How to Find the Perfect Couch

Choosing the right couch should be a careful choice, since in most cases it involves a longer term commitment. The right couch also has to be the right color and style. Here are a few tips to help make the choice easier. 

Size

The couch is the centerpiece your living room, but it also must also fit into the room in terms of size. Depending on how much space you have, different versions of couches may be suitable. In small apartments two-seater couches fit quite well. For larger spaces, corner sofas or two single couches facing each other may be a better option.

The best way to determine in advance where the new couch should go is to measure. Don't forget to measure the space behind and next to the couch. If the couch has a fold out or a leaning back rest, these must also be considered. Caution: In the furniture store sofas often look smaller than they really are.

Function

What is the main function of your new couch? What purpose should it serve? These questions must be answered before buying. Do you have children? Do you want to accommodate the whole family or do you want to give your living room a lounge feeling? Ask yourself these questions first.

Shape

When choosing the shape, there are two important criteria: spatial conditions and personal taste. If you only have space for a loveseat, buy a love seat. However, don't buy it just because it fits in the room. Make sure you really like it.

Hardness & color

Again, it is important to note two things: your personal preferences and the requirements of the furniture. Color and material should be adjusted to your needs. Basically you have a choice between synthetic materials and natural fibers. These differ in terms of price, as well as in durability.

Although white upholstered furniture looks stunning, it quickly gets dirty. So maybe white isn't the best choice if you have small children. Leather is easy to maintain, but beware of housepets sharpening their claws.

Basically, neutral colors are recommended. The smaller the couch, the bolder the color can be. Small couches can be an eye-catcher. Alternatively, you can also buy colorful cushions to add flair. These can easily be replaced or changed out. 

You definitely need to do a sit test before buying a couch. Most of the time the couch may lose some firmness over time, and can be adjusted to your preferences.  Nothing is worse than trying to watch TV from a rock hard sofa. 

Style

Here it should be noted that a cozy atmosphere is most important. In addition, the couch should also match the rest of your room. Leather gives rooms a rustic effect, and large, Baroque sofas add a royal touch. 

Coziness

The couch's height and depth is also important. The deeper the new upholstered furniture, the easier you can lie down, but this also makes getting up more difficult. So it is important to decide before hand if you would rather lie down or sit on your couch.

Quality

In addition to the criteria already mentioned, the country of origin can also play a role. Cheap versions of sofas often come from Southeast Asia. The factories there not only often violate human rights conditions, they also often use inferior materials. This leads to poorer durability and possibly even hazardous material use. Pay attention to high production standards. They cost a lot more, will make buying your couch a more comfortable experience. 

Care

Proper care depends on the material. Smooth leather and synthetic fibers are often easier to maintain. They are more durable and last longer. Suede covers are slightly more difficult to care for because they are unfortunately are very sensitive. Textile covers can sometimes be removed and washed in the washing machine. This is an advantage that shouldn't go unnoticed!