At Smitty’s, we regularly have customers ask us for our professional advice on how to purchase the best sofa for their home. We understand that there are many considerations to take into account, in order to find the right piece to fit your space and your lifestyle. So we asked our interior decorating experts to put together their best pointers on how to buy a sofa.

Measure Your Space

Before you begin looking at styles and colours, it’s vital that you measure your available space. You will want to measure the length, height, and depth of your ideal sofa location to ensure that your sofa will fit.

Some sofas have a lower back design, which is handy if you are considering placing a sofa table behind for easy access to snacks, books, remotes, etc. Other sofas can be quite deep and that must be taken into consideration, so that you don’t risk blocking walking space, doorways, or room flow.

Expert Tip: Once you have your ideal sofa measured out, cut painter’s tape into strips to match your measurements and tape them on the floor in the location you are considering. Taping your sofa outline to the floor will help to give you a visual sense of its placement in your room.

Discuss Wants, Needs & Lifestyle

Make sure that you consider how the sofa will be used. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you need a pull-out sofa to accommodate guests?
• Do you want to be able to fit several people on the sofa at one time?
• Will you want to curl up and watch movies, or stretch your legs straight out and nap?
• Do you have pets or children? (This can impact your choice of fabric.)
• Do you want the sofa to blend in with your existing decor, or stand out from it?

If you live with someone, ensure that you are both on the same page before heading to the showroom!

Determine Your Budget

Before you begin shopping, make sure that you have figured out how much you can afford to spend on your sofa. As a central piece of furniture in your room, your sofa will likely be a focal point for your interior design and should be considered as an investment in your home — you want your sofa to look good and feel comfortable for many years.

Different fabrics and styles can have a large impact on the price of a sofa, so be sure to consider all your options when you’re in the showroom. There are lots of gorgeous options to choose from!

Once you have your measurements, wish list, and budget prepared, come and visit us at Smitty’s. Our inhouse interior decorating professionals will help you find the perfect sofa.