How to Select The Right Sofa For Your Space

The sofa is a true statement of any space, both in style and in function. From entertaining to relaxing and even napping on, a sofa is an investment piece that should last for years to come through the many seasons of life. There are several considerations when it comes to choosing the best sofa for your home to ensure it’s an intentional purchase that you won’t regret. Take a seat and read through our expert tips in sizing, style and practicality to get it right the first-time round. 

Lounge in style

The style of your sofa comes first and is often the anchor of a space. Being the most-used piece in the room, it is easier to start with the sofa and build your decor and furniture from there. However, if you don’t have the luxury of starting an interior from scratch, consider what furnishings currently exist that need to tie in cohesively with your new couch. Also think how you want the room to feel when you’re in it. A formal, contemporary or relaxed aesthetic? This will influence the colour of the sofa, fabric choice and the specific style of the sofa. Our Cape Cod Sofa has a laid-back coastal vibe, while the Manhattan Sofa has a sleek, contemporary design. There are many other style options from a Chaise sofa to a Chesterfield and French Provincial design just to name a few. We recommend bringing home fabric swatches of your sofa to ascertain if the scale of a pattern works well or how natural light in a room changes the colour of a fabric. 

Size matters

Size is one of the most important elements to consider when shopping for a couch. You’ll need to consider not only the size of the room, but also how many people you want to comfortably sit in the space. Take a moment to think about the layout of your room and the function you want it to serve. The number of people your sofa can comfortably fit depends on the length and the number of seat cushions (ideally allocate one cushion per person). If you’re struggling to visualise how the sofa will work in the room, use masking tape to outline the dimensions of the sofa on your floor. You will be able to see the scale and ensure there is a good flow to move around the rest of the room in. If you’re tight on space, the good news is there are beautiful options available. In an apartment, try a two-seater or a love seat to maximise the layout. Our top pick is the Thea Sofa, a 2.5 seater perfect for smaller living zones.

Function and form

The material, shape and style are important elements in determining the comfort of a sofa – and it really depends on personal preference. You may like to sink deeply into a sofa and be cocooned, or you might prefer a firmer feel. Our Bay Sofa feels like sinking into a cloud, while the Loft Sofa has a more structured and supported feel. Your choice of upholstery fabric will also have a big impact on how a sofa functions and the aesthetic it offers. Natural materials like leather can fade if positioned near direct sunlight but is a luxurious, durable fabric that is resistant to stains. Alternatively, cotton resists fading and is available in a stunning range of patterns, but the downside it that it is susceptible to stains (steer away from if you have kids or pets). Linen is a popular option, as it holds up to everyday life yet looks beautiful and gets softer with wear. So, the more you wash it, the better it will feel over time. 

We hope this guide helps you feel confident in your sofa selection, however if you need expert guidance then our in-house interior stylists would love to help you find the perfect match. Explore more about our bespoke interior services here.