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The document provides a guide for choosing the right sofa for one's home and lifestyle. It discusses several important factors to consider such as sofa usage and how it will be used, the size of the sofa and living room to ensure proper fit, and style options to complement one's decor. The guide also covers material types, comfort levels, and maintenance needs. Choosing a sofa is a major purchase so planning and understanding your needs is key to selecting the perfect match.
The document provides a guide for choosing the right sofa for one's home and lifestyle. It discusses several important factors to consider such as sofa usage and how it will be used, the size of the sofa and living room to ensure proper fit, and style options to complement one's decor. The guide also covers material types, comfort levels, and maintenance needs. Choosing a sofa is a major purchase so planning and understanding your needs is key to selecting the perfect match.
The document provides a guide for choosing the right sofa for one's home and lifestyle. It discusses several important factors to consider such as sofa usage and how it will be used, the size of the sofa and living room to ensure proper fit, and style options to complement one's decor. The guide also covers material types, comfort levels, and maintenance needs. Choosing a sofa is a major purchase so planning and understanding your needs is key to selecting the perfect match.
Sofas Dining room Living room Leather sofas Fabric sofas Corner sofas SOFA BUYERS GUIDE page 2 SOFA BUYERS GUIDE This guide tells you everything you need to know about buying a sofa, here are some of the areas it covers:
Sofa usage the function, size and
fabrics to consider before buying your sofa
Sofa and living room size
because the right size means the right t for you and your home
Measuring your sofa and living
room how to make sure your sofa will t into your home
Sofa style nding the right match
for your lifestyle and choice of dcor
Filling selection choosing your
level of comfort based on the rmness of the llings
Before buying your sofa
nal considerations before making your purchase
Sofa care how to take care
of your investment EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BUYING YOUR IDEAL SOFA The sofa is one of the biggest and most important furniture investments you can make. Its often the centrepiece of the living room, the place you curl up in front of the TV, and have a brew with visiting friends and family. Choose your sofa wisely and not only will you have a piece of furniture that makes a real style statement in your home, but also a comfortable companion for years to come. So, how do you ensure you pick the perfect sofa? The answer is lots of planning and consideration, from how your sofa will be used day-to-day to how it will complement the look of your living space. With so many varieties of sofa to choose from, weve put together our very own comprehensive sofa buying guide to help you out. Use it to your advantage and youre sure to nd a sofa that ts right in with your lifestyle and home. AT A GLANCE The Harveys Sofa Buying team page 3 SOFA BUYERS GUIDE THE HISTORY OF THE SOFA The Egyptian era saw people move away from a nomadic existence and begin to settle in one place. This is possibly why the earliest sofas found on record originated from this period (around 2000 years BC), which were luxurious seats made for Pharaohs and royalty. Later, the Romans also embraced extravagant sofas, a luxury reserved for the elite. It was only after the 17th century that European homes were more heavily furnished. Between 1670 and 1730 occasion tables, sofas and armchairs became much more prominent. 1 In the 18th Century, famous cabinet makers like Thomas Chippendale began printing catalogues they called pattern books. These featured furniture design ideas, including for sofas. It was in this era that sofas became less elitist and more common in peoples homes. Better machinery allowed factories to start putting springs in sofas, improving their padding. When English inventor and cabinet maker, Thomas Saint, patented the rst sewing machine in 1790, the speed that manufacturers could produce sofas increased and the cost was greatly reduced. 2 The word sofa originates from the Arabic word suffah, which means bench. Today, there are many words for sofa, including couch, settee and suite. DID YOU KNOW? page 4 SOFA BUYERS GUIDE What to consider in regards to size and style of room:
What type of room will your sofa be put in? A living room? A childs playroom? A dining room? Room type can inuence style and even the functionality of the sofa
Will it be a main or secondary piece of furniture? A secondary sofa is designed to complement the main pieces in your room, not ght for dominance
How many people live in your home? This will tell you the size or number of sofas needed to cater for your family
Do you need your sofa to have built-in storage? What to consider in regards to maintenance of sofa:
Do you entertain/have the family around often?
Do you have pets?
Will meals be eaten on your sofa?
