Sofas. We’re not sure why, but shopping for such an essential, staple piece in your home can be one of the most challenging of processes.
We’ve had quite a few sofa experiences in eleven years of marriage: hand-me-downs, craigslist finds, and purchases from the tried and true method: furniture stores. (We haven’t been lucky enough to score one on the side of the road… yet. ;}) We’ve had slipcovered, leather, reupholstered and linen pieces in our home. We’ve also had our fair share of mistakes and sofa regret. So we thought we would round up a few tips and tricks that we found helpful when looking for that perfect piece.
We decided to narrow it down to the best two pieces of advice we can give you when looking for something that you love in your home:
1. Go with your instincts. There’s nothing worse than second guessing yourself. I wanted a chesterfield sofa. For. Ev. Er. But two things about me: A. I was afraid. What if our giant dog ruined it? What if Aiden decided he would sneak a Capri Sun out of the kitchen? (more on that below) And B. Cheap. We were on a budget and I guess I should throw in option C. Impatient. Because I could have (see B) saved up for it. But I went for a slipcovered sofa instead, and regretted it, immediately. In the end, it all worked out, but I learned that the best thing you can do, is stick with those instincts. Go for what you truly love.
2. Wait for it. If you’re having doubts, or second guessing yourself on what you really want, sometimes it pays to wait for a while. We tend to rush to fill up our homes with things that don’t mean as much, just for the sake of space. {Raises hand = guilty} This is the microwave generation. What’s so wrong with waiting? Also? Don’t compromise on something for ‘in the meantime’. As my grandmother would say, “Where’s the fire?” Unless this is the only sofa in the universe staring you in the face at a flea market, and people are running for it with money in hand, I’m pretty sure most sofas don’t grow legs and walk away. It’s worth saving up, and waiting for what you really want. Patience, Padwan. Patience. Your happy ending will come.
In no particular order, here’s the main elements to consider.
1. Style.
What do you love? Classic lines or a modern edge? Do you want to contrast those elements in your home or go for a full on statement with a well known approach? Do you feel like this works with the rest of your decor, and it will last for a while, or is this just a passing fad? Because if you’re lucky enough to score something on the side of the road, then by all means, go for the giant orange chaise that you just aren’t sure will work with your green velvet. You’re not risking much. This affects the your price point, as well as the feel of your overall space.
It’s always the shape and style that draws me in, first. The other elements are all secondary for me, where as Jamin would argue comfort (more on that below, and it’s just as important, but style is what I see first). If you like Duncan Phyfes, it may pay to read up on them and learn a little more about their history, so you know what to look for when perusing craigslist and flea markets. Or if you enjoy modern, do you want a classic mid century piece, or something from Crate and Barrel? It pays to think through how long it will last, what it will work with, and how long you will use it.
Options, options… right?
2. Fabric.
Some people swear by velvet. All I can see at this point in my life is Cheeto hands on said velvet. Leather if you have children. Others, slipcovers. It’s different for everyone. I can’t be bothered at this point, and won’t go white for a while. It’s all about what you prefer. I started out wanting the chesterfield, then went for the slipcover because I chickened out over the fabric. In the course of that time, I’d also had Duncan Reupholstered. (See above) I was astonished, at how much easier I found Duncan to manage, than my slipcovered piece. And then? Color. Do you want neutral that you can update with pillows over the years? Or do you want a statement piece that will really make the space? Ask about fabric swatches to take home when in doubt about what color to go with. It always helps to see it in the light of your home.
The most important thing I’ve learned from all of this? It’s different for everyone, so make sure your sofa works for you. Don’t spend time working for your sofa.
The evolution of a living room:
3. Comfort.
My number one rule with purchasing a piece for our home? Put your tushie to the cushie. Yep. I just wrote that. Always sit on it. Always. Lay on it. Roll around on it. If you can’t, but have been eyeing a piece online, have a friend drive to the nearest store and embarrass themselves in public try it out for you. It’s not worth the risk if it’s not even comfy. Sofas aren’t like shoes where we sport them for the style, then put them away away until our feet can recover (hello, we were rocking that outfit with those red shoes). Sofas are every day use kinda things. You want to feel comfy in your living room. Don’t sacrifice look for comfort. Ever. It’s just not worth it.
Bonus round: If you’re purchasing from a store, ask about their fabric protection plans, and their return policies. Know your size range, and always measure.
If you’re buying off of craigslist or ebay or anything in between, I can’t emphasize enough to check big time for durability. You’ll be so glad you did. Also, buyer beware and here’s a few more thrifting tips. Want to sell your sofa to make room for your new treasure, but not sure which route to take? Check out this one, here.
We hope that helps a little, if you’re in the market for a new find. What are some of your favorite tips to remember? We would love to hear what you have to say, oh seasoned sofa consumers! What are some of the biggest tips you’ve picked up over time? Spill it!
Pam Ekker says
Where did you purchase your current sofa? I really like the fabric color and style. I would love white but think the color you went with would be better. Is it comfortable?
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Pam! You can read all about it here. https://www.thehandmadehome.net/2012/10/sofa-policies-why-ill-never-go-white-again/ We love it!!!
Jenna says
Love these tips! This is great. We are in the market & it’s always perfect timing with you! 🙂
Judy H. says
Great tips…thanks! The verse? Bob Dylan or Rod Stewart? The argument still continues. 🙂
Crista says
There are hundreds of sofas out there. Personally I love leather!
Jeannine @ The Concrete Cottage says
We have the same Chesterfield sofa as you. Purchased it a few months ago after drooling over it for a year! It is perfect! We’ve had kind of a sofa revolving door for a long time, but I think we finally found what we’ve been looking for. People have said I’m nuts since it’s so light colored, but it’s held up so far!
And I would definitely agree, don’t just buy the first thing you see to fill the space. In the long run, you’ll save way more money by taking your time to find what you love!