Deciding how to make large home purchases is a challenge for many people. You might spend hours online Googling ‘tips before buying sofa’, only to end up frustrated and lacking the inspiration you were so expecting you’d find. Whatever the reason for splashing out on a new couch, it can be overwhelming to make an informed choice. You simply need to know what to look for in a sofa. But that can be hard. Especially as it’s something most people only buy once a decade or less.

In order to avoid the most common mistakes when buying a sofa, these useful tips from industry professionals are sure to help. In the market for a new sofa? Not quite sure how to find the one that suits? Read on…

Photo, Inside Weather.

Where do you want to place your new sofa?

Space

What type of sofa you get will depend on what room you want to place it in and how the rest of that space looks. Neutral tones work very well in most rooms, especially a living room which, by its very nature, is quite a ‘busy’ space.

Ensure the sofa doesn’t overpower the room or restrict access points, and measure properly, as many a sofa has been returned to showrooms as delivery workers could not get it into the property. Space dictates that you can’t always have what you want. Just like the Rolling Stones said.

Material

You’ll need to select the right fabric for your new sofa. But it’s not as easy as choosing the one that you like the look of. This may depend on lifestyle (children or pets?), aesthetics (maybe you prefer the classic style sofa, or something more eye-catching), and type of home (a sofa that suits a small apartment might get completely lost in a larger room or home.) Just because a sofa is in your favourite colour doesn’t make it right for your room.

Position

Where you place your sofa plays a factor in the type you should buy. Modular couches are great for corner spaces and smaller rooms. Sofa beds are a wonderful choice for guest rooms and ‘offices’. They allow space for friends and family to sleep when staying over, and convert into a comfortable piece of furniture to hang out on when not. Particularly in small homes, flexibility is key.

Reclining sofas and chairs, meanwhile, do as they say on the tin. They add an extra touch of comfort for homebodies. Finally, ‘standard’ sofas are wonderful for slotting under windows, or against the wall of a living area. Consider your space before you even begin looking for a new sofa.

Photo, Nathan Oakley.

Important considerations for physical health

Another factor when knowing what to look for in a sofa is its impact upon your health. Whether you are struggling with your health, have chronic medical conditions, are recovering from an injury, or have a limited range of motion, you need to choose a sofa that accommodates your limitations and pain level.

Chaise lounges can work well if you need to keep legs or feet evaluated, as do reclining chairs and sofas. Again, material can play an important role here, and you should consider whether a softer or more durable couch is going to support your needs better. Position too is important; perhaps you feel better closer to an open space or an outdoor area.

Making sure your new purchase fits and suits the space it will end up in is important to both your wallet and more importantly, your health.

Photo, Inside Weather.

Check all dimensions before ordering a couch online

We’ve already touched upon this in the article. However, sometimes when we see something we like, all sense goes out of the window. And we end up buying something that although we know isn’t going to work, we hope that it will.

The trick here is to ensure that either the depth or width of the sofa is smaller than the width of your doorway, remembering to allow a little extra room for packaging. Start by measuring your space before checking the sofa’s dimensions on the product listing, then do it all again. That’s right, measure twice just to be sure.

Now look around and envisage how your new purchase is going to look in your room, make sure it won’t overpower or fall into oblivion against the rest of the furniture, and only when you’re 100% satisfied, consider making the purchase.

Find that faultless balance of style, function, comfort, and price, and you’ve got a winner. Hopefully, these industry insider tips on what to look for in a sofa have helped. For more information, consult with the experts and get a nice offer for sofas.