How to choose the right sofa: detailed selection instructions with photographs

Basic criteria for choosing a sofa

Sofas differ in the material and color of the upholstery, transformation mechanism, type of construction, stylistic design, dimensions, functionality, filling, purpose and many other additional characteristics. Also, before making a choice, you need to answer the following questions:

1. How much space can you allocate for upholstered furniture (taking into account the fact that it will be unfolded and assembled)?
2. What will be the frequency of folding out the sofa?
3. How intensively will it be used? Only for guests or for everyday relaxation (sleep)?
4. What weight loads will it withstand?
5. In what part of the room is the installation planned? Corner of the room or along the wall?
6. Do you need storage space?
7. What kind of interior are you planning to create?
8. How much are you willing to spend on buying a sofa?

Some models can be used as a bed, on others you can happily jump and play (the design allows), on others you can watch TV and relax with the whole family.

It is important that the sofa looks harmonious in the interior and highlights a relaxation or sleeping area. To do this, design the ideal design (if renovations are being done) of the room or select a sofa for the existing interior. Remember, all decorative elements should complement the main furniture and create a unified style.

Why choose upholstered furniture

Of course, there is upholstered furniture in every home. It varies in size, functionality and design. But let's figure out why she is so loved. The advantages of upholstered furniture are that:

• There is nothing better for relaxation and comfort.
• It effectively decorates and complements the interior, and often becomes its dominant feature.
• Can be selected for rooms of any size, since many models are transformable.
• It is universal. It can be found not only at home, but also in offices, public institutions, and cafes.
• It perfectly zones the space in a room without partitions.
• The range of upholstered furniture is huge, and so is the price range. You can choose any model according to your taste and financial capabilities.
• The choice of materials from which upholstered furniture is made is also huge. Supporters of environmentally friendly products will always be able to find a copy made of natural wood or metal.

The disadvantages of upholstered furniture are mostly associated with poor quality workmanship. This is for example:

• Upholstery that is soiled and difficult to remove dirt from.
• Soft elements are deformed, pressed through, and lose their elasticity.
• Poor divergent seams.
• High-quality solid wood furniture is very expensive.

Purpose of using the sofa

For the kitchen, you can choose stiffer sofas of small sizes. It is not advisable to have a folding mechanism. Practicality, ergonomics and functionality are encouraged.

The furniture frame must withstand temperature changes and humidity (in this regard, a model with a metal frame would be an ideal option). Upholstery should be chosen that is wear-resistant. It must withstand numerous cleanings without losing its original presentable appearance.

For a living room, a sofa must be selected taking into account the following features:

• comfort and style;
• the armrests should be massive and the seats should be wide (if the room is spacious);
• a large number of seats (from five);
• bright colors.

Sofas with leather upholstery are ideal for an office, emphasizing the presentability of the company and providing comfort. Their color should match the colors of the company or at least the colors of the office.

But style comes first!

Having navigated the assortment of upholstered furniture according to all possible criteria, you still need to return to the basics, namely the interior style of the room or rooms where you are going to make a purchase. Existing interior styles can be divided into 2 groups: modern design, presented in different directions, and classic. Each style has its own requirements for upholstered furniture.

Modern design for upholstered furniture is defined as follows:

• POP. Simplicity, practicality of fabrics, laconism of lines and shapes, color uniformity. • MODERN. Asymmetry, ornate lines and shapes, texture, color saturation, bright expression of upholstery patterns. • HIGH TECH. Maximum functionality, well-thought-out forms and proportions, the use of ultra-modern materials, the absence of “embellishments”, shiny fabrics, polished wood surface. • FUNCTIONALISM. The main feature is the lack of decor. The shapes of upholstered furniture are geometric. The proportions are balanced, exactly following the lines of the body. • MINIMALISM. Strict lines, simple shapes, discreet upholstery fabrics, usually without patterns. Preferred colors: black, white, gray, cream. • ECLECTIC. Everything is acceptable here, with one caveat - very good taste.

