Do you want to buy a new sofa? Its appearance is not the main thing in one of the most basic pieces of furniture in your living room…
Do you want to buy a new sofa? Its appearance is not the main thing in one of the most basic pieces of furniture in your living room…
Here are some tips on how to choose the right sofa that is pleasant to sit / lie on and that it lasts as long as possible.
1. Lifestyle
When choosing a sofa, it is important to understand how you will use it. Pay attention to how you sit on the sofa – reclining or with a straight
If the sofa is used as a couch and you like to lie down in front of the TV in the evening, a soft, shapeless sofa with lots of pillows will suit you. If you are sitting on a sofa with a straight back, the sofa needs to be firm, with thick vertical cushions and possibly wooden armrests.
2. Comfort
When you ask a salesperson in a furniture store “Which sofa is the most comfortable?”, most likely, he will show you a sofa that is not for sale in any way … Remember that comfort is subjective. You will have to “live” with the purchased sofa for a long time, so rely on your sense of comfort, and not on a consultant in the store.
3. The back of the sofa
The back of the sofa can be either solid or made up of several vertical pillows. The split backrest gives the sofa a more informal look.
On the other hand, this is not always essential. Any sofa can be covered with a bedspread or a blanket, then it will “play” in the interior in a new way.
If you have chosen a sofa with a compound back, remember that the cushion covers must be cleaned and washed periodically. The covers can be washed even in the washing machine.
To clean a sofa without covers, call a classifieds specialist (can be found online).
4. Rama
The basis of the sofa – the frame – is usually made of beech or birch. These are similar types of wood, characterized by durability and reliability. For the frame, either an array is used, or it is made from component parts. The array, of course, is more expensive. But it will last longer.
The most durable are oak frames. But such sofas are expensive – from 50 thousand rubles.
It is probably not worth using metal frames at home, such sofas are more suitable for the office.
In any case, the frame of the sofa will last longer if it is used carefully (do not jump!).
5. Springs or foam rubber
The main fillers for the “seats” of the sofa are either springs or foam rubber.
It is a mistake to think that spring sofas are better. For the spring “stuffing” of the sofa, you need a large and massive base, which will not fit in a small sofa, if you need one based on the interior. In addition, over time, the springs can “crawl out.” Spring sofas may be suitable for people with back pain who are advised by doctors to sit on hard surfaces.
On the other hand, foam rubber is synthetic, and many do not accept this in their apartments. Synthetic padding is too soft.
The best choice would be a sofa with a combination of several layers of synthetic fillers: inside a solid polyurethane base, above – a soft material.
Also, sofas are filled with more expensive and elastic material – latex.
6. Upholstery
Leather sofas are considered by many to be unsuitable for home interiors. On the other hand, leather is one of the most durable and unpretentious materials.
However, the consumer qualities of synthetic materials are constantly increasing, in particular, today you can buy a sofa with microfiber upholstery.
One of the most expensive natural materials for upholstery of upholstered furniture – chenille – is considered to be elite on a level with leather.
Sofas with tapestry upholstery are the best option. Its composition, in addition to natural fibers, includes synthetic ones, in addition, it is coated with water-repellent impregnation.
It is important that the sofa has a zipper on the upholstery or with a removable cover – for washing and ventilating the “insides”.
7. Mechanisms
If you plan to use the sofa as a bed, it must be folded out. The sofa mechanism most familiar to all Russians is the “sofa book”. This is a classic. Of the shortcomings – two people will sleep back to back, you must constantly move away from the wall.
“Eurobooks” or “click-clack” – just a kind of “sofa-book” (the back has several positions for fixing).
“French book” – to expand such a sofa, you need to pull out the seat with legs. The legs must be strong, sometimes they tend to give way.
Roll-out mechanism gives more space for sleeping. However, such a sofa is suitable for a large room – when unfolded, it takes up a lot of space.
“Accordion” – a kind of roll-out mechanism. Reliable. This is the best option.
8. Thoughts
Dumkami are cheek pads – irreplaceable assistants in creating comfort. Scattered thoughts on the sofa give it sophistication and comfort.
Modern synthetic pillow fillers, such as foam balls or holofiber, require a more “hard” position for a person on the sofa. Pillows made of natural fillers – fluff – are softer, as if you fall into them. Down – can be an irritant for allergy sufferers.
In any case, after buying a sofa, pillows need to be fluffed and shaken from time to time. Then they will last longer and retain their original shape.
9. Trends
Interior designers are advised to purchase sofas in neutral colors and pastel colors. Such a sofa can be draped with pillows or capes. Your sofa will always have “to the yard” in any interior. In addition, you can always order a new cover for a “simple” sofa.
10. Placement in the room
Many designers advise starting work on the appearance of the room with the placement of the largest item, which is often just a sofa. Match it with everything else. To evaluate how the sofa will look in the room, lay out its contours with newspapers on an empty floor. Remember that it is necessary to provide for its dimensions in the unfolded state – will there be enough space for you.
Corner sofas are suitable for small rooms.
Important! Before buying, measure the width and height of all doorways through which movers will bring your sofa. It’s a shame if a good sofa just won’t fit through your front door.
