A sofa is one of the larger furniture purchases you can make for your home, both in size and expense. And, because these large seating solutions are kept for an average of seven to 15 years, you don’t want to make a hasty decision.
To lessen your chances of making a buying mistake, thoroughly consider the size, style, color, and sofa use in your everyday life that your home requires before making a purchase.
Sofa Size
When thinking about the size of sofa you want, are you looking for a standard sofa that seats 3-4 people or are you thinking of going even larger — adding a sofa with a chaise or a sectional that has more seating options and takes up more space?
If you’re not quite sure, consider that the traditional sofa is 80 to 90 inches long, and about 39 to 41 inches deep. While back height varies depending on the sofa style, traditional and transitional backs may be a bit higher than the backs of a long, low-slung modern sofas.
To have the ability to stretch out on a sofa, you’ll want one that’s at least 78 inches long. If that’s not an option for your space, consider adding an ottoman, which can extend the seat area, allowing you to put your feet up, or lay down for a little siesta. A sofa-chase is also a great option, as it serves as a mini sofa of sorts.
If you have a larger room and you want seating for more people, consider a sectional sofa. Sectionals typically come in an “L” shape, consisting of three or more pieces that are connected by right- and/or left-arm loveseats and corner pieces. Modular sofas or sofas with ottomans allow you to build your own configuration to suit your room dimensions and style.
To learn what size sofa will fit best in your room, map out its footprint using butcher block paper or cut-up paper grocery bags in the appropriate dimensions. Tape them to the floor using painter’s tape. “Arrange” other furniture around the template — can you fit a coffee table and still walk around it? Will your end tables work? What about a rug, etc.?
Once you’ve decided on the sofa size, it’s time to think about the sofa style that best suits your home.
Settle on a Sofa Style
The sofa style you choose is ultimately up to you, but there are certain features to keep a lookout for that can help guide you toward a style that suits your home.
First, take a look at the arm of the sofa. A roll arm typically indicates a more traditional style like that of our Cleo or London Collection. For a cleaner look, consider a track or squared arm like our Salem or Capri Sofas.
In addition to the arm style, there are other style features to look for like the addition of a skirt or slipcover (like our Ava Sofa) or visible wooden legs (like our Capri and Collins).
The final consideration for sofa style is your intended use. Do you want to recline or stretch out? Motion sofas can be just as stylish as a regular sofa, so don’t be afraid to try these out, like the well-thought-out reclining features of our Tristan Sofa. Or do you need a sofa that doubles as a bed for your guest room? Then our Barrett and Addison Sleeper Sofas are a perfect solution.
Once you’ve decided on your sofa style, it’s time to pick the perfect fabric and color.
Fabric & Color
Consider your needs when selecting a fabric. Will young kids or pets be on the furniture? Then maybe the best choice is a performance fabric that resists stains and wipes easily. Or do you like the look of a natural linen or a woven cloth? Then a classic basketweave pattern might do the trick. Or do you love the feel and durability of natural leather? Leather offers a rich, textural look you’ll love for years to come.
As for color, we always say a neutral tone works best in the long run. Your sofa is the foundation of the room. It provides the base for the rest of your decor so be sure you choose something that is timeless or grounds the room. You’ll find sofas in shades like Presley Pearl, Linen Sand, Presley Oat, and Nomad Sand — all great neutrals that complement lots of furniture you may already have.
Adding in new, colorful Decorative Pillows is a great way to define the style of your room. It is the fashion accessory you add on and often change to freshen things up. You can also add blankets or a Fur Throw to add a touch of elegance and pattern to your room.
The Proverbial Kicking of the Tires
While you may choose a performance fabric to help with spills, or one that suits your style perfectly, neither of these things won’t do you any good if the sofa isn’t of a high enough quality to withstand years of sitting (and flopping and laying, etc.).
The final test for sofa compatibility is to make sure you have a sturdy frame. Ones made of kiln-dried hardwood resist warping and bending, offering years of use in your home.
All our sofas are crafted in kiln-dried hardwood frames, so you know they’ll last a long time and hold up to lots of family movie nights (and more). In addition to our sturdy frames, we insist on a high-quality, spring systems, and complex cushion construction for exceptional comfort, superb resiliency, strength, and confidence that can withstand a lot of use over time.
A sofa is a wonderful purchase that can really make quite a difference in your home. Make the best choice possible by considering all key factors before handing over your debit card.
Still deciding? Browse all our Grandin Road Seating Collections to find your perfect fit.