If the style of your interior is classic, then upholstered furniture will need to be selected from classic samples. A distinctive feature of the classics is strict adherence to the principles of functionality, proportionality and harmony. The use of transformers is excluded: sofa-bed, chair-bed, pouf-bedside table. It is customary to use leather, velor, and linen in upholstery of upholstered furniture.

Type and shape of the sofa

• A straight sofa is ideal for any interior. It has a straight back and armrests. Most often it is installed in cabinets, offices, halls and living rooms. Folding models can be easily disassembled and create a wide bed for two people.
• The round sofa has free interior space, inside of which you can place a bar counter, table, fireplace or an aquarium. It is distinguished by comfort, safety and originality.
• A semicircular sofa allows you to comfortably seat a large number of people, and each of them can comfortably communicate with the interlocutor without turning their head in his direction. Such furniture is placed in the middle of the room or along the wall.
• A corner sofa can be installed in any room. It is suitable for small spaces. Doesn't take up much space due to the fact that it's in the corner. If necessary, it can be transformed into a wide bed.

Transformation mechanism

1. Book - you need to slightly raise the seat until it clicks, then carefully release the back of the sofa.
2. Eurobook - roll the seat forward and carefully tilt the backrest so that it assumes a horizontal position.

1. Ottoman – you need to open the armrests to the side and place them horizontally on the floor.
2. Sesame - the top pillow rises, the base extends towards itself, the pillow is installed on the armor.
3. Venice - the roll-out part pulls out towards itself, the strap is pulled up and the mattress rises.
4. Saber - the backrest is pushed away, the laundry box and seat are pulled forward, the armrests and backrest are tilted.
5. Accordion - the seat rises slightly and gently slides towards itself until it is fully opened.
6. Click-clack - the seat rises until it clicks and is released, the armrests fold out to the side.

There are many other transformation mechanisms. They are less popular on the market: sofa, puma, ribalto, dolphin, sedaflex, etc.

sofa frame

The service life of the furniture and the degree of its resistance to heavy loads depend on the quality and reliability of the frame. Therefore, be sure to take this criterion into account when purchasing.

• Chipboard is not the most obvious option. Manufacturers coat it with paint and laminate it, but the material still deteriorates after a few years. The sofa can no longer withstand heavy loads.
• Plywood has a denser structure. It is stronger than chipboard. Does not deform during operation. Does not warp, requires minimal maintenance, withstands moisture, bends slightly, and does not wear out quickly.
• Wood is characterized by a long service life, environmental friendliness and high strength. It is thoroughly dried before furniture production (if this is not done, the sofa will begin to creak over time). The most popular species are walnut, beech, ash, and oak.
• Metal is durable, reliable and aesthetically attractive. A protective anti-corrosion coating is applied to it. Sofas made from this material always look modern, original and stylish. When purchasing, pay attention to the quality of the welds.

Popular manufacturers

In the ranking of the best sofas, the first lines are occupied by the following manufacturing companies:

• "Pinskdrev", Belarus;
• Bentsony, Italy;
• Bellus, a Scandinavian concern;
• Ikea, Sweden;
• Dlinestyle, Ukraine;
• Pohjanmaan, Finland.

The best sofa manufacturers in Russia are Slavyanskaya Mebel, Pegasus, Sapsan and Lerroy. In addition, KRISTIE and ANDERSSEN are on the list of popular companies; they are considered to produce the highest quality corner sofas. The products of each of the listed brands are worthy of attention; they are characterized by the highest quality, a variety of shapes and sizes, and the availability of certificates of conformity and warranty cards. All furniture companies have different pricing policies, so when choosing a sofa you should also take into account the budget allocated for its purchase.

