How to di scover the right sofa

for you r home a nd lifestyle

Sofas Dining room Living room Leather sofas Fabric sofas Corner sofas
SOFA
BUYERS
GUIDE
page 2 SOFA BUYERS GUIDE
This guide tells you everything you need to know about buying a sofa,
here are some of the areas it covers:

Sofa usage the function, size and

fabrics to consider before buying
your sofa

Sofa and living room size

because the right size means the
right t for you and your home

Measuring your sofa and living

room how to make sure your sofa
will t into your home

Sofa style nding the right match

for your lifestyle and choice of dcor

Filling selection choosing your

level of comfort based on the
rmness of the llings

Before buying your sofa

nal considerations before making
your purchase

Sofa care how to take care

of your investment
EVERYTHING YOU
NEED TO KNOW
ABOUT BUYING
YOUR IDEAL SOFA
The sofa is one of the biggest and most important
furniture investments you can make. Its often the
centrepiece of the living room, the place you curl up
in front of the TV, and have a brew with visiting friends
and family.
Choose your sofa wisely and not only will you have
a piece of furniture that makes a real style statement
in your home, but also a comfortable companion for
years to come.
So, how do you ensure you pick the perfect sofa?
The answer is lots of planning and consideration,
from how your sofa will be used day-to-day to how it
will complement the look of your living space.
With so many varieties of sofa to choose from,
weve put together our very own comprehensive
sofa buying guide to help you out. Use it to your
advantage and youre sure to nd a sofa that ts
right in with your lifestyle and home.
AT A GLANCE
The Harveys Sofa Buying team
page 3 SOFA BUYERS GUIDE
THE HISTORY OF THE SOFA
The Egyptian era saw people move away from a nomadic existence and begin
to settle in one place. This is possibly why the earliest sofas found on record
originated from this period (around 2000 years BC), which were luxurious seats
made for Pharaohs and royalty.
Later, the Romans also embraced extravagant sofas, a luxury reserved for
the elite. It was only after the 17th century that European homes were more
heavily furnished. Between 1670 and 1730 occasion tables, sofas and
armchairs became much more prominent.
1
In the 18th Century, famous cabinet makers like Thomas Chippendale began
printing catalogues they called pattern books. These featured furniture design
ideas, including for sofas. It was in this era that sofas became less elitist and
more common in peoples homes.
Better machinery allowed factories to start putting springs in sofas,
improving their padding. When English inventor and cabinet maker,
Thomas Saint, patented the rst sewing machine in 1790, the
speed that manufacturers could produce sofas increased
and the cost was greatly reduced.
2
The word sofa originates from the Arabic
word suffah, which means bench.
Today, there are many words for sofa,
including couch, settee and suite.
DID YOU KNOW?
page 4 SOFA BUYERS GUIDE
What to consider in regards to size and style of room:

What type of room will your sofa be put in? A living room? A childs playroom?
A dining room? Room type can inuence style and even the functionality of the sofa

Will it be a main or secondary piece of furniture? A secondary sofa is designed to
complement the main pieces in your room, not ght for dominance

How many people live in your home? This will tell you the size or number of sofas
needed to cater for your family

Do you need your sofa to have built-in storage?
What to consider in regards to maintenance of sofa:

Do you entertain/have the family around often?

Do you have pets?

Will meals be eaten on your sofa?

