How to Choose the Right Sofa: 8 Important Tips

1. Strong Frame

A strong and solid frame is half the success. It should stand firmly on the floor, without creaking or wobbling. Sit on the sofa: if it creaks, it means the sofa frame is not securely fastened and will not last long enough for you. It's better to choose the base from steel: although the sofa will cost more, metal is the most durable material. The second place in strength is occupied by wood; and the weakest base will be made of MDF, but it's also the most budget-friendly option. Armrests are usually firmly attached to the main frame - they should not move or wobble.

2. Durable Upholstery

The corners and frame should be carefully covered. Run your hand along them, pressing firmly against the palm: if there are any defects, you will feel them immediately. Thanks to good upholstery, the frame and corners will be less prone to wear. This, in turn, means that the original appearance will last much longer.

Pay attention to patterns and lines: they should connect properly, with smooth transitions without sharp changes at the seams. Even if there is a small deviation, do not choose such a sofa: thoughts about the defect will not leave you.

3. Comfortable Mechanism

If you need a sofa-bed, it's important to thoroughly check the entire structure and fastenings - they should work smoothly and easily. There are three main folding mechanisms: book, pull-out sofa, and modular. When choosing a sofa for sleeping, bet on the simplest model to use, as you will fold it at least twice a day. Furniture with a good, quality mechanism is usually more expensive, because in addition to the sofa itself, you pay extra for the construction, and it's not a bad idea to test it in the store.

4. Good Assembly

If you have chosen a sofa with a metal frame or parts, pay attention to their shape. All sharp angles should be smoothed and rounded, otherwise you risk catching the upholstery, clothes, or even getting injured. Another important safety issue: hard and sharp parts that protrude from the back of the sofa. There should not be any of them at all! They not only ruin the appearance of the furniture but can also cause injuries.

5. High-Quality Filling

The cushions for seating should be well-stuffed and fit the sofa properly in size. In addition, they should easily restore their shape after you press on them with your hand. If dents still remain, refuse the purchase: most likely, the material they are stuffed with is of poor quality and will not last long. Currently, the most common materials for cushion filling are synthetic fiber, hallon, and hollofiber - these are fairly economical options: they maintain a good appearance without overloading the frame.

6. Comfortable Shape

Comfort, comfort, and once again comfort. First of all, you should feel comfortable on the sofa. Sit or lie down on it directly in the store. Check whether the backrest height suits you: the taller a person is, the higher the backrest should be. Regarding shape, it all depends on the size of the room where the new sofa will go: if there is a free corner, an L-shaped sofa is a good solution. It won't occupy precious space in the center of the room and will close the empty corner. If there is very little space, stop at a straight two- or three-seater model.

7. Neat Appearance

If the sofa has buttons or other hardware, check how securely they are glued or sewn on: don't hesitate to pull them slightly. If you have doubts about their strength, it's better to refuse the purchase, because if even one piece of the finishing detaches, the sofa’s appearance will be badly damaged.

8. Safe Materials

As is known, safety comes first. Ask the store for a fire-resistant certificate for the sofa and ensure that it is available. This document is important: it confirms the fire resistance of the furniture to smoldering cigarette fires.