Buying a new sofa can be a big decision with lots of considerations according to Master Sofa . Budget, style, colour, fabric, all combined with what's going to look good in the living room.
Quality construction is definitely worth the money as furniture will last for years if well cared for. With a good quality frame reupholstering in the future is always an option to provide fresh comfort and style.
Sofa Style: Modular or Classic?
A modular sofa can offer a lot of flexibility. If moving home or restyling the room for a change of scenery, a modular or moveable chaise may be most suitable.
If a fancy modular sofa is not desired then a simple two or three seater, with or without a chaise, could be chosen. A chaise is useful if there is room, although a similar feel can be obtained with more flexibility with a matching ottoman.
There is a huge range of sofa sizes available so Master Sofa suggests measuring the lounge before looking at sofas.
Sofa Style: Cushions
The choice of sofa cushions should reflect both aesthetics and comfort. What the sofa looks like is very important, as is how it feels.
Loose cushions can be fluffed or turned, but attached cushions don't need fluffing or arranging. Be sure to sit down, lean back and relax and feel the difference.
The back and seat cushions may be made of different fillings. Ask to try a range as there are at least six different types of cushion filling:
- 100% feather: a classic sofa filling; feathers give a luxurious feel. Cushions will need to be fluffed up regularly to make the sofa look and feel good
- 50% foam, 50% feather fill: combines the plush feel and look of a feather sofa, with a thick layer of foam to keep the shape and save on ‘fluffing’
- Enduro foam: our highest quality foam: long lasting, durable and comfortable
- Luxura wrap foam: a combination foam made up of a core, dense foam, surrounded by softer, more supple foam, for that soft yet supportive feel
- Lifetime foam: ideal for leather sofas to support a fabric that does not give
- 10 year foam: a sturdy, long-lasting foam that will provide a good foundation for any sofa
Sofa Style: Arms
There are numerous options. Master Sofa recommends looking around the show room. Popular sofa arm styles include armless, low box arms, traditional rolled arms or the curved English style. Straight arms are popular at the moment, but that doesn't mean that the choice is limited.
Sofa Style: Legs, Platform or Skirting
Think about the other furniture in the living room, and find something that ties in.
Both metal and timber legs can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from elegant and slender to chunky and substantial. Both are available in a number of finishes, so make sure that the new lounge is perfect right to the tips.
Hidden away: Sofa Construction
Metal is advertised as the most luxurious and durable sofa frame, but it is also the most expensive, and can limit choice of sizes or styles.
The best timber frames are made from kiln-dried hardwoods, whereas less expensive sofas could be made of softer pine.
The higher quality frames are screwed together for strength and durability. Less expensive pieces may not be construed in the same way.
The Showy Finish: Fabric choices
There are so many options available. Pick the material and choose from pattern and colour options:
- Leather: long lasting, luxurious and attractive
- Vinyl: a tough and moisture resistant leather substitute
- Upholstery: chenille, velvet, linen, corduroy
Cushion Finale
Sofas can be accessorised with cushions or throws in different fabrics or patterns. Whilst they may add to the initial cost of the sofa, it may well be worth it.
Bold or colourful cushions can set off a neutral toned sofa, pull colour schemes together in the living room or simply make the sofa more comfortable for sitting or lying.