10 things to consider when you are choosing your new sofa

Buying a new sofa is a big decision and investment. We’ve put together 10 essential things to consider before choosing your new sofa. If you have tips to share in relation to this please leave us a comment here or on our Facebook channel.

1 ) What can your sofa do for you?

If you are planning on using your new sofa in a second living room that is only used occasionally for more formal get together, then you may want to consider a model with a supportive seat cushion to accommodate your guests. Alternatively if you are buying a sofa for the family room and you will be using it to relax on whilst watching TV, you could consider a model that focuses on the ultimate in contemporary softness. Tess featuring G Plan SnugSit is a great example of a sofa with that “sink in” softness. If you like to lie back and put your feet up, why not try a recliner sofa or chair for example Pip.

2 ) The cover

The cover on your sofa is an essential consideration, as you will hopefully enjoy your new sofa for years. If you prefer luxury material that is beautifully soft, the yarns in many of G Plan Chenille fabrics are washed and tumbled – this process lifts the pile to give a richer, fuller look and premium touch. However if you are looking for a material that is easier to clean and with care will stand the test of time, then you may want to consider a leather sofa.
At G Plan we have 149 fabrics, 20 accent fabrics or 42 leathers you can choose from and you can be sure of their quality. We go to great lengths to find quality materials. Our fabrics are handpicked for their softness and durability to ensure lasting beauty for years to come.
If you have chosen a G Plan sofa you love or would like some inspiration, try using the customise feature on our website to see what it would look like in different fabrics and leathers.

3 ) A sofa for life?

How long do you want your sofa to last? Of course caring and maintaining for your sofa has a huge impact on this but if you want a style of sofa that will stand the test of time you should consider this before purchasing. Make sure not to compromise on quality and be realistic on your budget. Make sure to choose a timeless design, fabric and colour and consider if you may need any additional features in the future, for example recliners or more seats.

4 ) Size

What size sofa will be the best for you? It is not only important to consider the size of your room but it is also important to think about the amount of seats you will need. If you have (or going to have) a big family or often have visitors it is important to have enough seats to accommodate this. If you prefer to nap and lie down on your sofa, a large 3-seater or corner sofa is better than a small sofa – in this case you may want to consider a model like Tess which not only transforms into a relaxed day bed but also is modular so you can make it as big as you like. You should also consider the size of your living room. Many sofa owners make the mistake of choosing a sofa that is too big for the room; you don’t want it to dominate the space. Check how wide your staircase or hallway is and the logistics of getting it into your home. If you live in a flat or anywhere where access could be an issue, consider a sofa that comes in modular pieces and therefore will be easier to get into a tight space, for example our Tess or Firth sofas.

5) A sofa for you – the correct proportions

In order to find the perfect fit for you, consider your height and if you are after support for your head and neck – if this is the case we suggest one of our high-backed models such as Milton. If you find a standard sofa is too big for you then consider something smaller. We offer some of our sofas in compact options as well, for example the Oakland or Chloe. Do you like to put your feet up? If so why not consider a footstool with your new sofa?

6 ) Children and pets

If you have small children or grandchildren this is a consideration when choosing the fabric or leather for your sofa. Dark colours will hide stains better and a leather sofa is easier to clean. If you have pets it will be worth taking a look at our “Sofas For Pet Owners” blog post for some helpful hints and tips.

7 ) Interior Style

It’s important to think about your colour scheme and what kind of look you’re going for before buying a sofa. Whether you’re updating a current look or starting from scratch it’s important to think about how the sofa will look in the space and whether it will go with your existing pieces. Do you need it to match carpets or curtains? A great way to check this is to order fabric samples from our website as well as visiting your local stockist to see and try the sofa for yourself.

8 ) Budget

What is your budget? A smaller budget doesn’t necessarily mean a compromise on quality at least not at G Plan. Design, size, recliner and cover options – all of it has influence on price. If you do have a restricted budget but are keen to refresh your interior style then you might be interested in an accent chair such as the Boyd or adding a footstool in one of our 20 accent fabrics. This is a great way to give a room a new lease of life without breaking the bank.

9 ) A personal touch

A great way to personalise your sofa is with some stylish scatter cushions. These can be easily updated depending on your mood or the current trend. If you have found a sofa you love with a neutral colour palette, adding some bold scatter cushions is a great way to add some interest and style.

10 ) Test drive your sofa

Would you buy a car without test-driving it? Probably not, and the same should always apply for sofas. At G Plan, we understand that people come in all shapes and sizes, so we offer a range of sofas with different fillings and posture characteristics to suit you. Make sure you visit a retailer to experience the G Plan Sit Test and try the sofas for yourself. Don’t be shy and stay for a long time in the sofa while testing. Take off your shoes, put your feet up and recreate the way you would use your sofa at home.