The sofa is often one of the first things we notice when entering the living room since it tends to be the largest object in the room. We love to stretch out to watch TV or curl up under a blanket to read a book. Sometimes it also ends up being the quick solution to an additional place to sleep when in a bind. Designers have verified that this is a key piece of furniture for the living room making it a sizable investment when the time comes for it to be replaced. As it is so important to the design it stands to reason there should be some things considered before making your next purchase. What things, exactly, should you look for before finalizing your choice and what makes a sofa perfect for your home? Read on to find out some helpful tips that can assist you in picking your next sofa.

Sofa Style

Style is a component that matters when selecting your sofa because it can influence the entire mood of the room. There are multiple options available from traditional to contemporary plus several elements that can influence the overall look and feel of the sofa including:

• Color
• Material

Each plays a part in the selection process and matter. Color often has the greatest impact as it can make a bold statement or unified the entire area. It also corresponds to a style such as sea colors like teal and gray work well with a coastal vibe while neutrals go better with the farmhouse or minimalist design style. Patterns can also be important and add visual interest and harmony to your living room. Be careful to balance your pattern choice, too many patterns can disrupt the flow of the room. These two choices should be coordinated with the overall look and style you are wanting to achieve here. Material is something else to factor into the sofa equation especially as it ties to the style. Ask yourself if you want a traditional fabric couch or something a little more modern like leather. Exposed metal armrests and elevated legs are also an option if you are looking for contemporary vibes. Many are also blending different styles to create a look all their own such as grand millennial so don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Checking out the local antique and flea market could yield some interesting results providing you with not only an amazing sofa but one that will make your guests look twice as they enter. Knowing what style you want in your living room plays a key part in the selection process as it gives you some guidelines to follow. Be sure to take some time to prepare before heading out the door and to the store.

The right size for your sofa

Size is everything when it comes to picking your next sofa, selecting one that takes up too much space leaves you cramped and feeling stressed. Choosing a sofa that is too small will make it feel as if the room swallowed it. Balance can be achieved if you keep these things in mind:

• Size of your room both width and height
• Accessories
• Depth of sofa
• Layout
• Doorways

Before buying the first couch you see, take time to go through this process. Evaluate the available space you have and look at your current sofa. Did you like this size? Did it work well for your living room? Would you prefer something bigger or smaller? This gives you a starting point for when you begin looking for a new one. If what you had worked well you can try to find something similar in style and size but if there were issues it is best to figure that out so you can adjust your next find.

Layout is also something that needs to be considered before a sofa is purchased. Will it be against a wall or out in the open? This can influence the size and even style of the sofa you buy. Do you need an L-shaped sofa so that it fills the room nicely? If you do, be sure to know where you want the corner piece to be. The location of windows in a room factor into the placement of a sofa as well. Measurements need to be at the top of your priority list when it comes to a new sofa. This will include height, width, length, and even depth. It is always better to measure numerous times before finalizing your purchase and finding out that it doesn’t fit the way you thought it would. Don’t forget to measure your doorway as well since a new sofa won’t do you any good if you can’t get it in the room. Always take the necessary time to prepare a list before beginning your sofa shopping expedition.

Which sofa season are you in?

When it comes to buying a new sofa there is one final thing that should be considered and that is what season are you in? Do you still have young children at home? What about pets? Do you entertain on a regular basis? These are important questions to ask because they will impact your final decision for which sofa is right for you. One of the most critical parts of the decision process will be fabric selection. If you have young children at home choosing a fabric that is stain resistant will save you so much time cleaning and maintaining your sofa. It is also a better choice to opt for darker colors or patterns since dirt is more concealed by it since it is inevitable that a drink will be spilled or your pet will jump up with messy paws. There are also certain cushions that won’t sag as quickly as traditional ones do and can also be rotated to extend the life of each cushion even more.

Don’t forget to factor the main use of your sofa, will it be used for entertaining guests on a regular basis? Or will it be in a second living room, family area, or even in an entertainment room? This helps you narrow down your choices and understand which sofa will give you the best use and function for your family. Try to avoid picking a sofa solely because you love it, take a moment to go through your list of needs and see if this is the one that will work for you right now.

Selecting your next sofa

Purchasing a sofa is not always cheap which means it should be given some serious thought before payment is made. It is perfectly acceptable to take your time, no one said there is a time limit to making your selection. The average sofa will remain with you between 7 to 15 years so you want to be sure it is exactly what you want and is suitable to your specific needs. You can browse places like Pinterest to get an idea of what you want or find inspiration. Let your next purchase be one that you can sit back or in this case, on and enjoy for years to come. At Greenbrook Design we are an authorized dealer for several furniture companies such as Dovetail and Moe’s so be sure to come by and visit our 5,000 square foot showroom to see what you are missing in your home.