How heavy is your sofa? Will moving it around your living room be easy? Are you able bodied enough to move the sofa youve selected? A larger couch may be a better option for your living room if you have a big family or entertain often. For those with children, a sofa that easily wipes clean (like leather) is a must. If you have pets, removable sofa covers ensure hair missed by the vacuum is removed when washed or dry cleaned as per manufacturers guidelines, or choose a tougher fabric that can be frequently vacuumed. Condent your pets wont scratch the sofa? Consider a leather couch, as you can wipe the hairs right off. The type of property you have will also affect your decision-making when buying a sofa.You wouldnt buy the same sofa living in a traditional farmhouse as you would in a city apartment. Choose a style that suits your property. SOFA USAGE Youre likely to live with your sofa between 8 and 10 years. So its important to consider the function of that piece of furniture before deciding on the size and fabrics. The arms of a sofa can make a big difference to the amount of seating available. Larger arms tend to waste space and that may not be an option in a smaller living space. Slim arms will help to maximise your seating availability, essential if you have a smaller living space. ITS WORTH REMEMBERING page 5 SOFA BUYERS GUIDE Open plan living room If youve chosen to go for an entirely open plan living space, a conventional sofa might look a little lost. To make the most of an open plan living room, consider dividing the space into different zones. Each zone should have a specic purpose. A relaxing zone could consist of your sofa, a TV and a coffee table. Your couch should be large to ensure it makes its mark in your open space lots of smaller pieces could look disorderly and cluttered. Bay windows As a general rule, putting any large piece of furniture by your windows is a bad idea, as it will block out the light and view. However, if your living room features a bay window, the extra interior space offers more ways to arrange your sofa. A low backed sofa will ensure plenty of light still shines into your living space. One option is to put a sofa in front of your bay window, away from your other living room furniture. This creates a relaxing sitting place where you can watch the world go by. Bear in mind that leather and fabric will fade when left in direct sunlight for a long period of time. For example, a black sofa may turn a dark shade of blue. You can minimize the risk of fading by keeping your sofa out of direct sunlight, or decreasing your sofas exposure to sunlight by occasionally keeping your blinds or curtains closed. Also, bear in mind that, like fabric, leather will fade when left in direct sunlight. How to maximise your living space Whatever shape or style you think you may want, its important to leave yourself enough living space. As a general guide, one large sofa can make a small room feel less cramped than lots of smaller pieces, but only if there is enough room to move around. Rooms with high ceilings can take a sofa with a higher back, while low backs can offer the illusion of more height in your living room, and can also be used effectively in open-plan rooms to emphasise the sense of space. Placing your sofa in a small living room? Choose a compact design with neat arms to free up more space. How you manipulate the use of light in your room can also give the illusion of space. For example, if youre working with a small, poorly-lit room, a neutral coloured, compact couch may be your best option. SOFA AND LIVING ROOM SIZE Your choice of sofa is always going to be dictated by the size of your living room. Choose a sofa that is too large for your living space and it will overpower your existing furniture. But choose a sofa that is too small and it will look lost, and may not seat the number of people you need it to. Your sofa also needs to complement the style of your dcor and the existing furniture that may already be in your living space. The key to success is getting the balance right between style and maximising your use of living space. page 6 SOFA BUYERS GUIDE Space considerations when opting for a recliner or sofa bed If youre buying a recliner or sofa bed, take into consideration the extra space those types of settee will take up. A recliner will need room to recline and your sofa bed will need to pull out into a bed! To ensure youve got the required amount of room to make your sofa purchase, measure up your couch and living space rst. Sofa beds Sofa beds are sofas that convert into beds, giving your home a little bit more exibility. Its an extra place for your guests to sit comfortably or sleep, which works just as well in spare rooms as they do in your living room. Sofa beds range from 3 seaters, 2 seaters and chairs. Most of them pull out from the seat, an action that is designed to take little effort. So, if youre buying your sofa bed from a store, test the bed mechanism, and if it isnt easy to do, move on to another sofa bed. Sofa beds can come with storage