Sofas

Sofas are available in various dimensions, and your choice will likely be influenced by the amount of space at your disposal. For a compact room or apartment, a 2-seater sofa might be the optimal choice. If your living room offers more room, consider a 3-seater sofa or even a 4-seater sofa. In more spacious settings, a corner sofa or a chaise-end sofa can be highly effective. These sofa types maximise unused corners and additional space in the middle of the room. If you go for a modular sofa, you can adjust its size based on your specific requirements.

Apart from size, another critical factor to consider when selecting a sofa is its style. What aesthetic are you aiming for? For a contemporary vibe, a modern sofa is an excellent choice - but don't overlook traditional sofas. If you're seeking a classic appearance with button detailing, consider a Chesterfield sofa, perhaps in a bold colour or unique material.

The placement of your sofa will also influence your style decision. You may be seeking a compact sofa to take centre stage in your living room, or you might be in search of a space-filling option like a corner sofa. Opt for a modular sofa, and you can adjust its length on either side to achieve the perfect fit for your space.

Consider your comfort and indulgence preferences. Recliner sofas, which offer the luxury of reclining with added foot support, are readily available in space-efficient 2-seater options. Recliners can even be incorporated into more extensive corner sofas. If you expect to have guests over, the convenience and flexibility of a sofa bed might be worth considering.

The difference between a sofa and a settee lies primarily in their historical origins and design nuances. Historically, a settee originated from the old English word "setl," denoting a smaller, more formal seating option with a high back and arms, often found in elegant parlors or sitting rooms.

Settees were typically designed to comfortably seat two people and were characterized by their compact, upright structure. In contrast, a sofa, derived from the Arabic word "suffah," referred to a larger, more versatile piece of furniture with a softer, cushioned form.

Sofas were often intended for accommodating multiple individuals and were a common feature in living rooms or lounges. While these distinctions were more pronounced in the past, modern usage tends to blur the lines between the two terms, with "sofa" often being the more commonly used term in everyday language, while "settee" may evoke a sense of formality or tradition.

To measure your space for a new sofa, begin by determining the length and width of the area where you intend to place it. Allow for at least 18 inches of clearance around the sofa for easy movement. Measure doorways, hallways, and stairwells to ensure the sofa can be maneuvered into the room. Account for any obstacles such as light fixtures or radiators that could affect placement. Consider the scale and proportions of the sofa in relation to the room's size. Create a floor plan to visualize how the sofa will fit. Double-check all measurements before purchasing to ensure a perfect fit.

If you've got limited space to work with, the sofa you should go for all depends on how many people you need to it to accomodate. If you're a 2-person household with a small lounge area, a loveseat or 2-seater sofa would be ideal. If you're a 3 or more person household, then maybe a small corner sofa to help maximise every inch available to you. If you have some extra space left over, consider an armchair to add more seating options.

For households with pets, consider durable and easy-to-clean sofa fabrics like microfiber, synthetic blends, or leather. Microfiber is resistant to stains and pet hair, while synthetic blends like polyester and nylon offer similar benefits and are often more affordable. Leather is also a good option as it can be wiped clean easily and tends to resist pet scratches. Avoid delicate fabrics like silk or velvet, which can be easily damaged by pet claws or accidents.