Blockhouse: Sofa, So Good!

A sofa is more than just a comfortable spot to unwind in your home. A good sofa should serve your family’s needs and provide support, comfort and more as you need it. Make the right choice and a sofa will be a welcome investment in your everyday life. Today we’re sharing some top considerations for choosing the perfect sofa with some of our top picks from Blockhouse.

To replace or re-upholster?

A sofa can last for many years, but with daily use, it can take a lot of strain and suffer from everyday wear and tear. Moreso if your home has pets or small children. However, if you’re in the market for a new sofa, then it may be wise to consider your options. Fresh upholstery can help to give your old sofa a whole new look, but this isn’t always the best solution.

Your old sofa may have served you well, but if it is bulky and uncomfortable, then no real re-upholstery work will change that. In that case, it may be a better option to replace it altogether. In fact, sometimes it is more cost-effective to replace your couch!

When to replace?

If your current couch is damaged or beyond repair, then replacement is a no-brainer. However, if your old couch doesn’t meet your needs or style, or is simply too small, you’ll also want to consider a replacement option. If you don’t have a sofa at all, purchasing one will give your living space a central gathering spot, so you should start the search as soon as you can.

Consider size and shape

Today, modern sofas come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Large L-shaped or corner couches offer ample seating, but may not be the best fit in a smaller room. Smaller two-seater couches may be a better solution here. Our top tip is to accurately measure the room before you shop. This way you’ll know exactly what size sofa will work. If you’re more of a visual person, then you could tape out a few size options in your space to see how it will work in your room.

Consider depth

When we think about the size of a sofa, we don’t usually think about the depth, but this is actually a very important factor and can impact how comfortable your choice will be. Our tip: You’ll want to select deep or shallow seats, depending on your height. If you’re buying a recliner sofa, make sure it is comfortable in all its positions. The couch back should support your back adequately with your feet flat on the floor and the backs of your knees just slightly forward of the lower seat cushion. And if you like to nap on the couch, lay down on the couch and see if it is long enough for comfortable snoozing.

Consider materials

Your choice of upholstery matters. In fact, durable upholstery is a worthy investment in the longevity of your sofa, so you want to choose wisely. If you have children or pets, you will, naturally, want a long-lasting textile that is easy to clean. Sofas with high-maintenance fabrics, such as silk, are best left for areas that will not be used every day. Microfibre upholstery and leather give you greater durability while textured fabrics also tend to show less wear and tear than smooth ones. Have a ‘window shop’ and take a look at your options, and remember to look and feel the materials to see which you prefer.