Sofa, so good Your guide to choosing the right sofa

ONCE YOU FIND THE RIGHT SOFA, YOU’LL BE SITTING PRETTY FOR YEARS TO COME. HERE, WE REVEAL EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

IT’S ONE OF the largest and most well-used pieces of furniture in your home, so the choice of a new sofa is a significant decision. Colour, design, comfort, versatility, functionality and durability all play a role in determining which one is not only the right fit for your space, but also for your lifestyle. Read on for our expert tips on selecting a lounge that you’ll love.

select a style

While it’s easy to be seduced by shapely curves and gorgeous fabric, the first step is assessing the space in which your new sofa will live. “Think about your existing furniture, decor and what will work with the room’s proportions,” advises interior designer Helen Carter of DCB Interiors. “In smaller spaces, low-back sofas with slim profiles and raised legs suit a casual modern look and create the illusion of space.” Orientation is also crucial. “If it’s for the middle of the room, make sure the sofa looks good from every angle,” says interior designer Lydia Maskiell. “Modular styles will enhance the flow in an open living area, while low-to-ground styles have a more formal aesthetic and can be used to zone a living area for an intimate feel.”

measure up

“The more seats, the more versatile the sofa,” explains sofa buyer David Shedden of Oz Design Furniture. If you like to lie back and put your feet up, a 3-seater, or a 2.5-seater with a chaise, are great options. While modulars – which can be configured to your desired size and shape – are ideal for families, David advises opting for a wide modular corner section that adds a usable 45-degree seat. But, before sealing the deal, double check your dream sofa will fit. Interior specialist Mimi Weir of Globe West recommends mapping out the measurements on the floor. “This will give you a sense of how it will sit in relation to other furniture and check there’s plenty of space to walk around it,” she says. Also measure access points to ensure you can get it through the door. If it’s a tight squeeze, you may need to choose a low-back style with removable legs, or a modular that can be installed in sections.

think practically

If you have lounge-loving children and pets, consider a style with a removable, washable slip cover. Alternatively, choose a fabric that will disguise spills and marks. “Fabrics with a polyester blend content are inherently resistant to soiling and clean readily,” explains creative director Anna McRae of Molmic. “Textured plain weaves that incorporate three or more different yarn colours are also very forgiving.”

When in-store, ask about structural warranty, which is a good indicator of quality. “A steel frame paired with a sprung suspension system will ensure your sofa is resilient and endures whatever life throws its way,” says designer Bradley Saywell of King Living. If it’s made from timber, check it is responsibly sourced, says head of design Tom Shaw of Jardan. “Our frames are made using a combination of CNC-cut ply and sustainably sourced Australian hardwood, which ensures the furniture can be enjoyed for generations.”

study Textiles 101

Material type will impact not only how your sofa looks, but also its feel and upkeep. Here are the most common types:

Natural fibres: “Linen and cottons are beautiful, breathable and cool in summer, and provide a sense of natural luxury,” explains Molmic’s Anna. “Although not as easy to clean as synthetics, they can be coated with fabric protection to enhance their serviceability.”

Man-made fibres: “Synthetics such as polyester, acrylic and nylon are specifically manufactured to last,” says Oz Design’s David. “They’re stronger, more resistant to fading and staining and cheaper to produce.”

Leather: Favoured for its durable, tactile, easy-clean grain, leather is a popular choice. However, to maintain softness and prevent drying out, it requires a regular upkeep with conditioning treatment.

Colour correct

Will you go bold or play it safe? “If you want your sofa to be a focal point, strong colours like deep greens and blush berry tones in tactile velvet can look amazing,” suggests DCB’s Helen. “Just keep the surrounding decor neutral so it pops.” Subtle colours such as soft greys, mushroom and cream are great for timeless appeal. “These tones in natural, textural linens and felted wools will stand the test of time and are great if you like to refresh decor seasonally,” she adds.

TEST THE Comfort

Looks aside, a sofa has to suit the way you like to lounge. “When sofa shopping we recommend that you take the time to sit and experience the feel of different styles,” suggests Globe West’s Mimi. “This helps establish your preferences in terms of seat depth, cushioning and arm type.” For the ultimate in comfort, Oz Design’s David recommends seat cushions made from a combination of block foam with a feather or silicon fibre wrap. “Taller people or those who like to sit further into the sofa may also prefer a slightly deeper seat, between 105-140cm,” he adds.

A sofa is a big-ticket item that, when comfortable like this one, pays big dividends.

‘Andy’ 2.5-seater sofa in Elk Velvet in Lake, $6428, Jardan. ‘Claude’ 3.5-seater sofa in Zepel Lux Velvet II in Petrol, $8260, Arthur G. Stockists, page 186

Tacchini ‘Oliver’ 2.5-seater sofa by Andrea Ferrari, from $8939, Stylecraft Home. ‘Tomas’ 3-seater sofa in Teal, $1199, Zanui.

‘Valley’ modular sofa in Clover Wool in Green Peppercorn, $15,307, Jardan.

‘Kate’ 3-seater sofa in Matrix Opal, $2299, Oz Design Furniture.

‘Vittoria Mia’ 4-seater sofa in Blue Green, $4610, Globe West.

‘Cloud’ 2-seater sofa, from $6260, Cult Design. ‘Ariane’ 3-seater sofa in Natural Linen, $2750, Early Settler.

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‘Dahlia’ modular fabric sofa in Light Grey Austria, from $3099, Freedom.

‘Wilfred’ 3-seater sofa in Acre Wool in Cloud, from $7623, Jardan.

‘Ocean’ 2.5-seater sofa in White Linen, $4295, Harbour 1976.

Ross Gardam Noon sofa, from $6197, Stylecraft Home.

‘Alfie’ 4-seater sofa in Pure Silver, $7995, Molmic.

‘Stanley’ 3.5-seater sofa in Zepel Lux Velvet II in Toffee, from $5700, Arthur G.

‘Reo’ 3-seater sofa in King Viva Leather, from $5889, King Living. Stockists, page 186

Adeline 2-seater sofa in Vintage Velvet Blush, $1999, Pottery Barn.

‘Rydell’ 4-seater sofa in Maison Blush, from $5495, Molmic..

‘Axel’ 3.5 -seater sofa in Saddle Leather, $3499, West Elm.

‘Francis’ 3-seater sofa in Old Rose, $5019, Curious Grace.

‘Carson’ 3-seater sofa in Retro Pink, $1699, Early Settler.

‘Mayor’ 3-seater sofa, from $9463, Cult Design.