In this era of endless choices, selecting a sofa can seem daunting. You might think you know exactly what you want, but once you browse images online, the variety of styles, shapes, and customization options can be overwhelming. Save yourself time, money, and potential buyer’s remorse by using these tips to get a clear idea of what you want (and need!) before you start your search.
If you have a larger living room, you’ll need to decide how much space you want your sofa to occupy. Do you want to include other sofas or chairs? Do you want a coffee table? If so, a simple sofa or one with a slight L-shape is probably the best fit. If you’re looking for a sofa that will be the focal point of your living room, look for rounder shapes that take up a bit more room and provide plenty of seating. If your living room is small, chances are you’ll need a smaller sofa. With less space, any sofa is going to be in the spotlight, so it’s important to pick something practical but also stylish that complements the rest of the room.
1. 
2. Decide on Sofa Orientation
Properly arranging a room starts with understanding your lifestyle. What activities do you do most in that space? Do you like to relax in front of the TV? Make sure your sofa faces that direction. Love hosting game or wine nights? Create a semi-circle (or even full circle) around a central table. Does your family use the living room to lounge, relax and read? Surround your sofa with chairs and cushions to create multiple seating areas that can be enjoyed individually or as a large group.
3. Determine the Best Shape for the Room
Now that you’ve decided on your sofa’s function, it’s time to figure out which shape will help it fulfill that purpose. A clean L-shape is great for open areas that need to be divided - such as separating the living room from the dining room. A rounder shape is more conducive for a smaller space meant to serve as a gathering area for groups of people but could also be perfect for a media room. If you plan to incorporate more chairs and tables in your living room, a chaise or daybed could be an excellent alternative to a traditional sofa. It still provides seating for several people but is compact and can serve as a more sophisticated version of the futon.
4. Research Upholstery Materials
Aesthetics are important, but functionality is key when it comes to choosing upholstery for your sofa. Many of us would love to indulge in a plush, white suede sofa - they’re so beautiful but so risky. Suede might not be the best choice if you have pets or small children who could cause serious damage. Leather - particularly in darker colors - is always in style, generally wears well with age, and can be fairly easy to clean. Another option is to opt for an outdoor fabric for your sofa upholstery. Many companies now carry Sunbrella fabrics which resist stains, water and fading from the sun.
5. Pick a design that matches your residence.
It can be a little tough to pin down your very own individual design, however select your intestine reaction when choosing the sort of sofa that will certainly fit normally in your house. If your design is smooth as well as modern-day, select something that mirrors that in tidy lines as well as remarkable shades. If your residence is a diverse mix of design and colors, a sofa that integrates a number of designs (such as a classic sofa re-upholstered in a vivid material, or an extra contemporary form with standard accents) can be the ideal expression of your preference. If your appearance is a little bit much more typical, a characteristically structured couch in a long lasting and also neutral textile will certainly stand the examination of time and also will certainly function well with numerous shades as well as enhancing items.
