certified Wood: Choosing a sofa with a frame made from FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified wood ensures that the timber has been sourced responsibly, supporting practices that preserve our forests.
• Construction Techniques: Pay attention to the joinery methods used in the frame’s construction. In higher quality sofas, dovetail, mortise and tenon, or double dowel joints may be used for durability and strength, ensuring that the frame can withstand stress without weakening.

Sustainable options

Sustainability in sofa construction extends beyond the frame to the materials used throughout the piece:

• Eco-friendly Fabrics and Fillings: Look for sofas that use organic, recycled, or sustainably sourced fabrics and fillings. These materials reduce the environmental footprint of your furniture and often offer higher levels of safety and comfort.
• Low VOC Emissions: Sofas constructed with materials that have low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) emissions contribute to better indoor air quality, making your home safer and more comfortable.

Understanding how a sofa is constructed allows you to make an informed decision. A high-quality frame ensures durability and longevity, while sustainable materials contribute to the well-being of the environment and your home.

Choosing the right fabric

From the feel under your fingertips to ease of maintenance, the right fabric choice can greatly enhance your enjoyment of your sofa. Here’s how to navigate the vast array of options.

Fabric options

• Natural Fabrics: Options like cotton, linen, wool, and leather offer a classic and luxurious feel. They are known for their comfort and durability. Natural fibres also tend to breathe better, making them more comfortable in warm environments. However, they might require more maintenance and can be prone to staining and fading.
• Synthetic Fabrics: Fabrics such as polyester, nylon, and microfibre are engineered to offer specific benefits like stain resistance and ease of cleaning. They can be more durable against wear and tear, making them ideal for homes with pets or children.
• Blends: Combining natural and synthetic fibres can offer the best of both worlds, providing durability and ease of maintenance while retaining the comfort and texture of natural fabrics.

Pros and cons

• Stain Resistance: If you have young children or pets, look for fabrics that are easy to clean and resistant to stains. Some fabrics come with a protective coating to repel liquids and resist stains.
• Wear and Tear: Consider the amount of use your sofa will get. High-traffic areas may benefit from tougher, tightly woven fabrics that can withstand more wear.
• Comfort: The feel of a fabric is subjective and varies from person to person. Think about the texture and how it feels against your skin, especially in different temperatures.
• Aesthetics: The fabric should complement the room’s décor and reflect your personal style. Consider how the texture, colour, and pattern of the fabric will fit into your existing interior design.

Sustainable and pet-friendly options

• Eco-Friendly Fabrics: Eco-conscious consumers should look for organic fabrics, recycled materials, or those certified by environmental standards like OEKO-TEX or GOTS.
• Pet-Friendly Fabrics: For homes with pets, consider tightly woven fabrics or leather, which can be more resistant to scratching and easier to clean. Some fabrics are specifically designed to resist pet hair and odours.

Choosing the right fabric for your sofa involves balancing the practical needs of your family with your aesthetic preferences and ethical considerations.

Sofa fillings

The comfort and longevity of your sofa are significantly influenced by the type of filling used in the cushions. The right filling not only ensures a comfortable seat but also impacts how the sofa maintains its shape over time. Here’s a guide to the most common materials used in sofa fillings and their pros and cons.

Material choices

• Foam: High-resilience foam offers a firm and supportive seating experience that retains its shape well over time. It’s available in various densities, which can affect the firmness and lifespan of the sofa.
• Feather and Down: These fillings provide a luxurious and soft feel, allowing you to sink into the sofa. While incredibly comfortable, they require regular fluffing to maintain their shape and can trigger allergies in some individuals.
• Polyester Fibre: A common choice for a more affordable option, polyester fibre fillings are lightweight and soft. However, they may flatten or clump over time, requiring more maintenance to keep the sofa looking its best.
• Hybrid Fillings: Many sofas feature a combination of the above materials to strike a balance between comfort, support, and durability. For instance, a core of foam wrapped in a layer of feathers combines the form retention of foam with the softness of feathers.

Comfort vs durability

• Preferences: Choosing the right filling involves balancing comfort preferences with how well the material holds up over time. Foam might offer the best durability, but feather and down can provide superior comfort for those looking for a softer, more luxurious feel.
• Usage: Think about how you are likely to use your sofa. If it’s frequently used for lounging or napping, softer, more plush fillings might be preferable. For a sofa that sees a lot of sitting, reading, or working, firmer fillings may offer better support.

Pros and cons

• Foam: Pros include durability and ease of maintenance. Cons can be the lack of softness and warmth that some people prefer in a sofa.
• Feather and Down: Pros are the unmatched comfort and luxury feel. The cons include higher maintenance, potential for allergies, and a higher price point.
• Polyester Fibre: The main advantages are cost-effectiveness and low maintenance. The downside is a shorter lifespan and potential for uneven wear and flattening.
• Hybrid Fillings: These offer a good compromise, providing both comfort and durability, but can be more expensive than single-material options.

Maintenance and care

• Regular Maintenance: No matter the type of filling, regular maintenance such as fluffing cushions and rotating them can help extend the life of your sofa and maintain its appearance.
• Consider Removable Covers: For ease of cleaning, consider sofas with removable cushion covers. This feature is especially useful for materials prone to staining or for homes with pets and children.

Size considerations when buying a sofa

One of the most important practical aspects of selecting a new sofa is ensuring it fits not just the designated space in your home but also through any doorways, hallways, and staircases it will need to navigate upon delivery.

Here’s how to ensure your dream sofa doesn’t turn into a logistical nightmare.