options, offering extra space-saving solutions. This is commonly a hidden area underneath the cushions, which is the ideal place for items such as bedding, pillows and even some of your toddlers toys. Recliner sofas Recliner sofas have a footrest that pulls out, allowing you to put your feet up. There are two forms of recliner sofas: manual and electric. Manual recliners use a pull handle located on the side panel of the sofa. Some recliners offer the additional benet of lying back in a fully reclined position. Electric recliners use an electric motor to raise the footrest by the touch of a button. The button tends to be either on the side of the couch or on a handheld remote control. More modern recliner designs use a minimal amount of space, while maintaining the necessary comfort that theyre designed to provide. Corner sofas Corner sofas t snugly into the corner of your room. That means they utilise living room space that a standard couch cannot, freeing up more room for you to take advantage of. Some types of corner sofas also have adjustable segments, allowing you to create different sofa lengths on each side of the corner. For example, you could opt for your sofa to be three segments long on one side and one segment short on the other. A corner sofas unique shape can divide larger, open-plan rooms to create a more intimate space. Some corner sofas are also available as sofa beds. Modular sofas Modular sofas combine individual pieces of furniture to create a variety of sofa set-ups. This offers a great way to mix and match your furniture to suit any style or living space. You can choose to make your furniture large or small, depending on the space available. Modular furniture offers exibility thats perfect for smaller living spaces. Choosing a large arrangement of modular furniture can also help enhance an open plan living space. HOW TO WORK WITH AN AWKWARDLY SHAPED ROOM If you have an awkwardly shaped or open-plan room, you may benet from a sofa that is designed to maximise its space. Here are a few options to consider: Choose a patterned fabric when your sofa is going to be used frequently, like in busy family homes, as patterns can conceal minor stains well. A TIP ON USING FABRIC SOFAS Other types of sofa to consider page 7 SOFA BUYERS GUIDE Ensuring your sofa can access your property Not only will your sofa have to t into your living room, but also through your doors, halls, stairs and even up in a lift, if you have one. Here are a few things youll need to consider before your sofa is delivered. Measuring your sofa For sofas, rst measure the width and then the diagonal depth. The diagonal depth is found by measuring from the highest point of the back frame to the front of the arm. Then measure from the bottom rear corner of the sofa up to the point it crosses your measurement of the back frame to the front of the arm. The measurements of the diagonal depth must be less than the size of your entryway. Deciding on your sofa space
Decide on the sofa location and space youre going to need for it to comfortably t in your room. Then use newspaper and masking tape to mark out the amount of space it requires
Check that theres enough space to walk around your sofa. Plus, check that the positioning of your sofa doesnt obstruct your doors or drawers
Measure the height of the area where your sofa will be placed to ensure it can be moved into that area MEASURING YOUR SOFA AND LIVING ROOM Before purchasing your new dream sofa, you want to make sure it ts perfectly inside your living space. So take the time to measure up the space requirements for both your sofa and room before making your nal decision. Here is a standard range of sofa sizes (width) for you to work from when measuring your living space. SOFA SIZE GUIDE Small sofas/two seater up to 174cm/68.5 inches Medium sofas/2-3 seater 175-190cm/69-75 inches Large sofas/3 seater 191-210cm/75-83 inches Grand sofas/4 seater 211cm+/83 inches Measuring the hallway
Measure the height and width of all doors and hallways that your sofa will need to pass through
Check for xtures, ttings and immovable objects like radiators that may obstruct your hallway
Measure the distance between the access door in the hallway and the interior wall in the room where the sofa will be put.This measurement must be more than the width of the sofa
