{"id":21818,"date":"2024-10-15T15:15:26","date_gmt":"2024-10-15T14:15:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oakfurnitureland.co.uk\/blog\/?p=21818"},"modified":"2025-04-16T10:34:06","modified_gmt":"2025-04-16T09:34:06","slug":"common-mistakes-when-buying-a-sofa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.oakfurnitureland.co.uk\/blog\/general\/common-mistakes-when-buying-a-sofa\/","title":{"rendered":"10 common mistakes when buying a sofa"},"content":{"rendered":"

Buying a large piece of furniture is always an investment, but when it\u2019s something as pivotal to your domestic life as a comfy sofa<\/a>, there is the added pressure for it to be perfect because you use it every day.<\/p>\n

Size, shape, number of seats, upholstery, quality and colour: what should you look for when buying a high-quality sofa? Well, here are 10 mistakes to avoid.<\/p>\n

1. Impulse buying<\/h2>\n

\"Large<\/p>\n

Morgan modular 5-seat corner sofa<\/a> |\u00a0@homely_rose<\/p>\n

No matter how good a sofa looks online, try to see it in person before making a commitment, if possible. It may be a different size than you thought, have more of an unusual shape than you\u2019d imagined, or not be very comfortable at all. Even if you aren\u2019t able to visit the store in person, you can arrange a video appointment<\/a> to see it in a real-life setting or request some fabric swatches to compare with the rest of your living room furniture<\/a>.<\/p>\n

2. Not considering your lifestyle<\/h2>\n

\"Oak<\/p>\n

Ashby sofa<\/a> | @ourruralnest<\/a><\/p>\n

If this sofa is for decorative purposes and perhaps sits in a room that you don\u2019t use much, then comfort might not be as important a factor as its look and aesthetic. However, if it sits in front of the TV, you\u2019ll want one that is completely sinkable and optimised for lounging. Tall people, in particular, need to consider factors like the length of a settee and whether it leaves enough room for them to stretch out and relax.<\/p>\n

3. Ignoring sofa construction<\/h2>\n

There are many pros and cons to consider for a couch that goes way beyond its placement in the room layout or the cushion colour. Before you begin to browse, think about whether you have a preference for foam or feather pillows and make a list of pros and cons based on your home life. For instance, you may have an allergy to feather fillings or require the orthopaedic benefits of foam technology. Either way, do your research about how your new sofa design is built, and you\u2019ll never have a point of complaint.<\/p>\n

4. Selecting the wrong upholstery material<\/h2>\n

\"Oak<\/p>\n

Dalby sofa<\/a> | Dalby footstool<\/a> | @mo_morshuis<\/a><\/p>\n

Much like the way the settee is constructed, the upholstery material it\u2019s made from will also need to suit your lifestyle and family needs. For example, if you have young children or pets, you may want to avoid fabric sofas, as they tend to soak up stains more easily than the smooth finish of a leather sofa. Or, if your living room can get hot and humid, avoid materials that lack airiness and tend to get sticky and unbreathable.<\/p>\n

5. Not thinking about longevity<\/h2>\n

Ask yourself, how long will you need your couch for? If you think you\u2019re likely to shake up your style in five years, opt for something ultra-trendy, like a modern sofa. However, if you think this will likely be a long-lasting investment, you might want to choose a more traditional sofa style that won\u2019t look outdated over time.<\/p>\n

6. Failing to measure properly<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Inca sofa<\/a> | @paintitprettyhome<\/a><\/p>\n

Measure, measure and measure again! It\u2019s all well and good if you think a sofa will look great in your home, but if it swallows up your space, it\u2019ll leave you feeling claustrophobic and uncomfortable. Scale is key here. Width, depth and height are all really important measurements. To give you an idea of how a large or small sofa is going to look in your home, use tape to map out the exact dimensions on the floor, so you know what it\u2019ll be like proportionately.<\/p>\n

Take a look through our full living room measurement guide.<\/p>\n

7. It can\u2019t get through the door<\/h2>\n

You\u2019ve done it: you\u2019ve found the luxury sofa of your dreams and it fits your home layout! But wait \u2013 when it arrives, it can\u2019t fit through your front door \u2013 nightmare! Always account for the access points of your home: your front door, hallway and any doorways or staircases that lead to your lounge. This is why the depth measurement is particularly key, it can help you work out if the settee needs to be tipped on its side to get through these access points. Alternatively, enquire which sofas are sold in compartments and can be assembled in your living room. Find out more about our sofa sizes<\/a>.<\/p>\n

8. You haven\u2019t sized up your space<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Evie corner sofa<\/a> | @mybraxtonhome_<\/a><\/p>\n

So you\u2019ve ticked the boxes of floor space, height and the depth of the doorway, but will this sofa be right for your living room layout? Have you read the fine print \u2013 is the corner sofa<\/a> that\u2019s arriving left-handed or right-handed? Is there an alcove that needs to be accounted for (i.e. can a tall person sit there without knocking their head)? Will the coffee table<\/a> fit in front of it while leaving space to walk around it? It pays to be ultra-precise and very picky about every detail.<\/p>\n

9. The colour is all wrong<\/h2>\n

\"Cream<\/p>\n

Willoughby corner sofa<\/a> | @new_mummy_jess<\/a><\/p>\n

Due to the prominence of the sofa in a living room scene, the colour you choose for your couch will depend on whether you want an understated or statement interior scheme. Go for a complementary colour for a blended look, something that pops in an otherwise neutral scene, or a bold shade in a more eclectic home. As mentioned, we recommend getting hold of fabric swatches because what looks great in the showroom might look completely different when immersed in your home setting.<\/p>\n

10. It\u2019s bad quality<\/h2>\n

\"Blue<\/p>\n

Evie corner sofa<\/a> |\u00a0@insideeightyone<\/a><\/p>\n

High-quality sofas are worth the investment for three reasons: they look fantastic, they feel fantastic and they will keep looking and feeling fantastic for years to come. Choose a brand you trust that puts care into its product design. For example, all our settees are built with hardwood in the frame, which not only makes for a more comfortable spot for our plump-free pillows to rest on, but also ensures they are built to last. Luxury sofas may seem more expensive initially, but they end up costing less in the long run.<\/p>\n

Want to know more about choosing a sofa for your home? Read our post on finding the right sofa for your living room<\/a>, then start shopping for our full range of high-quality and comfy sofas. Tag us in your new seating styles on Instagram<\/a> with #OakFurnitureland<\/a> #GrowYourHome<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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