A sofa is the largest piece of furniture in most living rooms and choosing the right piece for the space is crucial to achieve the desired décor effect.  However, we are not decorating a doll house and human beings need to live comfortably in the space. 

The matter of choosing the right sofa gets more complicated with the choice of fabrics, available seating area, materials used in the construction and frankly, the level of comfort.

- Construction –

Learn about the construction of the sofa.  Kiln dried hardwood construction removes moisture from the wood.  Inspect the frame and assess that the wood is knot-free.   An 8-way tied springs system is preferable to wire coils due to its added strength and support.

- Materials –

If the construction of the sofa has met the above mentioned quality standards, choosing the right fabric is paramount to have a sofa that will look new and be comfortable for years.  Consider how many people will use the sofa on a daily basis and how it will be used.  Consider how the fabric will stand up to constant lounging, sleeping, family members and guests.

Consider the nap of the fabric, how easily it will stain or resist stains.  Consider the weave of the fabric and how much dust will it absorb and gather, or how easily the weave will snag or fray.  Consider how often anyone is likely to vacuum the sofa on a regular basis.  Assess if leather would be more durable and maintenance-free than fabric.

- Cushions –

Cushions that are sewn into the back of the couch do not require constant re-arranging and fluffing.  Loose cushions can be changed to update the look of a solidly built sofa.  The density of the foam is crucial to the life of the piece.  The higher the density, the better the cushions will retain their shape.

- Comfort –

Consider who will be using the sofa the most.  If the person is elderly, the couch needs to be at the right height to make it easy to get in and off the couch.  Consider the weight and height of all adults, a man over six feet tall will require a deeper seat and height to sit and lounge comfortably.

- Color –

Some will say to stay with neutral colors and allow the sofa to blend with the décor.  This is good advice, however, if the sofa has met all the above requirements, it is perfectly okay to get the color you always dreamed of and make the room coordinate with the sofa.  After all, the sofa will cost a lot more than a gallon of paint and will last a lot longer.