Choosing a sofa can be more complicated than you thought.
There are the obvious considerations: what shape, what size and what colour but one must also consider access and accessibility, sustainability and environmental factors including functionality and durability.
Sofas are often the focal point of a room and used daily so they are really worth the investment. Take some time to consider yours and how it would work best for you 🤍
MEASURE TWICE..
Have you heard the age old saying measure twice cut once? We may not be making the sofa ourselves but it’s essential that it not only fits the space but that it can get to where it will be!
The three measurements needed are the
sofa height
check the height of the sofa to make sure occasional tables and sideboards are not higher than the back rest – this really wouldn’t do.
sofa width
you need to be able to move freely around the sofa and as a general rule of thumb you should allow at least 500mm before any furniture goes in front of it
sofa depth
sofa depth varies from 800mm – 1100 mm and can really impact a space – its important to check yours – especially if it needs to get through a door frame which can be as little as 720mm
STAIRS
if your sofa needs to get around a staircase measure the shortest width of the staircase (make deductions for handrails & wall lights). If the distance is wider than the height of the sofa it will fit.
BANNISTERS
To ensure the sofa can be lifted over the bannisters ensure the distance from the bannister to the ceiling is greater than the depth of the sofa
DOORWAYS
Measure the internal width of the doorframe and make sure this is greater than the height of your sofa.
INTERNAL ROUTE
Check the route the sofa needs to go through to get to the space it will live in. shelves, radiators, paneling and light fittings are all potential obstacles that need to be considered. As long as the width at the narrowest point is greater than the height of the sofa the sofa will definitely make it.
Lots of modular sofas or sofas in even in a box are available now so you can get them into tight spaces if space or access is tricky try these retailers: sofa.com, snug & swift.
SHAPES & STYLE
The style and shape of the sofa are important considerations. A Chesterfield or vintage number are really decorative and can look great but the arms and curve of the back rest can take up quite a lot of a space.
A mid century sofa has feet while a contemporary sofas tend to have a relatively low back and small feet. These is are all key considerations; it is important to choose a sofa that suits the overall space.
If your sofas are facing each other tall arms are good to lean against, while arms themselves can be really chunky reducing the actual seat space on offer, keep an eye on this.
Sofas are becoming more of a statement piece with curves and funky arms so there are unique styles to compliment different aesthetics.
Contemporary corner sofas (L shaped) are great space savers and can frame a room while acting as a focal point.
U and C shaped sofas are for bigger spaces that are more equal in length and width and can really pack a punch.
Favourite sofa retailers include Swetpea and willow, Soho home & darlings of Chelsea have something for everyone x
FABRIC
There are so many fabric choices on the market..
The fabric you choose should be of an Upholestry weight, this means you want a rub count (abrasion resistance) between 1500 and 25000 rubs. otherwise your sofa will look tired before you do..
linen and cotton crease easily but it is cool in the winter and warm in the summer.
Wool is not always easy to clean and can bobble but it is a natural fibre and is washable at cold temperatures or it can shrink. These days wool is mixed with a synthetic fibre to make it even more durable
Velvet marks easily but does have a more luxurious feel, bringing depth and texture to a sofa. There are some popular faux fabrics on the market today.
Synthetic fibres including polyester and nylon are stain and fade resistant.
sofa fabrics often have the option to come with a protection plan . For example guardsman chemically treat the fabric to make it stain proof or they will offer compensation if a stain cannot be removed. These are done with really harsh chemicals so you do need to consider whether you want them in your home.
Indoor/outdoor fabrics are also on the market now which are water and stain resistant. These are beautifully soft but full of micro plastics. It is nearly impossible to find a good outdoor fabric that isn’t made with acrylic. The USP is that they can be left outside and are mould resistant, however they are made with a plastic coating that makes them pretty bad for the environment. Cotton uses so much water that although it is a natural fibre this also has its draw backs, it will also fade in the sun and need replacing more quickly.
We are constantly striving for sustainable solutions, and while we dont have the perfect solution yet efforts. are being made towards this direction.
CUSHION FILLINGS
Foam is the standard material for seat cushions. It is hard wearing and keeps it shape.
FIbre îs a mân made polyester strands filled with air. This gives the sink in feeling when you sit down.
There are two types of fibre. Blown fibre has random pockets of air, making for a super soft cushions. Pocket of ball fibre are used when bags of foam are seen together and filled with fibres. These cushions are really good at maintaining body temperature.
Foam & Fibre have the support of foam with the softness of fibre. Cheaper than a feather wrap but still need some plumping. and turning.
Feather filled cushions feel soft and luxurious and will mould to your shape. without the bounce of foam they will need plumping daily and and shaking.
Feather & Fibre is a great choice with the softness of feathers and firmness of fibre.
Consideration should be given to Feathers with allergens. As the covers are usually tightly woven sofas this isn’t usually a problem as it is for bedroom pillows.
SOFA BEDS
sofa beds have come along way since the humble futon. They are now luxurious and comfortable and often a much needed addition when guests arrive. Make sure when the sofa becomes a bed there is enough free space.
Some sofa beds even come with storage space for spare bedding.
Sofas are for comfort, for relaxing and for forging connections with others. We use sofas when we are being entertained, when we are relaxing and even when we are working.. Take time to consider the right option for you and the way you live 🤍
