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How to choose the best couch

The sofa is like the little black dress of your home – a staple piece that will see you through many years, and it can be dressed up using accessories to update the look and express your personal style. There are so many things to consider when choosing a sofa, such as style, size, colour and comfort, but if you want your sofa to stand the test of time, be sure to put quality at the top of your list of considerations.

So, what exactly do you need to look out for? Here are some guidelines:

Ask around
Start by choosing a well-known brand: Pick a brand with a trusted reputation, and if you’re unsure, ask friends and family for their recommendations.

Be conscious of price
There’s generally good reason why two sofas that look the same vary so much in price, and quality is one of those reasons. Remember that the cheapest sofa is not always a good investment, while a quality sofa is going to cost you a little bit more initially, but it will last longer – saving you money and effort in the long run.

Give it a lift
A couch that has a solid construction should be heavy to lift and shouldn’t twist when it is lifted off the ground. This indicates that the piece boasts a solid frame that will retain its form and sturdiness for a prolonged period of time.

Go on, sit in it
Ideally when you sit on a sofa, the filling should take the form of your body without sagging – leaving you feeling instantly relaxed, adequately supported, comfortable and at home.

Get up close and personal
Pay attention to all the details, making sure that the stitching is tidy and the edges are finished off carefully, the legs are straight and of an even height, and all the frame joints line up neatly.

Superior comfort
A comfy couch makes relaxing at the end of a hard day that much more enjoyable, so it’s important to choose a piece that will offer adequate ease and support for your lower back and neck. Features to look out for include large seat and back cushions, which give the ideal combination of support and soft comfort that’s an invitation to flop into, whilst the upholstery should be warm in winter and something that can breathe in summer.

Timeless design and longevity is key
As one of the most used rooms in the home it’s important to create a stylish and elegant lounge, and the primary ways to achieve this is by investing in a sofa that has a timeless design and one that will age with grace. An ideal upholstery material to achieve this is leather, which is low maintenance, and its patina just gets better with age.

However, fabric upholstery offers a great selection of textures and colours for that truly stand-out piece. You don’t want to regret your decision 10 years down the line, that’s why it’s crucial to buy a piece with classic lines that won’t go out of style, and something with durable, robust finishes that will ensure it’s longevity.

Good design is the ultimate luxury, and although it doesn’t come cheap, in the long run, it will pay to buy the best quality you can afford.

This article is courtesy of Grafton Everest. For information on their company and products, click here.

What do you look for when buying a couch? Tell us in the box below.


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