Tips for Choosing the Perfect Sofa for Your Living Room

When it comes to creating the ideal living room, the sofa is one of the most important features to get right. It’s very often the largest piece of furniture in the room and the focal point of the space, plus most of us spend a lot of time chilling out on it! So if you’re currently redecorating or simply thinking about trading in your old couch for a better one, here are some top tips to help you choose the best sofa and bar stools for your space.

Try before you buy

Purchasing a new couch can be a costly investment, so don’t rush into it. If you can, head to a furniture store to test out a few different types of sofas to get a feel for exactly what you want. Test out different seat depths and heights—as well as different cushion fillings—to see what’s most comfortable for you. This will help you to narrow down all the different options out there and make your decision a little easier.

Size matters

Accidentally buying a sofa that won’t fit in your living room is going to be unbelievably annoying, so make sure you get the measurements right! Measure the space you have as accurately as possible, and check the width, height, and depth of any couch you’re interested in to make certain it will work in your room. You’ll also want to think about whether you can fit it through your corridors and doorways when it’s delivered.

Sofa varieties

Sofas come in all shapes and sizes, so you’re bound to be able to find one that’s perfect for your living room. Two-seaters are great for smaller spaces and families, while three-seaters can give you a little more room. An L-shaped sofa is ideal for tucking into corners, or you could opt for a modular sofa that can be rearranged to suit different purposes. Finally, if you sometimes have guests over, you might want to think about picking a sofa that can double as a bed.

Quality is key

Ideally you want a sofa that’s built to last, so you don’t have to spend more money and time replacing it every few years or repairing damage. Always shop at reputable stores, and try to pick manufacturers that offer a long guarantee. That way if a problem does occur, you can get it sorted out without too much hassle.

Fabrics and style

This is the fun part! Make sure you choose a sofa design that suits the existing decor of your living room, whether it’s a bold block of color or a fun pattern. Think carefully about the fabric you pick too—especially if you have pets or children, in which case you’ll want a sofa that’s durable and that doesn’t stain or tear easily. From cotton and linen to leather and velvet, there are plenty of options out there, so have a browse and see what appeals to you. You can always take home sample pieces of fabric to check how they look in your living room, too.