So, you’re buying a new sofa?
The way people buy furniture has changed drastically over the last couple of years. Online purchases are soaring, and people are buying sofas that they’ll sit on for the first time once it’s already bought and in their home.
Big items of furniture can be exciting purchases and long thought out. Fabric or leather, 2-seater or 3, corner sofa or chaise? Then comes the colour choice; grey or greige, royal blue or dusky blue…Importantly, these are purchase you want to last.
So, what should you consider when buying a new sofa?
What are your needs/wants?
Aside from having something to sit on, what do you want your sofa for? There are thousands of sofa styles out there, so narrowing it down can be really tricky, but identifying what needs you would like your sofa to meet will help you to determine what key features you need can help you see what makes the cut. For example, you want to be able to store blankets away at night and be able to put your feet up, so you’ll want to look for a sofa that has both a recliner mechanism and storage compartments.
Ask yourself these questions to start the process:
- Would you like your sofa to double up as storage space? (and how important a feature is this)
- Would you like it to double up as sleeping space? (again, how important a feature is this?)
- Who will be using the sofa? (adults only, kids, pets)
- Will the sofa be used as a socialising space for eating and drinking?
- What is more important, style or comfort?
- Would you like a low-maintenance sofa or are you happy to regularly clean, treat and care for it?
- How long would you like to have this sofa for?
- What size sofa can the room accommodate?
- How many people would you like it to seat?
Manufacturer warranty/guarantee
A manufacturer warranty or guarantee is free and comes automatically with the purchase of your sofa. Essentially, it’s an assurance for the quality of the item you’ve bought for its lifespan. The warranty/guarantee is a promise to either restore the item as outlined or replace it if it cannot be repaired. A warranty or guarantee does not replace your statutory rights.
The duration of and elements included within the warranty/guarantee can vary widely from retailer to retailer, so be sure to take a look at this before purchasing. It’s important to note that the majority of warranties don’t cover for any accidental damage caused, but you don’t need to let that put you off purchasing your dream couch – that’s what our Furniture Protection Plans are for.
Upholstery composition
When it comes to your sofa’s upholstery, the first choice to make is fabric or leather. Both can be durable, both look stylish, but some may be more suited to your wants and needs than others.
Natural fibres such as cotton and linen are breathable, kind on skin, can be kinder on the environment and look great. They are generally durable fabrics, but their porous nature can make them prone to staining, so without a protection treatment, may not be the best option in homes with kids and pets (or accident-prone adults alike!).
Velvet fabrics look chic. Their plush nature makes them soft to the touch and oh-so-cosy. The lux-upholstery can be difficult to clean due to its delicate pile which can also be more prone to wearing over time.
Polyester or a polyester-mix is probably one of the most suitable upholstery types for a busy home. The synthetic fibres are able to withstand stains more than other fabrics and are less prone to sagging. It’s an affordable option too!
Natural vs faux/vegan leather: if leather is your upholstery of choice, there are lots of options. Natural leather with original characteristics
Top tip: check out the composition of the fabric you like the colour of and consider the points above, but remember with a Furniture Protection Plan you can choose whichever fabric in whatever colour you like, so want a white linen sofa? Go for it and don’t let the fear or stains scare you away!
Interior filling – foam vs fibre
The vast majority of sofa seat cushions are made with foam or fibre fillings which both have unique features:
- Fibre interiors are generally softer, they give more of a hug-like feeling allowing you to sink into your seat at the end of the day but do require more maintenance. To keep them looking their best they will require regular plumping and turning.
- Foam interiors require less maintenance and so may be more likely to keep their shape for longer with less sagging. They can have a more structured feel though with a higher price tag.
Choose what you love
Ultimately, we want you to love your furniture and with a Guardsman Furniture Protection Plan alongside regular care we believe you really can have whatever furniture you like, so get exploring! You can find our retail partners here.