3 Big Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a New Sofa

There are certain household necessities that aren’t always much fun to buy. Take washing machines, for example; shopping for an appliance of this size can be stressful, because there are so many different factors to take into consideration. The same can be said for things like fridges, curtains, and faucets. You can’t really start enjoying them until they arrive at home and take their proper place.

Sofas are a little different, as it’s possible to test a range of options before you even have to think about making a final decision. Shopping for a new sofa can be lots of fun, because it’s an investment that most of us can easily get excited about. In fact, just imagining the perfect armchair is enough to elicit a big grin from those who love their creature comforts. The downside, however, is that this can cause some homeowners to rush into a decision and pick the wrong sofa for their lifestyle.

This guide to the most common sofa shopping faux pas will help you avoid the pitfalls and take home your dream couch.

Choosing the Wrong Size

You’d be surprised at how many people head out shopping for sofas in Cambridgeshire, without measuring the size of the room first. This is a mistake that you don’t want to make, because it could leave you with a brand new couch that doesn’t even fit into the space. It is a good idea to fully measure the length and width of the room or, alternatively, take a roll of masking tape and ‘map’ out the size of your ideal sofa on the ground.

Also, think carefully about how your preferred design will fit into the space. Even if you’re sure that you’ve chosen a sofa that physically fits, consider what kind of impact the style will have. For instance, chunky sofas with big, broad arms are likely to dominate smaller rooms and make them feel poky and restricted. On the other hand, a sleeker, thinner sofa might make a very big room look curiously mismatched.

Prioritising Style over Comfort

If you’re shopping for high quality sofas in Cambridgeshire, you’re going to want a product that is stylish and attractive. It should fit well with the existing décor, but also hold its own as a statement piece. However, it is important not to let the pursuit of style stop you from picking a sofa that is comfy enough to ease your tension at the end of a long day. Comfort should be the number one priority when picking a new sofa, because that is its main job.

So, as well as considering colour palettes and patterns, think about what you want from your sofa. Does it need to be wide enough to cater for the whole family or should it be perfect for curling up as a twosome in front of the telly? Do you want to be able to lie down on it without your feet sticking over the ends? Would a sofa bed be useful? If the cushions are very deep, will you have trouble getting up and out of the chair? Keep an eye out for style, but don’t forget to prioritise comfort.

Forgetting to Check for Signs of Quality

If you’re pretty sure that you’ll only be using your new sofa for a couple of years, you can probably get away with a few compromises on quality. However, if you plan to get as much wear out of your couch as possible, do take the time to pick out a reliable product that is made out of robust, dependable materials. There are lots of sofas in Cambridgeshire that come with quality guarantees; pick one that has a warranty and make sure that the materials are genuine.

It is common to find, in cheaper products, that shortcuts have been taken with the materials. For instance, low quality leather sofas often have genuine seat covers, but fake leather on the back panels and sides. This is not always the case, but it is worth enquiring just to make sure. If in doubt, trust your instincts and keep looking for a better quality product. If you shop carefully, you can expect your new sofa to last a number of years.

For more advice on shopping for the perfect sofa, visit Peter H Gammons. Or, you can call 01487 812275 to get directions to your nearest Cambridgeshire store or showroom.