WHICH SOFA SIZE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Choosing the right sofa size seems easy enough—a small sofa fits in a small living room space and a large sofa fits in a large living room space. In reality, there are many crucial factors to consider when it comes to choosing the right sofa:
BEGIN WITH MEASUREMENTS
Measure the length, width, and height of your living room. Ceiling height plays a big role in the illusion of space, so finding the right sofa size to complement that can make a big difference. If you have low ceilings, a sofa with a low seat height will help create the illusion of a larger, open space. However, if you have high ceilings, sofas with low seats might look awkward. Another measurement to remember is the width of your hallways and doorways—it won’t matter if you’ve found that perfect couch you can’t bring it inside.
THINK OF FUNCTIONALITY
How many people will be using this sofa on a regular basis and what will you be using it for? If you have a large household or entertain frequently, you may want to pick a longer sofa with more than two cushions (because nobody likes sitting in the awkward crack between cushions). If you enjoy taking naps on the sofa, then it may be important to choose a sofa size with greater depth.
CONSIDER LAYOUT & DESIGN
Too much furniture in one room not only looks crowded, but it can make moving around difficult. Consider other items you plan to include in your room design before choosing a sofa. For example, if you like end tables, you should factor that into the sofa length you choose. Or, if you already have plentiful seating with additional pieces like a chaise lounge, you may want to reconsider that “must-have” sectional sofa.
HOW TO CHOOSE SOFA FABRIC?
Since each type of sofa fabric has different characteristics, it’s important to closely examine your lifestyle. For example, if you have a household with pets and plan to place your sofa where it will receive direct sunlight, you might prioritize durability and fade resistance that can be found in microfiber sofas. However, if you plan to place your sofa in a formal room of an adult-only household, then a linen sofa might be preferred.
To identify your needs, you may want to ask yourself who will be using the sofa and how often. Also, consider the number of people that will use it and where the sofa will be located. Here’s a guide to help you choose the ideal type of sofa fabric:
LEATHER
COTTON
This natural fiber will provide good resistance to fading, but is less resistant to soiling, wrinkling, and fire. The durability of cotton upholsteries will depend on the weave count. A tighter weave is a stronger, higher quality fabric choice. Canvas and damask weaves look nice, but tend to wear down faster and aren’t as easy to clean.
LINEN
This sofa fabric is best for formal spaces or for households without children or pets. Linen is a delicate fabric that soils and wrinkles easily. If soiled, it’s normally recommended that the upholstery be professionally cleaned to avoid shrinking. While caring for linen is a bit more particular, it happens to resist fading well.
Faux Leather
This synthetic fabric is a popular choice for those who want the durability and look of leather at a less expensive price point.
Microfiber
This sofa fabric is a great choice for pet owners. Microfiber is a very fine polyester that is soft, durable and easy to clean. Since the fabric weave is extremely tight, pet hair, dust and lint do not stick or stay trapped in the sofa fabric—making upkeep incredibly simple.
Polyester
This is one of the most common synthetic fabrics used for sofas. It’s an affordable option that touts many benefits. It is wrinkle resistant, durable and easy to clean—making it a great upholstery choice for families with children. While the material may not sound exotic or glamorous, polyester sofas can be very stylish.
Chenille
Chenille is a soft and elegant fabric that is surprisingly durable. Tufted threads (from natural or synthetic fibers) give the fabric a soft, almost fuzzy texture that is very comforting. Even though this sofa fabric is durable and can last with heavy use, it is a high-maintenance choice. Chenille fabric sofas should be regularly vacuumed to remove dust, and any liquid spills may need professional cleaning. Since the threads are tufted, the fabric can be snagged by claws of cats or dogs.
