Sofa Buying Guide
We all look forward to coming home and relaxing on a comfortable sofa. Being one of the most used pieces of furniture you purchase for your home, careful consideration is required when choosing what is right for you. Our sofa buying guide will give you a step-by-step guide to some of the common considerations you should make.
Type of Sofa
First and foremost, decide what style of sofa suits your style and needs. There are many styles to choose from, from traditional 2,3 and 4 seats, to corners and chaise type sofas. Also, look at extra features on your sofa to accommodate your lifestyle, such as pull-out bed for those guests, multimedia functions which can offer anything from various ports for headphones and charging you phone to drink holders that cool or warm your drinks. Then you have sofas with reclining actions and offer several seating positions.
Lifestyle
Who will be mostly spending time on your sofa? If you have young children, you are likely to want a covering which offers durability and can be easily wiped down, just the same if you have pets. You should also consider what support you need; if you are looking for a sofa to sink into or may be a firmer seat and back which offers support, decisions such as these can help determine if you prefer a high or low back, sofa height and even the shape of sofa.
Budget
Set a budget. As with all types of products sofas will come in varying prices, quality, and size. It is important to set a budget which is affordable. Here at Clip, we can help you spread the cost by offering various finance options. You may choose to pay in full upfront or spread the cost with weekly or monthly payments. Interest Free may also be available for your new purchase.
Size
Usually, the size sofa you choose is determined by the size of your family, choice of room and access to your home. A good tip is to always remember a sofa should not overwhelm your room. Below are some further tips for you to consider
Room size – Corner and Chaise style sofas are great for smaller rooms and best for utilising space. You could also consider a 2-seater or small 3-seater sofa and add some accent chairs for extra seating, at the same time creating the illusion of space. For larger rooms, your choice is endless, and you may even consider a larger 4-seater sofa or large corner group.
Style – if you have limited space but desire a more comfortable seating area, consider sofas with a narrow arm. Whilst wide arms look great, they can take-up valuable space within the room. Upholstered footstools offer a good seating alternative, and some corner units now come with a detachable footstool end which can be moved around the room.
Check the depth - When measuring for size, always check the depth and how this will impact the room. You should also consider depth when looking for comfort, for example, a sofa with extra depth may not be suitable for shorter individuals.
Visualisation - A clever way to visualise your new sofa is to mark out the dimensions on the floor using newspaper. By doing this, you can gauge a more realistic feel of how much space will be used and it is also a quick way to check you can walk around the sofa comfortably and it doesn’t impose or restrict areas such as doorways.
Will it fit? – Always measure twice paying special attention to the length and depth. Also, check the height if placing under a window space or a room with low headroom.
Access on delivery – check the measurements of your doors both internal and external, remembering to always measure the inside frame. It is advisable to check all other access areas such as hallways and turning points within the home.
Fabric
Selecting the right fabric is as important as the style and size and this choice can determine the longevity and durability of your sofa. Fabrics which can be wiped down would be more beneficial if you have children or pets. There are many materials out there such as leather or treated fabrics, which help prevent stains and repel light spills. If you do not want high maintenance avoid fabrics such as natural linen and wool, a great alternative is linen look or a wool blend. Synthetic fabrics such as faux leather and chenille emulate natural fabrics and are a desirable alternative in price, longevity, and affordability.
Support
When choosing a sofa, consider the type of support you require. There are many different options available.
Standard back sofas are usually loose box style cushions, equal in size and can usually be moved or turned for wear and tear. Often higher than the sofa back, they can provide some support to your neck and back.
Scatter-back styles are several loose cushions intended to cover the back of the sofa and are usually lower in height and more flexible. Scatter cushions will need regular plumping and can be moved or turned.
Fixed back sofas are sprung and upholstered rather than using loose cushions and tend to be firmer and offer more support.
Fillings
Foam - Commonly used in seats, foam provides support and structure. The density of the foam determines firmness, the higher the density the firmer the sofa will feel and maintain better shape.
Fibre - Polyester strands that are pumped with air which compress and expel air as you sit. Offers a soft and relaxed feel.
Foam Wrap - Usually consists of traditional foam with a fibre top layer. Offers support and a softer sit.
Feather - As with fibre, feather fillings are softer and less structured and require regular plumping.
Types of Leather
When selecting leather or faux leather for sofas, there are several types to consider, each with unique characteristics and benefits. Here’s a rundown of some common options:
Types of "Real" Leather
Full-Grain Leather
This is the highest quality leather, utilising the outermost layer of the hide which includes all the natural grain. It's highly durable and breathable, it develops a patina over time which enhances it's aesthetic appeal.
Top-Grain Leather
Slightly below full-grain in quality, top-grain leather has the second layer of the hide with some imperfections removed. It's more workable than full-grain, maintaining durability while being softer and more pliable.
Split Leather
Made from the lower layers of the hide that remain after the top-grain is separated. It is often used to make suede. Split Leather is generally less expensive and still offers good durability and aesthetic appeal.
Bonded Leather
Consists of scraps of leather that are bonded together with adhesives to form a single piece. Bonded Leather is a great cost-effective leather option, it's also eco-friendly as it uses leftover materials.
Types of "Faux" Leather
PU Leather (Polyurethane Leather)
A synthetic material made by coating a fabric base with a polymer; it can be made to look very similar to real leather. It's Vegan, easier to clean, and available in a variety of colours and styles.
PVC Leather (Polyvinyl Chloride)
Another type of synthetic leather, but made by adding plasticisers and dye to PVC, giving it a more flexible texture. It's extremely durable, waterproof, and generally less expensive than PU leather.
Microfibre Leather
Composed of a polyester and nylon base coated with polyurethane, known for mimicking the structure of genuine leather. It has good breathability, high durability, and retains its shape well.
Leather Aire
Leather Aire is a fabric that mimics the look and feel of genuine leather. It is made from a synthetic material that typically involves a combination of polyurethane (PU) layered over a fabric backing. The fabric backing is often made of a micro-perforated material which enhances its breathability.
