What sofa to buy?

Let’s start with two major questions: Modular sofa or sectional? Leather sofa or fabric?

How do you measure the size of a sofa?

Before choosing the model, you’ll probably need to determine how much space you have. Do you need to consider the furniture that sits behind the sofa? Here are some helpful calculations for adding a couch or chair to your décor, even if you shop online.

How do I measure the height of a sofa?

• The seat: This is measured at 90-degree angles from the floor to just above the bulkiest part of the seat cushion.

• The back: The back is measured from the top of the backrest to the junction of the seat cushion.

How do I measure the depth of a sofa?

• The seat: The interior depth is calculated in a straight line from the end of the seat cushion, where the knees rest, to where the cushion meets the back of the sofa.

Tip: If the backrest of the sofa sits at an angle, include the angle of the couch to find the total depth.

• Seat angle: The curvature of the backrest refers to the angle of inclination in relation to the vertical seat of the couch.

How do I measure the width of a sofa?

• The seat: The inside width is measured in a straight line between the outside of the left seat cushion to the centre of the right seat cushion.

Tip: Have one large cushion? Divide its length by the number of seats.

• Armrest space: This is the distance between the outside of the left armrest to the right armrest, where the hands sit.

Do you live in an apartment, a condo, or are you simply feeling a bit cramped? Start looking for options for small spaces, like a condo couch or an apartment couch.

Tip: To properly integrate a new piece of furniture in your home, mark the floor with tape to visualize the sofa in the space.

What are the different models of couches and armchairs?

Now that you have a clear idea of your needs, it’s time to evaluate your options. Here are the different types of sofas that make up our modern-contemporary furniture collection.

Sectionals or “corner sofas”

These modern living room sofas are L-shaped, U-shaped or semi-circular. Their assembly allows you to adapt the furniture to your space.

Modulars or “composable sofas”

These sofas have the flexibility of allowing you to reorganize their components as you need: armchairs, meridian seats and side tables. They’re offered in sets or by individual pieces.

Create custom assemblies and redefine your daily life, these pieces are completely independent!

Which is the better choice: sectional or modular?

It all depends on your needs.

When to use a sectional sofa? Sectional sofas are a centerpiece often used for gatherings. They’re also great for a family room sofa or home theater design.

Modular sofas are great for rearranging spaces. They’re better suited for small rooms than sectionals because you can choose the number of components.

About the layout, is the corner, or the meridian, on the left or on the right?

The position of the corner piece, or meridian, of a sectional or modular couch is decided by how you face the furniture. So, a “right-hand” meridian in a photo will be to your left when you sit on the sofa.

Lawson straight sofas

Loveseats, two-seater sofas and three or four-seater couches or more, all have a seat and back cushions. Their armrests are upholstered.

Sofa sizes:

• What is the size of a loveseat sofa? 170 x 90 x 40 cm
• What is the size of a three-seater sofa? 200 x 90 x 40 cm
• What is the size of a four-seater sofa? 250 x 90 x 40 cm

A convertible fold-away bed is somewhat heavy, so just how much does it weigh?

The average weight of a double sofa bed is 75 kg. However, there is a large weight variation with this kind of furniture.

Meridians or “armless chaise”

Meridians usually don’t have armrests, and they incorporate a small backrest which only extends over part of the length of the piece.

Armchair, accent chairs and lounge chaises

An armchair will normally have two armrests. Otherwise, it’s referred to as a single sofa chair. However, some versions of armchairs without armrests are considered accent chairs.

The lounge chaise favours a reclining position as opposed to a reclining accent chair, which also offers right-angle seating.

Ottomans, benches and “bean bag” sofa chairs

These seats accommodate one person and do not have a backrest, in other words, a backless sofa. It’s called a bag, or a bean bag, when the furniture doesn’t have a frame.

With the DESIGN preview tool, virtually map out the sofa and accessories you want to help you decide if the pieces work in the space. This easy tool gives you an accurate preview of your future room, furniture and all. 

How do I choose a sofa fabric?

Natural fibres

Natural materials such as cotton, linen and wool offer strong durability. They’re tightly knit, have a variety of patterns and are hypoallergenic.

However, these coverings are susceptible to gradual discolouration in the sun. Additionally, they require a certain amount of maintenance to preserve the delicate fibers. Visit our website to learn how to clean a fabric sofa.

Synthetic materials

Synthetic materials such as polyester, microfiber and chenille offer good stain and fade resistance. However, greasy stains may end up being impossible to remove.

Static and deterioration of the fibers are important to watch out for. However, synthetic materials are often synonymous with less costly couches.

Leather

Several types exist: genuine leather, top grain leather, full grain leather, genuine suede leather sofas, etc. But can you change the colour of a leather sofa? Yes! And it’s durable, odour resistant and fairly easy to maintain.

Keep in mind that leather can be very expensive to repair if stained or torn. Read our blog post to learn how to clean a leather sofa.

Is faux leather a compromise? Perhaps. PVC, polyurethane and polyamide are some more affordable alternatives. Like synthetic fabrics, leatherette is very good at resisting fading, but this material may explain why your “faux” leather sofa is succumbing to peeling.

So which is better, a leather or material sofa?

It depends on your priorities and your budget.

Do you have children or pets? Leather could be an option. It offers good stain and scratch resistance as well as odour resistance. But it’s usually more expensive than fabric.

Your comfort is important. Some people don’t like the sticky or cold texture of leather when the temperature rises or falls. Fabric might be reputed to make more comfortable couches. Not to mention that coverings made from natural fibres help reduce allergies.

What about the decor? Fabric has a versatility that leather does not, but leather is a timeless classic.

Essentially, the best buy for a sofa is the couch or chair that best suits your needs.

All tastes can be accommodated, and many options are available to you. Our colleague Marie-Hélène, for example, splurged on a large sectional in cognac leather. Our colleague Guy, on the other hand, works from home and has opted for a comfy office couch. He adds it to his gray modular sofa as needed. And let’s not forget, our intern Salma is more interested in a patterned accent chair to create a “wow” effect in her apartment.

Want to dream big while keeping an eye on your budget? Go ahead, we offer financing plans as well as protection plans.