Choosing the right sofa for your home is an important decision. Sofas are an investment that can define a room, so taking time to research and consider your options will pay off in the long run.
When I was shopping for my white slipcovered sofa last year, I went back and forth more times than I can count. There are so many choices—styles, sizes, fabrics, and comfort levels. Taking time to compare options and try different pieces helped me find a sofa I truly love.
Here are 11 practical designer tips and considerations to help you choose the perfect sofa.
Burnham Design
Select the right size – Begin by measuring your room and imagining how the sofa will fit. A sofa that is too large overwhelms a space; too small and it looks out of place.
Use a simple template on the floor—painter’s tape, cushions, or boxes—to visualize the sofa’s footprint and ensure it allows for easy traffic flow and placement of other furniture.
Consider seat depth – Think about how you use the room. Deeper seats are comfortable for lounging and adding pillows for back support; shallower seats work better in formal spaces or for upright seating.
If you have a chair or sofa you already find comfortable, measure the seat depth from the back of the cushion to the front to find a similar seat depth in a new piece.
Choose versatile upholstery –Solid, neutral fabrics offer the most longevity and flexibility as your tastes evolve. Patterns can be beautiful, but they may limit future decor changes. If you love a pattern and can change the sofa later, go for what you truly enjoy.
Think about cushion fill and comfort – Down-filled loose back cushions feel relaxed and cozy but require regular fluffing and maintenance. If you prefer a neater look with less upkeep, choose a tighter back or a sofa without removable back cushions. For napping or occasional sleeping, a deeper sofa or removable back cushions can be more comfortable.
Evaluate fabric care and durability – Decide whether you want removable slipcovers that can be washed or a performance fabric that resists stains and wears well. Indoor/outdoor and performance fabrics have improved greatly and offer attractive, low-maintenance options.
Visit showrooms – Even if you plan to buy online, spend time in showrooms to sit on sofas and test them as you would at home—curl up, shift positions, and move cushions. Seeing different styles in person helps you understand proportions and comfort.
Ellen Brill Set Design
Pay attention to back height – Back height affects the sofa’s presence in a room. Higher backs suit larger rooms or tall ceilings and create a stronger visual anchor. Low-backed sofas feel airier but can seem lost in a spacious setting.
Consider overall shape and style –Tufted backs and rolled arms read as formal, while clean, straight lines feel modern. Rounded silhouettes can feel traditional or cottage-like. For small rooms, streamlined sofas with narrow arms and a straight profile maximize usable space; bulky sofas can overpower the room.
Studio McGee
Legs or skirted base? Decide whether you want visible legs or a skirted base. Legs can make a room feel lighter and are useful if you have other legged furniture; a skirt can soften the look and hide the sofa’s base. Look at inspiration photos to see which treatment complements your style.
Plan the full layout – When placing a sofa, account for side tables, coffee tables, and pathways. A sofa that fits the space poorly makes arranging other pieces difficult. Ensure there’s enough clearance for movement and that tables are proportionate to the seating.
Order fabric samples – Request upholstery samples to view in your home under different lighting conditions. A sample helps you coordinate pillows, rugs, and paint and ensures the fabric reads as you expect in your space.
Shop my favorite sofas:
My Favorite Sofas
Have you bought a sofa recently? What tips or lessons did you learn while shopping?
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