7 Pro Tips For How To Choose A Sofa For Any Style Or Budget

Choosing the perfect sofa for your living room is a big decision, and with so many choices, it can feel overwhelming. In this post, you’ll learn how to choose a sofa for any space no matter your design style or budget.

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Since a sofa is one of the biggest investments you’ll make it’s important to take your time and educate yourself before you purchase. It involves more than just looks although that’s important too!

You also need to consider the size, material, comfort, quality, and style of your home. The sofa you pick will impact how comfortable and cozy your room feels.

Whether you want something modern and stylish or soft and timeless, I’ll walk you through popular sofa styles, tips for finding the perfect match, and how to make sure it fits in your space.

Key Takeaways:

The sofa you choose should fit your lifestyle and needs.
Measure and create a floor plan of your room so you know the sofa will fit perfectly.
Choose a sofa that’s both stylish and comfortable.

This post is all about how to choose a sofa.

The sofa is the largest piece in a living room and typically the first one people shop for. It’ll set the tone for the entire space and can make or break your design.

Here are 7 steps to take to take when choosing a sofa:

Step 1: Consider the Functionality

The first thing to think about when choosing a sofa is how it needs to function.

leather motion sofa with boucle chair and ottoman

Ask yourself yourself the following questions:

Who will actually use the sofa?

Is it for mostly adults, kids, pets, or guests?
Will everyone need a place to sit?

Pro Tip: Performance fabric and leather are durable materials if you have kids or pets.

What features are important for how the sofa will be used?

Do you need extra seating, a sleeper sofa, or built-in storage?
Will it be a spot for lounging with family, a space for entertaining guests, or a combination of both?

What size sofa do you need?

Do you need a small loveseat, a full-sized sofa, or a large sectional for movie night?

When will the sofa get the most use?

Every day or only occasionally?

Where will the sofa be located?

Is it for a living room, family room, bedroom, or home office?
Will it be in a high-traffic area or a more relaxed, quiet corner of the home?
Does it need to complement your existing furniture?

Why is the sofa important for your space?

Do you want it to be the main focal point, provide comfort, or show off your style?
Will you need a sofa bed for overnight guests or will it be a decorative piece to make a statement? If the sofa is for a formal living room the style may be more important than comfort.

How will the sofa support your everyday activities?

Will it be used for watching TV, working, or hosting intimate gatherings?
How will you decide on the sofa’s design and materials?
Will it be based on durability, style, or ease of cleaning?

The way you plan to use your sofa is important because it impacts everything from the material to the size.

Step 2: Measure Your Space

You MUST measure your space to make sure the sofa will fit BEFORE you make a purchase. Measure the width, length, and even the height of the area where you want the sofa to go.

And don’t forget about your doorways! You have to make sure the sofa can fit through all the entry points to get into the room.

This is super important because I know people who had to hire a company to take apart the sofa and put it back together to get it into the room. That sofa is never coming out of there. Not to mention it’s an added cost that can be avoided.

Create a Floor Plan

Once you have your room measurements in the floor plan you can add your sofa dimensions, coffee table, and side tables. This way you know how much space you have for movement and traffic flow.

The general rule is to have at least:

36” to walk behind or at the sides of the sofa if it’s in the middle of a room
18” between your sofa and coffee table.

For help with this download a copy of the free floor plan PDF.

Step 3: Choose the Right Size and Shape

Once you’ve measured your space, it’s time to pick the size and shape. The best way to make sure it’ll fit is to try different layouts in your computerized floor plan. It’s way faster than taping it out in your room or sketching by hand.

If you have a big living room, a sectional might be perfect for maximizing seating and creating a cozy corner. For smaller spaces, a loveseat or apartment-sized sofa is a great choice.

If flexibility is important, you could go for a modular sofa, where you can rearrange the sections however you want. And if you’re short on space but need extra sleeping options a sleeper sofa is two pieces of furniture in one!

