Sofas are one of the biggest investment pieces you’ll ever make when styling your living room and take up a large amount of floor space, so getting the right sofa for your space is absolutely essential. Not only do you need to consider the size of the sofa you want to purchase, but you also need to think about the sofa’s shape, size, upholstery, colour, and whether a Nick Scali sofa is the right one for you or if Freedom has what you need.
With so much to think about, choosing the right sofa for your living space can feel a bit overwhelming. So, to help you find the perfect piece, we’ve created a quick and easy guide to choosing the right living room sofa for your space. So, without further ado, here are the key things you need to consider when purchasing your next living room sofa.
The size of your living room
It might seem obvious, but one of the key mistakes people make when choosing a sofa for their living space is buying one that’s either too big or too small. When considering the right sofa for your living room, make sure you measure the area you’re wanting to put it in first. You’ll need to make sure there’s enough space for people to walk past or around the sofa once it’s in position and whether it’ll obstruct any window views.
Also, when you’re measuring your space, try to take into consideration any other furniture you have in your living room, such as coffee tables, floor lamps, entertainment units and bookshelves. You’ll need to make sure that people can walk around all your other living room furniture as well when your new sofa is in place. Finally, don’t forget to measure the doorway! The last thing you want is to have to return your dream sofa because it can’t fit through the door.
If you’re short on space, consider a sofa that’s raised off the floor with narrow arms, to create the illusion that your living room is larger than it is. Nick Scali has a great range of sofas like these that’ll make your space feel incredibly roomy, despite the small floor area.
The shape of sofa you need
The shape of the sofa won’t just be dictated by the size of your living room. It’ll also need to ensure it aligns with not just your lifestyle, but your aesthetic as well. Think about the overall concept of your space as you explore different sofa shapes. Do you want a sofa you can stretch out on? Does it need to accommodate several people? Is it for a formal living room or a bustling family space?
Modular sofas are an incredibly popular shape, as they offer both comfort and flexibility. You can stretch out at one end and curl up with a good book at the other end (if you include a chaise), it’s large enough to seat multiple people and can also help frame your living space. Freedom has a great range of modular sofas available in so many different colours and styles, however those with a smaller living room may find a modular sofa slightly too big for their space.
If your living room floor area is a bit tight, instead of opting for just one living room sofa in a specific shape, it may be beneficial for you to invest in two smaller sofas. Nick Scali sofas are always a good choice when it comes to chic living room furniture, and they also have great two-seater sofas with slim legs that you can place in your living room to make it both spacious and stylish.
Your sofa’s upholstery
When considering the upholstery of your sofa you have two main options: leather or fabric.
Leather sofas may have a higher price tag, but they’re easy to clean and durable. They may show signs of age after a few years of use, as well as the usual stains, scratches and creases every sofa is susceptible to, however the great part about this is that, like a fine wine, leather sofas tend to get better with age as they’re more comfortable and give your space a bit more character.
Fabric sofas tend to look cosier than their leather counterparts and have a wider range of colours, patterns and textures to choose from. We’re talking everything from the on-trend boucle to linen, velvet and or just good old woven fabric. These sofas tend to be cooler in summer and warmer in winter, whilst leather is generally cool all year round, they are also more difficult to clean and are less forgiving when it comes to stains.
If you’re leaning more towards a fabric sofa, Freedom have living room sofas in so many on-trend textures. We recommend getting your sofa Scotchguarded before it’s delivered, for an extra layer of protection.
For leather sofas, you may want to cast your eye over Nick Scali’s sleek selection or pop into La-Z-Boy to check out their range for a leather sofa with built-in recliners.
Your budget
Finally, when it comes to choosing the perfect living room sofa, you’re definitely going to have to consider how much you’re able to spend. Sofas can range from $200 to $20,000, with designer and bespoke pieces even exceeding those numbers, so when you’re shopping for a new sofa, the biggest questions you’ll probably want to ask yourself when considering your budget is whether you’re looking for a new sofa or a forever sofa.
If you’re looking for a forever sofa, you’re going to want to invest in a piece that’s durable and high-quality. Sofas are one of the most used items of furniture in your entire home and often must survive jumping, long periods of sitting, spills, and the odd relocation or two, so when browsing for a forever sofa, pay close attention to the quality of the fabric, craftsmanship, internal cushioning, springs, webbing and stitching, as well as the price tag.
If you’re simply looking for a new sofa to replace one that’s reached the end of its long life, then you can probably afford to be more lenient when it comes to craftsmanship, although it’s still important to make sure your sofa is durable and will last a long time.
If you’re unsure about how to check a sofa’s quality, you can book a consultation with our Aspley Homemaker City stylist, who’ll help you work out what to look for.
Shopping for the perfect living room sofa shouldn’t be overwhelming. So, if you’re not sure about which sofa to choose, just follow our guide and soon you’ll be relaxing on a new piece that not only feels comfortable, but also looks amazing in your space.
