Buying a sofa can be a significant time and financial investment. Also, because new sofas are typically purchased every seven to 15 years, it can take quite a bit of research and planning to determine the best sofa for your lifestyle. A sofa is often the room's focal point, but it's also the biggest workhorse, hosting family movie nights, football Sundays and Saturday morning cartoons. Balancing comfort and aesthetic can be a fine line, but worth it in the end when you have a beautiful new furniture piece that is also inviting and comfortable.
Knowing where to start when sofa shopping is the first hurdle. Having a basic understanding of sofa knowledge before starting your sofa shopping can help you purchase a high-quality, long-lasting and durable sofa.
This guide will explain the best sofa for every space, the different styles of sofas and sofas to fit your household and lifestyle best.
Sizes of sofas
Space planning is the most critical step in any design process. Knowing how your furniture will fit in a space will create a cohesive design and will help you select the correct size piece for your room. Sofas come in different standard lengths, ranging between 70 inches and 96 inches long. The most common sofa length is 84 inches. Extra-long sofas can go all the way to 100 inches or more in size.
The depth of a sofa is also important because it impacts comfort levels. Sofa depth typically ranges between 32 to 40 inches. A deeper sofa may be more comfortable for someone taller, or provide extra space for those who like to curl up on the couch.
If you’re having a hard time imagining how large of a sofa you will need, the best way to visualize it is to use painter’s tape to trace the measurements on your floor. This will help you visualize how much space the sofa will fill and the amount of space you have to manoeuver walkways, door frames and other permanent objects. It’s also vital to measure doorways, staircases and elevators to make sure your new sofa will fit into your home.
Sofa Types
Once you’re confident in your measurements, the next step is to select your sofa style. There are varying styles of sofas and each one fits a different need. The most common sofa styles include the below:
Traditional Sofa
A traditional sofa typically fits three people and is around 84 inches in length. The Austin Fabric Sofa will add a traditional feel to your home without sacrificing comfort.
Best for: Any primary living area in a house or apartment.
Sectional
A sectional sofa can come in a number of shapes including an L-shaped sofaa U-shaped sofa or a chaise-style sofa; the Gena 2-piece sectional provides all of these options in one couch! A sectional sofa usually fits four to six people and every person has a different sitting experience. Sectional sofas can include reclining seats or may feature storage compartments.
Best for: A recreation room, family room or any room that the family typically gathers for movie nights, story time and everything in between.
Sleeper Sofa
A sleeper sofa, such as the June linen-look fabric futon, is a convertible sofa that pulls out into a bed. This is a good choice if you often have overnight guests but don’t have a guest room.
Best for: Basements or closed-off living rooms that can provide a level of privacy for the guests who will be sleeping on them.
Loveseat
A loveseat is great for smaller spaces. It typically seats two people and can be used instead of a traditional sofa in a small area, or paired with a traditional sofa in a bigger room. With the wide array of fabrics and colours that The Brick offers your loveseat could act as an accent piece within your room.
Best for: A smaller apartment or a standard living room that can accommodate both a sofa and loveseat.
Sofa Styles
The various types of sofas can seem limitless. However, several basic sofa styles will help you narrow in on the style that fits your design aesthetic the best. Common sofa styles include:
Retro
Retro or mid-century modern style is a Mad Men-esque design that’s reminiscent of the 1960’s. A mid-century modern sofa is a rectangular shape and has clean lines, tapered legs and a tufted back.
Traditional
This stately style of sofa is a traditional piece with rolled arms and tufted accents. It’s typically upholstered in leather, but may also be found in rich, high-quality fabrics like textured chenille.
Contemporary
Contemporary sofas fit in beautifully with a variety of home styles, and often include practical features like recliners or durable fabrics. They’re extra comfortable for napping and lounging and feature timeless lines and colours.
Sofa Fabric
Fabric selection for your sofa is more than just its aesthetic. The type of fabric you select can have a significant impact on the sofa’s longevity. There is a wide variety of fabric options from which to choose. Here is a breakdown of several standard fabric options and uses.
Chenille
Chenille furniture should be a requirement for households with pets and children. This hard-working upholstery is thick, soft and resists pilling.
Genuine Leather
Genuine leather is the ultimate in luxurious upholstery. Timeless and durable, genuine leather sofas are an excellent option for households with pets and children. Spills can often be simply wiped off with a wet cloth, and over time a genuine leather sofa will age to show a unique character.
Linen-Look Fabric
Linen-look sofas are often an affordable, easy-to-clean alternative to achieve the relaxed style of natural linen. Synthetic fabrics are meant to mimic natural fibres, but have the added durability and stain-resistance required for a busy household.
While there is a lot to consider when investing in a new sofa, having insight into the various sizes, types, styles and materials can help you narrow in on selecting the piece that will be the best fit for your home and lifestyle.