How heavy is your sofa? Will moving it around your living room be easy?
Are you able bodied enough to move the sofa youve selected?
A larger couch may be a better option for your living
room if you have a big family or entertain often. For
those with children, a sofa that easily wipes clean
(like leather) is a must. If you have pets, removable
sofa covers ensure hair missed by the vacuum
is removed when washed or dry cleaned as per
manufacturers guidelines, or choose a tougher
fabric that can be frequently vacuumed. Condent
your pets wont scratch the sofa? Consider a
leather couch, as you can wipe the hairs right off.
The type of property you have will also affect your
decision-making when buying a sofa.You wouldnt
buy the same sofa living in a traditional farmhouse
as you would in a city apartment. Choose a style
that suits your property.
SOFA USAGE
Youre likely to live with your sofa between 8 and 10 years. So its important to consider
the function of that piece of furniture before deciding on the size and fabrics.
The arms of a sofa can make a big
difference to the amount of seating
available. Larger arms tend to waste
space and that may not be an option
in a smaller living space. Slim arms will
help to maximise your seating availability,
essential if you have a smaller living space.
ITS WORTH REMEMBERING
page 5 SOFA BUYERS GUIDE
Open plan living room
If youve chosen to go for an entirely open
plan living space, a conventional sofa might
look a little lost. To make the most of an open
plan living room, consider dividing the space
into different zones. Each zone should have
a specic purpose. A relaxing zone could
consist of your sofa, a TV and a coffee table.
Your couch should be large to ensure it
makes its mark in your open space lots
of smaller pieces could look disorderly
and cluttered.
Bay windows
As a general rule, putting any large piece of
furniture by your windows is a bad idea, as
it will block out the light and view. However,
if your living room features a bay window,
the extra interior space offers more ways to
arrange your sofa.
A low backed sofa will ensure plenty of light
still shines into your living space. One option
is to put a sofa in front of your bay window,
away from your other living room furniture.
This creates a relaxing sitting place where
you can watch the world go by.
Bear in mind that leather and fabric will fade
when left in direct sunlight for a long period
of time. For example, a black sofa may turn a
dark shade of blue. You can minimize the risk
of fading by keeping your sofa out of direct
sunlight, or decreasing your sofas exposure
to sunlight by occasionally keeping your
blinds or curtains closed.
Also, bear in mind that, like fabric, leather will
fade when left in direct sunlight.
How to maximise your living space
Whatever shape or style you think you may want, its important to leave yourself enough living
space. As a general guide, one large sofa can make a small room feel less cramped than lots
of smaller pieces, but only if there is enough room to move around.
Rooms with high ceilings can take a sofa with a higher back, while low backs can offer the
illusion of more height in your living room, and can also be used effectively in open-plan
rooms to emphasise the sense of space. Placing your sofa in a small living room? Choose a
compact design with neat arms to free up more space.
How you manipulate the use of light in your room can also give the illusion of space.
For example, if youre working with a small, poorly-lit room, a neutral coloured, compact
couch may be your best option.
SOFA AND LIVING ROOM SIZE
Your choice of sofa is always going to be dictated by the size of your living
room. Choose a sofa that is too large for your living space and it will overpower
your existing furniture. But choose a sofa that is too small and it will look lost, and
may not seat the number of people you need it to.
Your sofa also needs to complement the style of your dcor and the existing
furniture that may already be in your living space. The key to success is getting
the balance right between style and maximising your use of living space.
page 6 SOFA BUYERS GUIDE
Space considerations when opting for a recliner or sofa bed
If youre buying a recliner or sofa bed, take into consideration the extra space those types of
settee will take up. A recliner will need room to recline and your sofa bed will need to pull out
into a bed! To ensure youve got the required amount of room to make your sofa purchase,
measure up your couch and living space rst.
Sofa beds
Sofa beds are sofas that convert into beds, giving your
home a little bit more exibility. Its an extra place for your
guests to sit comfortably or sleep, which works just as well
in spare rooms as they do in your living room.
Sofa beds range from 3 seaters, 2 seaters and chairs.
Most of them pull out from the seat, an action that is
designed to take little effort. So, if youre buying your sofa
bed from a store, test the bed mechanism, and if it isnt
easy to do, move on to another sofa bed.
Sofa beds can come with storage options, offering extra
space-saving solutions. This is commonly a hidden area
underneath the cushions, which is the ideal place for items
such as bedding, pillows and even some of your toddlers toys.
Recliner sofas
Recliner sofas have a footrest that pulls out, allowing you
to put your feet up. There are two forms of recliner sofas:
manual and electric. Manual recliners use a pull handle
located on the side panel of the sofa. Some recliners offer
the additional benet of lying back in a fully reclined position.
Electric recliners use an electric motor to raise the footrest
by the touch of a button. The button tends to be either on
the side of the couch or on a handheld remote control.
More modern recliner designs use a minimal amount of
space, while maintaining the necessary comfort that theyre
designed to provide.
Corner sofas
Corner sofas t snugly into the corner of your
room. That means they utilise living room space
that a standard couch cannot, freeing up more
room for you to take advantage of.
Some types of corner sofas also have
adjustable segments, allowing you to create
different sofa lengths on each side of the
corner. For example, you could opt for your sofa
to be three segments long on one side and
one segment short on the other. A corner sofas
unique shape can divide larger, open-plan
rooms to create a more intimate space. Some
corner sofas are also available as sofa beds.
Modular sofas
Modular sofas combine individual pieces of
furniture to create a variety of sofa set-ups.
This offers a great way to mix and match your
furniture to suit any style or living space. You can
choose to make your furniture large or small,
depending on the space available. Modular
furniture offers exibility thats perfect for smaller
living spaces. Choosing a large arrangement
of modular furniture can also help enhance
an open plan living space.
HOW TO WORK WITH AN AWKWARDLY SHAPED ROOM
If you have an awkwardly shaped or open-plan room, you may benet from a
sofa that is designed to maximise its space. Here are a few options to consider:
Choose a patterned fabric
when your sofa is going to be
used frequently, like in busy
family homes, as patterns can
conceal minor stains well.
A TIP ON USING
FABRIC SOFAS
Other types of sofa to consider
page 7 SOFA BUYERS GUIDE
Ensuring your sofa can access your property
Not only will your sofa have to t into your living room, but also through your doors, halls, stairs
and even up in a lift, if you have one. Here are a few things youll need to consider before
your sofa is delivered.
Measuring your sofa
For sofas, rst measure the width and then
the diagonal depth. The diagonal depth
is found by measuring from the highest
point of the back frame to the front of the
arm. Then measure from the bottom rear
corner of the sofa up to the point it crosses
your measurement of the back frame to the
front of the arm. The measurements of the
diagonal depth must be less than the size
of your entryway.
Deciding on your sofa space

Decide on the sofa location and space youre
going to need for it to comfortably t in your room.
Then use newspaper and masking tape to mark out
the amount of space it requires

