You are used to a fast-paced life and rarely settle down on your sofa for any length of time. If you are like most, you may not have even noticed that sagging feeling on your couch. But now the lockdowns and the time you spent at home have changed it all! As the restrictions ease, it is time to act on that nagging feeling that your couch needs to change. Most living rooms tend to revolve around the sofa and you want to be sure you are making the right choice. Since this would be an expensive furniture investment, you want it to be the ultimate sofa. Wondering where to begin and what to look for as you sift through the variety of couches available? Here are a few tips to buying sofa online.
Step 1 – Start by choosing the sofa type
Many interior designers would recommend starting with the function. If you have a large family, consider how many would huddle together during a full house on movie night. If you have a small battalion, sectional sofas are a good option. Sectional sofas are some of the most practical and modular furniture consisting of two or more pieces coming together. Individual chairs with or without armrests and sleeper units are combined in a sectional sofa based on your room layout.
On the other hand, if you are an empty nester, consider a reclining chair. If you are single and prefer to unwind with a Netflix show, go for a neutral and comfortable sleeper sofa or a sofa bed. This way you can also accommodate a sleepover with that friend you invited over.
Create a classic comfy setting in the middle of the room or a cozy corner with an elegant loveseat.
Step 2 – Pick a Couch Style based on your Room Décor
As the predominant furniture in any room, a couch and sofa set can change the ambiance. Here are the major sofa styles you can choose from:
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Chesterfield |
Scandinavian |
Classic and Traditional |
| When opulence is the underlying theme for your décor, go for a timeless classic like a chesterfield sofa set. With a history dating back to the 18th century, Chesterfields project magnificence and have featured in many classics. They are characterized by sofas that feature extravagant rolled arms and tufted upholstery. Add an element of romantic luxury in your room by using a chesterfield loveseat to go with your other furniture. | If you like it to be cheerful, exciting and create a striking impact, go for a Scandinavian sofa set. Scandinavian themes are characterized by their clean lines, simplicity and minimalism with an emphasis on functionality. Furniture built in Scandinavian style emphasizes natural, bright looks and create a warm and inviting ambiance. You can, therefore, use the mild shades of your couch to make the most of light in the room. | A classic or traditionally styled sofa bed is ideal for all those who prefer to keep it simple. The traditional style creates a casual décor by using warm colors and symmetrical lines to create comfortably designed furniture. These couches can add convenient seating space in rooms of all sizes while fitting into any ambiance. |
Step 3 – Size Matters
You are going to spend hours on your sofa and many of those would be at the end of long tiring days. You need to ensure the sofa size feels comfortable for everyone in your family. Here are some dimensions that you should pay attention to when you choose a sofa.
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Height |
Seat Height |
Seat Width |
| If you are tall and your shoulder & back rise well above the backrest, it can get uncomfortable. By contrast, if the backrest rises above your frame, it would be difficult to lean back. You can maintain a good posture and enjoy a movie marathon on a comfortable sofa when the height is right. | The height of the seat determines how easy it is for you to get on and off it. Particularly for senior citizens, the seat on the couch must be accessible from their most comfortable posture. Similarly, with young children, ensure the sofa seat height is safe when they transition from a crawl to a walk. | You don’t necessarily have to be totally in love to be able to share that loveseat! Choose seat width so that there is enough space based on your size and settle comfortably on your accent chair. |
Size also matters in determining if a sofa can fit your home. You need enough space in your living room after you place the sofa. And most importantly, you should be able to bring it into your home and move it when required. Here are the dimensions you need to consider to ensure the sofa is suited to your home:
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Room Size |
Stairway & Doorway Height & Width |
Diagonal Depth of the Sofa |
| It would arguably be the biggest furniture in the room. Ensure there is enough space to walk around freely after you place that sofa set.
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When that recliner sofa that you loved so much gets delivered, it needs to make its way into your living room! If your apartment is on a higher floor, then the sleeper sofa needs to get through the stairway too. | The diagonal depth of a sofa must be less than the width of the entryway. This needs to be ascertained to ensure the couch can be delivered to your room.
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Step 4 – Consider your Life Stage & Lifestyle Needs
Admit it. Your needs and lifestyle choices have changed over time. So have your views on what would be the ultimate sofa for you. Here are some major life stages to consider when deciding on your sofa:
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Student Life |
Pet Parenting |
Baby on Board |
Senior Citizen |
| Like to host a lot of parties and have friends sleeping over? A convertible futon bed would give you that extra sleeping space and weather a few storms for you! | If you believe that a home is lived in only with a pet, get a sofa set with tough upholstery. A solid frame to take a few jumps and hard landings in its stride would make it the best type of sofa for pets. Another important factor is to choose a stain-resistant fabric and you can continue to enjoy those cuddles. | A newborn needs you to be switched on 24×7 and every moment of rest counts. Choose a comfortable glider and ottoman set to take a few moments to relax and pamper your little one. A futon couch provides soft support all around, is stain-resistant, and lets you stretch and sleep right where you are. | You have seen it all and want to lean back and spend a few relaxed hours a day. A power-lift reclining chair would minimize strain on some of those aching muscles when you want to sit down. If you are looking for the best type of sofa for a bad back, choose a futon bed with lounging and reclining options. |
Step 5 – Pick the right Sofa Upholstery
The first impression and the comfort of the texture should determine your upholstery choice.
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Leather |
Fabric |
Microfibre |
| Leather couches project an appearance of class and grandeur. Faux leather sofa sets have a contemporary feel. Both leather and faux leather are tough, easy to maintain and would make it the best type sofa for dogs and cats. | Fabric chairs have a classic feel and are gentle and nuzzling. Some fabrics can be easily spot cleaned. Patterned fabric designs are great for hiding pet hair. | Microfibre on sofas is all about comfort and luxury. While it is ultra soft and pleasant, it is also stain resistant. Microfibre on furniture is durable and water-resistant, which makes it ideal sofas with kids & pets |
A good sofa can last a long-long time in your home and would be part of many cherished memories. Making the right choice is quite simple if you follow the considerations detailed above.
Choose from the wide range of choices available from Naomi Home & Bestsellers. You are sure to find a sofa that would adorn your family portraits for at least a generation…
