Picking your perfect couch

with a petite arm profile. A smaller couch can be made to look longer and sleeker by using one or two seat cushions as opposed to three, and often these are changes you can request free of charge.

Getcomfortable

Couches are the piece of furniture most used for relaxing at the end of the day, so you want to ensure yours is as comfortable as possible.

Take into consideration who will be using it and their preferences. How soft or hard should the sofa be? Will faux leather be easier to clean while the kids are still at home, or does the stickiness on hot days outweigh that for you? How many people will be sitting on it? Will it need to double as a bed on occasions? D you sit upright, recline or completely lie down?

Spend some time pondering these questions and any other requirements you have for your new sofa. You may like to compile a list to take with you when shopping as well.

Sizematters

If a sofa and lounge suite fit the living space allocated, it’s hardly noticed; if it’s completely wrong for the space, it is very obvious and even uncomfortable.

Make sure that the size of the couch is right for the room. It shouldn’t overpower the room or stop the flow of traffic. Scale and proportion are both important. You might love that large sectional, but will it fit the room? Likewise, a tiny chair might be wrong in a large space.

Take into consideration how the sofa will look from different angles around the room as well.

If your space is small, consider a couch

If you have the luxury of space and want two couches, don’t jump straight into ordering a pair. Consider a modular and combine it with alternative seating – such as a feature armchair or ottoman – or two different types of couches that work sympathetically with each other, such as a deeper one and a slimmer one.

Makeitlast

The average sofa is in a home for around seven years, so it’s important that it be of quality enough to keep up with extended use. When shopping, check what the couch is made of. Is the frame sturdy? Is the suspension system within strong and decent? What’s the cushioning like? Will the upholstery fade, wear or rip easily?

Many cheaper couches tend to be about comfort and have little regard for style or proportions, but it is possible to have both style and comfort and at a good price point.