Online searching is great for getting an overall idea of the brands and styles you like, but nothing tells you more about the quality and craftmanship of a sofa like seeing it in person. You've got the perfect color scheme in your head, but now you need the sofa. Whether you're a seasoned home decorator or a newbie, picking the right sofa can be a daunting task. We've got some tips and tricks to help you find the sofa of your dreams while keeping it comfy, stylish, and durable.
Judge the Fit:
When you walk into a furniture store, don't just ogle from a distance – plop yourself down on those sofas! Think of it as an audition for the comfiest role in your home. Make sure it's a snug fit for your body, with seats deep enough to accommodate everyone who'll be lounging on it. The perfect fit means your back should feel supported when both feet are flat on the floor, and there should be a bit of space between the back of your knees and the seat cushion.
Check the Level of Support:
You know those cushions you're resting your precious derrière on? They're your best friends when it comes to comfort. Give them a test-drive.
“Sit toward the end of the sofa. Notice if you feel like you’re falling into the corner. If so, the manufacturer decided to save money and not properly support the ends with additional springs.” – Bob Mills
Feel the Filling:
Unless you've got a thing for down or feather-filled cushions (which are like hugging a cloud), most sofa cushions are made of foam. Give them a gentle press-down – they should be firm and bounce back when you remove your hand. Watch out for low-density foam; it can deflate faster than a balloon at a toddler's birthday party. Aim for the highest quality filling that won't break the bank.
Test the Frame:
“Be sure to ask about the frame construction. Look for tags on the sofa explaining construction features. Check to see if the sides and backs are padded or just open. This isn’t necessary but enhances the durability of the piece.” – Bob Mills
The frame is the backbone of your sofa, and you want it to be as sturdy as a trusty steed. Lift one of the front corners or legs of the sofa about six inches off the floor. Both front legs should happily oblige without twisting or creaking under the pressure.
Test the Joinery and Operating Mechanisms:
Ask about the joinery. This will tell you how the pieces of wood are connected. Other than upholstery, the most common areas of failure on a couch are in the arms. Consider how much weight the couch will be bearing. Be sure to look for frames constructed with wooden dowels, double wooden dowels, wooden corner blocks, or metal screws and brackets.
“Push on the tops of the arms and listen for any noises. If audible, you’re probably feeling a cardboard-like material used to give the arm shape and design. This is another indication of a less expensive sofa that isn’t designed for heavy use.” – Bob Mills
Lastly, if you've chosen a couch with a recliner, don't be shy; give the motion mechanisms a whirl. For manual recliners, don't be afraid to flex those muscles a bit. And for the electronic ones, start and stop them mid-function to catch any potential glitches, roughness, or unexpected noises.
Armed with these tips, you'll be sofa shopping like a pro in no time! Come visit us at Bob Mills Furniture, and we'll help you find that perfect couch that'll make your living room the envy of all your friends. Happy lounging!
Why Trust Bob Mills Furniture?
At Bob Mills Furniture, we believe that everyone is family. Since 1971, we have delivered beautiful furniture for 52 years (and counting), with ten sprawling locations in the U.S. — from our flagship store in Oklahoma City to San Antonio in Texas to Wichita in Kansas. Our friendly staff aims to offer the greatest comfort and value, with elegant styles to match your taste, décor, and design. In addition to coziness and style, we also stock furniture and mattress brands with strong reputations and track records of durability so that you can enjoy your investment for years to come.