How To Pick a Sofa That Lasts

Coming home at the end of an exhausting day, you will want to throw yourself on your sofa and laze around in comfort. A good sofa is essential to our daily comfort but how do you pick one that lasts? Read on for three not-to-be-missed tips.

1. Go For Quality

A good sofa always comprises quality materials and you get what you pay for. To make it last, buy the best quality you can afford. Here are two key areas to look out for.

Check The Frame

The best material, kiln-dried hardwood, is what you should be going for. This type of wood is considered to be most stable as moisture has been stripped from the wood, resulting in a very sturdy component that will not break easily.

Some cheaper sofas feature several layers of furniture-grade plywood that are stapled together. These usually will not compare with hardwood in terms of durability. However, if budget is an issue, look for sofa frames that are at least 11 to 13 layers of plywood thick.

Go for the Right Filling

100% down or feather cushions are incredibly soft and plushy but they are pricey and require significant maintenance.

If you don’t want extra housework, try a combination of feather and high density polyurethane foam where the feathers are wrapped around resilient foam. This cushion type provides support and comfort, and is cheaper than pure feather cushions. The higher the density of the foam, the firmer the cushion will be and the longer it will last.

Other cushion options include those that are fibre-wrapped (a foam core wrapped in polyester fibre) or inner-spring (spring-core wrapped in down or fibre). Different sofa manufacturers offer various blends of cushion fillings, so shop around and test extensively to determine your preference.

2. Test Its Comfort

The right sofa should provide ample support for your body. When shopping for one, don't just plop on the seat! Here are some things to look out for:

Depth of Seat

Your ideal seat depth depends on your height and how you like to recline (upright, slouched or cross-legged) so do experiment in stores and take down the measurements of seat depths that feel most comfortable for you.

Neck / Head Support

Are you one of those who tend to spend long hours in front of the TV? Then consider sofas with a higher backing as it supports the back well and relaxes the neck and shoulders.

Types of Cushions

If you have the habit of adjusting the comfort level of the back cushions, then go for sofas with detachable back cushions. Otherwise, go for tight and firm cushions that require minimal tidying and adjustment.

Size of Sofa

A two-seat cushion sofa suits most couples perfectly, but larger families will need at least three-seat cushions. Consider how your family unit may change in the near future.

The sofa should not overwhelm your living space. There should be adequate expanse between the coffee table (if any), the television and the sofa. To visualise this at home, outline the size of your desired sofa with newspapers to see how it fits in your living room.

3. Choose the right material

A widely debated question; should you pick fabric or a leather-clad sofa? Fabric sofas are usually less pricey, offer great patterns but they tend to colour fade and may not be as durable. Leather sofas are easier to maintain and less prone to colour fade. However, they scratch easily and also trap heat. Really, the ideal material depends on your lifestyle, or read our guide in choosing a leather and a fabric sofa.

Buying a sofa requires time and patience, so take time to consider all your options and shop around carefully!

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