Has your sofa seen better days? Do you want to replace it, but you aren’t sure how to choose the right one?
Don’t worry, we’re here to help! Take a look at our ultimate sofa buying guide and you’ll be able to update your room like a pro!
Pick the Right Style
There are many different styles of sofas available, each of which provides different functional and aesthetic benefits. The goal is to choose the style which best aligns with your preferences and needs. Here are some of the most popular styles you’ll run into when you start to shop.
Camelback
A camelback couch is characterized by an upright back and high-rising arms. Possessing a particularly short seat, it forces you to practice good posture. This can be both a good and a bad thing.
Note, however, that camelback couches can be agony for tall individuals, as their short seats leave little sitting room. Not to mention, they’re almost impossible to lay down on.
Midcentury
Midcentury sofas are characterized by low backs and high arms. Their sitting areas are on the large side, allowing users a great deal of variation in terms of posture. Highly cushioned, they’re known for their comfort.
The drawback of midcentury couches? They might be too cushiony for some tastes, particularly if you’re hoping to sit up straight.
Tuxedo
Up next is the tuxedo sofa, a low-lying sofa characterized by an equally high back and arms. Small in stature, they’re best used in little rooms. Possessing firm cushions and hard arms, they’re designed for style, not comfort.
Note, tuxedo couch cushions have trouble with durability. Too much use will cause them to sag and dip. As such, if you’re going to buy a tuxedo couch, you should save its use for special occasions.
English Roll Arm
If you’re looking for a comfortable couch upon which you can sleep and cuddle, you should deeply consider an English roll arm. These couches are characterized by low-lying arms and ample cushion, allowing them to facilitate napping for users of all sizes.
The drawback of these couches? They’re difficult to get up from, causing you to sink down into them when pressure is applied.
Chesterfield
Looking for a combination of sophistication and comfort? If so, you should consider a chesterfield. Possessing rolled and low-lying arms and backs, these couches are rigid but cushiony.
The one problem with chesterfields? They might not be big enough for tall individuals.
Lawson
The last style we’ll discuss is the Lawson style. This style of couch possesses low-lying arms and loose-fitting cushions, giving it a laid-back aesthetic and making it great for napping.
There are no huge drawbacks to Lawsons. The only legitimate complaint might be about their aesthetics; they’re a little less formal than the other couch styles.
Choose the Right Material
Sofas come adorned in a number of different materials. To buy the best couch for you, you have to find the best material for your lifestyle. Here are some of the most popular options.
Leather
Perhaps the best of all couch materials is leather. Not only is it highly durable but easy to clean as well. Resistant to moisture, it will last through spills and accidents of all kinds.
Not to mention, it’s aesthetically gorgeous.
There are just a few drawbacks to leather. For one, it’s the most expensive material there is. For two, it can stick to sweaty skin.
Velvet
If you’re looking for a classy and sophisticated aesthetic, you should consider velvet. Soft to the touch and smooth, it’s available in a variety of blends.
Plan on using the couch for formal events? If so a cotton blend would be ideal.
Looking to use it on an everyday basis? A polyester blend is recommended, as polyester helps keep staining to a minimum.
Damask
Damask is a high-end material that excels on all fronts. Not only is it durable and resistant to staining but highly attractive as well.
Note, though, that it might not be the most comfortable material for some tastes. It’s a bit more rigid than materials like velvet or leather.
Wool Blend
Soft and forgiving, wool blend provides both comfort and warmth. Characterized by intricate and symmetrical designs, it offers a welcome aesthetic to every room.
Note, though, that it can be delicate. A spill can leave a stain, one that can only be eradicated with the use of dry cleaning. Plus, if you’re not careful while vacuuming, you could cause it to lift in certain areas.
Performance
If you have kids or pets, you might want to consider going with performance. This is a material that’s strategically designed to resist spills and other types of accidents. Not only is it highly resistant to stains but machine washable as well.
Performance can be made in a number of different ways, and so can possess a number of different characteristics. Regardless of your comfort preferences, there’s sure to be one that appeals to you. Furniture stores typically keep a wide variety of options in stock.
Linen
If you’re getting a laid-back sofa like a Lawson, you should consider linen upholstery. Linen is soft and loose-fitting, keeping up with the “lazy” design of Lawsons. In addition, it’s soft to the touch and comfortable.
The only drawback? It’s prone to wrinkles. But if you’re going for a super-casual look, that’s not really much of a problem.
This Sofa Buying Guide Will Serve You Well
If you really want to buy the best sofa for you, you need to use this sofa buying guide. It has all of the information you need and is guaranteed to serve you well.
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