If you want to choose the best sofa for you, why not test drive one before you buy, just the way you would test drive a car? Buying a sofa is a major investment, and it would be frustrating to buy a sofa that didn’t feel comfortable. The best looking sofa in the whole world cannot measure up to the most comfortable sofa, especially if you plan to spend any amount of time on it.
Here's how to choose the best sofa for you.
Take Your Time
Give yourself plenty of time when you are trying out a sofa. A mere 5 seconds of plopping down on one is not going to tell you much. A good salesperson will understand and not bother you while you are trying on different sofas for size. You need to get an understanding of how it feels when you stay sitting on it for a while.
Test Different Styles
Test all different styles in a way you would use a sofa at home. Do you like to sit with your legs curled up? Do you like to lie down on it? Do you feel happiest sitting in the center? Remember to take your shoes off before you place your feet on the sofa, if that is your sitting style.
Consider the height and depth of the seat. Take into account the height of the back as well. Do you prefer a tight-back sofa or one with loose cushions? Try out all different cushion configurations to see which one feels right.
Test Different Fills
Every person differs in what they consider to be comfortable. Some would like to sink into a sofa, others prefer a firmer seat. Which one do you like? Try sitting on different fills to select the level of firmness or softness that you like.
Consider if you want the same level of softness or firmness in the seat and back.
Test Different Fabrics
Each fabric is going to feel different, but it will add tremendously to the over all feel of a sofa. You may like the look of heavily textured fabrics, but do you like the feel of them? Does a surface feel too slick? Do you like the sound leather makes when you shift your weight on it?
Sit on different fabrics long enough till you find one that is right for you. This is especially important if it is going to be "the sofa" or the one that is used all the time.
When testing for fabric, you should also check to see if it wrinkles easily or stretches. If it wrinkles easily, it will be difficult to maintain its looks for a long time. Sagging fabric will make it look dilapidated very quickly.