There are quite a few important things to consider when buying a sofa.

Your sofa is going to be one of the most hardworking pieces of furniture in your home. Therefore, you shouldn't rush through the decision of which type and style to buy.

Think about it, the majority of your home life will revolve around this single furniture piece. From relaxing after a long day to watching TV, enjoying conversations with friends, or even taking a nap

Before you make a purchase you will regret, read our guide on the key factors to look out for when shopping for that perfect sofa.

1. Size of the sofa - make sure it fits in the space you have available

You can never measure too many times!

Measure your floor space, and measure all the doorways, stairwells, and hallways that the couch will need to go through.

Furthermore, take note of where you intend to place the sofa. Your furniture should not obstruct a bookshelf or any decor that you want to be in full vision.

If you have a particularly tight space, it may be worthwhile making a cut-out of the shape and size of your desired sofa and placing it on the floor.

This way you can check that there is adequate room to walk around the couch, and for doors/cupboards to open.

2. Type of sofa - do you want a traditional or modern style sofa?

You may notice that knowing the size of the area your sofa will live in has already narrowed your search

The next step is to then think about sofa types. Take into account the style statement that already exists in the room and in your home,

The most common types to choose from are:

• Standard Sofa - Suited for three or more people. Works with most design styles, particularly traditional spaces.
• Sectional - looks elegant in a large living room where lots of seating is needed
• Loveseat - perfect for a small space such as a studio apartment. Sits two people.
• Sleeper- works well if you lack a proper guest room as it converts into a bed.
• Modular- Ideal for large rooms, gives flexibility in the layout - see our range.

3. Material of the sofa - leather, fabric, or suede are all options

At this stage, you should now have a good idea of the sofa you will buy. It’s time to focus on the fabric choices for it.

Choosing the right upholstery for your lifestyle will determine how much you’ll enjoy your purchase and how long it will stay in good shape.

If you have kids, we suggest choosing performance fabrics such as leather, microfibre, velvet, and canvas. These will be easy-to-spot clean and water-repellent.

Natural fabrics such as cotton and wool will work best in a low-usage, well-ventilated room that does not receive a lot of direct sunlight

When you identify a sofa you love, ask the retailer for cleaning codes and information about the performance of the upholstery material

4. Colour of the sofa

If you are uncomfortable with styling with colour, a safe bet is to go for neutrals. Brown, beige, and grey will look good in almost any living room.

These shades work well if you want to present a clean, minimalist aesthetic. They are also easy to complement. Of these, Grey is the most popular as it’s the most versatile of the group.

However, if you love bold colours, don’t shy away from them. A bold sofa will make a statement and become the focal point of your space. Just be careful to compliment it with the right palette of accessories and furniture to avoid creating a busy-looking room.

Patterned fabric hides stains, so feel free to experiment with print in busy lounges.

5. Price of the sofa - set a budget and stick to it

Prepare to spend between 30% to 50% of your living room budget on your sofa. Decide on a price range, then research furniture stores for pieces that fit your budget.

The price will generally be influenced by the seat size, structure, fabric, seat cushion material, and legs.

Don’t be distracted by too good-to-be-true prices; investigate the material used before making a purchase.

Instead, buy the best quality you can afford so that your sofa lasts a long time. Look out for sales, our website features a furniture clearance section that’s worth looking at.

6. Style of the sofa – on trend or always in fashion

Choosing a sofa style involves striking a balance between functionality and aesthetics. If your home has a traditional flair, it is best to stick to that style for your sofa. Similarly, a contemporary home will require modern designs.

Here are some of the basic sofa styles to consider:

• Mid-Century Modern- Typical of the 1960s, this design features a rectangular shape, thick lean lines, a tufted back, and bare tapered legs.
• Lawson- Defined by clean lines and plump cushions, Lawson is a comfortable sofa with square or rolled arms.
• Chesterfield- Usually found in leather with nailhead detailing, this sofa has distinctive features that include rolled arms with a tufted accent.
• Camelback- Features a curved back that looks like a camel’s hump’ slope, and usually has rolled arms, bare legs, and no cushions.

7. Reviews of the sofa - read what others have said about the product before making your purchase

Before you visit a furniture showroom, take time to read reviews from customers who have bought their sofas. The overall score will give you an indication of their quality.

That being said, read further than just the scores. Perhaps what another customer found as a con, will be a pro for you.

Also, look for customer images that show the furniture in real life and analyse them intensely.

Take advantage of opportunities to speak to their staff and ask as many questions as possible. At FCI, you can call, chat online or visit our experts for any information you may need on our products.

In Conclusion

Sofas play an important role in the living room. Go for one that suits your lifestyle and is of good quality.

If you take time to work through the things you should consider when buying your sofa, you will make an informed decision.

We recommend checking out our wide sofa catalogue both online and in person. Remember that almost every item we sell can be customised to your specifications. With such a level of choice, you will definitely build the sofa of your dreams!