4 things to consider when buying a sofa

Hamilton sofa range

Buying a sofa that will be with you for a number of years will be something you'll want to invest in to get the one that's right for you. What style? Do you go modular? Will you choose leather or fabric? Do you buy off the shelf, or have something custom made?

These are just a few of the questions you’ll be faced with when buying a sofa, that are beyond what colour and how comfortable it is. Here are 4 things you should consider when purchasing your sofa.

Big, small or just right

The size of your sofa is one thing that shouldn’t be sacrificed. Too big and you may not be able to move around your living room. Too small and it may look out of place, and not fit enough bums on seats.

Take your time to measure your room dimensions, noting down any doors, windows or walkways. Have this with you when you head off furniture shopping, so you’ll be able to ensure your sofa will fit before you try squeeze it into the room.

With plenty of options, there is no reason to settle on size just because you like a particular sofa.

Leather or fabric

Leather sofa

For durability and stain resistance, consider fabric with a high man-made fibre content. Synthetic fibres tend to be stronger and don’t hold stains in comparison to natural fibres.

Look for quality commercial grade fabric. Fabric houses such as Warwick, Zepel, Mokum and James Dunlop provide a range of stunning, on trend material that will suit. There are so many textures, patterns and colours available these days, you really need to visit a store to touch and see to find the one you like best.

Though leather is attractive, you’ll need to be prepared for ongoing maintenance to keep it looking good. A regular application of a protective creme such as Guardsman’s Leather Care will keep it in top condition.

There is quite a bit to know about leather, but we won’t go into that here. Its enough to know that there are many variations in leather quality, just think of your shoes. Before you buy that leather couch, be sure you understand how the leather will behave with moisture, liquid, oils (such as facial oil), and how it will stretch. Ask your consultant how to care for it.

Traditional, minimalist or contemporary

Classic Traditional sofa

When you’re choosing the style of your sofa, choose wisely. Don’t pick one based on what’s popular at the time, pick one that suits your living room’s design and the overall feeling you want for your interior.

If you want to go for a traditional, formal feel stick with a high or rounded arm. A contemporary look can be achieved through a strong shape and modular configuration. Choose straight or no arms and clean lines to achieve a minimalist aesthetic. Also take in consideration the legs of your sofa, as they can have a big impact on the overall style.

Colour or neutral

When picking a sofa colour, remember this is a piece of furniture that will be with you for a number of years. Before you select that bright colour or bold print, picture your upholstered sofa taking up a large portion of your space. Is it too much? Will it overwhelm the space? Will your love for the fabric fade over time?

Unless you’re wanting to create a bold statement and you’re confident in your style, it might be worth reserving the cheerful patterns and prints for smaller, feature pieces like an armchair or ottoman. Stick with tones and texture that will never date, and add interest with cushions and throws that you can always update.

Good quality sofas are designed to last. Opt for the a timeless design that won't date and that you can enjoy in your home for the long haul.

While size, upholstery and form are big considerations, remember a sofa is for lounging back in after a stressful day and curling up with your loved one in front of a good movie. One of the most important things to ask yourself before you do anything – is it comfortable?

If you’re looking for a sofa, drop by one of our showrooms to see our diverse range. Not only are our sofas made locally, they're also made to order pieces meaning you can choose your size, configuration and fabric so you don’t have to compromise.

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