Finding the perfect sofa may seem like a daunting task—it’s often the focal piece of your living room or family room and will inevitably be a place where you spend a lot of time. It can also be one of your bigger furniture investments, though sofas range greatly in both quality and price. There are many considerations to take into account when you are looking to buy a sofa, but not to worry! We made a list highlighting some of the most important factors when it comes to choosing the sofa that is just right for you.

Deciding on the Right Size

Depending on the size of the room you are looking to put a sofa in, you may have certain size restrictions on your future sectional or sofa to avoid overwhelming your space. As a general rule of thumb, you should leave at least 18 inches between your sofa and a side table and 3.5 feet between other seating options in the room. This will make sure your space doesn’t get too crowded and also allow for comfortable conversation with family and friends. The most common size options include:

• 71”- 80”: These sofas are perfect for apartments or smaller spaces, and will ensure your room doesn’t feel overtaken by an oversized couch.

• Approximately 86”: This is the standard sofa length, which is ideal for most living rooms or gathering spaces.

• 100”+: These extra-long sofas are great for those who love to host, as they are able to accommodate large groups of people. These should primarily be used in rooms with lots of space, such as large, open concept living spaces.

Beyond the length and width of a sofa, you should also take into account the height. In smaller rooms, you may want to find a shorter sofa as this will help visually maximize the space of your room, whereas taller sofas are most ideal for large, open spaces.

Choosing the Best Sofa Material

In addition to deciding what size sofa you are going to purchase, you should consider what material would fit the best in your room next. The two most common options are leather and upholstery, which each have their pros and cons.

• Leather sofa: Known for their long lives, leather sofas are beautiful, durable, and have a high natural stain resistance. Wear and tear on leather often makes it look more unique and full of character over time.

• Upholstered sofa: If you are looking for a specific design, upholstered sofas might be the best choice for you. They come in a variety of patterns, textures and colors. There is a wide variety of upholstery options, including luxurious velvet for a high-end look and performance fabrics that are easy to clean, making them a good option for houses with children or pets.

Reclining Options

There are many sofas that include reclining options. Manual reclining sofas can offer cost and longevity advantages; while power reclining sofas may offer features for ease-of-use and personalized comfort such as power footrests, headrests and lumbar support. These sofas are designed for optimal comfort and to give you a customizable experience that can fit your everyday needs.

Different Quality Options

As with many other features of sofas, there are many different quality options to choose from. For instance, leather sofas and sofas featuring durable frames and higher quality cushions may cost more upfront, but may offer better comfort and longevity. There are sofas available for all budgets and lifestyles, so doing your research beforehand with a budget in mind is sure to help!

Selecting a Style

There are countless options when it comes to selecting a style for your sofa. Many of these are timeless classics, while others are new and modern. Some popular options include:

1. Sectionals: Ideal for more spacious settings, sectionals consist of two or more upholstered pieces that are joined together. Different configurations are available for different room shapes and sizes, as well as seating needs.

2. Mid-Century Modern: These modern sofas tend to have a minimalist look, with clean lines and organic shapes. Mid-century sofas can suit a range of contemporary styled rooms.

3. Camelback: Traditional in nature, the camelback style can attribute its name to its curved back, which resembles camel humps. These sofas also frequently include rolled arms and tufting.

4. Chesterfield: Also popular in traditional environments, the Chesterfield features buttoned upholstery, and large rolled arms that are the same height as the back of the sofa. They are often available in leather, but other fabrics like velvet may also be available.

5. Settee: Distinguished by their high backs, these sofas are popular in entryways and bedrooms along with living rooms, and are oftentimes confused with loveseats.

6. Sleeper Sofa: Known for their functionality, sleeper sofas can transform into a bed for your guests. This functionality does not take away from the comfort of the sofa, but rather is a practical addition!

Because of how customizable the experience can be, buying a new sofa should be exciting! It provides you with an opportunity to design your room exactly how you want it and create a comfortable space that you will enjoy spending time in. Although there are lots of steps involved in this purchase, you are sure to be able to find something you love with all of the options available to you.