3 SOFA-BUYING TIPS FROM A DESIGN EXPERT
DFS Design Director Lou Petersen shares her advice for how to choose a sofa that’s right for you and built to last
Most of us are spending more time at home than ever, and with all that additional use, it might be time to update your sofa. But finding the right option for your household takes time and consideration; a sofa should last for years to come, after all.
Comfort and durability are key. Luckily, DFS is the expert on both, having been making cosy, long-lasting sofas for five decades. Here, DFS Design Director Lou Petersen shares her three top tips to help you find your perfect model.
CONSIDER YOUR SPACE
Before you start, Petersen says it’s important to assess your lifestyle needs and how you arrange your room. If you have a large, open-plan living space, you can use a corner sofa to help create ‘zones’ for different activities, like relaxing, dining or working (especially important if the past few months have seen you move towards working from home more often). If your living room is used almost exclusively for leisure time, a pair of two-seater sofas work just as well as the traditional three-seater and chair.
DECIDE ON YOUR STYLE
Once you’ve planned your layout, you need to choose which style of sofa to go for. Petersen suggests scouring Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration, to see what your eye is most drawn to. ‘Take a look at the sofa you currently own too,’ she says. ‘This will give you some clues as to whether your tastes are more classic or contemporary.’ If you opt for a neutral sofa, you can still nod to a particular trend without breaking the bank just by adding accessories such as throws and cushions.
‘The thing to remember is that a sofa can be the ultimate customisable piece,’ adds Petersen. ‘With DFS, you can choose your fabric, style and shape to ensure a combination that suits your own personal taste.’
CHOOSE SMART SOLUTIONS
If you have a large family, pets or just want peace of mind knowing that your investment will last, try the DFS Resilience range. The sofas are designed to be easy to clean and are made from fabrics that look natural but will stand up to busy daily life, without the risk of tearing, pilling or scratching that comes with suede or leather. With five styles to choose from and features such as recliner chairs and under-seat storage, they’re ideal for even the busiest of households. Petersen recommends a weekly vacuum and a quick plump of the cushions to keep your sofa in tiptop shape.
Discover more about the DFS Resilience range at dfs.co.uk/resilience