How to Pick a Sofa for Your Space

5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Sofa

1. Pick the Right Couch Size

First of all, you’ll need to decide what size your new sofa should be, which ultimately depends on:

• The layout and proportions of your living area

The perfect sofa for your home needs to fit comfortably into your lounge, taking into account the room size, layout and positioning of other furniture. 

To ensure you select an ideally sized settee, be sure to measure the length, width and ceiling height of the room. Then, use some low-tack tape to mark out the dimensions of the couch –  and make sure to leave clearance for walkways.

• The dimensions of your home’s entry points

Don’t make the mistake of ordering a sofa that’s too wide to fit through your doorways or corridors – otherwise, you’ll have to go through the rigmarole of returning it and waiting weeks for another. 

To avoid this, simply measure the height and width of your doorframes, corridors and stairways – or anywhere in your home that the couch will need to pass through during delivery.

2. Decide on the Settee Type and Orientation

Settees come in different shapes and layouts, so you must select a type that matches the size and arrangement of your space, while offering enough seating capacity to accommodate the needs of your household. Popular sofa types include:

• • Modular sofas – These designs consist of individual seats and elements that can be removed or added, allowing you to create a custom arrangement that seamlessly slots into your living area – perfect for growing families.
  • Standard sofas – 2, 3 and 4-seater settees are simple styles that you can pick from based on the seating capacity needed. 2-seaters are well-suited to small lounges, whereas 4-seaters are for larger households with more people to accommodate.
  • Corner couches – A great choice for smaller living rooms where you need to make the most of your available space, corner or ‘L-shaped’ sofas feature a right angle, allowing them to fit comfortably into corners.

• U-shaped sofas – U-shaped settees provide a large seating arrangement with three sides, creating an enclosed social area that’s ideal for spacious or open-plan living rooms.

As a rule of thumb, your couch shouldn’t occupy more than a third of the room’s width in smaller to medium spaces, so bear this in mind when choosing a sofa.

3. Select a Style You Love

Now you know what shapes are available, you can turn your attention to aesthetics. From finding your preferred cushion style and firmness to deciding between full arm or armless designs, there are many elements to consider. 

Selecting the right fabric and upholstery is key, as texture and colour have a big impact on how your settee will look and feel in your home. If you’re unsure which textile or shade will suit your space best, you can order swatches to try against your decor. 

We highly recommend timeless and neutral colours that won’t go out of fashion and work amazingly in numerous aesthetics, such as white, beige or brown.

4. Think About Additional Features

For some, a couch is more than a simple seat or style statement – it’s a special place to unwind, relax and indulge in sheer cosiness. That’s why many people desire settees with additional ergonomic features, including extendable back and footrests to enhance their downtime. 

For example, electric sofas offer adaptability, allowing you to adjust the seating area to meet your idea of comfort. What’s more, they can also extend into a handy sofa bed – great for accommodating guests and reducing the need for a standard guest bed.

5. Consider the Cost

Finally, it goes without saying that you’ll need to factor in your budget when deciding which couch to buy. Naturally, smaller settees or models without electrical features are more affordable than larger sofas and sofa beds. 

However, if you’re buying a sofa on a budget or need more time to pay, some furniture retailers like ourselves offer flexible financing, meaning you can split the cost of your dream sofa over a period of months.