A sofa is one of the most important pieces of furniture you’ll ever buy for your home, so it needs to be the right combination of function and style. Because the sofa is usually the centrepiece of your living area, it’s not a decision that should be made lightly. But there are so many options to choose from, it’s hard to know just where to start. You also need to consider a number of practical points, like how many people you have in your family, what look you’re going for, and how long you intend to keep the sofa. Here are some handy tips to help you choose the perfect sofa for your lifestyle.
While it might be tempting to buy a sofa online, it’s very important to try before you buy. After all, nothing beats actually sitting on it! The average sofa has a seat depth of at least 60cm, which allows plenty of room to move if you have long legs, but still allows you to tuck them under if you’re shorter. But remember, seat depths vary, so try out different styles to make sure you get the back support that suits you. When it comes to seat height, most designs are between 45-50cm high. There’s no right or wrong height, so just make sure it suits you and your family. Finally, check the total length (excluding armrests), if you like to stretch out or lie down.
It sounds obvious, but make sure the sofa you’re considering fits your space. Are the proportions right? An overstuffed sofa with big arms might be too much in a small room. So get the tape measure out and take down the maximum sofa dimensions that will fit in your space. You may even like to draw a simple floor plan of the room complete with dimensions, to take into the store so they can help you make the right decision.
Spend as much as you can afford on a quality frame, and it will last for many years to come. Is there a guarantee on the frame? Some manufacturers even offer a lifetime guarantee. A solid hardwood frame is a good option, but be wary of particleboard or metal construction. Having said that, if you have small children or you’re on a tight budget and this isn’t going to be your ‘forever’ sofa, you may choose to go for a cheaper option and then upgrade at a later date, when the kids are a bit older and you have a bigger budget.
Remember, what’s on the inside of a sofa is just as important as what’s on the outside. Feather-filled cushions are big on comfort, but they do need to be ‘plumped’ regularly. Foam or fibre fillings keep their shape better but may flatten out over time. So you might like to consider the best of both worlds – a combination of feather and foam – as feather gives the comfy ‘squish’, while foam provides the structure. A good combination is back cushions filled with feather and seat cushions filled with foam or fibre. Once again, it’s best to try out all the options in store, before you buy.
Whether you go for a bold colour, pattern or a neutral, your choice of upholstery has a big impact on your décor, so choose carefully. How long do you intend to keep the sofa? That bold stripe might be the latest trend today, but how will you feel about it in five years? Natural materials may fade in strong sunlight, so it’s best to choose a synthetic fabric if the sofa is near a window. If you have kids or pets, opt for a fabric that’s easy to spot clean. Loose covers are also worth considering, as they can be removed for dry cleaning, while some are even washable.
If you think choosing a sofa is a big decision, you should try choosing all the colours, fittings and finishes when you’re building a house! Creating a cohesive look for your new home is vital, as it can add enormous value to your greatest asset.
At Hallmark Homes, we look forward to assisting you with this exciting process. Our expert Selection Centre Consultants will personally guide you through all the product choices, finishes and fixtures. They will also take you through the colour selection process, ensuring that everything you choose works together seamlessly, both inside and out.
Our Selection Centre, Select by Hallmark, is exclusive to Hallmark Homes’ clients, and entry is by appointment only. And if you’re looking for some inspiration, check out our selection of style boards. Once you’ve chosen the colours, fittings and finishes for your new home, the decorating will be so much easier!
For more exciting ideas that spark your imagination for your new home, check out our Inspiration Gallery pages. Here you’ll find inspiration for the kitchen, dining, living room, bedrooms, bathroom, activity rooms and home office, and you may even find ideas to help you maximise your alfresco space and make the most of the Southeast Queensland weather! Our Inspiration Gallery also showcases a variety of styles, including Contemporary, Coastal, Farmhouse, Mediterranean and Mid-Century Modern, and you can view videos of all our current display homes.
Thinking of building a new home in South-East Queensland? The friendly team at Hallmark Homes is ready to help. Come and check out one of our display centres for yourself. If you have any questions about our home designs or house and land packages, please contact us today.
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