Professional tips: What you can look out for when choosing a sofa
14.10.2018
Translation: machine translated
We'll tell you a few tricks that will make buying a sofa easier before you even try it out.
As specialists, we regularly look for suitable seating for our customers and know what is important.
Size
Room proportions are crucial. In old flats and studios, rooms are often large, angled or narrow. Three to four-seater, modular or chaise longue sofas are suitable here. In an open-plan layout with expansive areas, a small sofa on its own can look lost. In such cases, remedy the situation by considering not only the dimensions of the sofa, but also those of the entire room. Also consider other furniture when measuring, such as armchairs and stools, so that your seating group is harmonious.
Large rooms
Zu allen 3- bis 4-Sitzer- // Modularsofas // Sofalandschaften
Small rooms
So that your room doesn't look smaller than it is, opt for narrow and airy versions with legs. For example, a single or two modular sofa elements and an L-shaped model that fits into the corner of a room to save space are suitable for this purpose.
Zu allen 2- 2.5-seater- // corner sofas
Placement
Placed in the centre of the room, a delicate base frame can make a sofa appear weightless. The effect is enhanced by a low backrest. If you want to visually separate rooms, a high backrest or a combination with different armchairs is ideal. Create zones and utilise room corners with chaise longue variants.
Colour
A brightly coloured sofa can be an eye-catcher in a room, but it can also quickly put you off. That's why we only recommend bright colours if you are confident in your style. Alternatively, combine colourful cushions or blankets here and there for a splash of colour. You can change these from time to time without making a big investment. The advantage of darker or mottled colours is that they are easier to care for and more forgiving of stains than light colours.
Decent for the undecided
If you want to stay spontaneous, simply change the decorative cushions instead of the whole sofa. Images: Nordal
Colourful for the brave
Material
Of course, the cheapest versions are visually appealing. However, their fabric is usually not particularly robust. Invest in a model made from a high-quality fabric because it is used very frequently compared to others. The so-called "Martindale" method is used to determine the abrasion resistance of a fabric. In private use, the fabric should have a Martindale rating of at least 10,000 to 15,000 Martindale for regular use. It is worth asking at this point. Also find out how the fabric of your choice can be cleaned, as stains often appear unexpectedly. Manufacturers now offer an additional impregnation for protection, which is applied afterwards.
Purpose
Clarify in advance what purpose your sofa should fulfil in addition to comfort. There are many variants that don't show what they can do at first glance: Today, sofa beds don't have to look like a bed. The shapes range from a day bed with cushions to futons and folding sofas. So you're also prepared for unexpected visitors.
Our shared passion for architecture and interior design inspired us to set up our Interior Design Studio MOOMII. Curious and open-minded, we develop and implement tailor-made architecture and interior design concepts in Switzerland and abroad. We’re fascinated by the challenge of giving a room a soul while creating functional and practical homes. We love creating worlds that evoke and inspire emotions.
Interior
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest
Guide
Practical solutions for everyday problems with technology, household hacks and much more.
Show all