Choosing a sofa in one of those big design decisions! And chances are, once you’ve chosen your new sofa you’re going to have to wait twelve to sixteen weeks for it to be made and delivered, so you really don’t want to screw this one up. When it arrives you want it to be perfect.
So watch out and avoid these common mistakes when choosing a sofa.
CHOOSING A SHAPE THAT DOESN’T SUIT THE ROOM
Okay, so you may have dreamed of a large corner sofa for years. But if it doesn’t suit the shape of your room then you shouldn’t buy it (sorry). It’s not just about what you love. It’s about what suits the shape of your room. All rooms are different and there isn’t a ‘rule’ that perfectly works in every space but as a general guide….
- Rectangular rooms would suit one long sofa.
- Squarer rooms could suit two-2-seaters.
- Chaise sofas can suit long, narrow rooms.
- Corner sofas suit larger rooms or open-plan spaces.
Basically, the shape of your sofa should suit the proportions of your room,
CHOOSING A RANDOM STYLE
The style of your sofa should fit in with the rest of the furniture and the style of your home so it feels like it belongs. The style of a sofa is hidden in the details so watch out for…
- Turned legs which are more traditional.
- Clean lines which are more contemporary.
- Angled shapes which can create a mid-century look.
- Low sofas which are more relaxed and modern.
- Higher backs which can look more formal.
NOT GIVING ENOUGH CONSIDERATION TO THE FABRIC
There is so much to consider when it comes to fabric so here are some pointers…
- A sofa in a similar colour to your walls will make it blend in and your room appear larger.
- A high contrasting colour will make your sofa stand out more.
- Washable or darker fabrics will be more family-friendly.
- Neutral fabrics can be classic and elegant.
- Patterned or textured fabrics can look more cosy.
Always see the fabrics in real life as you can’t rely on digital images to appreciate the true colour and feel of the fabric.
NOT DOING YOUR HOMEWORK WHEN IT COMES TO FILLING
Your filling choice will impact comfort and practicality…
- Feather-filled will be like a cloud, but be prepared for daily plumping!
- Foam-filled gives the firmest feel and is super low maintenance.
- Fibre gives you that sink-in feeling and only needs weekly plumping.
so work out what maintenance will fit in with your lifestyle.
NOT SEEING IT FOR REAL
It kind of goes without saying that you need to sit on it to know if it’s really the sofa for you.
NOT CHECKING AND DOUBLE CHECKING THE SIZE
Your sofa needs to be the perfect size. Too small and it will make your room look cluttered. Too big and it will feel overbearing in the space.
And also check it fits through corridors and round corners!
I hope this has been helpful. If you would like more help then check out my interior design services here. I offer room designs and consultations so get in touch and let me know how I can help. Or if it is paint colours you are struggling with check out our colour consultancy website right here.
Sarah x
