How to Buy a Sofa

A sofa is an integral part of any living room furniture set. Sofas come in all kinds of sizes and materials and are the centerpiece of your most relaxing room in the house.

Tips on buying a sofa

1. You should first determine your budget. There’s a big difference between what $500 and $1000 can buy. The price of the sofa will be determined by its size, whether or not it is mass produced, where you buy it and what kind of material is used to upholster the sofa.

2. Figure out how big of a sofa you need. If you live alone or with one other person, a two-seater might work fine for you. If you have a family or entertain often, you may want a longer sofa that can seat four to six people. The size of the sofa you buy, of course, will also depend on the size of the space where you intend to place it. Measure the space and take those measurements with you when you shop.

3. You may not have thought of it in the past, but now you need to think about the sofa’s frame. A frame of common lumber, such as pine or oak, will last much longer than a frame made of particle board, plywood or plastic. A good frame that is meant to last will be held together by screws, brackets dowels and some glue.

4. The sofa should also have coils in it to support whoever is sitting. The placement of the coils should cover the entire area underneath the cushions. No sofa is made to be bounced on; the coils should give slightly when you sit without noticeably sinking.

5. Sofa cushions and backs can be filled with down, synthetic materials or a combination of each. Synthetic material may not be as soft as down, but it is likely to retain its full shape for a longer period of time.

6. Finally, you must consider the type of upholstery you want. The options are endless, both in material and colors. Leather upholstery will cost more than other types. With fabrics, you can spend less or more, just as if you were buying cloth in a fabric store. Sturdier fabrics often have a slight corduroy look and feel to them.

Caution

When buying a sofa, be sure to check if the upholstery is or can be treated with a chemical coating that repels liquids and thus minimizes stains. Department stores and almost all furniture stores offer some kind of stain protection application.

Where to buy a sofa

Shop for your next sofa at one of these online retailers—

People’s Furniture offers a range of sofas in sizes small and large. Find leather and fabric designs.

NC Furniture House will have you sitting on a brand new sofa in no time. They specialize in sofa groups and sectionals.

JC Penney is a name you know and trust. Take a look at their selection of styles and fabrics.