A couch is one of the sizable living room furniture purchases you’ll make. Whether you live in a studio apartment or a three-bedroom home, a sofa is a necessity and a visual centerpiece. High-quality couches can be expensive. At the same time, this vital piece of furniture is an investment that comes with longevity and functionality.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a New Couch
It may take a while to find the right sofa to suit your aesthetic and lifestyle, but once you discover “the one,” you won’t have to repeat the process for years. Here are five components to consider when searching for the perfect couch.
Purpose
First, think realistically about how the couch will be used. Will it be in the formal living room, family room, or somewhere else? Will the kids and pets have access to the sofa? Will the couch primarily be used while entertaining guests? Once you understand its function, it will be easier to navigate whether you need a loveseat or a sofa and you can then decide on other variables, such as size, style, and material.
Scale, Size, and Dimensions
The purpose and size of the living space determine the couch’s scale. For rooms with low ceilings, choose a sofa with a low back so that it’s proportional to the space. If the room has a high ceiling, you can go with a high-back couch.
Couches for families usually need at least three seat cushions and a padded back for comfort. A sectional sofa is another excellent choice for a family-oriented space and provides ample seating for your brood. Some of these even include recliners for the ultimate in comfort, luxury, and convenience.
Also, keep the depth of the couch in mind as you shop. In a formal space, the depth of the sofa isn’t as crucial, but for a couch you use every day, you’ll want one that has enough depth for watching TV in comfort, complete relaxation, and napping. You could even consider a sofa bed for additional guest accommodation or to save space in a smaller home.
Remember to measure your living space for sofa fit before completing your purchase. This essential homework includes checking the width of doorways to ensure you can get your furniture into your home.
Couch Material
Choose an upholstery material and color that relates to the purpose of the couch. In a formal setting, go luxe and get creative! Pick a bold color if you like, and don’t be afraid to use a more delicate fabric, such as velvet or silk, for your sofa or loveseat.
In contrast, you’ll want to make safe choices when it comes to a family-friendly couch. Choose a performance fabric like a leather sofa with proven durability that will hold up to kids and pets. While a couch made of a delicate material may look good in the showroom or online, it will show wear and tear quickly.
As for color on a high-traffic couch, choose a neutral such as beige or gray — something you won’t tire of five years down the road. You can always spruce up a neutral couch with fun throw pillows. Lastly, if you expect heavy wear on the sofa, consider a model with a slipcover. That way, you can always wash or entirely swap out the dingy covers.
Couch Style
Beyond size, color, and fabric, think about the fine details you didn’t even know existed in couch and interior design. What arm shape do you want: curved, squared, straight? Should the legs be visible or hidden? If they’re visible, what style leg would complement your existing furniture? Do you want a specific trim or a tufted back?
Your answers depend on personal style, but here are a few tips. If you’ll be using your couch for entertaining, a wider arm can act as makeshift seating. Anyone can join the conversation by perching on a couch arm.
When it comes to the legs, a couch skirt can help to equalize coexisting furniture styles and balance out the room. Finally, beware of ornate trim or tufting on a high-traffic couch. Everything from dog hair to cookie crumbs can get stuck in the crevices, making it challenging to maintain.
Durability
You need a new sofa. Perhaps you’ve searched for weeks and have finally found the couch of your dreams. From the texture to the shape, it’s everything you’ve been looking for. The last and least fun component of the process is getting technical.
If you’ve spent a good deal of time looking for the perfect couch, make sure it will last. Find out what the frame is made of. The best, albeit most expensive, material is hardwood such as beech or kiln-dried oak.
To check the stability of the frame and the joints, simply lift one couch corner around 6 inches off the ground. If you’re lifting the front left-hand side, the back left-hand side should rise as well. If it doesn’t, the frame is not strong.
Cushion Fill
Another thing to consider when choosing a new sofa for your lounge is the cushion fill. There are many options when it comes to filling, and, as with all components, each furniture designer has their preference.
Decide on the filling based on how much you use the couch and how much maintenance you’re prepared to do. For example, many prefer a combination of high-density foam and feather down for comfortable, durable seating that doesn’t need to be fluffed often. Before deciding, read reviews and try out your sofa in a showroom — feeling is believing!
Warranties
Finally, look for brands and outlets that offer warranties and a convenient return policy to protect yourself from problems. At the same time, taking proper care of your couch can help extend its longevity and keep it looking like new. Always source and follow appropriate maintenance instructions, and remember to rotate the cushions regularly.
Find the Perfect Couch for Your Living Room at Home Zone Furniture
With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to navigate the couch market like a pro. Explore Home Zone’s extensive range of fashionable, well-made, and affordable sofas and sectionals. You can customize each style to suit your preferences. Order yours today or contact us with any questions or requests.
