Sunday Times

SOUL SEATING

- TEXT: LEANA SCHOEMAN

Choosing the perfect sofa for your living room can be as complicate­d as choosing a life partner — in other words, it’s important to get it right. Furniture can be a big investment and the right piece can bring you years of joy and comfort. We bring you a few tips that might make finding the couch of your dreams a whole lot easier 1 Size matters

Before you fall in love with a specific style, make sure that you’ve measured the space properly a few times, paying careful attention to the layout and the flow of the room and making sure that you don’t chose an oversized option, especially in a smaller space. Then of course ensure that it fulfills your own needs and those who you will be sharing it with. One of the main reasons people return a sofa is usually that it is too large for the room and often won’t even fit into the entrance. Avoiding that frustratio­n is vital to the entire process, especially after going through the painstakin­g process of deciding on a shape and fabric.

2 Make it timeless

Trends tend to change quite rapidly these days and they can influence your choice, so be cautious when choosing décor pieces and opt for something more classic and timeless, especially when it comes to your colour and fabric choice. You can always indulge in those trends by adding some botanical print cushions or a velvet or patterned throw allowing you to change the look occasional­ly without having to reupholste­r. Having a seasonal change by alternatin­g cushion covers and throws is always a great way to freshen up your living space and something to keep in mind when choosing upholstery.

3 Find your style

When it comes to choosing a style and shape, options seem endless and can be daunting, so sit before you swipe. Buying furniture online can be risky. Comfort is key and the depth and height are often overlooked, so make sure the sofa is comfortabl­e by testing it and ensuring your choice complement­s other styles and décor in the space to avoid having to redo the room once the sofa arrives. Ensure the frame is sturdy and made from metal or hardwood to ensure durability. The filling density determines the comfort, so a good-quality foam, feather or fibre is vital as you don’t want it to get saggy too soon.

4 Material mix

Keep it simple and practical by choosing durable fabrics that can withstand the wear and tear. Thicker synthetic weaves or leather are usually more durable, colour fast and cleanable. Darker neutral colours or a subtle pattern are also always a safer option as they will blend better with other patterns and colours in the space and they will also disguise stains more. Before you confirm your choice for upholsteri­ng, ask for a fabric sample that you can take home to see how the light would affect it in the room and how it will match with the other existing materials.

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