In this busy hectic life of ours, along with the TV, the sofa has become a focal point of our homes. It’s where we spend the majority of our waking hours when we’re at home. Whether lounging with a good book or indulging in the latest shenanigans offered by our favourite Soaps, the sofa has become increasingly important in our daily lives. Therefore when it comes to purchasing a sofa it is important that we make the right decision.
Use
A sofa is a long term investment that will meet your needs for years to come. As such, you will need to consider the function of your sofa before deciding on the size and fabric choices. How many people will be sitting on your sofa? Do you entertain often? Do you have young children or grandchildren, and if so, do you need a sofa that's easier to clean?
If you entertain or have your family over often, you may prefer a larger sofa. If you have young children, or eat your dinner on your sofa, a darker fabric may be more practical. Or perhaps you would prefer a leather sofa that you can wipe clean?
Size
First consider the size of your living room. You don’t wish your sofa to overpower your existing furniture and accessories. Likewise, you don’t want it to look lost in a large space.
If you have a small space, take a look at Park Furnishers’ range of compact sofas. Or you may wish to consider two smaller sofas rather than one large one as it increases your options. In a large space, a four seater sofa can make a dramatic statement.
Lay newspaper on the floor to the size of your sofa to gauge how much space it will take up.
You should also consider how you are going to get the sofa into your room of choice. Check the size of your door frames, hallways and staircases. Good furniture retailers can offer a service whereby they will visit your home to check whether or not your new sofa will fit. Some sofas come in sections or have detachable arms to make the process easier. It is important to measure up before you shop and to take your measurements with you.
Your Living Room
Consider where your sofa will be placed. Often this is in front of the TV nestling within existing furniture. In this case the decor in your room may be an influencing factor in your decision. If you would like your sofa to tie in with an existing look, you may wish to think about the colour of your walls and carpet, as well as the style and cover of your furniture.
However, you could create a stunning new look by using your new sofa as a focal point. The shapes of a sofa and even the number of cushions can make a difference to the overall feel of the room. In a smaller space, narrower sofa arms give the illusion of a more compact piece, and whereas one or two cushions give a cleaner, more modern look, three feel more traditional.
Comfort
Having a beautiful sofa that perfectly complements your decor is important, but it should also offer you the ultimate in comfort. You should consider your height and leg length, how firm or soft you would like your cushions to be and whether you want to sit straight or relax and curl up.
Always visit Park Furnishers before you buy to experience the sofas for yourself. Don't be shy about taking off your shoes, putting your feet up and recreating the way you would use your sofa at home. If you’re someone who likes to lie down and relax, you may want a sofa with low arms and lots of loose cushions to get cosy on. There are also manual and electric recliner options to give you maximum comfort in a range of positions. However, if you're after support for your head and neck then lumbar support or a high backed model should be considered. If you prefer to sit more formally, ensure your feet comfortably touch the floor or invest in a footstool to prevent the sofa chafing your legs behind the knees.
Fabric or Leather?
A sofa is one piece of furniture that will be used almost every day. So choosing one that will stand the test of time is important. Careful consideration should be given to what fabric best suits your needs and style.
Tightly woven fabrics will wear the best and fabrics with woven patterns will retain their appearance better than printed designs. But unless you're going for loose covers, choose something classic, such as a smart stripe, as patterned sofas can date quickly. Wool is springy and resilient, with a natural stain resistance, chenille is soft and hard-wearing, and velvet is warm and textural with a luxurious feel. Linen is cool and crisp and one of the most durable fibres for sofas, while cotton is great for taking colour and blends well with other fabrics.
Leather is strong, cool in summer, warm in the winter and, if well-maintained, can last a lifetime. Technology means that all sorts of finishes can be achieved, from distressed and antiqued to smooth and soft. There are several different grades of leather, so ask an expert which type is most suited to your needs. Most leathers will age in some way, but this can add to the character. If you are looking for a leather sofa, you should seek quality leather that will wear well.
Microfibre has a luxurious feel that's similar to suede. It is incredibly strong, with a contemporary look, and because it's easy to clean and maintain, it's an excellent option for busy households.
Construction
Foam cushions have a firm feel and appearance and will hold their shape well.
Feather-filled or fibre cushions are soft and comfy, and have a more casual look, but will need regular plumping.
A combination of feather-wrapped or foam seat cushions with serpentine springs makes for an extremely soft and comfortable sofa that maintains its shape and reduces the need for continuous plumping.
Caring for a sofa
Plump up cushions frequently to stop creasing and flattening.
Turn reversible cushions regularly to enhance their appearance and comfort.
Where possible, reposition upholstery in your room for more equal seat usage.
Lightly vacuum fabric covered upholstery once a week to prevent dust from building up. Accumulated dirt will dull colours and speed up wear.
Dust leather furniture with a soft brush weekly and wipe with a damp cloth. Do not use polishes, detergents, solvents, white spirit or stain removers as they may damage the leather. Clean quarterly with our specialist leather cleaner or a lukewarm, mild solution of a pure soaping agent. It’s important not to over wet the leather. Failure to carry out simple cleaning on a regular basis can reduce the life of your leather upholstery.
Do not leave newspapers on your sofa or chairs as the ink can stain.
Avoid sitting on upholstery with heavy soiled or non-colourfast clothing.
Direct sunlight can cause fading, so protect furniture by drawing curtains and blinds whenever possible.
To prevent wear, avoid sitting on the arms of chairs. We know children love jumping on sofas but they can damage the cushion covers and seat.
Care should be taken with sharp edged toys, buckles and jewellery. Trim off loose threads with sharp scissors as pulling them could leave a hole.
Recliner mechanisms should be operated with care and children should refrain from playing on them.
Keep furniture away from direct heat (radiators, heaters etc.) or air conditioning as this can cause joints to dry out and crack.
Keep pets off furniture to avoid scratches or marks.
In the event of accidents or severe soiling, contact Park Furnishers on 0117 9669253 immediately for professional advice