Buying a sofa? Here’s what you need to know before investing!

Because your sofa should be more than just pretty.

Whether you're furnishing a new home or replacing an old piece that’s seen better days, buying a sofa is a major investment. As an interior designer and space planner, I’ve seen too many people fall in love with a look and regret it once they’ve lived with it. The truth is: the best sofa for you isn't just about style—it's about comfort, quality, and how well it works in your space and life.

Here’s what to look for before you hit “add to cart.”

Size and Scale: Fit the Room, Not Just the Photo

Start by measuring your space.

• Your sofa should ideally be ⅔ the width of the wall it sits against or the furniture it faces.

• Make sure to leave at least 18 inches between your sofa and a coffee table.

• Consider traffic flow, leave clear walking paths around the sofa at 32" minimum.

Designer Tip: Use painter’s tape to outline the footprint of the sofa on your floor before buying.

Fabric: Looks vs. Lifestyle

Fabric choice is a balance between aesthetics and functionality.

• Performance Fabrics (like Crypton, microfiber, or stain-resistant poly blends) are great for homes with kids, pets, or lots of use.

• Natural Fabrics (like linen, velvet, or bouclé) are luxurious but more delicate.

• For durability, look for a rub count of 15,000 or higher on the fabric’s specs.

If it’s a high-traffic sofa, opt for a tight weave and mid-tone color to hide stains and wear.

Seat Depth & Height: Lounging vs. Sitting

Standard Depth: 21–24 inches

• Ideal for formal living rooms, apartments, or smaller spaces.

• Supports upright posture—great for entertaining or working on a laptop.

• Comfortable for average-height adults when feet are flat on the floor.

Best for: reading, short sits, or upright conversations.

Deep Seat: 24–26 inches

• Perfect for lounging, watching movies, or snuggling up with kids.

• Provides enough space to tuck legs under or curl to the side.

• May feel too slouchy or oversized for smaller bodies if not paired with lumbar pillows.

Best for: relaxed living rooms, family spaces, tall people, or anyone who loves a cozy curl-up.

Extra Deep / Lounge Sofas: 27–30+ inches

• Designed for sprawling out or sitting cross-legged.

• Often used in modular sectionals or oversized casual sofas.

• Not ideal for upright seating unless you add large back cushions or bolsters.

Best for: extra-large spaces, movie nights, or nap lovers who want bed-like comfort.

Sleeper Sofas: Depth Considerations

• Sleeper sofas often have shallower seat depth (20–22 inches) to accommodate the mattress inside.

• When selecting a sleeper, test both sitting and sleeping positions.

• Look for quality mattress mechanisms, a flat sleeping surface, and seat cushions that don't feel too firm or springy.

Best for: multipurpose spaces like guest rooms, offices, or studio apartments. Prioritize dual- function comfort.

Test how your feet rest flat and your knees bend when seated—it’s the ergonomic sweet spot.

Cushion Fill: Comfort That Lasts

Cushion filling determines how a sofa feels and how long it keeps its shape.

• High-density foam – Firm, supportive, great for a modern structured look.

• Down or down-blend – Cloud-like comfort but requires daily fluffing.

• Spring + foam – Hybrid models offer excellent longevity and bounce.

Think about your maintenance preferences. If you don’t want to fluff cushions every day, skip the all-down fill.

Back Style: Structure vs. Softness

This impacts both your posture and the room’s visual tone.

• Tight back – Sleek, tailored, and low-maintenance.

• Pillow back – Plush and relaxed, but pillows shift.

• Tufted or channeled backs – Vintage glam and formal vibe.

Mixing a structured back with plush seat cushions gives you the best of both worlds.

Legs & Frame: The Foundation Matters

You can’t see the frame, but it holds everything together.

• Look for kiln-dried hardwood frames over particleboard or plastic.

• Quality construction includes corner-blocked joinery, dowels, or metal screws.

• Legs can be fixed or removable—good to know if you’re working with tight staircases or doorways.

Bonus: Legs impact visual weight. Tapered legs give a lighter feel; chunky bases feel more grounded.

Arm Style: Aesthetic & Ergonomics

Arm style affects both look and function.

• Track arms – Clean-lined and modern.

• Rolled arms – Traditional and cozy.

• Sloped arms – Feminine and soft.

• Armless – Space-saving and edgy.

Consider how you'll use the armrest—lounging with a book, propping a pillow, or not at all.

Color & Pattern: Timeless or Trendy?

The sofa is often the largest piece in the room. Color plays a big role.

• Neutrals are timeless and easy to update with accessories.

• Bold colors or patterns make a statement but can limit future flexibility.

• Textures like bouclé, chenille, or tweed add depth and help hide wear.

If you love bold color, consider it on an accent chair instead. Let your sofa be your reliable classic.

A sofa should be your safe haven—a place to stretch out, connect, and decompress. It anchors the room both visually and emotionally. If you take time to consider not just what you like, but what truly fits, you’ll love your choice for years to come.