Buying a sofa can more difficult than you’d think, seeing as it’s a piece you’ll most likely keep for several years. Whether you’re moving to a new place or you simply want to redecorate your living room (maybe to bring some good vibes around) there are a few things to take into account. For example, you must be able to answer three questions before buying a couch:

  • How long do you plan to have it?
  • Where’s it going?
  • Will it fit into the decor of your place?

To help you out, here are our tips to choose the right sofa!

A beautiful combination of patterns with the center table and cushions.
A beautiful combination of patterns with the center table and cushions. Image source: Miskelly

Style

This mid-century modern blue couch is just gorgeous!
This mid-century modern blue couch is just gorgeous! Image source: West elm

Whether you’re going for modern or traditional, you’ll definitely find the right style among these 10 different types of couches. In case you didn’t find your dream style, there are also these options:

  • Sectional Sofa
  • Bridgewater
  • Pull Out Sofabed
  • Futon
  • Loveseat

Related: How Contemporary Furniture Can Help You Do More With Less

Size and Shape

Take a look at all these different shapes and sizes you can explore.
Take a look at all these different shapes and sizes you can explore. Image source: Marcus Design

A nicely planned living room is essential for our well-being. For that to happen, you’ll need to take a lot of measurements - not only the length of the wall and sofa, but the size of the whole room, and also the width plus both ends of the couch. This Daily Herald article might give you a better idea when it comes to size.

Filler Type

Make sure to do the research before buying your couch.
Make sure to do the research before buying your couch! Image source: New Darlings

The most common types are:

  • Foam: The most used filling for indoor couches. Foam is firm and keeps its shape well, requiring very little maintenance. There’s a variety of densities which you can read more about at Home Guides.
  • Feathers and Down: Feathers and down-filled cushions are a bit more expensive than others, but they’re ideal if you want a couch you can really sink into instead of just sitting. An option that’s getting quite popular is the hybrid foam-feather filling, where you have foam in the middle and feathers around it, keeping the cushions both firm and comfy.
  • Batting: This is actually used along with foam fillings to help keep it smooth; it’s usually made from cotton, wool or polyester.
  • Polyester: With a variety of densities available, all polyester kinds are durable. However, cluster-polyester is the most long-lasting one. A good tip for those who like feather or down, but have allergies, is faux-down polyester - which looks and feels like down, with the advantage of costing less money.

Polyester has an advantage over the others since it’s more budget-friendly. You can learn more about frames, supports, and fillings at Wayfair.

Fabrics

If you have pets at home, make sure to choose a fabric that's pet-friendly.
If you have pets at home, make sure to choose a fabric that’s pet-friendly. Image source: Like to Know it

You must consider durability, style, and color. There are basically two types of fabric: natural and synthetic. The natural ones include:

  • Linen: It adds elegance to the room with its formal appearance, but it can get wrinkled easily if not cared for properly.
  • Leather: Although it’s a bit uncomfortable in hot weather, it provides the best durability since it can last for around 15 years without getting stained or growing mildew. Plus, it’s super easy to clean and pet-friendly. Definitely the best choice for cat and dog owners.
  • Cotton: You can find several patterns and colors, it’s easy to care for, and it has a good sunlight resistance.
  • Wool: Dry cleaning it or simply vacuuming makes it easy to clean, and it’s a good choice for families with kids. Despite not holding up well against sunlight exposure, wool is pleasing to touch and is durable.
  • Silk: The most lovely fabric, so smooth to the touch, and holds its shape well. Just remember it might be expensive, and doesn’t have the best resistance to sunlight and stains.

And the synthetic:

  • Acrylic: This fabric is all about the pros! It has amazing sunlight resistance, and it’s also stain-resistant and scratch-resistant. It comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, and to top it all: it’s inexpensive.
  • Nylon: It’s durable, with a good resistance to abrasion and stains, but not to sunlight.
  • Polyester: Easy care, sturdy, and durable. Similar to cotton when it comes to versatility.
  • Acetate: Somewhat similar to silk, but it’s resistant to shrinking and wrinkling. Just be careful with products containing alcohol because they’ll melt the fabric.
  • Rayon: Not so easy-care and not so durable, but it’s an inexpensive and versatile fabric.

To learn more about each type, go over to Better Homes & Gardens. Also, make sure to check The Biggest Fabric Trends for 2017.

Patterns

Make your patterned sofa work by keeping the other decoration pieces simple.
Make your patterned sofa work by keeping the other decoration pieces simple. Image source: Domino

A patterned couch is harder to plan decor around, but if you fall in love with a patterned sofa, it’s totally possible to make it work. Patterned sofas are a good choice if you want your living room to stand out and show off your personality. It’s the boldest choice for sure!

Are you feeling confident to buy your couch now? Let us know what you think in the comments below and click to find more great Living Room tips!

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