Dimensions and access

• Room Dimensions: Before falling in love with a sofa, measure the space where it will go. Consider the length, depth, and height of the sofa in relation to the room size to maintain proportion and ensure it doesn’t overwhelm the space.
• Access Points: Measure doorways, hallways, and any turns the sofa will need to make to reach its destination. This is crucial for apartments or homes with narrow entries or staircases.

Practical tips

• Use Painter’s Tape: Outline the dimensions of the sofa on your floor with painter’s tape. This visual aid helps in understanding how the sofa fits into the room, allowing for walking space and other furniture.
• Check Sofa Measurements: Look for detailed product descriptions that list not only the sofa’s overall dimensions but also individual component measurements for sectionals or sofas with detachable parts.
• Consider Modular Options: If access is a concern, consider a modular sofa that can be delivered in pieces and assembled in the room.
• Delivery Path Obstacles: Note any potential obstacles such as low hanging lights, banisters, or tight corners that could complicate delivery.

Will it fit through the door?

To determine if a sofa can fit through a doorway, compare the height of the sofa with the width of your doorway. A common mistake is forgetting to consider the diagonal depth of the sofa (measured from the top back corner to the bottom front corner). This measurement can often allow for a tighter fit through doorways when the sofa is angled properly.

Awkward turns and narrow hallways

• Plan the Path: Visualise or map out the path the movers will take to get the sofa to its intended spot. Identify any tight spots and measure them.
• Removable Parts: For sofas with legs or other parts that can be temporarily removed, doing so can make it easier to navigate through tight spaces.

Living in a flat

• Lift Size: If you live in a building with a lift, ensure the sofa dimensions will allow it to fit inside, including the height when standing on end if necessary.
• Stairwell Measurements: For buildings without lifts, measure the width and ceiling height of stairwells to ensure the sofa can be safely carried up.

By carefully measuring and planning, you can avoid the stress and disappointment of a sofa that doesn’t fit your space or can’t be brought into your home.

Customisation options

From fabric swatches to modular designs, the ability to customise a sofa can turn it into your dream seating solution.

Swatches and samples

• Fabric Swatches: Before making a final decision, order some fabric swatches. This allows you to see and feel the material in your own space, under your lighting, and against other elements in the room.
• Colour Accuracy: Keep in mind that colours can vary between computer screens and in-person. Swatches help ensure the colour matches your expectations.

Modular options

• Versatility: Modular sofas come in sections that can be combined in various configurations, making them ideal for irregular spaces or for those who like to change their layout frequently.
• Future Flexibility: One of the major advantages of modular designs is the ability to add more sections later on, allowing your sofa to grow with your space or family.
• Functional Pieces: Look for options like corner pieces, or sofa beds that can add functionality to your living space.

Tailoring to your space

• Leg Styles and Finishes: The small details matter. Customisable leg styles and finishes can complement your room’s aesthetic, from modern metal to classic wood.

How can you tell a good quality sofa?

Identifying a good quality sofa involves examining several key factors that contribute to its durability, comfort, and overall craftsmanship.

Look for a sturdy frame made from solid hardwood, such as oak or ash, which ensures long-term stability and resistance to warping. High-quality sofas also feature robust joinery techniques like dowels, mortise and tenon, or corner blocks, rather than merely being glued or stapled together.

The filling in cushions should be dense and resilient, such as high-resilience foam, to maintain shape and provide comfortable support over time. For upholstery, opt for durable fabrics like tightly woven textiles or high-grade leather that can withstand wear and tear. Pay attention to the details, including consistent fabric patterns, smooth seams, and comfortable seating.

A quality sofa should feel solid, look well-finished from all angles, and offer a warranty that backs its construction.

Should you try a sofa before you buy it?

Trying a sofa before you purchase it is highly recommended. Sitting on a sofa can give you a real sense of its comfort, the quality of its construction, and whether its style suits your body shape and sitting preferences. While online shopping offers convenience and a wider selection, physically testing a sofa allows you to assess factors like cushion firmness, fabric texture, and overall support.

If visiting a showroom isn’t an option, look for retailers offering generous return policies or virtual reality previews so that you can make an informed decision from the comfort of your home.

How much should I spend on a sofa?

The amount you should spend on a sofa ultimately depends on your personal circumstances, including your budget, lifestyle, and the importance of the sofa in your home’s design scheme. When considering the cost I think it’s helpful to think in terms of three different price brackets: budget, mid-range, and luxury. Each price range caters to different needs, preferences, and investment levels.

Budget sofas (£500 – £1000)

Budget sofas are ideal for those looking for cost-effective solutions, temporary furniture, or for furnishing rental properties. In this range, you can find functional and stylish options, though they may compromise on materials and longevity. These sofas are ideal for people moving into their first home or those who prioritise affordability.

Mid-range sofas (£1000 – £3,000)

Mid-range sofas offer a balance between quality, comfort, and price. They typically feature better craftsmanship, higher quality materials, and more style options compared to budget sofas. This price range is a good option for families looking for durable, comfortable sofas that won’t break the bank. Mid-range sofas are an excellent investment for those wanting a blend of longevity and style without venturing into luxury pricing.

Luxury sofas (£3000 and up)

Designer, high-end, or luxury sofas are for those who view their furniture as a long-term investment and prioritise premium materials, exclusive designs, and superior craftsmanship. These sofas often feature customisation options, top-quality fabrics, and unique design elements. They’re aimed at design-conscious individuals and those who want to make a luxury statement in their living space. While they come at a higher price point, these sofas are built to last.

Choosing the right sofa is about balancing style, comfort, and durability. By focusing on quality construction, appropriate materials, and a design that suits your lifestyle, you can ensure your sofa will be a cherished investment for years to come.