How to Pick a Sofa
Are you gearing up to buy a new sofa, but not sure where to begin? There are many factors to consider before purchasing a sofa, and we are here to help you by breaking it down step by step.
STEP 1: MEASURE
Measure the space you have before purchasing a new sofa, and make sure what you are looking for will fit. You will also want to look at the height of the sofa to make sure it doesn’t cover any windows. We suggest taping the ideal size on the ground and seeing how that works with existing pieces of furniture, to see if you’ll have enough space to get around the front and the back of your new sofa.
STEP 2: HOW YOU USE YOUR SPACE
This will determine what type of sofa you want. Are you looking for a more formal seating arrangement or are you looking for a more casual seating arrangement? For example, in a family or bonus room, we will typically go with a more casual sofa that has more depth. In the formal living room, you’ll want to consider something comfortable but may be more stiff. REMEMBER: Over time the sofa will get softer. It’s like a pair of jeans that will eventually stretch. It’s okay if it’s stiff to start, as it will loosen with time.
STEP 3: THE AESTHETIC
Then, it’s time to figure out the look, feel, and style of your space. This includes texture, color, patterns, and don’t forget the leg and base material! This is all dependent on what else is going on in the room. We LOVE to use sofas as a statement piece. Because the sofa is the hero of any room it’s in, having a colorful or statement sofa is a gutsy move that almost always pays off.
Pro Tip: In 2024 we’re moving away from neutrals and embracing color. If the room you’re sofa shopping for has neutral rugs, no rugs, or missing colorful accents, a statement sofa is the way to go.
STEP 4: SHOP
These days there are so many options when it comes to buying a sofa. The research and decision fatigue alone can be very overwhelming. Here is where we suggest you begin.
CUSTOM - In the interior design trade, we always want to make sure our clients have a comfortable sofa. We highly encourage going the custom route. This allows you to choose your fill, depth, and material to decide which sofa is the right fit for you. If you are on the West Coast, we highly recommend Perch Furniture as a great place to shop for custom sofas. The price is comparable to your average, high-quality retail stores and they offer very reasonable delivery fees. With Perch Furniture the options are essentially endless. You can go in person to select what fabrics you want, or you can provide your own material. If you are in Portland, check out Perch’s new showroom is just off Freemont in NE!
RETAIL - If you are paralyzed by the design-making process, specifically around the aesthetic, then retail is a great route to take. You’ll be surprised though, that often the cost isn’t that much more for a custom sofam, and you’re getting a great quality piece with fabric of your choice. Most retailers have in-house design services that can help with space planning and selection. If you go this route, make sure to ask questions and get informed as to how the sofa is made, if can stand the test of time, and how it compares to other sit assessments with a custom.
VINTAGE - Don’t forget to look for vintage finds on websites like 1st Dibs or buy/sell websites. You may not be able to sit on the sofa, but most times you can research reviews about the brands and ask the seller questions. This may require you to invest in restuffing, reupholstering, or rebuilding the base supports. Only go this route if you are committed either to the existing condition of the sofa or the unique aesthetic it presents.
Investing in a sofa is a commitment and a significant decision. Ensuring its durability over time is paramount. When embarking on the journey of purchasing a sofa, it's crucial to bear in mind that comfort reigns supreme. The ideal sofa not only adds aesthetic value to your space but also becomes a cherished piece that will hopefully be a part of your home for years to come. Therefore, meticulous consideration is essential to make a wise and satisfying choice. Whether it's for lounging after a long day or hosting guests, a well-chosen sofa becomes the cornerstone of relaxation and style in your living space.
Were these tips helpful? Please tell us in the comments below! Have more sofa selection questions? Message us @tealandscott on Instagram!
HELPFUL LINKS
For a deep dive into custom sofa selections, check out our YouTube with our friends at Perch Furniture. We cover the basics of sofa selection and give you the confidence to go bold!
If you’re working with an Interior Designer, we love Kravet! Their material choices and sofa silhouettes are endless. Note that they only work with design professionals.
We talk a lot about how sofas are a great way to add color to your space. Need help getting inspired? Check out our blog How to Add Color to Your Home.
Affiliate Disclosure: Teal and Wendy hand-pick every product they recommend. Some product links are affiliate and may provide a small kickback to T&S at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate they earn from qualifying purchases.
