How to buy the perfect sofa
Comfort will be top of the list when you’re buying a new sofa, but there are other things to think about too. We know it can be a big decision so if you have any questions at all, just ask us in store. We'd love to help.
Think about the space
Your sofa needs to balance the size of the room, the seating combination and your other furniture. A larger room might need two sofas and a chair. In a smaller space, sometimes a modular might fit better than a single sofa. At Freedom we have a huge range of combinations to choose from.
We believe the best configurations are:
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For wide square-shaped rooms: 2 sofas of the same size. Either 2, 3 or 4 seaters.
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For longer, more narrow rooms: 1 long sofa and 2 armchairs. Remember the armchairs don't have to match but should complement the shape of the sofa.
How will you use your sofa?
Will it be for curling up and reading or watching movies? If so, you probably just need a two seater. If there’ll be more than a couple of people watching TV, you may prefer a long sofa for a little more space, perhaps with a chaise or ottoman to stretch out.
If you regularly entertain guests, you might also think about day beds, sofa beds, ottomans and stools to give you more seating options.
Remember to measure up
Once you've decided how many sofas you need, be sure to measure your room and home entryways carefully and take the measurements with you when you shop. You need to make sure your new sofa can be delivered through all entryways, lifts and stairways and around any tight corners. You’ll find height, width and depth measurements for all our furniture in our catalogue and directories, and on the product tickets in store.
Sit on all our sofas
Sofas are all about comfort and there are 3 key elements to comfort. These are:
The ‘pitch’, or more simply, the angle between the seat and the back of the sofa. This can be judged just by test driving one in store. If it feels good then it’s right for you.
The ‘undercover support’, or the network of springs or webbing that provide the support. The important thing to look for here is the density of springs or webbing. On cheaper sofas costs are often cut by reducing the amount of undercover support. This can't be felt by an initial "feel" of a sofa, but you will tell over time.
The ‘overcover support’ or the foam, fibre or feathers that provide the cushioning. Foam can vary from very firm to very soft so you just need to choose what suits you. Always look for foam with at least a 5 year warranty though you’ll find the higher quality foam will often have a 10 year warranty.
What’s your style?
Basic sofa types?
If space is tight, a low back sofa will usually create a greater sense of space but if you need to fill space, a higher back will help.
What about colour?
If you’re after something a bit different, ask in store about our Custom Fabric studio. With hundreds of different fabrics to mix, match and co-ordinate, you'll be amazed at the different looks you can achieve by picking your favourite sofa shape and wrapping it in your choice of colours, pattern or texture.
Practical tip 1: Whilst heavily patterned and vibrant colours can be effective in creating drama in interiors, we believe a more classic approach is often best. A single neutral colour, or simple pattern, such as stripes or checks, won't date as quickly as the latest fashion colour or pattern. This also allows accent colours to be added with cushions, throws or a rug. These can be changed whenever you feel like updating your look.
Practical tip 2: When selecting a fabric for your sofa make sure it is durable and has a ‘colourfast’ resistance to light. Simply, ask for a fabric with ‘colourfast’ protection and a rubbing tolerance of at least 4 out of 5. It is also a good idea to have your upholstery treated with a fabric protection to increase it’s longevity and resistance to staining.
Fabric or leather?
Choosing fabric is often the toughest part of buying a new sofa. And there's no rule to help you choose. Do you go for easy care or are you tempted by texture and feel? Here's an overview of what’s available:
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Microfibre has a resilient suede-like texture with a luxurious feel. It’s low maintenance and stain resistant.
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Chenille is soft and is great for adding texture and warmth to your room. It’s low maintenance and stain resistant.
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Cotton and cotton blends are perfect for people who want a natural fabric. However, keep in mind, they need a higher level of maintenance.
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Leather features variations in grain, colour and markings to make each sofa unique. It's also highly durable and softens naturally but needs to be maintained regularly with care products for it to age well.
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Pigmented leather may be a good choice if you have small children, as you can wipe it clean. You’ll need to watch out for accidental scratches which can leave a permanent mark but generally light scuffs can be buffed out just using your thumb.
How's it made?
It’s the things you can't see are so important when judging the quality of a sofa because they determine how long it will be with you.
It is important that the frame is well constructed from quality wood and that the sections are joined with adequate glue, metal fastening and corner blocks for additional strength. Particle board should only be used in non weight bearing areas of the frame.
Good support for the seating should be offered by quality springs or webbing. More tightly spaced springs or webbing naturally provides greater support.
To be sure you get a sofa that will last, look for at least a 10 year frame warranty.
What to ask when buying a sofa
4 key questions to ask when buying a sofa:
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How is the frame constructed and how many years does the frame warranty last?
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What type of undercover support is used and what is the distance between the springs and the webbing?
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What is the density of the foam in the cushion and what is the duration of the foam warranty?
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What is the colour fastness rating of the fabric?
Let us help.
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Need more advice? We have a great team of
Freedom decorators that can help with just about anything to do with furnishing and decorating.