Sofa Size and Shape

Here is a list of all the sofa sizes and shapes with a visual of each:

Loveseat is a small sofa designed for two people and perfect for compact spaces.
Apartment Sofa is a smaller version of a standard sofa and great for smaller spaces or apartments.
Bench Seat Sofa has one long, continuous cushion for a sleek modern look.
Two-Cushion Sofa is a classic sofa that’s often in traditional or transitional spaces.
Three-Cushion Sofa is a standard-size sofa with seating for multiple people.
Sleeper Sofa converts into a bed and is perfect for guest rooms or multi-purpose spaces.
The Chaise Sofa or sectional has an extended chaise lounge for extra relaxation and lounging.
Armless Sofa or sectional has a sleek look with no arms that’ll create an open, airy feel especially in smaller spaces.
Reclining sofas or sectionals have adjustable reclining features for ultimate comfort and relaxation. Motion versions have power options so you can customize your seating position with the push of a button.
Curved Sofa or sectional has soft curved lines that encourage conversation.
Settee is a smaller, decorative sofa that’s used in bedrooms, hallways, or as an accent piece.

Sectional Sofas

Sectional Sofas are made up of multiple sections that can be arranged in different configurations including:

U-shaped sectionals are oversized with an abundance of seating.
L-shaped sectionals are perfect for corners or open-concept layouts.
Cuddle Sectional has a rounded or oversized corner piece that’s great for snuggling and extra comfort.
Pit Sectional is a large, square-shaped sectional with deep seating, designed for lounging or movie nights.
Modular Sofa or sectional– Made up of individual pieces that can be rearranged or moved around to form different layouts.

As you can see there’s a wide variety of sofa types depending on your room layout, comfort needs, and personal preference!

Step 4: How To Choose A Sofa Style

Once you know the size and shape you also need to choose the sofa style. This involves everything from the silhouette, sofa legs, back, and arm style.

Popular Sofa Styles

Here are some most popular sofa styles that have stood the test of time:

Chesterfield Sofa is a classic with button tufting and rolled arms for a formal timeless look.
Mid-Century Modern Sofas have clean lines, tapered legs, and a low profile. Great for minimalist or contemporary spaces.
The Florence Knoll Sofa is another version that has clean lines, tufted cushions, and sleek chrome legs.
Divan Sofa a backless sofa or couch, typically placed against a wall, that can be used for seating or as a day bed for lounging and sleeping.

Lawson Sofa has loose cushions and low comfortable arms that’s perfect for lounging.
Tuxedo Sofa has a formal style with high, even arms and back that give it a structured elegant look.
Camelback Sofa features a curved, hump-like back that adds a traditional and sophisticated touch.
Bridgewater Sofa is a relaxed, casual style with slightly rolled arms and a more informal look, great for comfort.

English Roll Arm Sofa is known for its low, rolled arms and deep seating is stylish and comfortable.
Track Arm Sofa has a modern silhouette with straight, squared-off arms perfect for contemporary and minimalist designs.
Channel Back Sofa has vertical upholstered channels or ridges on the backrest for added texture and sophistication.
Tight Back Sofa features a firm, non-removable back cushionfor a clean tailored look. It requires less maintenance, ideal for a structured aesthetic.

Unique Sofas

These unique sofas will make a statement in an room they’re in!

Soriana Sofa – Designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa, this iconic 1970s Italian design features soft, plush cushions held by an external metal frame, offering both luxury and comfort.
Scarpa Sofa – Named after its designer Carlo Scarpa, this sofa has a sleek, architectural look, with a focus on craftsmanship and unique geometric lines.
Terrazza Sofa – Designed by De Pas, D’Urbino, and Lomazzi, it features a layered, terrace-like cushion structure, providing bold, sculptural appeal.
Sandra Sofa for Cinna – A contemporary design by Pascal Mourgue for Cinna, known for its soft curves and cozy, inviting appearance.

shop all sofas

There are so many to choose from it just depends on your tastes, needs, and design style.

Step 5: Select Fabrics and Materials

Sofas come in a wide variety of fabrics and materials. Leather and performance fabrics are great for durability and easy cleanup. They’re perfect if you have kids or pets, but they do cost more.

Fabrics like linen and cotton come in endless sofa colors and patterns. For something soft and luxurious, a velvet sofa is a great option but it can require more maintenance.

