Whether you only use your sofa occasionally, or barely leave its cushiony embrace, buying a new one isn’t a decision to take lightly. After all, a furniture piece this important is a long-term investment. So, getting it right is key to avoiding buyer's regret, which is not so easy when the range of designs on offer differs so dramatically. But, trust us, there is light at the end of the tunnel, so long as you heed this expert advice and follow our 4 simple steps.
- Learn why the width of doorways makes a difference when buying a sofa
- How the fabric you love the most might not work if you have pets at home
- Why what you can't see in your sofa matters just as much as what you can
So, fix yourself a quick cuppa and prepare to get acquainted with our failsafe sofa buying tips. And, if you follow our advice, we’re confident you'll end up with a style you'll be blissfully happy with for years to come.
Product featured: The Foxcote sofa/sofa bed
A design just as beautiful as The Foxcote could be yours if you follow our advice
Size is everything
We're not just talking seats here - although that's obviously important to consider too. Instead, we're talking about making sure your sofa is in proportion to the room it's intended to fit in.
Today's styles come in every imaginable size and shape, from cosy love seats to family-sized chaises. But, the larger you go, the more space you need. Or, you'll end up with a style that totally overpowers everything else in the room.
So, use paper to map out the exact area your potential new sofa will occupy. This will help you gain a realistic feel for how big it will be compared with furniture already in the room. And, don't forget to also measure doorways and entrances too, as there's nothing worse than finding your new sofa's too wide the day it arrives, particularly when you've waited weeks for it too.
Product featured: The Alton chaise sofa/sofa bed
Remember to include doorways and entryways when you're taking measurements
Your lifestyle matters
Your lifestyle has a huge bearing on the sofa style you should choose for your home. For example, if you live with pets in the heart of the countryside, your pristine new cushions could soon find themselves with muddy paw print across them on a typically British rainy day.Or, if it's likely to be a sponge for spills and stains then a machine washable material is a must. So, think carefully about the resistance of the fabric you select, and its aftercare. Or, you could be reinvesting in another new sofa far sooner than you'd planned.
Product featured: The Appledoe love seat sofa/sofa bed
Wipe clean or machine washable fabrics are key if you share your home with pets or kids
Spare a thought for what you can't see
It's easy to get hung up on aesthetics when buying furniture. But, it's also important to think about the cushion fillings. After all, your sofa is where you're going to relax everyday so comfort is key.
Most quality sofas offer a choice of seat fillings. So, you can achieve the support level that best matches your own preference, whether that be bouncy soft and springy or firm and supportive. Just as choosing a mattress is integral to a good night's sleep, deciding on a filling for your sofa seat cushions will impact how comfortable you feel. And, also have a bearing on how the sofa ages over time.
Some fillings need a little gentle plumping to keep them looking their best, while others require very little TLC to stay fresh for longer. So, think about how much effort you're willing to put into your sofa's maintenance. And, also what kind of appearance you want your sofa to have. Some softer fillings look relaxed and casual look, while firmer ones hold their shape and stay sag-free for longer.
Product featured: The Chicklade sofa (now discontinued)
Firmer cushions will provide more support and age less quickly
Think about your sofa's other uses
At Willow & Hall, we always try and make our furniture styles as practical as they are beautiful. We offer a wide range of customisation options - from removable arms to help manoeuvre your new goodie into place, to over 130 different fabrics so you can find a colour and rub count to fit in perfectly in your home.
Product featured: The Minety 4 seater modular sofa/sofa bed
If clutter is an issue consider buying a style with built-in storage
To find out more about our styles or if you have any questions, contact our Customer Service team on 020 8939 3800 or use our contact-us form.
Kind regards,
The Willow & Hall team