Choosing the right new sofa is an important decision. It’s likely going to be with you for many years, so it’s essential that you consider these 6 important things before you make a decision on what sofa to buy.

1. Think about what you want the sofa for.

This is a great place to start. Once you know the purpose your new sofa will serve, you can begin to weigh up your available options. Ask yourself these questions:

  • Will your sofa be going in a family room for watching TV and playing video games etc?
  • Will pets be climbing onto the sofa?
  • How will you keep it clean?
  • How many people that will be using the room and how many people will you need to seat?
  • Or is the sofa for a more formal space that will be used less often?
  • Is the sofa or chair to be a show piece to add to the look of a particular space?

2. What size sofa can you fit in the room?

Careful consideration should be given to the size of your sofa or armchair. Measure your room space to see how large or small your sofa needs to be. Also consider whether you need to fit in other armchairs or an ottoman for storage. Laying down paper patterns on the floor to see how the space works can be a great idea.

Access is a very important consideration: can the sofa be delivered easily into the room due to the size of the doors and any stairways? If access is limited, you may consider having a sofa made that can be assembled in the room.

3. What is the best type of sofa?

Do you want a sofa or armchair with lots of cushions that you can kick back and relax on, or do you need to be supported and sit more upright? In a small space, narrower arms give the impression of more room. Is the look you are after a contemporary & modern with boxy cushions and chrome legs or a more classic look with a skirt or traditional turned legs? Would you like to include brass castors?

4. What fabric do you want for your sofa?

Flat weaves or woven patterns will retain their look for longer. Printed designs will give more impact but can date. Classic fabrics such as plain linen, velvet, or stripes will remain undated. Chenille, velvet, and wood give a cosy warm feel, while linens will give a cool, crisp, more contemporary look. Leather, depending on finish and style, can give either a traditional or modern look and while it is more expensive, with care it is very long-lasting.

5. The best sofa cushion ideas…

Cushion ideas are the thing we are asked about the most. If you are wanting a soft cushion that still retains a boxy shape, then foam filling the best option. Fibre-filled cushions give a soft, squishy feel with a good bounce, however after time they can go flat. Feather cushions are wonderfully soft with a casual look, but need to be plumped regularly. Feather and down cushions are the ultimate in luxury – soft as a cloud and amazing to just sink into but need to be plumped on a regular basis and are very expensive. Finally, you could opt for combination cushions feather with a foam core these give the softness of feather with a less casual look, however these can lose their shape after time.

6. Sofa frames and springs

Frames should be a solid beech wood for stability and longevity, and the seats need to sprung for comfort and quality. This is probably the most important part of your sofa or chair but the part least considered in when selecting one. A good quality solid sofa frame will give you years of comfort and service and choosing the right should be taken seriously. Most of us do not consider what is going on inside our sofa or armchair!

Made-to-order sofas and armchairs

This guide is intended for general information and considerations when thinking about buying a sofa or having a sofa or chair made. Our sofas and armchairs are all made to order and we will discuss all the options available. Sofas and armchairs ordered from us are completely bespoke and can be manufactured to size, style, and fabric of your choice.