subject: 5 Mistakes To Avoid When Buying A Sofa 2 [print this page] When purchasing a Sofa, it is easy to get confused or frustrated at the sheer range of colours, materials and styles, not to mention the various levels of quality and pricing. Be careful not to make a decision on impulse or out of frustration. Here are a few tips to make the process simple and ensure that you dont end up regretting your purchase.
1.Buying a sofa in the wrong size & proportion
It is crucial that you measure your space and work out the ideal size that your sofa needs to be. Think about how many people you need to seat regularly and where the best placement in the room would be (keeping in mind doorways and other furniture pieces). Its a great idea to measure your current sofa to get an idea or alternatively, measure out on the ground with masking tape or newspaper different sizes. This will help you visualise the item in the room and how you move around it. Also, be aware that although a sofa may have the overall dimensions you need, look at the width of the arms are they taking up valuable seating space? Also, remember that most showrooms are large and can make furniture look smaller than it really is make sure you take your ideal dimensions and a tape measure with you.
2.Choosing looks over comfort
You may come across the perfect sofa the one youve been searching for but if it is not comfortable, you will wish you went for something cosier. Although it may look great, is it deep enough if youre tall or too deep so your feet cant touch the floor? Is it too firm or so soft that you have trouble getting up? If you like to lay down on your sofa, are the arms at a comfortable height? The key to looks vs. comfort is to try, try, try. Never buy a sofa that you have never seen or sat on, no matter how good it looks.
3.Purchasing the wrong configuration or style
The style of your sofa should complement the style of your house and your existing furniture. It should also function in a way that suits your lifestyle and functions for you. Buying a low-line, sleek sofa that looks great in the showroom amongst contemporary furniture is great if you have a modern home. But if you really prefer a comfy, cushioned seat that you can sink into, keep looking for the one that will suit you and your home. For configurations, will a simple 2 or 3 seater work in your space or can it take a larger corner or chaise lounge? Its best to decide before hitting the shops and being swayed by whats on display. In most cases, every sofa design is available in a range of various sizes and configurations to suit your needs.
4.Choosing the wrong colour or material
One main decision is whether you are going to go for a leather or a fabric sofa. A few questions to ask yourself are; how much use will this sofa get? What kind of area is it in and therefore what kind of spills is it going to be prone to? If it is a high-use area, leather is durable, easy to clean and non-absorbent for spills and smells. With professional help, minor tears or scratches can be repaired with great results. Fabric, on the other hand, takes a bit more maintenance. It can be protected with a scotchgarde to protect from spills and can be vacuumed to keep clean. If you have small children and it is going to be used in a busy area, consider a darker colour for a longer lasting, new look. Dont choose colours based on current trends or on a whim, just remember that this is something you will have to live with for years.
5.Ignoring signs of quality & longevity
When you buy a sofa, you expect it to last a number of years. In order for this to happen, you must make sure you are purchasing a good quality product. This will also save you money in the long run as you wont need to replace parts or the whole sofa. Dont be afraid to ask questions about a sofas quality when shopping. Make sure every part of it (internal and external) has a warranty and that there are no shortcuts like real leather on the seats but artificial leather on the back of the sofa. If they are taking shortcuts on the outside, you dont know what shortcuts theyve taken on the inside.
by: Clarie White
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