So you're in the market for a new sofa. Maybe your old one is finally starting to show its age, or maybe you just moved into a new place and need to furnish it from scratch. Either way, buying a sofa is a big decision—it's not something you want to screw up. Here are 5 mistakes to avoid when purchasing a sofa, so you don't end up regretting your purchase for years to come.
1. Try It Out
Don't buy a sofa without trying it out first. A sofa may look good in the store, but how does it feel? Is it comfortable? You won't know until you sit on it, so make sure to take some time to test out different sofas before settling on one.
If you find yourself obsessed with a sofa online, and have no way of physically testing it out before it reaches your home, there are other ways to understand how it feels.
Read the Reviews:
Obviously, we are drawn to reviews. It shows the raw, unfiltered opinions of people who have bought the sofa before, and they'll be sure to let you know exactly how it feels.
Read the Description:
Yeah, it's obvious. However, pay attention to the details. What is the sofa made out of? Do they avoid talking about the materials it is constructed? A little research can often reveal how the sofa would feel, in theory.
Research the Brand:
Some furniture stores possess furniture from other brands, or their own brand has a trademark design. Look into what exactly about the design, makes their sofa special.
2. Don't Forget About Style
Just because a sofa is comfortable doesn't mean it has to be boring. There are plenty of stylish and comfortable sofas out there, so don't settle for one that's neither. Some sofas may look super cool and stylish online or in-store, but do they have proper support?
Here are some different styles to consider when shopping for sofas:
Illustration: Sarah MacReading
Image source: nytimes.com
3. Not Measuring Your Space
This is arguably the most important step in the entire process, and yet so many people skip it. Before you even start shopping for a sofa, you need to measure your space. This will give you a good idea of how big (or small) a sofa you can get. Trust us, there's nothing worse than buying a beautiful sofa only to realize it doesn't fit in your living room. So save yourself the trouble and measure your space first.
4. Not Considering Your Lifestyle
When choosing a sofa, it's important to consider your lifestyle. If you have pets or young children, for example, you'll want to choose a sofa that is durable and easy to clean. On the other hand, if you don't have kids or pets and prefer a more delicate look, then you might want to choose something that is less durable but more stylish. There is no right or wrong answer here; it all depends on your personal preferences and lifestyle.
5. Selecting the Wrong Color or Upholstery
We aren't all talented interior designers, so some of us may struggle with deciding which color or upholstery to choose for our sofas. When picking out a sofa, think about what colors or upholstery would work best with your existing decor. If you're not sure what color to choose, it's always safe to stick with neutral colors like black, white, or gray.
We have the Design Center at the Furniture Mall, where our design specialists can help you choose the sofa that would best work in your space. Our customization options are also incredibly varied. We have leathers, patterned fabrics, faux fur (for pillows), velvets, performance fabrics, and so much more.
You're Ready to Shop
Purchasing is a big decision--one that shouldn't be taken lightly. By avoiding these 5 common mistakes, you can be sure that you'll end up with a quality piece of furniture that you'll love for years to come.
Check out The Furniture Mall if you're in the market for a sofa. With over 50 brands, you're sure to find a sofa that's just right for you. Our home specialists are also always willing to lend an ear to any questions or concerns you may have about your potential sofa purchase.
We have locations in Topeka and Olathe, Kansas. We also have a store in Lee's Summit, Missouri. See you there!