If the corner is tight, it might be easier to stand the sofa upright to gain entry. Before you do this, you should measure the ceiling height. This needs to be greater than the width of the sofa to ensure entry ii Diagonal depth (ii) must be less than entryway dimensions page 8 SOFA BUYERS GUIDE Choosing castors Castors (wheels that afx to the bottom of your sofa) are practical devices that make moving the furniture much easier. Not only is this great for when youre moving a new piece of furniture into your home, but when you want to arrange the layout of your living space. Before purchasing your new sofa, check whether it comes with castors, and make sure their look complements the sofa and room dcor. OTHER SOFA DELIVERY CONSIDERATIONS Remember that some sofas come with bolt-on arms or in two parts. This can come in handy when trying to get your sofa into your home, especially if there are lots of tight spaces. Do this and youll be able to see the oor underneath your couch, creating a feeling of space in your living room. SMALL LIVING SPACE? CHOOSE A SOFA WITH SLIM LEGS Sofa going up stairs? Measure the height, width and depth of your staircase so you can turn your sofa whilst carrying it up Factor in that different oors may have different stairwell heights as well as any turns or doors in the stairwell Sofa going up in a lift? Measure the height and width of the lift door. Then measure the dimensions inside the lift, including the diagonal height from the bottom front to the top back. This is done in case you need to put the sofa in at an angle Check the sofa weight against the maximum load of the lift, you should be able to nd this out from the seller page 9 SOFA BUYERS GUIDE All theyll do is blend in. What your cushions should do is add more colour and texture to your room. Choose a colour that matches other aspects of your living space and contrasts nicely with the colour of your sofa. Do this well and your cushions should pull together the elements of your room. YOUR CUSHIONS SHOULDNT MATCH YOUR SOFA CHOOSING THE RIGHT SOFA COLOUR Whether you want a sofa that makes a bold statement or blends in beautifully with the rest of your dcor, colour is one of the most important considerations in the buying process. Bold sofa colours A bright sofa colour like red will catch the eye, add air and ensure your furniture is the centrepiece of your rooms interior. Its an opportunity to let your sofa bring lots of personality to your room. Just bear in mind that too many bold colours will create an imbalance in your living space that wont be easy on the eye. Neutral sofa colours Neutrals are far from boring, you can mix and match textures and tones to add depth while creating a living space that feels soothing and calm. Use them wisely and they can make your room seem larger, plus theyre easy to combine with walls and accessories that use vivid colours. page 10 SOFA BUYERS GUIDE SOFA STYLE So youve now decided on the size requirements of your sofa, possibly the type, where it will be placed in your living space, and are condent it can access your property. Your next consideration is possibly the trickiest of them all, the style of sofa youre going to select. So no pressure! If youre buying a sofa for a large living room, you can afford to let a large sofa dominate. So feel free to be bold and consider a grand design, and give it plenty of space to stand out rather than push it up against a wall. However, if you have a smaller living space, you may not have as much choice in regards the position of your sofa. Aim for a compact sofa with clean lines and neutral colours, as anything too dark or too loud can overpower a small room. Your sofa tends to set the style of your room page 11 SOFA BUYERS GUIDE Combining traditional and modern styles Contrast modern furniture with rustic, vintage pieces to create a dcor full of richness and depth. Here are a few inspiring ideas:
If you have contemporary furniture in your living space, try traditional wooden ooring to make the room warmer and more inviting
Add simple white slipcovers to traditional sofas to give them a more contemporary look In a modern dcor you can add character by adding a feature or accessory inspired by cottage/farmhouse style, introduce features or accessories with soft colours, vintage furnishings, feminine orals Choose an eclectic mix of old accessories to decorate a clean and modern living space CONTEMPORARY OR TRADITIONAL? Theres a wide range of stunning sofas out there for you to choose from. But will you opt for a traditional or contemporary style? Traditional sofas exude elegance and ornate style with typical features including scroll arms, decorative turned legs, a buttoned back or polished brass castors. Expect plenty of support and comfort. Contemporary sofas are renowned for their low backs and small arms, and theyre commonly low to the ground and have exposed wooden or metal legs. Thats less support for your back but thats made up for with a cool looking piece of furniture that adds a sense of space to your living room. 3 page 12 SOFA BUYERS GUIDE Chestereld sofas Most commonly tufted in leather, Chestereld couches are renowned for their high rolled arms, tufted back and seat. This type of sofa has connotations of mens clubs and traditional libraries. Midcentury modern sofas Midcentury modern sofas embrace a streamlined form, featuring straight, squared lines and low squared legs. This style rose to prominence from the mid 1940s to 1970, a combination of pared-down forms, contemporary patterns and natural materials. 