In this age of online retailers, understanding the basics of a product is more important than ever if you’re hoping to buy a sofa. In simpler times, the three-seater sofa dominated the market. Now, furniture companies are making more options in the style. They have customizable fabrics and new terms to describe durability. Instead of buying a sofa in-store, websites advertise dimensions. This guide seeks to turn those terms and dimensions into real information for you to understand their comfort and quality.
Who Will Use the Sofa?
Of course, the first and most important consideration when buying a sofa is this: Who will use this sofa, and for what purpose? What type of space will this sofa occupy? If you have children or pets using this sofa, you’ll want to focus on the upholstery options in the next section. If you’ll be watching TV, lounging, or sleeping, think about a recliner or sleeper sofa. Some companies, like American Leather, sell theater sofas with precisely adjustable backrests.
If you plan to host many people, consider the size and shape of the sofa. A sofa should not overwhelm a room, but most people want to buy as big a sofa as they can. Many companies sell sectionals separately so that you can purchase the exact lengths you need to fit your space. Companies like Fjord sell seating modules that are customized to different room shapes. While most recliners take up a lot of space, they also have a special line of “wall saver” recliners that tuck into smaller spaces.
Upholstery Options
Choosing upholstery will be the most important decision for couples with children or pets. Today, many options are available. Fabric can be characterized as standard, performance grade, or commercial grade. Performance-grade fabrics resist spills and stains, fading, and mold. Commercial-grade fabrics will be even stronger, designed for continual use, and also meet legal standards for flame retardancy in public places. Many furniture designers have increased their options for performance-grade fabrics. Similarly, if you are buying a sofa for heavy use, consider looking for one with zippered, washable cushions.
For light use or for adults only, going with a non-performance grade fabric might provide more comfort. Standard fabrics like chamois, suede, and faux leather will work well in these settings. These textiles add luxury and texture to a room. Other lighter, more breathable fabrics might be characterized as easy living performance.
Padding
For some consumers, comfort is the singularly most important element in a sofa. It’s a place to relax at the end of each day, to watch TV, and to host family. When buying a sofa online or from a catalog, figuring out what sofas are comfortable can be a difficult task. Instead of sitting on each sofa, the customer needs to pay attention to dimensions and other details.
For shorter people or those who want to sit upright to read, smaller cushions might be something to pursue. The best length of seat cushions for people who like to sit upright is 20-22 inches. For sleeping, pay attention to the width and get a sofa at least 38 inches across. For customers with back considerations, look for sofas that include lumbar pillows, supporting the lower back.
Life of the Sofa
Finally, ask yourself how long you want your sofa to last. Particleboard inside your sofa will tend to break sooner than solid wood. Notched wood joints hold the longest, while a combination of screws and glue also indicates strength. The use of glue alone indicates the sofa might have a relatively short useful life. The quality of padding will also indicate how long a sofa will last.
Ready to Buy a Sofa?
Now that you’re a bit more aware of the different elements of a sofa, you’re a savvy consumer who can find what will fit your home and family best. At Saugerties Furniture Mart, we offer thousands of options in sofas. We make high-quality sofas from Amish woodworkers available to you. We also sell from a wide variety of other furniture manufacturers. Smith Brothers of Berne offers high-quality, luxurious sofas, while Fjords focuses on sustainability and striking Scandinavian styles. American Leather sells a wide variety of features in their sofas, like the theater or sleeper seats and more. Best Home Furnishings provides perhaps the most options. All these suppliers ensure that Saugerties will have the perfect sofa for you.