How to Choose the Right Sofa for Your Living Room (6 Tips)

The sofa — it’s where many of your memories at home are made. It’s the spot in which you lounge after a long day, the stage on which you entertain guests, the seat of your restful weekends. As the centrepiece of your living room, the sofa you select can significantly enhance the comfort and style of your living space. If you’re wondering what type of sofa you should buy and what design elements to look out for, here are some tips to help you make your selection.

1. Measure Size and Space

Grab your measuring tape before you fall head over heels for a plush velvet sectional. Measure the dimensions of your living room, sofa area, and doorway sizes to ensure the right fit. 

When determining the appropriate sofa size, balance spaciousness and functionality. A sofa too large can overwhelm a small space, while one too small can look lost and awkward. A good rule of thumb is to allocate two-thirds of the room for the sofa. 

2. Consider Sofa Style

The sofa world is multitudinous, from sleek and modern to classic and timeless. Choose a style that resonates with your living room’s overall decor scheme and layout. If you’re wondering how to choose a sofa for a small living room, a two-seater or loveseat helps create an intimate and cosy feel. 

Meanwhile, sectionals can help to fill the space and provide ample seating in larger living rooms. For open floor plans, a sectional’s flexible configurations can even help to divide the space. If you still have plenty of space to play with, TheFurniture’s fabric recliner sofas in Singapore are yet another way to stretch out in luxury.

You can also harmonise the sofa’s silhouette with the room’s overall décor. For example, a sleek sofa complements a minimalist interior well. Adornments such as cushions and rugs further help to tie the look together. 

3. Evaluate Comfort and Functionality 

Comfort and functionality are as important as style. Test out the sofas in the store before you commit to them. Look out for height, seat depth, back support, and cushion firmness. After all, your sofa should be a haven of comfort, not a source of backaches.

Think of your storage needs and the number of people the sofa needs to accommodate. For example, if you need to host guests in a small space, opt for a couch with a pull-out bed and built-in storage. 

4. Think of Material and Maintenance 

The material of your sofa will affect its durability and maintenance requirements. Choose a material depending on your lifestyle and how much effort you’re prepared to put into maintaining it. Here are some popular materials and considerations:

• Leather: Adds a touch of luxury to the space but requires regular conditioning to maintain its softness. It can also be susceptible to scratches, so you might want to think twice if you have pets.
• Microfibre: Hypoallergenic, soft and stain resistant, this is an excellent choice for families with children or pets. 
• Fabric: For a splash of personality in the living room, fabric sofas come in a wide array of colours and patterns. A drawback, however, is that it’s more prone to wear and tear. 
• Velvet: Adds a touch of luxury and sophistication to a room. However, velvet requires careful cleaning and may be less suitable for high-traffic areas.

5. Choose the Right Colour and Pattern

The colour and pattern of your sofa can significantly impact the overall ambience of your living room. For visual cohesion, select a sofa set that does not compete for attention with the other elements in the room. 

Neutral tones such as beige and grey create a serene backdrop for other visual elements to stand out. These allow for more versatility in a busy room. Meanwhile, bold colours and patterns add vibrancy and personality to a plainer room. 

6. Assess the Build Quality

A well-crafted sofa with a sturdy inner frame is a worthy investment for the long term. Here are some factors to assess if a sofa can withstand long-term use:

• Sturdy frames: Hardwood frames made with oak, maple, and beech are more long-lasting despite their higher price point. Avoid frames made from particleboard, plastic, or metal, which are less durable and comfortable.
• Robust joinery: Wooden dowels, wooden corner blocks, and metal screws and brackets are sturdier compared to staples, nails, and glue. To test the sofa’s sturdiness, lift it off the floor by a corner. It should not bend or creak.
• Springs: Eight-way hand-tied springs generally provide the most support. Alternatively, serpentine springs made of heavier metals are a good choice as they retain their firmness.

Choose the Right Sofa for Your Dream Living Room

The right sofa should be a matter of self-expression and practicality. Use these tips to decide on the type of sofa that will best complement your style and meet your functional needs. 

Deliberating between a curved leather sofa or an L-shaped sofa couch, or still unsure? Check out our range of luxury sofas and affordable sofas in Singapore, designed to complete your home in style and comfort.