How to choose the right sofa
One shape and size certainly doesn’t fit all when it comes to sofas, so it’s no wonder then that finding the perfect piece can take months of indecision and careful planning.
Your list of sofa-shopping must-haves is likely vast – there’s price, colour, size, shape to consider for starters – but you might be surprised to learn that your search for the perfect piece should start by looking inwards, not outwards.
How to choose the style of sofa?
First things first, ‘consider your lifestyle and daily routines,’ recommends Caitlin Sharp, trade manager at Sofas & Stuff. ‘This will influence your choice of fabric and design. Will the sofa be in a busy family room for movie nights, a quiet reading nook or somewhere for entertaining? Do you have pets or small children?’
Secondly, don't be a slave to a trend. Striking the right balance between something timeless and trendy is an art. But, ultimately, Caitlin says, a sofa for the ages always trumps – and will likely save you money in the long run.
‘Choose a sofa design that reflects your own aesthetic, rather than trying to mirror a style that is sweeping Pinterest,’ she adds.
Early on, it's worth measuring the size of the space where the sofa will sit and gathering fabric swatches. Ask yourself: will the colours, prints and textures work in harmony with the walls, curtains and flooring?
Then, make a template. ‘Cut out the shape of your sofa from newspaper in the correct dimensions and place it on the floor in the room to get a sense of the area it will take up,’ says Kellie Wyles, head of upholstery at DFS. ‘The DFS Room Planner tool is also perfect for visualising how a space will work logistically.’
Which sofa material to choose?
Check the durability of the material. Look for a high Martindale score (or rub count). This widely recognised test measures the durability of upholstery based on the number of times discs can slide sandpaper or wool across the fabric before it starts to show distress. According to Caitlin Sharp, a hard-wearing sofa will score over a whopping 30,000.
It's also worth checking out the construction process. 'Always enquire about the materials and methods of construction used to ensure lasting quality, and look for solid hardwood frames, such as beech or birch,’ says Caitlin. ‘You may wish to opt for a British manufacturer endorsed by the BFM (British Furniture Manufacturers).’
Looking for a sustainable option? Try linen. ‘This beautiful, tactile fabric is one of the world’s most durable and sustainably produced fibres, giving a reassuring sense of continuity, of time and place,’ says Caitlin.
But be aware of the filling. ‘Certain fabrics may trigger allergies or sensitivities,’ says Caitlin. ‘But natural fabrics, such as wool, do not require any chemical treatments and may be more suitable for those who do need to avoid chemicals.’
What colour and size of sofa?
Don’t be scared to be bold. Think a small room rules out eccentric furnishings? Think again. ‘Don’t hesitate to introduce a contrasting element,’ says Caitlin. ‘You can still be bold with colour, though maybe use just one hue to create harmony, such as different shades of green.’
Have fun with patterns, too. ‘Beautiful, bright colours, such as poppy red, pastel pink and cobalt blue, can be complemented by wiggly shapes, broad stripes and chequerboard patterns for a look that is vibrant and full of personality,’ says Kellie Wyles.
Letting the furniture speak for itself is key. ‘With careful consideration, a few bigger pieces can make the room feel larger and less cluttered than one filled with more smaller items,’ says Caitlin.
For small rooms, Caitlin advises choosing sofas with a lower height to give the illusion of a bigger space. ‘Sofas and chairs with slender arms may work better than one with a wide, squared-off arm.’ A narrower depth will also create the perfect balance between style and practicality in smaller rooms.
Lightening up a dark corner? Caitlin suggests having a visible leg rather than a valance on your sofa, as it leaves a neat area around furniture, allowing your sofa to appear lighter.
But for bright rooms where generous sunrays can lighten materials over time, avoid cotton. Cotton, according to Caitlin, is ‘a sure way to speed up the fading that can occur on your furniture’.
As for reducing fading, ‘there is no sure fix, but lighter in colour and synthetic materials offer a slower route to visible fading,’ says Caitlin. ‘The trick is to keep turning your cushions for a more even distribution of fading over time.’
How to keep your sofa looking clean
Make it stain resistant. Choose fabrics that have a high synthetic composition, says Caitlin, as these are the most stain resistant. Some made-to-order fabrics from Swyft are already stain resistant, while Sofas & Stuff’s Easy Clean fabric range contains advanced stain-resistant properties.
Pale linen obviously doesn’t work in stain-and-spillage-prone households. However, it does have its merits. ‘We’d typically suggest linen upholstery for sofas in more formal rooms or adult-only spaces where the look of your sofa is a priority – its resistance to pilling ensures it retains a smart, polished appearance,’ says Caitlin.
As for pets, Caitlin suggests avoid fabrics with a loose weave to stop cat claws snagging on the material. ‘Instead, opt for a tightly woven fabric blend or synthetic velvet, which are hardwearing and less likely to be marked by cat scratches,’ she advises.
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