A guide to finding the perfect sofa

Credit: Morris Home

Credit: Morris Home

In this time of seemingly endless options, choosing the perfect sofa is no exception. You might think that you know exactly what you want. That is…until you meander into a showroom or browse online and see the mind-blowing number of different styles, sizes, shapes and customization options, and suddenly, you find yourself feeling extremely overwhelmed.

Buying a sofa is not only an investment of your time and hard-earned money, but it’s also one that you hope to enjoy for many years. To save you time, money and potential regrets, try the following tips to help you get a clear idea as to what type of sofa is right for you.

  • Space available: Your sofa should not be overpowering, so scale it to fit the room, taking into consideration other furniture that also will be there, such as a coffee table, end tables or chairs. Virtual floor plan tools are a great resource for helping you discover the best ways to maximize your living room space.

RELATED: Browse the Morris Home selection of smaller sofas and loveseats.

  • Sofa shape: Choosing the shape of your sofa has as much to do with the size of the room as it does with your personal taste and needs. For example, if you're blessed with a large space and are looking for ample, cozy seating, then a comfy sectional sofa might be the best option. If your space is smaller, a charming two-cushion sofa might be in order.

  • Current home décor: Your sofa should complement your current home decor. Do you prefer a casual or more tailored look? Is customizable upholstery important to you? If your style is more traditional, a classically structured sofa in a soft, durable, neutral fabric might work well. If you gravitate toward more of an urban and modern style, you might choose something with clean lines or dramatic color that reflects your modern aesthetic. With a traditional/modern combination style, fabric color could be more of a deciding factor.

RELATED: Find the right style for your home. Take the Morris Home Design Style Quiz here!

  • Lifestyle and needs: 
  • Just as you take a car for a test drive, plan to “test drive” potential sofas for comfort, style and construction before you buy. Sit and lay on it the way you intend to use it and consider the following:
    • Are you low-maintenance, or are you willing to invest in something that needs to be frequently maintained?
    • Will the sofa be for everyday use or just for special occasions?
    • Do you want a couch that you can sink into, or do you prefer a firm, upright seat?
    • Fabric on heavily used sofas will show wear after seven years, and the cushions less than three.
    • Have young kids and/or pets? Fabrics like suede are nice, but aren't easy to clean. On the other hand, leather - especially in a darker color - is consistently in style, wears well, and can be fairly easy to clean.

RELATED: Click here to shop the more than 900 sofa options available from Morris Home

At the end of the day, you will never truly know what sofa is right for you unless you get up and head into a store to see them. Remember, furniture is part of your life. You live on it, in it, with it. Nothing can compare to seeing that sofa in person before you buy. Don’t feel pressured into choosing the first one you see. Remember, a good quality sofa is an investment worth making but only if you make the right choice for your comfort and your lifestyle.