Home decor guide
How to Choose a Sofa You Won't Regret
A sofa is a commitment — in budget and in footprint. Buy well and it anchors the room for a decade; buy wrong and it fights the space every day. Here's how to choose with confidence.
Measure the room and the doorways
Before anything else, measure your space and, crucially, the doorways, hallways and elevator it has to pass through. Leave walkways of at least 30 inches around the sofa. A stunning sofa that won't fit through the door helps no one.
Pick the depth for how you sit
Deep-seat sofas (40+ inches) are made for lounging and curling up; standard depths (36–38 inches) suit upright sitting and smaller frames. If people of different heights share the room, a medium depth with good back cushions is the safe bet.
Choose fabric for real life
For homes with kids or pets, performance fabrics and tight weaves resist stains and wear. Linen and cotton feel beautiful but show more; leather ages well and wipes clean. Order swatches before you commit.
Test the frame and cushions
A quality frame is kiln-dried hardwood; cushions with a foam core wrapped in down or fiber hold shape and stay comfortable. Sit down, lean back, and lift a corner — a good sofa feels solid, not wobbly or hollow.
Shop the look
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FAQ
What size sofa do I need?
Measure your room and leave at least 30 inches of walkway around it. As a rough guide, the sofa should be about two-thirds the length of the wall it sits against, and it must fit through your doorways.
What's the best sofa fabric for pets and kids?
Performance fabrics or tight-weave microfiber resist stains and wear best. Leather is also durable and easy to wipe. Avoid loose, delicate weaves in high-use homes.