Rival

Slavic furniture

Bellus

Bentsony

Pinskdrev

Possible fillers

The filler must be of high quality and wear-resistant. He must provide a comfortable lying and sitting position so that the spine does not experience heavy loads. Main types of fillers:

1. Spring blocks. There are dependent and independent types. They give the sofa orthopedic properties and make it more elastic. Dependent spring blocks are cheaper because they are prone to stretching and loss of elasticity. The springs of independent blocks are sewn into a separate cover (made of fabric). They do not sag or creak over time.
2. Foam rubber. This material is softer and more comfortable. Prone to sagging and deformation. Therefore, sofas with such filling are not used for everyday sleep.
3. Sintepon. Also a soft material that loses its shape after a certain time. Sleeping on a sofa with such a seat is extremely uncomfortable. There will always be a certain stiffness felt. Back pain is guaranteed in the morning.
4. Polyurethane foam. Can be cast or block. Environmentally friendly filler. Does not cause allergic reactions in humans. It has excellent breathability and a perfect balance of hardness/softness.

Holofiber, silicone and combined materials are also used as filler.

Felt

Felt is a dense non-woven textile material made from felted wool. It is usually made in the form of panels that have different thicknesses, depending on the purpose. Felt is one of the mandatory fillers for upholstered furniture, a natural material rolled through hot cylinders on both sides. A hard crust forms on the surface of the material, which makes the material very wear-resistant. Felt is used in furniture factories in the production of upholstered furniture - sofas and armchairs - as a cushioning material that serves to neutralize the feeling of springs and protects polyurethane foam - PPU from direct contact with the spring block, prevents it from being pressed, and also improves the consumer properties of upholstered furniture.

Sofa upholstery

The upholstery should have a dense texture and a presentable appearance. The thicker it is, the longer the beautiful appearance of the sofa will remain. The most popular upholsteries are jacquard, chenille, flock, tapestry, microfiber, leather, etc.

• Jacquard is strong, abrasion-resistant, durable, moderately soft, elegant and practical. Characterized by a wide variety of patterns and colors. It has a dense structure, looks rich, and does not fade.
• Chenille has an aesthetic appearance. Environmentally friendly, comfortable, durable, wear-resistant. Looks like leather. Does not become dirty during operation. Combines with different interior styles.
• Flock is a very durable material. It does not wear out during use. Does not undergo deformation, does not attract dirt and dust, does not scratch (ideal upholstery for pet owners). Absorbs moisture.
• Tapestry is a wear-resistant synthetic material.
• Microfiber is durable and reliable. It has a dense texture and an additional Teflon coating.
• Leather can maintain its appearance for many years. It costs more than most upholstery materials.

Leather

Leather furniture conveys a sense of timeless elegance. Genuine leather breathes and is very pleasant to the touch. It exudes natural comfort and softness. Proper care makes it easy to keep leather furniture clean. Recommended for allergy sufferers.

The disadvantages of natural leather include the fact that it can be cold to sit on such upholstery in an unheated room, and also hot in the summer. In addition, sitting and lying naked on leather furniture is less pleasant compared to furniture with fabric upholstery.

When choosing a leather sofa, you should also consider the interior design of your home. Such furniture will look good in classic, glamorous, modern, minimalist and luxurious styles. Please note that cheap furniture from Ikea or simple-designed bedside tables, chairs and armchairs will not look next to such a sofa.

It is also worth abandoning box-shaped furniture, which combines white with shades of Sonoma oak. Such furniture will simply get lost next to a leather sofa. Instead, you can use furniture made of natural wood, as well as furniture made of acrylic or glossy furniture board.

Sofa color

When choosing the color of the sofa, you need to start from the walls, floors and ceiling. It is important that all tones match each other. Otherwise, the furniture will simply be lost in the interior.

• The monochrome sofa has approximately the same shade as the wall, but is slightly different. In this case, the color of the furniture should always be slightly darker than the color of the wall.
• Neutral tones look equally harmonious in any interior. Designers use them to smooth out the saturation of walls.
• Bright colors feature contrasting tones that draw attention to themselves. They appropriately complement decor that has monotonous shades.
• You can also choose a sofa with combined colors or with patterns of different/same shapes. It will stand out against the background of any interior.

If the sofa will be located in the bedroom, then you need to choose calmer tones. If its location is a children's room, kitchen or living room, then you should choose between bright shades.

