Everything You Need To Know About Picking A Sofa – Part 1

Decorating Details: Everything you need to know about picking a sofa – Part 1

A sofa is one of the most important furniture purchases you will make for your home. You’ll use it a lot so it needs to be comfortable and fit well in your space. The rest of the room it is in will revolve around it so the sofa is a crucial decorating detail to get right.

It can also be a substantial investment. We always suggest trying to buy the best quality that you can as it will last you the longest (in the long run, it’s better for your pocketbook and for the environment).

Below are a few things to consider before you go shopping to help ensure you make the right decision:

• How are you going to use this sofa? Is it for everyday family hanging out or more formal entertaining? Do you want to lie down on it or curl up into the corners? For more casual, everyday uses, many people prefer a deeper sofa. This provides enough room to lie down or curl up and relax. However, deeper sofas can make you slouch so they are not the most comfortable for shorter people or for more formal entertaining where you want to be sitting up properly. In those instances, opt for a seat no more than 24” in depth from the back cushion to the front of the seat edge.

• Is your room traditional or contemporary? A traditional space might benefit more from a sofa with a rolled or shelter-style arm whereas a more modern space will suit a narrower silhouette with a cleaner, more linear profile.

• What is your optimal layout? Do you dream of a sectional or do you have room for a sofa with a couple of chairs to accompany it? Make sure you measure out not only the room you have but all doors, elevators and openings your new sofa has to clear to make sure it will fit!

Once you have thought about these things, you are armed with some important information to go shopping. Stay tuned for Part 2 where we provide some additional advice on what you will have to consider when shopping.

Continue exploring our series on Interior Design here.

It’s a great time to take the next step, call Beth to get started! You can also have a look at some of Beth’s other posts, here.

Guest Blogger: Beth Lowenfeld, Designer & Principal at Toronto based FOUR BLOCKS SOUTH, has over 15 years of experience in the design industry, 10 running her own residential interior design businesses. Her focus is on bringing the client’s vision to life. She helps them to make their house a home and does not impose her personal style on them. Four Blocks South can help with all aspects of design, from design concept to finish selections, project execution, furnishing and styling.