6 Things to Consider When Buying a Sofa

Here at G Plan, we know that buying a new sofa can be a big decision. It’s where most of us spend a lot of our time relaxing, entertaining, and occasionally snoozing! Not to forget that it’s often a large investment too, so it’s important to get it right.

Many of us are turning towards pieces of furniture that will stay with us for a long time, instead of purchasing pieces that will need to be replaced in a few years. All G Plan’s sofas come with a 25-year guarantee; our skilled craftsmen create your furniture to an outstanding quality, meaning your new sofa will offer great comfort and unquestionable style for many years to come.

There are a few key questions to ask yourself, when it comes to buying a new sofa:

1. Which type of sofa would you like?
2. How much space do you have to work with?
3. What fabric, finish and colour are you looking for?
4. Does it suit your lounging style?
5. Are there any specific features or personal requirements you would need to maximise comfort and convenience?
6. Is it easy to look after and maintain?

From here, you can figure out what type of sofa works best for you and your space. From choosing the best style, to ordering fabric swatches and taking measurements, here is what you should really consider when buying a new sofa.

Sofa types

There are lots of different sofa types out there, so try and do your research to see which one you prefer:

• 2-seater sofas (sometimes referred to as medium or small sofas)
• 3-seater sofas (sometimes referred to as large sofas)
• Corner sofas
• Recliner and footrest sofas
• Modular sofas
• Storage sofas
• Chaise sofas
• Corner chaise sofas
• Sofa beds
• Elevate Rise and Recline

It’s also good to consider whether you’re looking for a more timeless piece, that would fit in with any décor. For example a more compact, elegant frame would be perfect for a modern home.

The image below displays various other sofa models G Plan has on offer, ranging from the contemporary and cosy Jackson, to the stylish and inviting Seventy one. To view G Plans full range of sofas, please click here.

Measure up

Before you head out to stores or online, it’s important to first measure up your living space. This is paramount if you are working with a small space, as although some sofas look compact in stores, they can be bigger than you think. Take a note of the maximum width, depth and height, and keep this handy when you’re looking to buy a new sofa.

Once you’ve measured the space where your sofa will go, don’t forget to also think about how you will get it into the room. Will it fit through the doors? Are there any obstacles to consider, such as stairs? It’s worth measuring up these spaces too, in case your new sofa cannot be delivered in certain sections of your home.

For small spaces, we would suggest you consider 2-seater sofas, sofas beds (to kill two birds with one stone) or compact sofas. For extra help on measuring up, please visit our measuring guide.

Fabrics

When it comes to choosing the fabric of your new sofa, think about the type of material, finish, and colour you’d like and what would suit your home. A good starting point is to decide if you’d like fabric, leather or velvet, before you begin thinking about the colour. For inspiration, follow our social channels and keep an eye out for our mood boards.

Another consideration is who will be using the sofa regularly. Do you have pets or a busy family home with young children? If so, you may want to consider a darker colour and easy to clean fabrics, such as Aquaclean® fabric. Aquaclean® is a revolutionary stain release technology, which incorporates a protective treatment into every fibre of your sofa fabric. This treatment is an invisible molecular layer and cannot be seen by the naked eye, but acts as a quick cleaning facilitator, meaning majority of household stains can be removed with just water.

Alternatively, you can opt for luxurious chenille or velvet-style fabrics which are soft to the touch; these will offer a more sophisticated feel, whilst being incredibly robust and durable.

We always suggest that you order a physical sample of the fabrics you’ve been looking at for your new sofa, to get a true look and feel for it. At G Plan, you can order up to 8 samples for FREE from our collection of fabrics, leathers, and velvets. Plus, they come with a little treat to enjoy while you’re deciding which one to go for!

Try before you buy

Many of us still like to ‘try before we buy’, especially when it comes to buying a new sofa. It’s important to consider how you like to lounge; do you sit upright? Slouch? Stretch out horizontally? However you choose to sit on your sofa, giving your possible new sofa a test run before purchasing will allow you to understand how comfortable and cosy it is.

We understand that people come in all shapes and sizes, so we offer a variety of sofas with different fillings and posture characteristics. Make sure you visit a retailer to experience the sofas for yourself. Don’t be shy about taking off your shoes, putting your feet up and recreating the way you would use your sofa at home.

Personal requirements and comfort

Finally, do you have any personal requirements or features that you’d like?

Do you need a sofa with an additional headrest and lumbar support – if so, we would suggest looking out for high backed models. Or would you like a sofa with built-in technology, such as a USB charging port for added convenience?

Having a beautiful sofa that perfectly complements your décor is important, but it should also offer you the ultimate in comfort. You should consider your height and leg length, how firm or soft you would like your cushions to be and whether you want to sit straight or relax and curl up on your sofa.

How to care for your sofa

In addition to the above, it’s also important to consider how to care for your chosen sofa. For example, how often should you clean it, or how often should you plump the cushions.

If you’re interested in a G Plan model, please visit our care guide for this information or ask your nearest retailer.

For more details on what to consider when buying a sofa, please visit our buying guide, or if you have any questions, please contact us or your nearest G Plan retailer.