Buying a sofa is a significant decision, and you want to know you’re getting the right piece before you take the plunge. Do you feel lost finding the right sofa to suit your personality, your lifestyle and your living room here in San Antonio? You should consider many important factors, including covering, fabric durability, shape, comfort, size, color and more. But don’t get overwhelmed! We’re here to help you keep all these considerations straight with these nine questions that interior designers ask when choosing the ideal sofa.
This elegant and comfortable gray sofa pulls together this modern and luxurious space in our showroom. (Image credit: Danielle Ronan)
Some sofas look so beautiful that your immediate reaction is to purchase it based on how it looks. However, a question that you should ask yourself before purchasing a sectional or sofa is whether or not it is functional for your specific needs. Are you looking for a sofa that is cozy, allowing for everyone to relax during family time? Or, are you looking for a sitting room sofa that is mostly for casual use? It is imperative to reflect on these questions before choosing a sofa.
This may sound like an obvious question, but having measurements in hand while shopping for a sectional or sofa is a very important step. It can be easy to get caught up in the moment potentially leading to purchasing a sofa that won’t fit in your space. Keep in mind the width and height of your hallways and door openings as well.
Aesthetics are often what draws our eye to a particular sofa or sectional. Color and style are vital to your overall interior design concepts, but can you envision yourself sitting on it for hours snuggling under a blanket? Your sofa choice should not only be chic, but cozy enough to enjoy for extended periods of time. When shopping for sectionals, consider how you will use it. Are you looking for a sectional that is firmer, or are you searching for a plush feel that surrounds you while you watch movies?
If you are unsure about the quality, working closely with a designer can help. One of the biggest elements of an investment piece is to look for durability and structure. Seek out sofas or sectionals with frames that are made from sturdy materials such as hardwood (not plywood). Also look for how the frame is held together. The best construction uses a solid hardwood frame that is double doweled, corner blocked, glued and screwed. Look at the construction of the sofa as a vital element before investing.
A sofa is a core element of any living room’s aesthetic. It is a major design piece that everyone will focus on when stepping into a room. If you are unsure about conceptualizing the space, bring pictures of your space with you to help gain perspective.
Yes! Fabric choice is one of the most vital aspects to consider when purchasing a sofa. Why? Because choosing the wrong fabric for your lifestyle could end up being a disaster. If you have children, consider easy-to-clean fabrics. If you have pets, steering clear of woven fabrics can ensure your new investment piece stays intact. Consider a performance fabric like Sunbrella, Crypton or Revolution for stain resistance and durability. An expert tip: always hire a professional to apply a stain protectant to new upholstery.
The white sofa in this striking and distinctive area of our show room makes a bold statement against the blue walls. (Image credit: Danielle Ronan)
One of the best questions to ask yourself when shopping for a sofa or sectional is whether or not you want to make a statement. Staying in the neutral zone can help alleviate some of the worry that coincides with color choices. Contrasting throw pillows can add color and texture and can easily be changed for a fresh look. Working closely with a seasoned designer will help you to select a statement piece that you’ll love, if you decide to pursue that route.
Many people will feel overwhelmed with the sofa shopping experience. After a while, it can be daunting to know what you want. If you are still on the fence about the choices ahead of you, gaining advice from an interior designer can help. At Stowers, we offer complimentary design services to all of our customers.
Choosing a sofa or sectional is not an easy task. Fun, but not necessarily easy. Any large piece of furniture is going to become an investment in your home and lifestyle. Depending on your finances, you may want to consider coming up with a budget. With so many options available, it is critical to consider how much or how little you are willing to spend before you begin shopping.
Shopping for a new sofa or sectional can be an amazing experience. More importantly, going into your shopping experience with the right tools is important. The last thing you want is to end up with a piece of furniture that you don’t love. If you are starting on a sofa quest, we invite you to visit our showroom. Our designers will help you sort through all these questions and come up with exactly the right piece.
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