How to Pick the Perfect Sofa in 7 Simple Steps

Sofas come in all shapes and sizes, from traditional to modern to loveseats. There are dozens of options. 

If you're wondering how to pick a sofa that will impress your guests and match your home's decor, follow these simple steps!

When you've had a long, hard day, there's nothing better than flopping onto a comfy sofa with your favorite drink. But choosing the right sofa is a challenging task. With so many sofa styles, fabrics, fills, and colors, where do you start?

Cost is also a significant factor to consider—how do you know if you're truly getting your money's worth? 

There's nothing worse than buyer's remorse! Keep reading if you're looking for simple steps to choose a sofa for your home and family.

How to Choose a Sofa

It would help if you bought a sofa but need a little help. A sofa is often a long-term investment, so deciding can be challenging.

But purchasing a couch doesn't have to be complicated. It all boils down to budget, comfort, and longevity. 

If you can tick those three boxes, you're on the right track to buying the perfect sofa for your home. Remember, regular maintenance, such as vacuuming and spot cleaning, can significantly extend the life of your sofa.

Follow these seven simple steps, and you'll be on your way to discovering the perfect sofa that will bring joy and comfort to your home.

Step 1: Take Your Time

Investing in such a big piece of furniture in your home must be done promptly. Before you go sofa shopping:

1. Make a list of all the things you want in your perfect sofa.
2. Make sure you have measured the space your new sofa will go in.
3. Double-check sofa measurements against this as you go.

You must test-drive sofas as you shop. Any reasonable salesperson will understand that you want to sit or recline on a potential new sofa. If you've found "the one," check off your list of important factors. 

Be bold and visit multiple stores, then return to your top choices. This way, you'll make an informed decision without the pressure.

Step 2: Try Out Different Styles

Now, you're spoiled for choice regarding sofa style, shape, length, and depth. Sofa styles are everywhere, from classic Chesterfields to sleek mid-century modern designs. It can feel overwhelming to know what you want, but testing its practicality is a great way to determine your preferred sofa style.

How do you sit on a sofa? Are you tall or short? Is your sofa for lounging or formal occasions? Important things to consider are the height and depth of the sofa seats. A deeper-seat sofa will be much more comfortable if you're tall. A shallower seat sofa may be more accessible if you struggle to get up from a seated position.

Remember to test out the back of the sofa. Do you like high or low back, rigid or soft? These are some of the things you should consider and jot down on your list before sofa shopping. And think about the armrests—do you like wide cushioned or narrower wooden ones? These details can make or break your comfort and satisfaction with the sofa.

Step 3: Test the Comfort

The comfort of your sofa is determined by its filling. Ask yourself, what kind of couch do you like to sit on? Everyone has their own opinion on what's comfortable or not. 

Ultimately, it's your sofa, and you should prioritize your comfort over your guests. Remember, a beautiful sofa is only as good as it is comfortable.

Do a test run on different sofa styles and their filling when shopping. Take note of what you think is more comfortable in the long run. Aside from filling the sofa, consider what sofa cushions you like. 

Sofa cushions should fit snugly and neatly within the sofa frame. Good quality cushions will retain most of their shape when pressed down. If sofa cushions flatten entirely and don't hold their shape, this could cause discomfort in the long run.

Look at the materials inside the cushions, too—do you like the firmness of foam or the plushness of down? 

Some sofas offer a mix of both, a balance of softness and support. Testing these out in-store will give you a better idea of what will work for your comfort needs.

Step 4: Your Home Environment and Sofa Fabric

This is a significant consideration if you have kids or are a pet owner. A sofa can endure a lot in its lifetime, so sofa fabric should be one of your top deciding factors.

Aside from fabric practicality, you'll also want your sofa fabric to fit your home style. Where's the point in buying a dull sofa just because it's practical? Before sofa shopping, research the best fabrics for your home and lifestyle.

If you need a more robust, hardy fabric, add that to your list. Ask a salesperson if you're unsure about a certain fabric. 

When testing out your sofa, take note of how the fabric reacts and feels. Does it wrinkle or stretch easily? Does it feel too slippery or too rough?

The fabric quality and style also determine the comfort of your sofa, so keep that in mind. 

For example, microfiber and leather are known for their durability and ease of cleaning, making them perfect for households with kids and pets. Velvet and linen are luxurious but require more maintenance.

Step 5: Your Room's Color Scheme

This may seem like a no-brainer, but the color scheme of your room will ultimately determine the color of your new sofa. 

Remember that unusually colored sofas are harder to clean, maintain, and repair if they are ripped, burned, or scuffed.

If your sofa enters a family room, darker, more neutral tones are highly recommended as they clean easier and hide stains better. 

If you're looking at a couch with patterns or texture, ensure it won't overwhelm the rest of the room.

Consider how the sofa's color and pattern will fit your decor. Will it match your current furniture and accessories or clash? 

Neutral tones like gray, beige, and navy are versatile and timeless, so they're safe for most interiors. If you want to add a pop of color, do it with throw pillows or a vibrant throw blanket instead of the sofa.

Step 6: Sofa Practicality

In the end, the style of your sofa will be determined by how practical you need it to be. If you have a family, you want to share your sofa with a love seat, or a standalone sofa wouldn't work for you. 

A sectional, L-shaped sofa is perfect for lounging and sharing with one person or more.

Do you eat dinner on your sofa or watch TV, or will it be more of a showpiece? Consider your new sofa's practical use, and you'll be one step closer to buying the right furniture.

Think about the sofa's functionality—do you need it to be a guest bed? If so, consider a sleeper sofa or a futon. 

If storage is a priority, look for sofas with built-in compartments for blankets and pillows. Practical features like stain-resistant fabric or removable, washable covers can make a big difference in maintaining your sofa's appearance over time.

Step 7: Check All Working Mechanisms

There are so many fancy sofas on the market today with multiple mechanisms for maximum comfort. If you're buying a reclining sofa or sofa bed, make sure all its moving parts are working before you buy.

These types of sofas are a little more expensive, so do a thorough test run before you buy. Be bold to test out these features while you're in-store. A salesperson will understand you're just testing your money's worth!

Check the operation—do the reclining features move smoothly and quietly? Is the sofa bed easy to pull out and put back? 

These practicalities are key to getting the most out of your investment. Also, ask about the warranty and after-sales service so you're covered in case of any issues.

Find Your Sofa?

Mid In Mod, based in Houston, Texas, has a fantastic selection of mid-century, modern furniture for every home. From quirky to traditional pieces and advice on choosing a sofa, Mid In Mod has you covered.

Shop their sofas here. Whether you need a statement piece for your living room or a practical, comfortable sofa for daily use, Mid In Mod has options for every need and style. Contact their staff for personalized recommendations and advice.