4 This retro style of sofa has become more desirable again due to the inuence of popular shows like Mad Men. 5 WHAT SETS THE STYLE OF THE SOFA? The style of a sofa can be recognised by its arms, back, and the legs or skirt. The design of those features dictate whether the sofa is contemporary or traditional in style, as does the way its upholstered and trimmed. Here are a selection of the most well known styles of sofa. English or club sofas The club sofa is a 19th-century classic offering a casual style thats versatile enough for a variety of home dcors. The arms, in comparison to other sofa shapes, are lower and more compact, making them a good choice for smaller rooms. Upholstered from the back to the seat cushions, this is a comfortable piece to sink into and relax. Scandinavian styled sofas Scandinavian style (also known as Scandy) sofas are inuenced by a design movement that began in the 1950s in the Scandinavian countries Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland. Scandy styled sofas are characterised by minimalism and functionality and remain as popular today as they were 60 years ago. Sectional/modular sofas Individual armless sofas, corner units and ottomans (upholstered seat or bench) combine to create exible pieces of modular furniture. The style is typically clean-lined and contemporary. Learn more about modular furniture in our How to work with an awkwardly shaped room section. page 13 SOFA BUYERS GUIDE Help your sofa and/or armchair(s) have a longer life by choosing arm covers. These reduce the wear of your sofa or armchair when youre sitting and relaxing. SOFA AND ARMCHAIR ARM COVERS Loveseats The loveseat has been a popular piece of furniture for living rooms, bedrooms and even gardens since the mid to late 19th century. Designed to sit two people, this piece of furniture is perfect for cuddling up with that special someone. Still on-trend, modern loveseats, or snugglers/cuddlers, are the perfect over-sized chair, providing extra comfort for two. Chaise longues Chaise longues give you the ability to stretch out and unwind. They can stand alone or combine with an armchair or sofa, giving you an array of options when organising your living space. Known for being a showpiece a chaise longues is the perfect decorative piece for your hallway or bedroom. Available in leather or fabric in a range of colours to match your dcor. Chaise longues design evolved throughout the 20th century, becoming a popular choice as a piece of outdoor furniture, used at beaches, swimming pools, gardens and decks. Today it is still a highly stylish sofa that looks at home both indoors and out. Armchairs The armchair is a piece of furniture that allows you to rest both your arms and legs. Theyre renowned for their exceptional comfort and being a versatile companion for your sofa, as theyre small enough to be moved around into a variety of positions. A traditional armchair has an opulent design; using ornate wood and upholstery, and embracing curved lines. Contemporary armchairs tend to feature clean lines and steel frames. page 14 SOFA BUYERS GUIDE LEATHER SOFAS Leather is a popular choice of material in the world of interior furniture. Its association with quality comes from being a natural covering that creases and stretches over time. This makes the material soften and relaxes its shape; giving your couch more comfort and character. Leather is also very hardwearing due to its natural bres that go in all directions, making it stronger than many other sofa materials. Its resistant to stains, spills and general wear and tear. page 15 SOFA BUYERS GUIDE Aniline leather Aniline leather is one of the most expensive you can buy. Its made from the nest hides, with dye impregnated into it and the surface is kept natural. It is a pure leather that is renowned for being incredibly soft and full of character. However, because its surface doesnt have any nish, Aniline leather is more likely to absorb stains and have lower light resistance. Semi-aniline leather Semi-aniline leather is similar to aniline. It also uses a high quality hide and has a dye impregnated into it, but has the extra benet of a light surface nish. This makes the leather more resistant tostaining, more durable and a much more affordable option. Faux leather Faux leather offers the same luxury look and feel of real leather, but is available for considerably less. Thats because its made from vinyl (also known as pleather), a material that imitates the texture of leather but needs less maintenance, as its water and scratch resistant. Antique leather Like the corrected grain leather, antique leather uses a pigment to cover the hides natural imperfections. Only antique leather also uses two dyes - a light base coat and a dark top coat. Once the furniture has been upholstered, a section of the top coat is rubbed off by hand to reveal the contrasting colour underneath. This gives the impression of a well worn leather that will bring an antique look to your room. Leathaire sofas Leathaire is a new material offering all the luxury and comfort of real leather. Like leather, Leathaire is stylish, hard- wearing and easy to clean. Ideal for our changeable British weather, Leathaire is 100% breathable and adapts to your body temperature keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter. Corrected grain leather