How to take into account the varieties and types of upholstered furniture when choosing

It can be framed or frameless. Frameless, as the name suggests, does not have a rigid frame inside. This is now very popular furniture with soft filling. In the interior it plays an auxiliary or decorative function.

The main thing is the furniture with a frame that is familiar to us; we will talk about it, its varieties and selection rules.

• Sofas are the most common furnishings. Actually, when it comes to upholstered furniture, these are the first things that come to mind. They, in turn, are divided into several varieties according to style, dimensions and design. They can be small two or three-seater, intended only for sitting, transformable sofas that turn into a sleeping bed, corner and U-shaped sofas. The latter come in very impressive sizes and are, of course, designed for spacious rooms. We’ll talk further about how to choose the right sofa, but now let’s see what else is included in the concept of upholstered furniture.

• Armchairs are inferior in popularity to sofas, but only slightly. They can also be made of different materials, have different designs and can be folded into a bed.

• An ottoman is a type of sofa without a back, with pillows instead of a back. They can also be equipped with a sliding mechanism, thanks to which an additional sleeping place appears.

• A sofa is also a type of sofa and has a wider seat. It can be straight or angled, and can be folded out.

Different varieties - different purposes.

Additional items

• Linen box. This is a convenient addition to upholstered furniture, with which you can compactly and safely store children's toys, bed linen, and demi-season items. The most spacious linen drawers are found in sofas with a Eurobook mechanism.
• Niches and shelves. You can place books, magazines, and TV remotes in them. In addition to the practical function, they also perform an aesthetic one. Candles, unusual figurines, collections of children's toys, photographs, and flower arrangements can be conveniently placed in shelves or niches.
• A coffee table is also built into the furniture. This design allows you to simplify the process of drinking tea and make it easier to work on your laptop.
• Some sofas are equipped with spot or LED lighting. It creates a unique atmosphere in a dark room. Manufacturers also build compact minibars into their furniture. They are used for short-term storage of alcoholic beverages.

Adviсe

If you want to create a relaxation area, buy a corner or U-shaped model with high backs and deep seats. The upholstery material can be any (to your taste). The coloring should be calm.

If you plan to watch TV with your family, it is better to purchase a straight sofa. It can be placed along the wall or in the middle of the room. This type of furniture is convenient to use. You can come and sit on either side. The upholstery material must be selected taking into account the fact that you will be consuming food or drinks while viewing. That is, the material should facilitate easy stain removal.

For the children's room, it is recommended to buy a compact and bright sofa made from environmentally friendly materials (hypoallergenic upholstery). In the kitchen, furniture with high seats is preferred to make eating comfortable.

Where can I buy

• The first is furniture - about 250 options from Russian and foreign manufacturers;
• Wally Tally – different categories of sofas are presented.

Check out two selections of sofas on the First Furniture store website:

1. Straight sofas.
2. Angular.

And here are these two models, which are in enormous demand.

“Rose” from “Nizhegorodmebel and K” is a luxurious copy for 28,000 rubles. Will fit perfectly into a modern environment and into a Provence style room. The upholstery is made of velor in four colors. It is equipped with a “zero wall book” mechanism. The frame is made of timber, chipboard and furniture plywood. Filler – foam rubber.

Pros:

• elegant look;
• spacious;
• comfortable for sleeping;
• “anti-vandal” coating.

Minuses:

• deep seating – it’s uncomfortable to sit without pillows;
• The transformation method is slightly different from the traditional “book”.

“Montreal Blue” is a modular copy for 105,500 rubles. It consists of several parts, the number and arrangement of which can be changed according to needs. It has a “French folding bed” system: two central sections move apart. Durable materials allow you to use this product for more than one year. The frame is made of wood, fiberboard and chipboard, with polyurethane foam inside. The case combines light eco-leather and matting.

Pros:

• large and roomy;
• It is allowed to combine elements as desired.

Minuses:

• no linen drawer;
• Expensive.