Selecting that perfect, signature sofa for your home can be a confusing and time consuming process. However, with the handy assistance of our five-step guide, you’ll be off to buying the sofa of your dreams in no time. Read on to learn how to define your aesthetic and find a piece of furniture that truly fits your needs and lifestyle. When it comes to investment pieces, get more out of your sofa by choosing one that is multi-purpose and built-in with functional technologies such as massage mechanisms.

1. Decide on your style

Before you commit to purchasing any piece of furniture, it’s important that you first decide on the overall look of your home or room – you’ll need to come to an agreement about your design theme. Whether you’re going for something modern, Scandinavian-inspired, industrial, contemporary, retro or chic – make it a style that fits your personality and needs. Take into consideration who will be using the space, what the space will be used for, what kinds of maintenance you can commit to, and how you want to feel in the space. If  you are looking for a sofa that can match both current and future trends, a contemporary sofa is a safe bet.  Picking a sofa with a contemporary design will look fresh both currently and in the years to come.

2. Address any practical lifestyle needs

Design means little if it doesn’t address your practical needs. When choosing functional pieces for your home such as a sofa, it’s crucial that you get clear on what you’ll need it for, who’ll be using it, how often you’ll use it and so on. Perhaps you might need a recliner for extra comfort, a pull-out sofa bed for house guests or a sofa with built-in massage functions for added relaxation. Your sofa should be comfortable enough for you to lounge on to curl up with a good book; unwind with a cup of tea; sprawl out with a face mask; or work on your laptop.  Make sure that your sofa can do more for you by choosing one that’s multi-functional as it can save you money and space in the long run.

3. Identify your seating configuration

Your new sofa should be proportionate to the size of the room that it will occupy. Bulky furniture in a small space can make it look even smaller and dainty sofas can make large spaces feel empty. In addition, consider how many people the space will need to accommodate. If you frequently entertain guests in your home, take into consideration where they can comfortably sit. Also be mindful of what kinds of configurations you’ll need for your space. For example, will you have a matching love seat, three-seater sofa or a one-seater? Or will you have a combination of different sofas? Don’t underestimate choosing pieces that are versatile both in aesthetics or configuration. If you end up moving homes, you’ll have more to work with if you choose a piece that’s versatile.

4. Consider it as an investment piece

Many people make the mistake of believing that they are saving money by purchasing a cheaper sofa. When it comes to everyday pieces that will last you for many years, it’s better to view furniture as an investment. These pieces might cost you more in the short term but they will save you money in the long term as they will last longer and retain its quality. When it comes to comfort and relaxation in your home, you shouldn’t have to compromise. You can consider your sofa a good investment if it has built-in technology such as massage functions – that will surely add to the relaxation factor in your home.

5. Choose durable fabrics

By choosing upholstery that is durable, you can save yourself a lot of time, effort, and money on having your sofa cleaned, replaced or reupholstered. Fabric is a common material that is commonly used on sofas as it gives a cozy, plush appearance and texture. However, fabrics such as canvas and cotton are not resistant to stains and fire. Genuine leather is a more durable material that can be both vacuumed and wiped down with a cloth. The downsides to this material are that it can be expensive, needs regular conditioning, prone to scratches, and can fade or crack over time. Simulated leather comes out as a winner as it’s aesthetically pleasing, budget-friendly, often fire and stain resistant, and is just as easy to clean as leather.

When investing in important pieces for your home such as sofas, it’s important to make the right choices when it comes to configuration, durability and function. Make sure to be clear on your needs, budget and style to get the most out of your sofa.