Popular Sofa Fabrics

Other popular sofa fabrics include

Tweed
Basketweave
Twill
Microfiber

Some sofas even come in a combination of fabrics. Make sure the fabric you choose matches your lifestyle and how much use the sofa will get.

Pro Tip: Order free swatches of the fabrics you like. Look at them in your own home with natural and artificial lighting to make sure they work with the other pieces in your room.

Look at everything in your design as a whole not just individual pieces. That way you’ll know all the undertones will work together and nothing looks out of place.

Designer Home 101

If you need help with this sign up for my course Designer Home 101 where you’ll learn everything you need to know to create a space that looks like you hired a design.

Step 6: Pick a Color and Pattern

Once you have your fabric you need to choose the color and pattern which could also be texture. If you want a sofa that blends seamlessly with any décor and style choose neutral tones like gray, beige, greige, or white. They’ll be the perfect backdrop and easier to match to other furniture.

To make a bold statement choose a bright color or patterned fabric. Just remember to think about the room’s overall color scheme when deciding.

Step 7: Choose your Comfort and Support

Whenever possible sit on the sofas in the store to get an idea of the comfort level you want. Consider the cushion depth, firmness, and overall support. Some people like soft, squishy cushions, while others prefer firmer ones.

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Make sure the sofa offers enough back and seat support because you‘ll be spending a lot of time on it! If you have bad knees sit on a firm sofa and see how easy it is to get up.

Sofa Cushion Filling

The cushion you choose should match your lifestyle and physical ability. Some cushion options include:

Feather and Down Cushions need to be fully wrapped in a muslin casing or you’ll have feathers coming out. They are extremely comfortable but do require occasional fluffing to keep their shape. If you have allergies down is NOT for you.
Innerspring Cushions have pocketed coil springs inside the cushion for added durability and firmness, similar to a mattress so it’ll keep its shape longer.
Spring Down Cushions combines a core of coil springs with down or feather wrapping. The springs have firmness and support, while the down or feather adds softness and luxury.
Foam Cushions have a firm and supportive cushion option with a structured feel. Different densities of foam can affect the softness or firmness of the cushion.
Memory Foam Cushions provide contouring support that molds to the body, offering comfort and pressure relief. It’s a great option for those who prefer a cushioned, body-hugging feel.

Spring Options

Aside from the cushions, the springs you choose will affect the support. Options include:

Eight-way hand-tied Springs are the highest quality and are found in high-end sofas. They have superior comfort, durability, and even weight distribution.
Sinuous Springs (S-Springs) are “S”-shaped springs that go from the front to the back of the sofa frame. They have firm support and are often found in modern and mid-priced sofas.
Coil Springs are individual, coiled metal springs that are inside the cushion and connected to the frame. They have excellent support and durability with a firm but comfortable seating experience.
Webbing are strips of elastic or fabric webbing stretched across the frame. They’re usually used in more affordable sofas and are less durable than springs.

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how to choose a sofa construction that will last

Sofa Frame Options

Kiln-dried hardwood: Wood that has been dried in a kiln to remove moisture, making it strong, durable, and resistant to warping or cracking over time.
Solid hardwood: High-quality, dense wood like oak, maple, or walnut, known for its strength and longevity, providing a sturdy frame that can last for years.
Softwoods: Woods like pine or cedar that are lighter and less durable than hardwood, but still a better choice than engineered wood for a frame.
Engineered wood: A composite material made from wood fibers and glue, less durable and more prone to damage compared to solid or kiln-dried hardwood.

And that my friends is a wrap!

You now know how to choose a sofa for any room in your home. I know this was a lot of information but it’s important to remember that the average person keeps their sofa for 7 to 15 years. So you really need to make sure the one you choose is durable, comfortable, and fits your design style.

I hope this information helps you feel more confident about choosing the perfect sofa for your living room or any other space in your home. Don’t forget to think about how you need the sofa to function, the size, style, materials, comfort, and color to find the perfect one for your home and lifestyle.

If you take your time to pick the right sofa, you’ll be happy with your decision for many years to come!

This post is all about how to choose a sofa.

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Last Updated on September 9, 2024 by Nicole DelaCruz

7 Pro Tips For How To Choose A Sofa For Any Style Or Budget

Step 1: Consider the Functionality