Corrected grain leather uses a pigment to cover the hides natural imperfections. The grain is then embossed onto the hide and a protective coating is added, making it more resistant to fading, scratching and staining. This leather is inexpensive and easy to care for. TYPES OF LEATHER page 16 SOFA BUYERS GUIDE Linen and linen blend sofas Linen sofas offer a casual, relaxed living room style due to their natural creases that soften over time. Linen naturally pills but this doesnt affect its high durability. FABRIC SOFAS Fabric sofas look warm and inviting, particularly in the colder, wetter months of the British calendar. They have a large range of colour, pattern and texture options, making it easy to reect whats in vogue. Plus, thanks to microbre materials, fabric sofas can be as durable and easy to clean as leather sofas. However, the durability of different fabrics does vary considerably, so be realistic about the amount of wear and tear your sofa is likely to endure. Fabric sofas tend to come with removable covers. This also gives fabric sofas the option to transform their look with a different set of covers, which can prolong the life of your sofa if your tastes change or you redecorate. Check the manufacturers guidelines before attempting to remove or clean them. Microbre sofas Made of polyester bres on a cotton base, microbre is made from a synthetic material that resembles suede. However, its much more durable making it ideal for busy family homes. Microbre slipcovers offer a good solution if you opt for a couch made from a more fragile material and want to provide it with excellent protection. Choose a fabric sofa with deep-lled seats and backs. FOR EXTRA COMFORT Fabric sofas with a pattern woven into the fabric will wear better than those where the pattern is printed. DID YOU KNOW? Cotton sofas Cotton bre is a natural material that resists general wear and tear. Whether pure or blended, cotton bre is easy to care for. Its fade and pilling resistant, but cotton does wrinkle and absorb spills. Spoiling can be prevented by treating your cotton sofa with surface treatments, or opt for a slipcover thats designed to combat soiling and wrinkling. Cotton sofas are also available in a wide range of nishes. Chenille sofas Chenille fabric is renowned for its soft and textured surface that is the result of its tufted yarn. Poking out at various angles, the material resembles a caterpillar, which is in fact what chenille means in French. It is often made from natural bres like cotton or rayon, or man-made bres like acrylic.The colours will always vary and look unique, as the bres catch the light differently depending on the angle youre looking at it. Velvet This fabric has a thick soft pile which is cut so the ends of the yarns form the surface, creating a luxurious feel.Velvet offers many different nishes, brush the pile in one direction and you will get a rich, high sheen nish, or press the fabric direction down in different directions for a patterned appearance. Cord sofas Corduroy is a cotton fabric using twisted bres that are woven together. Think of it as a form of soft velvet that is also hardwearing due to its ribbed texture. Cord sofas are easier to clean than velvet and suede, and have a rustic look that will make your home both warm and inviting. Acrylic sofas Acrylic sofas are made from a synthetic bre that is an imitation of wool. It resists wear, wrinkling, soiling, and fading. However, if the acrylic material from your couch is of a low quality, it may pill excessively in areas where it is often being rubbed. page 17 SOFA BUYERS GUIDE FIXED OR LOOSE SOFA COVERS? Not only do sofa covers help to minimise the wear and tear of your sofas, they add extra style to enhance the overall look of your dcor. Loose sofa covers Sofa covers dramatically differ due to their fabrics, ttings and styles. A loose sofa cover is easy to remove, which can sometimes make them easier to clean. Theyre also easy to replace, and are a favourite with families and pet owners who often deal with sofa stains and wear and tear. Fixed sofa covers A xed sofa cover is pulled tight across the cover, and tends to be non-removable, creating a more tted and formal look. Fixed sofas are more appropriate for more formal living spaces such as dining rooms, or less casual style living rooms. page 18 SOFA BUYERS GUIDE LEATHER OR FABRIC? Still unsure whether you want the warm and welcoming comfort of fabric or luxurious feel of leather? Heres a round-up of the pros and cons of both. Leather sofa pros
Most leather types (such as corrected grain and aniline) are easy to maintain. A quick wipe with a damp cloth is all thats needed
Leather is a very durable material that, depending on the leather, can get softer with age and outlive fabric materials Leather sofas can complement the style and dcor of both traditional and contemporary homes Leather sofa cons
Some people nd leather is cold to the touch
Leather can be easily scratched Limited colour options in comparison to fabric sofas Fabric sofa pros
A large variety of styles, colours and patterns available
