Buying a new sofa for your home is a big commitment and can cost you a pretty penny too, so you want to ensure you get it right on the first go.
Whether you enjoy binge watching a new TV series on the weekend, cosying up with a glass of wine after a long day, or even if you plan on having guests over and they need somewhere to rest, your sofa takes centre stage.
No matter if you’re buying for style, comfort or purpose, there are so many options to choose from. Below are 5 things to consider when purchasing a brand-new sofa:
1. Functionality and practicality
So you’re planning on getting a new sofa, the first thing to think about is what kind of use it will have? Will it be going in your living room? Office? Maybe even in your garden? There’s a sofa suitable for every space.
Always consider the practicality of your purchase, e.g. don’t buy a reclining sofa if your living room is quite narrow. Weighing up all the factors you need to consider is crucial and will help you to take the next steps in finding your perfect sofa.
TOP TIP: If you have young children or any four-legged pets, opt for a more practical material option such as leather or microfiber, which will be easier to maintain whilst adding texture.
Sofa sophisticated - Nothing says luxury quite like Scott. A sleek silhouette with pulled detail cushions, upholstered in plush velvet – it oozes sophistication. The clean lines nod to mid-century design, and there’s plenty of room to snuggle up.
more info
- Grey
- Fabric, Velvet
- 4 Seater
- H 86 x W 255 x D 169 (cm)
Unavailable
from Made.com
Sweep is a perfect compact sofa range with clean lines and tailored twin seam detail on the slim arms. A note on the fabric - This sofa is available in our Saga Ocean fabric. The blue shade of this colour looks slightly different in different lights, so be aware the fabric colour may vary from what...
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- Blue
- Fabric
- 2 Seater
- H 84 x W 134 x D 83 (cm)
Now: £279.00
Was: £349.00
from John Lewis
An iconic piece. Classic and timeless, the Habitat Chesterfield 3-seater sofa boasts a scroll arm design with sumptuous deep buttoning on the back panel and arms. It's beautifully upholstered in top grain semi-aniline leather for a truly luxurious feel. It stands on real wood feet for the perfect...
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- Brown
- Leather
- 3 Seater
- H 70 x W 194 x D 93 (cm)
Ideal for lazy days, Harlow's large proportions and plump cushions make relaxing easy. This sofa's metal legs contrast the soft upholstery perfectly. Notice the pulled detail, adding interest to the pared-back style. This is a seriously comfortable living room addition.
more info
- Grey
- Fabric
- Left Facing
- H 83 x W 264 x D 170 (cm)
Unavailable
from Made.com
2. Get your measurements right
This should go without saying, but always check the measurements of your hallways, doorways, staircases and walls before sofa shopping. You don’t want any surprises upon delivery.
If you want to lay back, sink into your seat and curl your feet up, then consider the depth of the sofa. If you have a large room, then a modular sofa may be more suitable. Remember, your sofa should not overwhelm or underwhelm the space it is being placed in.
TOP TIP: If you’re squeezed for space, give a thought to buying a large armchair such as a loveseat or a chair-and-a-half. They’re spacious enough for more than one person and are often available with matching ottomans and pouffes. 
3. Embrace your taste
It’s your home and your sofa, so it needs to represent a part of you doesn’t it? Why not go for strong prints, colours and patterns if you’re the type to make a bold statement.
Modern homes tend to suit sofas with clean lines and a low back. If traditional is your thing, opt for a sofa set with scroll arms/legs and a button back. If mid-century is more so your style, go for a sofa with boxed arms and a pillowed back. But there are no set rules with interiors, adapt your sofa choice to reflect your style and how you feel.
TOP TIP: Natural materials tend to fade overtime when faced in direct sunlight, so opt for synthetic fabrics if you intend on placing your sofa close to a window.
4. Filler and frame
We all want our new sofa to see us through many years of lounging right?! Hardwood frames are a much-preferred option for doing so. Frames such as metal, plastic and particleboard are not as robust and are prone to warping and wobbling over time.
Cushions, fabrics and throws… they can all be replaced after they’ve had their fair share of wear and tear, but a sofa can’t truly be considered a quality piece of furniture if it does not have a strong, solid and sturdy frame.
TOP TIP: Pick out a combination of feather-filled and fibre-filled cushions, to get both comfort and structure whilst lounging. Remember, what is inside of the sofa is equally important as what is on the outside.
5. Try before you buy
Where feasible, always do the ‘seat test’ on your favourite sofas in the showroom before you make the decision and commitment to buying. Whilst testing, ask yourself a few key questions, “Can I stretch out on this? Do my feet touch the floor? Is my back being supported? Are my knees snug?”
Test out the comfort of the fabrics and cushions too, as you always want to make sure it is comfortable in addition to being durable and fitting well with your current décor and interior theme and style.
When buying online, make sure you check the reviews to see what other purchasers say about the quality and comfort of the sofa.
TOP TIP: If you’re purchasing your sofa from an online store, always check their terms and conditions as well as reading any handbooks or guides which arrive with your new sofa.
Not sure where to start? Glance over our sofa and settee selection
We would love to see your new sofa purchases, connect with us on social media! @Furnishful
by Keleisha Simpson – Interiors Writer, BA (Hons) Interior Design