Sofa Ruminations

“I’ve owned more sofas’ than I’ve had husbands. Both sag in the end, but I generally fall out of love with the furniture quicker than the men.” – Janet Street-Porter

Aww, the ubiquitous sofa. Known as the biggest martyr in the room, it gets the most abuse and no one appreciates it. A great sofa is a key ingredient in conjuring a beautiful and practical living space. So often we are bombarded with images either online or in catalogs and you see a perfect sofa, perfect room. What the catalog or social media picture fails to tell you is how deep it is, what the fabric is, what the fill is, or the seat height for that matter! I have had countless clients over the years who make a snap purchase of a sofa from an image they see online, and the real thing arrives only to disappoint terribly. Wrong size, fabric that pills, or cushions that aren’t comfy. Even worse are crummy springs that fail very quickly with daily use (or is it abuse?!)

“I want a sofa, as I want a friend, upon which I can repose familiarly. If you can’t have intimate terms and freedom with one and other, they are of no good.” – William Makepeace Thackery

Choosing the perfect sofa involves balancing style, comfort, and practicality. Consider these tips if you are sofa shopping: Clip this article and save for your next sofa purchase!

1. Determine your needs

• Size: Measure your space carefully. Consider the sofa's dimensions (width, depth, and height) to ensure it fits well without overwhelming the room. Make sure it does not pop up in front of a lower window because the sun will destroy it as fast as possible.

• Functionality: Think about how the sofa will be used. Will it be for lounging, entertaining, or as a guest bed? This will help determine the style and type (e.g., sectional, sleeper, loveseat).

• Room Layout: Consider the room’s layout and how the sofa will fit with existing furniture. Make sure there’s enough room to walk around it comfortably. Always allow a good 3 feet for walkways in and around a room. Also, pull your furniture into the middle of a room whenever possible. Don’t push it all against the walls, because that can look a little sad…

2. Choose the Right Style

• Aesthetic: The sofa should complement the existing décor. Whether you prefer modern, traditional, or something in between, ensure the sofa’s design matches your style. And I do mean “style”! In other words, sofas with cupholders and large overstuffed backs only say one thing: I am not stylish…

• Color and Fabric: Choose a color and fabric that suits your lifestyle. Darker colors and durable fabrics (like microfiber or leather) are better for high-traffic areas or homes with pets and kids. Lighter colors or delicate fabrics (like velvet) can work in less-used spaces. And my favorite: Washable slipcovers in linen or cotton are fabulous for kids, pets, and any type of casual lifestyle. I have always been surprised how little we sell of slipcovers at the shop when it is such a perfect fit for Southern Oregon.

3. Consider Comfort 

• Cushion Filling: Different fillings offer varying levels of comfort and durability. Foam is firm and supportive, while down-filled cushions are softer and more luxurious. We also carry a coil spring cushion wrapped in down that is soft, but springs back after use which is wonderful.

• Seat Depth and Height: Test the seat depth and height to ensure it's comfortable for your body type. A deeper seat is better for lounging, while a shallower seat suits more formal sitting. 

• Back Support: Check the backrest height and angle. Higher backs provide more support, while lower backs create a more casual look.

• Arm style: Thick track arms, or elbow height and curved? Will you be resting your head against those arms or having cocktails?

4. Evaluate Quality

• Frame Construction: A strong frame (usually made from kiln-dried hardwood) will ensure the sofa lasts. Avoid frames made from softwoods like pine, which can warp over time.

• Joinery: Look for sofas with frames joined by dowels, brackets, or corner blocks rather than just staples or nails. Always ask how a sofa is constructed when shopping for a sofa. It’s a big investment. Know how and where it is made!

• Springs: Check if the sofa has a good spring system, like eight-way hand-tied springs, for long-lasting comfort. This is another huge factor in determining a well-built sofa!

5. Test Durability

• Fabric Durability: For fabric sofas, check the Martindale or Wyzenbeek rub test score, which measures durability. A higher score indicates a tougher fabric. But remember: No fabric or leather is kitty claw resistant!

• Stain Resistance: Consider if the fabric is easy to clean or has stain-resistant properties, especially if you have kids or pets. Folex is one of the best upholstery cleaners that is easy to use. Also, the Bissel Little Green Portable Cleaner is a gem for cleaning up spills.

And lastly, now that you are armed with Sofa 101 knowledge from Krissy, consider the following:

Set a budget for your sofa and buy the absolute best quality you can afford. If you invest in a great piece, it can be recovered over time and keep working like a powerhouse over and over for your lifestyle. We have clients that purchased sofas from us 20 years ago and they are still gorgeous and providing comfort!

“What on earth could be more luxurious that a sofa, a book, and a cup of coffee?...Was ever anything so civil?” – Anthony Trollope

Cheers!
Krissy