The Complete Sofa Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy

The Complete Sofa Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy

A sofa is likely the single largest furniture purchase most people make. It is the centrepiece of the living room, used daily for years or decades, and a significant financial investment. Getting the decision right matters. This comprehensive guide walks you through every aspect of buying a sofa — from measuring your space and choosing the right configuration, to understanding fabric options and frame construction, to what to look for in terms of quality and durability.

Step 1: Measure Before You Shop

Measurement is non-negotiable. Before looking at any sofa, measure your living room and note the following: the width and depth of the space available for the sofa; the width of all doorways, hallways, and staircases the sofa must pass through during delivery; the distance from the sofa position to the nearest opposing wall or furniture (aim for at least 80 cm of walking clearance). A sofa that cannot be delivered through your front door is a common and costly mistake. Most sofas are between 80 and 100 cm deep and between 180 and 320 cm wide.

Step 2: Choose the Right Configuration

Two-seater: suitable for small rooms or to pair with armchairs. Three-seater: the most versatile and popular option — seats three comfortably and works in most living room sizes. Corner sofa (L-shape): maximises seating in a room corner. Requires more floor space but provides excellent seating for four to six people. Corner sofa with chaise longue: one end extends into a longer section for lounging. Modular sofa: the most flexible option — individual sections can be configured and reconfigured as needed. Sofa bed: a sofa with a pull-out mattress, ideal for homes where the living room also needs to serve as a guest bedroom.

Merlot Modular Sofa — from EUR 890
A modular sofa offers the ultimate flexibility — start with a 3-seater and add sections as your space or needs evolve. The Merlot's clean, contemporary lines and available configurations make it one of the most versatile choices in our range.

Asti Corner Sofa — from EUR 1,090
A corner sofa is the right choice when you want maximum seating in a living room corner and have the floor space to accommodate it. The Asti's clean, modern silhouette works in both contemporary and more traditional interiors.

Step 3: Choose the Right Fabric

Fabric sofas: the widest choice of colours and textures. Linen and cotton blends are breathable and natural-feeling; velvet is luxurious but requires more care; bouclé is contemporary and forgiving of wear. Look for fabrics with a high rub count (over 30,000 Martindale rubs) for durability in a family home. Leather: durable, easy to clean, improves with age, and develops a beautiful patina. More expensive than most fabrics. Faux leather (PU): more affordable than real leather, easier to clean than most fabrics, but less durable long-term.

Step 4: Assess Frame and Construction Quality

Frame: kiln-dried hardwood frames are the most durable. Avoid frames that flex significantly when you sit. Suspension: eight-way hand-tied springs are the highest quality suspension; sinuous (S-shaped) springs are good quality; foam-only platforms are acceptable but less durable. Cushion filling: high-density foam is durable but firmer; feather-wrap foam is softer and more luxurious; pure feather is the softest but requires regular re-plumping.