A warm, cosy and inviting piece of furniture that doesnt cool down or heat up with the temperature of the room
Some fabric sofas have removable covers making them easier to clean Fabric sofa cons
Easier to get stains from spillages
Not as durable as leather, unless you opt for microbre 7 page 19 SOFA BUYERS GUIDE Square cushions are very popular. But if you only buy a selection of the same size and shape cushions, youre missing an opportunity to add some variety and depth to how theyre laid out. Mix up the size and shape of your cushions. SIZE AND SHAPE OF SOFA CUSHIONS COMFORT IS KEY You wont nd your ideal sofa by making your decision solely on style and living space compatibility, as comfort also plays a huge factor. So you need to give some serious thought about how rm you want your lling to be. Give some thought to your choice of lling Discover the latest cushion collection from Cargo. 8 Foam upholstery Upholstery foam is affordable and comes in several thicknesses and weights. Foam upholstery feels rm and supportive, and gives your sofa a more tailored nish. They have a uniform appearance, recover quickly after being sat on and need little maintenance to stay looking their best. However, over time, the foam will compress and slightly shrink but this process is slower with high resilience foam. Fillings for sofas Sofa llings make a big difference to the level of support and comfort your couch will offer. Your choice of lling will also inuence the level of maintenance your couch will need in its lifetime. Fibre upholstery Fibre sofa cushions feel slightly softer than foam and help create a more relaxed style. Theyre made with synthetic bres, and need to be turned and plumped regularly to maintain their appearance and comfort level. Feather-lled upholstery Feather sofa cushions are the most traditional form of seat lling. They are the softest to sit on, but also the most challenging to maintain. Thats why theyre often only used in pillows, back cushions, and scatter cushions. www.cargohomeshop.com Turn your cushions occasionally to ensure even wear of your sofa. TOP TIP FOR SOFA CUSHIONS page 20 SOFA BUYERS GUIDE 4.Ask about joinery A sign of a quality-constructed sofa is the joints used to connect the parts. Quality joints include: wooden corner blocks, metal screws and brackets, wooden dowels or double wooden dowels. Nails and staples are commonly used for reinforcement, but be wary of purchasing a sofa just held together by these two items. You can ask your salesperson for written manufacturer information on frame joinery. 5. How rm are the llings? More durable llings are of a higher density. So when youre inspecting a couch, check the rmness of its cushions to understand how hardwearing it is. Softer foam will deteriorate quicker with use, but is less expensive. Here is our top 5: 1. Sit on the sofa Theres no better way to make sure your selected sofa is well made than to sit on it and give it a quick once over. The sofa should feel heavy and if you grab the arm and back, you shouldnt be able to bend the frame. If possible, sit on the sofa with another person to make sure you dont roll together. 2.Ask how the sofa is made High quality frames are made from hardwood and the parts are glued, dowelled and screwed together. Another popular frame is softwood, and this is often glued and stapled. More affordable sofas use no-sag springs, while the cheapest sofas dont use springs at all and instead use webbing made from elastic and man-made bres. Premium sofas use a combination of springs and padding thats made from wool, cotton wadding, felt or hair. 3. Inspect the frame and check the springs A strong frame means a more durable sofa that will last you years if looked after. Softwood frames, like pine, are popular due to their affordability. Bear in mind that softwoods have a shorter lifecycle than more expensive hardwoods. Softwoods may warp or wobble after ve years, but for their money they can still be a great investment. To check the springs, sit down on a corner or outside edge of the sofa youre inspecting. If it creaks then the springs are possibly incorrectly placed or hitting the frame. BEFORE BUYING YOUR SOFA Once youve selected a size, type and style of sofa, its time to look closer at what you could be buying. If the opportunity is there, visit the store to see the sofa(s) youre interested in and ask the store assistant a few more questions. Too much water or vigorous cleaning can destroy the surface nish of your fabric sofa. DID YOU KNOW? page 21 SOFA BUYERS GUIDE Caring for fabric Your sofa is one of the main attractions of your home, so its well worth taking good care of. Here are a few tips on how to clean your fabric sofa:
Vacuuming from time to time will help keep your couch in tip-top condition. Get into all the nooks and crannies to ensure all dirt and dust is removed
