How to Choose a Sofa, by Scott McGillivray

Sofa Size Matters

One of the most important things to get right is the size.  Consider the number of people you’ll need to accommodate, how the sofa fits into the room, and whether or not you’ll be able to get it where it needs to go. A surprising number of people forget about the last one! Make sure to measure the doorways, hallways and staircases to ensure the sofa will actually fit.  There’s nothing more disappointing than returning a sofa you love because it won’t fit through the door.

Style and Shape

There’s a huge variety of sofa styles and shapes available, and what you choose will be determined by your personal style and the style of your home.  It’s important to consider what kind of look you want to achieve before you make a big purchase. Think about the arm style, the cushion style, the shape of the back, and the base. Look at photos of how certain styles look in rooms similar to yours and determine what you like best.

Try our new DESIGN tool to create a room that fit your style and space!

Mobilia has some unique options that can fit a variety of different room styles. Whether you’re interested in sophisticated and cozy, understated and elegant, or classic and bold, you’ll find something to suit your home.

Consider Versatility

In some cases, you may want to consider a sectional that can accommodate a lot of people. Sectionals can be great in family rooms where lots of people tend to gather. But depending on what kind of space you have available, you might want to consider a modular sofa.

With modular sofas you can switch, swap, rearrange and reconfigure the pieces in any way you like. These can be particularly useful in small rooms because you can choose how many pieces you want, and rearrange them as needed (they’re also easier to get through narrow doorways, passageways and staircases).

Sofa Material

The sofa material you choose should be directly related to your lifestyle. By that I mean, if you have kids and pets, a material that easily stains may not be for you. The same goes for vacation properties and other furnished rental units. Natural fibres like cotton and linen can be comfortable to sit on and look great, however they can fade and/or be easily damaged. Leather is durable, but can be expensive.

Read our practical guide for your next sofa purchase.

So, consider who will use the sofa, how they will use it, and your budget. Sometimes in vacation rentals I opt for slipcovers so that the covers can be tossed in the washing machine between renters. Or at the very least, I opt for durable fabrics such as corduroy that can handle some wear and tear.

Comfort

Comfort should always be top of mind when choosing a sofa. If your sofa is in a room designed for relaxing, like a den or family room, consider a reclining model. Reclining sofas have come a long way style-wise, and Mobilia has a number of stylish options (some including electric head and footrests, and integrated USB ports!) Also, make sure it has the type of padding you want. If you’re the type to nap on the sofa, you’ll want to make sure it has the right amount of cushioning.

Read Scott’s tips on how to arrange living room furniture.

There are a lot of factors to consider when it comes time to choose a sofa, and there’s no one-size-fits-all method. Just make sure you consider all the factors and make the right choice for your home or rental. For more tips on choosing a sofa, including how to measure, visit mobilia.ca.