It’s no secret that buying a new sofa is a big investment. In fact, that’s probably an understatement. Your sofa is where you’ll relax after work (or during, if you’re lucky enough to WFH), spend weekends with family, host friends, binge-watch your favourite series, and if we’re being entirely honest, enjoy the occasional (read: frequent) afternoon nap. And yet, despite the amount of time we all spend on our respective sofas, lots of us only test a prospective one out for a few seconds before making a decision. We sit down, stand back up, admire the colour, and move on.
It’s important to remember that choosing the right sofa is about far more than how it looks. A sofa that feels comfortable for all of the thirty seconds you sat on it in-store can feel completely different after an hour. That’s why it really is worth taking your time in-store, and testing any potential sofas properly before making a decision. Here a few things to make sure to check off your list before you buy;
1. Sit the Way You Normally Would
Don’t just perch yourself on the edge like it’s a festival toilet. Get comfy. Sit as you would at home. Lean back, relax your shoulders, and give yourself a moment to settle into the cushions. If you usually tuck your feet, or sit cross-legged, then now isn’t the time to stand on ceremony. Bring your legs up and let yourself actually see how the sofa actually feels. The more realistically you use the sofa in-store, the better of an idea you’ll have of how it’ll feel every day. Don’t be afraid to kick your shoes off and take a minute — they’re made to be sat on!
2. Pay Attention to the Seat Depth
One of the biggest factors in how a sofa feels from one to another is the seat depth, and it’s often something that people tend to overlook in their search. For the unitiated, seat depth is the horizontal distance from the front edge of the seat cushion to the back cushion, or the frame itself, depending on the sofa. Anywhere between 58cm and 65cm is considered standard seat depth, with measurements above and below that range considered deep, or shallow, respectively.
While there is no right or wrong choice here, it’s good to be aware of the difference! A deeper seat is perfect if you like stretching out and lounging on your sofa, while if you prefer sitting upright (or you happen to be on the shorter side), a shallower seat might feel more comfortable. If you find you have to add cushions to support your back on your current sofa, it might be an idea to look for a shallower seat in your new one!
3. Lean Back and Check the Support
Now that we’ve covered the seat cushions, let’s move on to the back support — it’s just as important! While sitting, lean back naturally, and notice how the sofa supports your lower back, shoulders, and neck. A well-designed sofa should feel supportive without forcing you into an uncomfortable or unnatural position. If you have to lean too far back at an angle, then the sofa might not be for you. Otherwise, if your shoulders and lower back is supported, but your neck isn’t, then it might be worth looking for a similar shape, but with the addition of headrests!
If you spend long evenings watching the telly, or hooked on a good book, make sure to stay seated for a couple of minutes instead of getting right back up.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Lie Down
I know, I know, people might see. Gasp. Who cares?
If your sofa is likely to double as a napping spot (or a spot for overnight guests), then make sure to test it exactly as you plan to use it. Go on. Stretch out across the cushions and see if you have enough space. Check whether the armrests are a comfortable height, and whether the seat cushions are still supportive when you’re lying down. You might feel a little bit awkward, but lean into it. It’s far better to find out now than after it’s been delivered to your home.
5. Stand Up Again
Often, when testing out sofas, you tend to get up, and move on to the next without much thought. It is something you should consider, though. Some sofas are lower and softer than others, which can make them a bit more difficult to get up from. If you, or someone in your household has mobility concerns, this is an important thing to keep in mind. If you find it difficult to stand up easily, it might be an idea to look for something that’s a little bit less slouchy, and more upright.
Take Your Time
The best sofa for you is the one that feels comfortable and supportive when you first sit down, spend some time on it, and still when you’re standing up. Taking an extra ten minutes in-store to test your potential sofa out can help you feel much more confident in your decision (because it is a big one to make!), and could save you years of wishing you’d chosen differently.
Don’t be afraid to chat to a member of our team when you’re testing sofas out — after all, they know them all inside out!