A sofa is to the living room what a table is to your dining room or a bed is to the bedroom; it is your foundation piece, your starting point, your grand statement. A sofa is often one of the largest furniture purchases you will make. When considering the multitude of styles, fabrics and sizes out there I thought it might be helpful to begin your search with a few simple tips.
1. Size & Style: Have the dimensions of your room with you while shopping and keep these few simple rules in mind... . Small-scale sofas can quickly become overwhelmed in a wide, open room (unless paired in twos) while cozy, deep-set sofas can cramp a tinier space. Clean, modern lines look amazing in sleek, urbane spaces but seem horribly out of place in a cottage or traditional setting where as firm, high-back sofas reign supreme in the most formal of rooms. For a tried and true look opt for a classic square-arm or tuxedo sofa whose clean lines work well with almost any decor. Don't forget to see how the height of the seat & arms feel when you are sitting down.
2. Fabric: Tightly woven fabrics such as cotton, pollycotton or twill are great for their durability. Leathers are best in full-grain, rather than corrected-grain ("feel agents" are added to the leather to create a finish that feels soft to the touch but is not actually high quality), and can lend a rustic, masculine touch to most spaces. For an elegant, timeless statement try linen, the newer organic linens, soft velvets or faux suede. Tufting is another fabulous way to create pattern and dimension on a sofa. It also goes a long way in upping your glamour factor. But before committing to an upholstery selection check out their cleaning code label and bring home swatches to see how the fabric transforms within the walls of your unique space.
3. Color: I firmly believe that an investment piece should adapt to time and tastes. A neutral fabric choice offers the perfect backdrop for easy accessory updates & decorating changes. My forever favorite is a durable off-white, cotton twill slipcovered sofa.
4. Frame & Filling: This is a true matter of how much you are comfortable spending. Top-of-the-line construction usually means eight-way hand tied coiled springs. As a general rule, the more hand tied the less risk your sofa will warp with time. But, there are other options out there. The key is to look for stability & workmanship (a solid, heavy wood frame that is both glued and screwed together with straight seaming). Trying out different cushion options will also give you a good idea of how a specific sofa will sit.
5. Cost: Custom sofas are exactly tailored to your needs but often cost a great deal more & usually take several months to build. For the best deals a semi-custom sofa from a large retailer allows you to choose your own fabric from their manufacturer's line and keeps prices lower than a true custom piece.
*Photograph via Restoration Hardware: featured sofa is the Belgian Shelter Arm Sofa (slipcovered collection)
