I know many of you are on the hunt for new furniture, and learning how to choose a new sofa can feel overwhelming. It’s not always easy to make a decision, so I thought I would share a little of my thought process when it comes to selecting furniture for my home—specifically, a sofa for my living room.
Here are some questions and considerations that helped me make my decision.
How to Choose a New Sofa
Quality
Your forever home deserves the best, and usually, the first thing you see when you walk in is the sofa. That’s why it was worth it to me to find one I truly love. I prefer to buy quality furniture that will last. For health reasons, I also wanted one that was Greenguard certified, ensuring it was free from harmful chemicals.
New or Secondhand
I was open to buying secondhand if I found one that met my requirements in the short period I had to look. I saw a couple of lovely options, but they were much too big for my small space. It’s always worth checking, though!
In-Person or Online Shopping
Shopping online was far more convenient for me. I wish I lived near more in-person furniture stores, both new and secondhand. Buying online is a risk, so I carefully read reviews and felt even better if I had a positive past experience with the brand. I also checked every detail—dimensions, fabric, and construction—to be sure it would meet my expectations.
Size
Size matters, especially in a small space where you need to move comfortably around the sofa. If you have a spacious living room, a larger sofa can provide maximum comfort.
Focal Point or Supporting Role
Some sofas work well against a wall and serve a supporting role. In my space, however, the sofa floats in the middle of the main floor. That makes it more of a focal point, so the style mattered even more in my decision.
Since my sofa is a key piece in the room, I wanted an interesting yet classic shape with exposed legs. This style helps it feel less like a barrier in the middle of the space and more like a stylish, intentional feature. It also needed to look good from all angles.
Fabric and Color
I didn’t have to coordinate with existing furniture, but the sofa did need to complement my freshly painted walls. While I’ve loved neutral or white couches in the past, I felt like a soft color or print would work better in this space while still fitting my style. I considered different fabrics, including cozy velvets, but ultimately chose one that reminded me of a summer beach house. In fall and winter, I’ll pair it with warm colors and textures, making it fun to refresh the look each season.
Cushion Styles
I explored all cushion options. While I wasn’t overly picky, different styles offer unique benefits. Do you want down-filled cushions, foam, or no cushions? Back cushions or a solid back? Removable or reversible cushions? A single bench seat or two to three separate cushions? Each has its pros and cons. One benefit of a solid back is that dogs can’t throw cushions on the floor! Down-filled cushions are incredibly comfortable, but they require regular fluffing to maintain their shape.
Price
High-quality, customizable sofas can be expensive, so if you’re investing in one, you want to love everything about it. Depending on size, style, and custom features, costs can vary significantly. Understanding how to choose a new sofa within your budget ensures you make a purchase you’ll be happy with for years to come.
Conclusion
Knowing how to choose a new sofa is all about balancing comfort, style, and functionality to suit your lifestyle. By considering factors like size, material, durability, and design, you can invest in a piece that enhances your space and stands the test of time. Taking the time to evaluate your needs will help you find the perfect fit. Happy sofa shopping!