If you have loose sofa covers, simply pull them off and clean them as per manufacturers guidelines Make sure you follow the manufacturers instructions as some covers may require dry cleaning Before using any cleaning materials on your fabric sofa, give it a spot test rst As long as your sofa can withstand water, use a mild washing up liquid or laundry detergent in warm water to remove any marks. Only lightly dab the liquid onto the stain then rinse with a clean cloth and small amount of water. Then dry as quickly as possible using a dry cloth and open your windows If you have non-removable sofa covers consider getting them cleaned once a year by a specialist cleaning company 10 If your room gets lots of natural light, rotate the cushions on your sofa to slow the process of fading SOFA CARE Your sofa is a big investment, so its important to try and keep it looking as good as the day it arrived in your home. Of course, accidents can happen from time to time, especially around the furniture in a busy living space! Whether youre faced with a coffee stain or a scratch from a set of keys, its a good idea to get some form of insurance and a care kit for your sofas protection. If you buy a sofa from a furniture retailer, its likely that theyll offer you insurance and a care kit with your purchase. 9 Caring for leather One of the reasons leather sofas are so popular, especially with families, is that theyre easy to maintain. However, that doesnt mean you should take your sofa for granted and not give it the necessary care. Here are a few suggestions, just remember to research the type of leather your sofa has before following them:
Take a clean, dry cloth and wipe your sofa down once a week
Vacuum back panels to remove dust and dirt Never use wax or silicone polishes on leather furniture, and avoid over-using specialist cleaning polishes Its best practice to use a specialist cleaning kit for your sofa once every six months, including a treatment cream to preserve leather quality Always follow instructions supplied with care products and test cleaning products on a hidden area of the sofa rst If you spill food or liquids on your couch, simply wipe them up with a damp cloth and dry immediately after Switch cushions regularly for even wear When cleaning your sofa, avoid rubbing too hard to protect the nish Keep your leather sofa and a radiator a safe distance apart (one foot/30cm) to prevent drying out. Also, bear in mind that, like fabric, leather will fade when left in direct sunlight. LEATHER SOFAS AND RADIATORS page 22 SOFA BUYERS GUIDE APPENDIX 1. http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/09/26/why-is-a-sofa-like-a-writing-desk/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0 2. http://www.channel4.com/learning/main/netnotes/sectionid1045.htm 3. http://www.countryliving.com/homes/makeovers/different-tastes-0305 4. http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1492446/list/So-Your-Style-Is--Midcentury-Modern 5. http://www.amctv.com/shows/mad-men 6. http://www.bhg.com/decorating/lessons/basics/guide-to-upholstery-fabrics/ 7. http://www.sofa-guide.com/junction/leather%20or%20fabric.html 8. http://www.cargohomeshop.com 9. http://www.harveysfurniture.co.uk/CareAndProtection.aspx 10. http://www.channel4.com/4homes/how-to/diy/how-to-clean-your-sofa-08-09-08 11. http://www.frn.org.uk 12. http://www.furnituredonationnetwork.org 13. http://www.bhf.org.uk/shop/donating-goods/donate-your-dfs-sofa.aspx 14. http://www.harveysfurniture.co.uk//DynamicContent/Buying_Guides/Garden_buying_guide/Harveys_Garden_Buying_Guide.html HOW TO GET RID OF YOUR OLD SOFA If you have an old sofa, you may not need it once your new purchase arrives. However, that doesnt mean someone else wont put it to good use. A local charity shop may be happy to collect it. Try the Furniture Re-use Network 11 or the Furniture Donation Network 12 to let local members know what you have to offer free of charge. The British Heart Foundation 13 also accepts old sofas and will take them off your hands for free. Those items are then sold and the money is put towards researching how to beat heart disease. Bear in mind that no charity will accept your sofa if theyre missing their safety and/or re labels. Double-check that they are still attached. page 23 SOFA BUYERS GUIDE Wicker sofas are a popular choice for conservatories and gardens. Theyre commonly made via the practice of weaving strips of modern or poly rattan made from polyethylene (a kind of texture plastic), a method established in India centuries ago. The end result is a light piece of furniture thats easy to move around, but still durable enough to live outdoors. WHY RATTAN-STYLE SOFAS ARE IDEAL FOR YOUR GARDEN A SOFA FOR THE GREAT OUTDOORS Sofas arent just for your house, but your garden or conservatory too. Available in all shapes and sizes, you can sit comfortably in the sunshine by choosing a garden sofa thats right for your needs and space. There is a wide range of wooden, metal and rattan sofas and chairs available that are designed to withstand Mother Nature, whilst providing you with a comfortable and beautiful outdoor living area. Want to know more about how garden furniture can bring your garden to life? Then take a look at our Garden Furniture Buying Guide. 14