How To Buy a Sofa

Buy a sofa with style that matches your own. If you are more traditional, choose a sofa with rolled arms and tufted cushions, like this one from Vaughn-Bassett. If you lean toward contemporary, choose a sofa with cleaner lines and understated upholstery. If there are other skirted pieces in the space, choose a sofa with exposed legs and vice versa. If you’re short on space, look at sofas with low arms, or no arms at all, to make your  room look bigger.

Buy a sofa with neutral colors and switch out throw pillows to update the look. Take into consideration the dura­bility and finish of your fabric selection. If you have small children or pets, you’ll want to pick a fabric that is heavy-duty and stain-resistant. Lighter and neutral colors are less likely to show dust and hair and more likely to work in a variety of rooms, with a variety of decorations.

Quality counts when you buy a sofa. A solid base and adequate stuffing will ensure the longest life possible. Actually sitting on the sofa before purchasing it helps you make sure the cushions are as firm, or as soft, as you want and will allow you to detect any wobble or weakness in the frame or legs. There are several handfuls of legacy brands that have been manufac­turing quality furniture for decades. Before you shop discount stores, imports, or start-up companies online, consider options from brands with a rich his­tory of quality products and outstanding reviews.