A sofa dramatically affects the aesthetics and feel of your living space. Aside from that, it can also impact your space’s function and traffic flow. Choosing the right sofa, whether it’s from a Los Angeles-based custom furniture maker or a mainstream store, can transform your living room into whatever you want it to be. But how do you choose the perfect sofa for your space? What makes a sofa the right one for you? One of the first things homeowners consider is the style. However, it is not the only consideration nor the most important. Your sofa’s size can make or break the entire look, functionality, and traffic flow of your space. Even with the right style, a sofa that is either too big or too small can cause you a lot of frustration once you realize the mistake you have made. Selecting the right size sofa is an integral part of planning one’s living space.
Selecting the Right Size Sofa
Measure Your Space
Before you start browsing Pinterest, online catalogs, or furniture stores, accurately measure your living room or wherever you want to put your sofa. Use a tape measure to determine the exact length and width of your room. Remember to measure the height of your walls, too, especially if you have low ceilings or other architectural features that could affect the fit of your sofa.
Consider existing furniture and ensure there will be enough room to move around. Remember to measure doorways, hallways, and even staircases to ensure smooth delivery and set-up of your new sofa. One of the worst things that could happen is buying a sofa you love and are excited to use, only to find out upon delivery that it cannot even fit in your doorway. You can even use graph paper to draw a layout of your floor plan or an online room planner to better visualize how your sofa will fit in your room.
Room Layout and Use
Visualize the layout of your room and how the new sofa will fit into it. Is there a focal point in that room, like a fireplace, a TV, or a large window? Are you using the sofa to watch TV, entertain, or lounge? Your answer to this question will greatly influence the size of your sofa.
If you have a large room, your sofa can be complemented with a loveseat. In smaller rooms, a two-seater sofa or a compact sofa can help you avoid overcrowding, leaving enough room for traffic and smaller pieces of furniture like a coffee table, side tables, and lamps.
Future Use
A big consideration is how you plan to use it now. However, it would help if you also thought about how it can fit your lifestyle in the future. If there is a possibility of moving to another home, consider a more versatile and moderate size. In addition, your entertainment habits matter too, not only the present ones but also your future habits. Do you plan to entertain a lot, and how many people do you plan to have in your home when entertaining? If you do not plan to regularly entertain at home, be practical and choose a sofa that complements your lifestyle perfectly.
Proportion and Balance
Stay away from sofas that look undersized or one that seems to overpower the room. Two-thirds the length of the longest wall is a good guideline to follow when choosing the right sofa size. You can also choose a sofa that is half the size of the length of your wall if there are other pieces of furniture nearby or if you want to place side tables or lamps on either side of the sofa. However, your needs come first. If you are a big family and the sofa is in a room that the entire family uses a lot, then choose the sofa that will seat the most family members.
Enhance Your Living Space with the Right Size Sofa
Custom and sectionals also allow you to tailor your living space according to your needs and preferences. With a variety of sizes and fabrics to choose from, you are sure to find something that fits your room, whatever its size, complements the style and vibe of your room, and meets your specific needs. Contact us today so we can help you make the right choice.