Sofa Shopping

If you are in the market for a new sofa, start your hunt from the inside out. Focus on the mechanics of the sofa before you think about the aesthetics.  Consider only reputable furniture brands and stores who stand behind their work.

To start with, make sure the sofa seat decks are supported by steel coil springs that are hand tied eight ways.  Pick a frame made of kiln dried hardwood, where the joints are double doweled and every corner is clocked, screwed and glued.  Ask where furniture is made. Show concern, and shop carefully if you see that furniture is made in China. China in not known for high quality furniture production.  As a matter of fact, shop carefully, when purchasing any product made in China.

Once you have picked a line of sofas that will last a lifetime, it is time to select the shape size and material for your new sofa.  Make sure your sofa matches the style of your home. Do you need contemporary, traditional, Zen, French country, Southwest, or maybe somewhere in-between?  You want a sofa that will last years. Do you want a sofa with a high back or low back? Will your sofa been next to the wall or in the center of the room.  Look for a sofas scale for the room it will be placed.  You do not want of overpower a room with a sofa that is too large.  If you already have end tables you plan to use with your new sofa, check to be sure the sofa arm is only about 3 inches above or below the table so you can easily reach the table with seated.  Do you want a sofa with high arms so you can lean against it when you read? Do you need a sofa with low arms to so you can use them as a pillow when you nap? Do you like deep sofas that give you enough cushion room to curl up on?  Or do you want one that is shallower so your feet touch the floor comfortably?  Do you prefer firm cushions or something so soft that it swallows you up.  When you test your sofas, lose your inhibitions and sit in it just like you would at home.  If you throw your legs over the arms of the sofa when you watch television, do so on the showroom floor.  If you tuck your legs up under you when you read, kick off your shoes and assume that positions. 

Next select high quality upholstery fabric that is beautiful and durable.  My favorite sofa is a solid colored sofa with natural colors. I like to bring in pattern with my sofa accessories like my throw pillows, or a throw for the sofa. Manufactures are coming out with large scale patterns that are busy and trendy. Watch out for trendy patterns and colors. Zoom in on the small but important details that will cement your love for your new sofa.  Match or contrast welting, look at the wood legs or a tailored skirt.  Ask yourself if you want down filled cushions or foam cushions?  Take your time when shopping for your new sofa and you will find you will have years of enjoyment that will last forever!