AtHomeWithLorraineKelly2016 - 181

SIT TING PRET T Y ▲

ON THE COUCH
LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT PLACE TO TAKE A SEAT? DON'T PANIC - WE'RE
HERE TO GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE MYSTERY OF BUYING A SOFA

WORDS: JADE HARDING

U

nlike clothes shopping,
where you spend hours
on your feet, buying
a sofa involves lots of
sitting down - how else
are you going to ensure that the one
you eventually get has the perfect
comfort factor for you?
That's the easy part - testing the
soft or hardness of the cushions - but
as it's the centrepiece of your living
room, that's not the only thing you
should take into consideration,
especially as it will be taking a prime
position in your home for years to
come. A typical couch should last
seven to 15 years, depending on the
craftsmanship and how much use
it gets, so do your research before
heading to the high street.

couch - you will need height, width,
depth, plus seat and arm height and
seat depth.

SIZE MATTERS

There's an overwhelming variety of
styles available on the high street and
online, so your first decision should be
based on whether your furniture and
room style is period or modern.
The next option is the size and
configuration - two-, three- or
four-seater; corner unit with a left or
right L-shape; an elegant chaise
longue; a sofa bed for
overnight guests, or a
love seat for a more

Start with your measuring tape!
You'll need to make sure that the sofa
can get through the door, or up the
stairs, if you live in a flat, as well as
fit in the room. Measure where it will
go, taking into account the amount of
legroom between the new sofa and
other furniture, so you're not
knocking things over as
you sit down. Check
the dimensions of the

MATERIAL GAINS

While you might like to indulge in a
luxurious, cream, suede settee, if you
have young children or pets you'll
soon regret your choice.
Factors such as how frequently it
will be used and your lifestyle will
determine the material to ensure
a long-life span. Leather sofas are
durable, easy to clean and great for
busy homes - and look better with
age - whereas fabric offers plenty
of warmth and a tactile touch.
You can have the upholstery treated
to protect from staining and damage.

GRAND DESIGNS

It's a match

SPRING
HAS
SPRUNG
Traditional
coil springs
in the seat
base give
an even
distribution
of weight
and help
to reduce
wear
and tear.

intimate experience. What's more,
there are some great innovations if
you're short of space - look for sofas
with hidden storage features.

FULL SUPPORT

It's easy to allow aesthetics to take
over when picking a sofa, but the
sturdiness of the frame is very
important. You may have to part with
more pennies for a durable, longlasting and sturdy frame, but at least
you won't have a broken or sunken
sofa within a few years.
Look for hardwoods such as oak
or beech, as well as legs that are either
built into the frame itself or screwed
in with dowels. Avoid a sofa that is
solely fitted with glue - it won't last.
Plastic, metal and pine are much
more economical options, but they
don't have staying power.

INNER WORKINGS

There are three types of fillings:
foam, fibre and feather. Foam provides
the firmest support of all cushion
fillings. Fibre is softer than foam
but the cushions will need more
plumping. Feathers clump together,
giving you that 'sinking in' feeling,
so it's best to choose a filling that's
mixed with fibre.

LUXURIOUSLY SOFT
VELVET IN A BOLD
COLOUR WILL
SUIT A PERIOD OR
CONTEMPORARY
LIVING ROOM.

www.athomemagazine.co.uk AUGUST 2016 | 181
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