Choosing the Right Sofa
Looking to update your living space with a new sofa for 2022? What should you look out for? What size should you get? Not all sofas are built the same. Get comfy, let’s talk about style, color, size, and budget!
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If your a perfectionist like me or just have a hard time making a decision, picking out furniture can be daunting. So here are the top things you want to consider when buying a sofa before you go out into the big world of furniture.
The other week I posted a list of the best sofas in 2022.
First things first how big is your space? Measuring,
You want to ensure your sofa couches and chairs all fit together. It sounds simple enough but just assuming it will fit by seeing pictures of your sofa online or even sitting on it the department store is not something you want to rely on.
I would even go as far as taping it out on the floor with masking tape. Even after I do this and draw it out on my design software, I will still move my furniture around 3 times to get everything just right. (I also tend to rearrange my furniture to deal with stress, design therapy I guess, ha!)
Side Note:
Don’t forget to measure your door too. The last thing you want is your new furniture sitting outside because it can’t fit through the entry way!
So how big or small should it be? What’s the average sofa size?
Typically, they are anywhere from 70- 96” long including arms. With the most common size being approx. 84” long, 40” Deep (including the back) and 33” Tall.
In my opinion sticking between 84-90” is a great place to start for size. As for the depth and height of your couch, I would leave that more up to your personal preference and style. Personally, I prefer a standard depth couch only because I am short. Any deeper and my feet can’t touch the ground unless I sit on the edge.
My Current Sofa Size for My Tiny House:
90” long, including the arms
40” Deep, includes the back at 10” and fluffy 6” inch pillows, leaving it at around 24” of inside depth.
33” High with the back pillows
What color should you go with?
Joyful and bright colors are in, especially after the lockdowns we have experienced the past year. People are looking to bring vibrant feel-good themes back in! Outside of the obvious basic colors, White, Beige, and Grey.
All that being said I was basic and purchased a white boucle couch. I purchased additional insurance with it too. So if / when I stain it the company will send someone out to remove the stain. If the stain cant come out they will replace or credit me for the entire sofa. I figured it was worth it since the odds are against me, since the fabric is white, textured, I have a dog and I’m accident prone.
I recommend checking with the store you purchase from and see what kind of warranty’s or insurance they offer (and what it includes specifically), as well as any other additional add on fees they may include that isn’t clearly written on the price tag when your window shopping.
Don’t be afraid to add some “dopamine colors” to your place.
Here are some of the trending colors you’ll find this year! The dark olive and sage greens are my favorite right now. Still a lot of Blues too, but I think that will fade out before any of these other ones do.
So how big or small should it be? What’s the average sofa size?
Typically, they are anywhere from 70- 96” long including arms. With the most common size being approx. 84” long, 40” Deep (including the back) and 33” Tall.
In my opinion sticking between 84-90” is a great place to start for size. As for the depth and height of your couch, I would leave that more up to your personal preference and style. Personally, I prefer a standard depth couch only because I am short. Any deeper and my feet can’t touch the ground unless I sit on the edge.
Budget
Outside of shipping + handling + taxes + optional warranties:
High End Brands: $2,000+
These are your luxury labels; the material should be wood and high-end fabrics
Mid-Range: $1,000 – 2,000
This is typically where you can find a happy medium of quality material (eg. wood vs plywood), and style without breaking the bank.
Affordable and Budget Friendly: < $1,000
Although the sofa might not last for years you can definitely still get amazing and trendy pieces. A lot of retailers also provide the option of an additional warranty add on.
Side Note:
If your budget allows for it, look for a sofa made of a solid hardwood frame. This is where you will most likely see the biggest difference in prices. E.g., $400 (typically plywood) to $1000+ (wood frame).
Timing
Unless you’re lucky enough to snag a floor model. Wait times to receive your sofa can range from 1-2 weeks if in stock. Up to 3 months + depending on customization and availability.
Now let’s go shopping.
Bring a measuring tape if needed and write down your measurements for the max size that will fit in your space.
I hope this helps in your search for the perfect sofa.
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