4 things to consider before buying a new sofa

Your living room is the powerhouse of your home, and it certainly takes a beating through the years – muddy feet, energetic pets and messy children all take their toll. And your sofa is probably the centre of it all.

If it’s not groaning under the weight of visiting relatives, it’s having crumbs ground into its fibers or playing host to a friend who needs a bed for the night. The job of a faithful living room couch is never done – but eventually it’s time to say goodbye.

If your settee has reached the end of its life you’ll obviously be in turmoil over replacing it, but bear our four helpful considerations in mind and it’ll make the whole process a little easier! 

Check the frame… 

A strong, sturdy frame means your new sofa will be able to take the punishment of your day-to-day life and fight back for years to come. Pricier woods might be a little off-putting, but they more than make up for the cost.

Here’s a tip – when you’ve found a sofa you like, lift it off the floor from one side; by the time you’ve raised it about six inches the opposite leg should be lifting too. If it isn’t the sofa frame has too much give and should be avoided!

… and other materials 

There are plenty of fillings and upholstery styles available, but each have their own merits and drawbacks. It’s always best to consult an adviser when you’re looking for more information about materials since there’s so much on offer. For example, polyurethane foam is cheap and comfy, and it’s easy to look after, but it won’t stand the test of time. On the other hand goose down mixed with feathers is durable and extremely cozy, but it costs a lot more and is high maintenance. 

It’s also a good idea to think about the upholstery; leather and wool make very handsome and durable coverings but they can be expensive, whereas cotton and linen are much cheaper but much less resilient.

Do you like a floor length skirt, or one that shows a bit of ankle?

Okay, it’s more feet than ankle but the question still stands. A skirt around the bottom of a sofa extends its design down to the floor hiding the feet. Depending on the style of your room, this could work beautifully.  However most modern settees have their feet on show – and for good reason. Some sofas have beautifully carved ornate feet that add character to both the seat and the living room, whereas others have elegantly simple feet that can match angular and modern furniture.

Keep in mind what your sofa is used for

Some are just for form, others for function – every piece of furniture has a purpose, and it’s important to keep this in mind when buying your new sofa. Will it be a two-piece suite capable of regularly bearing the bottoms of an entire family? Or a decorative piece carefully positioned in your hallway to help define a theme? Either way, your choice of furniture needs to reflect its purpose.

DesignerSofas4U are experts in sofas

Chesterfield furniture is our thing, but that doesn’t mean it’s all we know about. If you’re having a couch crisis and need to speak to an expert, don’t hesitate to get in touch! We’re here to help. 

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