Designer Sofa Guide: How to Buy the Perfect Sofa for Your Home
A luxurious sofa is an anchor for your living space. A piece that ties it all together in an area where you spend frequent time.
It’s one of the biggest investments in your home. It’s here you’ll spend hours relaxing and socialising.
So, how do you find the perfect sofa? How do you make sure it matches your walls and stands the test of time?
In this sofa buying guide, we are going to tackle all the questions you may have about buying the right sofa so you can invest with confidence.
What makes a high-quality sofa?
With sofas, the quality is in the materials, craftsmanship, design and care.
Find a sofa with a balance of these components, and you are set to enjoy your sofa for years to come. Let’s discuss some of the specifics about what to look out for to ensure your sofa choice is the highest quality possible.
The Frame
Look for solid hardwood frames such as oak, beech and ash. Why? Because these woods in particular are resistant to warping and pride a robust, stable structure long term.
Solid hardwood frames are also resistant to cracking and weakening over time.
We recommend The Arbour 3 Seater by HAY due to its FSC-certified solid oak wood frame. It is also a sustainable choice, with its water-based lacquer construction. You can certainly trust this refined Scandinavian design to last.
The Cushions
Opt for high-quality fillings like feather, downs, high-density foam or a hybrid blend. These fillings provide a plush, plump appearance, and a luxurious feel. They also offer suitable support.
We always use Feather & Down cushion fillings in our luxury sofas, so you are guaranteed both an indulgent feel and longevity.
The Upholstery
When deciding on upholstery for your sofa, choose only premium fabrics like velvet, leather and performance textiles. Velvet and leather give a rich texture and a timeless look that can easily blend in with a variety of different interior design styles.
We recommend The Emo 3 Sofa by Bruunmunch for its high-quality Danish craftsmanship, premium Oeko-Tex-certified foam cushions and leather upholstery. Stylish and long-lasting, it’s a beautiful choice with a modern yet traditional aesthetic.
Craftsmanship
Here, quality is found in the detail. Look for features like hand-tied springs for support and comfort, double-stitched seams and reinforced joins for resistance to wear.
These are signs of expert craftsmanship you can expect from the very best sofas.
Matching the sofa to your needs
Knowing how much space you are working with is the vital first step in the sofa-buying process.
Use a tape measure to work out the length, width and height of the space where the sofa will go. You need to leave at least 90 cm clearance for walkways and for adjacent furniture.
Also, measure access points to make sure the sofa can be safely and easily delivered.
Consider sketching a layout of your room to visualise the sofa within the space.
Choosing the right sofa for your space
Choosing the right sofa isn’t simply about style, it’s about tailoring it to your lifestyle. Whether for lounging, entertaining or both, your luxury sofa needs to strike the perfect balance.
Lounging Sofas
If lounging is a top priority, looking for a sofa with deep seating, cushioned armrests and feather-filled or high-density foam cushions is the most comfortable and plush way to go.
Chaise longue sofas are a suitable option as they allow for many different seating and lying positions.
We recommend the MAKE Nordic Basecamp Family Sofa with its five-module open-ended layout including a chaise longue module.
Entertaining
Opting for sofas with upright backs and firmer cushions encourages more immediacy and conversation. Modular sofas are ideal for accommodating more guests with their versatility in layout.
Consider a sofa like The HAY Quilton Combination 19. The backrest is ergonomically designed to be upright enough for comfort and conversation, and the modular design means it can be arranged to create a sociable setting.
Should your sofa be lighter or darker than the walls?
Follow these simple rules to perfectly match your sofa with pre-existing wall colours…
If your walls are light
For whites, soft pastels and light greys, go for darker sofas for a striking contrast that adds depth. Richer tones like navy, charcoal and deep greens can add sophistication and anchor the space nicely.
Alternatively, sofas in neutral shades like beige or taupe bring a soft and airy feel to lighter walls.
Colourful sofas can be paired with light walls, with options like deep blue, mustard and terracotta bringing a pop of colour and a burst of personality into your space, without overwhelming it.
If your wall are dark
For example, if your walls are darker like charcoal, deep greens or blues, a light sofa that is a soft pastel, cream or light grey works well. The room opens up, and feels airer with a lighter shade of sofa against the darkness of the wall.
Sofas that are orange, ochre or warmer beige can help balance out the darkness of walls and bring cosiness without too much of a sharp distinction.
It isn’t against the rules to also opt for a dark sofa, with dark walls. It can create a cohesive look for a more streamlined and modern feel, especially if your aesthetic is more monochrome.
If you’d like to discuss any of the points from our sofa buying guide concerning your own home, get in touch with one of our friendly team, who can advise which sofa is best for your needs. Email us at sales@hollowaysofludlow.com or call 020 7602 5757