Seven tips for buying your perfect sofa

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time to think about buying a sofa. That’s because the fall is when furniture stores bring in their new inventory. This means you have the best of both worlds: the newest styles are in and so are sales. How do you pick the best sofa? It’s an investment, so consider these buying guidelines to help you find the right one for your home. 1. Measure twice

Always have a diagram of your room, and be sure to take measurements. Knowing the size of your room in advance will help you make the correct choice at the outset. Plus, most furniture stores can help advise you on the right size sofa for your room. 2. Take pictures

What we see in our mind doesn’t always stack up when we arrive at the furniture store. Bring photos of your room so that you can remember important details, such as doorways and other furnishings you have in the room. It’s a helpful reminder, too, of the colors of the other furnishings. 3. Bring swatches

If you have an arm cover from one of your chairs, bring that with you. This way you’ll be certain that the shade of colors in your sofa will coordinate with your other furnishings. It’s also helpful for selecting a type of upholstery. You wouldn’t want nubby tweed or damask on everything. 4. Hire a designer

Many furniture chains or your local furniture stores can be a great resource. Remember, they’re the ones that put together those living room settings in the store that are so inviting. If the store has a designer on staff, ask for input. Even if there’s a small fee, it could prevent you from making a big mistake. 5. Check for correct sizing

Don’t be shy at the furniture store. Sit on the sofa in the spot you normally sit in. If your feet come up off the floor, or if the pitch leans too far back, it might not be the sofa for you. Make sure it’s one you feel comfortable on.

This is the only way you’ll truly know if this sofa is a good fit or not. 6. Try it out like you’re at home

If you have the family along, have everyone pile on to test it out. This is the only real true way to tell if it will work for your home and your family. Consider things like wear and tear, stains and if your family needs a spot for a furry family member. Have everyone sit like they normally do to tell if this sofa is a good fit. Think about whether or not you frequently sleep on the sofa. If you do, you’ll want to make sure you can make the sofa fit your needs for the nights you spend out of bed. 7. Think long term

Getting a quality sofa that will last you is important. Few things are more frustrating than a sofa that falls apart quickly. Look for kiln-dried hardwood, such as maple, and sturdy cushions that don’t slip. Think, too, about the color and pattern of the sofa. Be sure that both are something you can live with in the long run.

For more information, contact Kathryn Weber through her website, RedLotusLetter.com.

© 2016 Kathryn Weber. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.