Beyond Comfort: How to Choose the Sofa That Complements Your Home

Last Updated: March 13, 2025 by Michael Kahn. Published: March 13, 2025.

The idea of selecting the best sofa set appears relatively straightforward, doesn’t it? You visit the store, explore it, try it out, and then purchase it.

However, purchasing a sofa is significantly more overwhelming than that. And why it be so complicated? This blog will explore any potential stress regarding selecting a sofa with a comprehensive overview of everything you should consider before leaving home.

Since a couch represents a long-lasting commitment, you will get a quality sofa that will stand the test of time. Some of the matters are clear. However, there are additional factors that are much less noticeable. Let’s explore this detailed list and select a couch you’ll love. Otherwise, you buy the incorrect sofa, regret purchasing it, and dislike your existence. 

Set the Tone First

The design of your sofa is the priority. Assess the existing style of your home and select a couch that complements that theme. This step appears very straightforward, but numerous individuals simply purchase what they enjoy, and unfortunately, what they want often doesn’t match the room’s style. Or it may not suit the rug in the room or the artwork hanging above the sofa. All these components must work together cohesively, so you need to begin by ensuring the appearance is correct.

Reflect on how you’d like the room’s atmosphere when you’re in it. Would you like this area to evoke a serene and subdued atmosphere (a neutral couch), something lively and vibrant (a more colourful choice), or do you have a particular theme in mind, such as mid-Century (if so, searching for ‘mid-Century sofa’ will be pretty valuable)? By skipping this step, you could end up with a couch that feels great but appears mismatched.

Functionality Comes Next

The purpose of using the sofa is quite significant. However, “to sit on” is the solution, but we must explore it more deeply. For instance, is this a formal lounge where you’ll relax with drinks when guests arrive? Or is this the space where you’ll binge-watch with friends and family? If there is a sumptuous space for the children, so they can invite friends and have snacks and drinks. Perhaps it’s a sofa that converts to a bed in a spare room.

Each of the scenarios above requires a distinct type of sofa. Formal can feel less relaxed, more organized, and more rigid. Sofas meant for watching TV should be softer, where you can sink in and lounge comfortably. Sofas for children’s areas must withstand more damage since many teenagers are not concerned with maintaining sofas. 

Finding the Perfect Sofa Dimensions

You must measure the sofa you plan to buy for your living room. If you fail to do this, it likely won’t fit. It will either overwhelm the area, leaving no space for a coffee table, or it will be too tiny, and you left with the sofa appear disproportionately small. 

The couch must fit the space well without appearing overly big or too little. To do this accurately, take your tape measure and first measure the width of your sofa. Consider whether you desire side tables next to your sofa; if so, you’ll want to include approximately 50cm of width on each side of your sofa measurement, as most good side tables are about 50cm wide.

Measuring the depth of the sofa is also essential. Particular sofas may reach a depth of up to one meter (measured from the front of the sofa cushion to the rear of the couch). Since you need to allow 50cm from the front of your sofa to the edge of your coffee table, plus at least 50cm on the opposite side of the coffee table, it’s also advisable to measure your existing coffee table to confirm it fits with the sofa you intend to purchase.

Height Matters Too

This aspect is especially crucial if your sofa is in an open-plan living room. For instance, if it’s a modular lounge, one edge probably extends into the room, so having a low back is essential, allowing your eye to glide over it. Sofas with tall backs can disrupt the flow of living rooms and genuinely hinder the area’s overall style. However,  low-back sofas may not suit you if you prefer neck support while watching TV. If the couch is positioned against a wall, the height isn’t a big issue, but it is still essential to consider the size of the art you wish to hang above it.

Picking the Best Material

The material it is constructed from is crucial when selecting the appropriate sofa. Considering who will use the couch and what effects that will have on maintenance.

For instance, a leather couch is more straightforward to clean than a fabric couch when there are kids or pets. However, a leather sofa may feel cold in winter and warm during summer. 

Fabric sofas are more comfortable and plush but can be harder to maintain. Slipcover sofas are a blessing for those with toddlers or pets, but some upkeep is required. Consider who occupies the sofa and how much effort you will put into its upkeep. 

Concluding Thoughts

Understanding what makes a quality piece when investing in a new sofa. A well-made sofa is more than just an attractive addition to your living space—it’s a long-term investment in comfort and functionality. Hope this post has made choosing a sofa a bit more manageable! The goal was to walk you through all the essential considerations so you can make a more confident decision.