Check that theres enough space to walk around
your sofa. Plus, check that the positioning of your
sofa doesnt obstruct your doors or drawers

Measure the height of the area where your sofa will
be placed to ensure it can be moved into that area
MEASURING YOUR SOFA AND LIVING ROOM
Before purchasing your new dream sofa, you want to make sure it ts perfectly
inside your living space. So take the time to measure up the space requirements
for both your sofa and room before making your nal decision.
Here is a standard range of sofa
sizes (width) for you to work from
when measuring your living space.
SOFA SIZE GUIDE
Small sofas/two seater
up to 174cm/68.5 inches
Medium sofas/2-3 seater
175-190cm/69-75 inches
Large sofas/3 seater
191-210cm/75-83 inches
Grand sofas/4 seater
211cm+/83 inches
Measuring the hallway

Measure the height and width of all doors and
hallways that your sofa will need to pass through

Check for xtures, ttings and immovable
objects like radiators that may obstruct
your hallway

Measure the distance between the access door in
the hallway and the interior wall in the room where
the sofa will be put.This measurement must be more
than the width of the sofa

If the corner is tight, it might be easier to stand the
sofa upright to gain entry. Before you do this, you
should measure the ceiling height. This needs to be
greater than the width of the sofa to ensure entry
ii
Diagonal depth
(ii) must be less
than entryway
dimensions
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Choosing castors
Castors (wheels that afx to the bottom of your
sofa) are practical devices that make moving
the furniture much easier. Not only is this great for
when youre moving a new piece of furniture into
your home, but when you want to arrange the
layout of your living space.
Before purchasing your new sofa, check whether
it comes with castors, and make sure their look
complements the sofa and room dcor.
OTHER SOFA DELIVERY CONSIDERATIONS
Remember that some sofas come with bolt-on arms or in two parts. This can
come in handy when trying to get your sofa into your home, especially if there
are lots of tight spaces.
Do this and youll be able to
see the oor underneath your
couch, creating a feeling of
space in your living room.
SMALL LIVING SPACE?
CHOOSE A SOFA
WITH SLIM LEGS
Sofa going up stairs?
Measure the height, width and
depth of your staircase so you can
turn your sofa whilst carrying it up
Factor in that different oors may
have different stairwell heights
as well as any turns or doors in
the stairwell
Sofa going up in a lift?
Measure the height and width of the lift door.
Then measure the dimensions inside the lift,
including the diagonal height from the bottom
front to the top back. This is done in case you
need to put the sofa in at an angle
Check the sofa weight against the maximum
load of the lift, you should be able to nd this
out from the seller
page 9 SOFA BUYERS GUIDE
All theyll do is blend in. What your
cushions should do is add more
colour and texture to your room.
Choose a colour that matches
other aspects of your living
space and contrasts nicely with
the colour of your sofa. Do this
well and your cushions should
pull together the elements of
your room.
YOUR CUSHIONS
SHOULDNT MATCH
YOUR SOFA
CHOOSING THE
RIGHT SOFA COLOUR
Whether you want a sofa that makes a bold statement or blends in beautifully
with the rest of your dcor, colour is one of the most important considerations in
the buying process.
Bold sofa colours
A bright sofa colour like red will catch the eye, add air
and ensure your furniture is the centrepiece of your
rooms interior. Its an opportunity to let your sofa bring
lots of personality to your room. Just bear in mind that
too many bold colours will create an imbalance in
your living space that wont be easy on the eye.
Neutral sofa colours
Neutrals are far from boring, you can mix and match
textures and tones to add depth while creating a living
space that feels soothing and calm. Use them wisely
and they can make your room seem larger, plus theyre
easy to combine with walls and accessories that use
vivid colours.
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SOFA STYLE
So youve now decided on the size requirements of
your sofa, possibly the type, where it will be placed in
your living space, and are condent it can access your
property. Your next consideration is possibly the trickiest
of them all, the style of sofa youre going to select.
So no pressure! If youre buying a sofa for a large living room,
you can afford to let a large sofa dominate. So feel free to be
bold and consider a grand design, and give it plenty of space
to stand out rather than push it up against a wall.
However, if you have a smaller living space, you may not have
as much choice in regards the position of your sofa. Aim for a
compact sofa with clean lines and neutral colours, as anything
too dark or too loud can overpower a small room.
Your sofa tends to set the style of your room
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Combining traditional and modern styles
Contrast modern furniture with rustic,
vintage pieces to create a dcor full
of richness and depth. Here are a few
inspiring ideas:

If you have contemporary furniture in
your living space, try traditional wooden
ooring to make the room warmer and
more inviting

Add simple white slipcovers to
traditional sofas to give them a
more contemporary look
In a modern dcor you can add
character by adding a feature or
accessory inspired by cottage/farmhouse
style, introduce features or accessories
with soft colours, vintage furnishings,
feminine orals
Choose an eclectic mix of old
accessories to decorate a clean and
modern living space
CONTEMPORARY
OR TRADITIONAL?
Theres a wide range of stunning sofas out there for you to choose from. But will
you opt for a traditional or contemporary style? Traditional sofas exude elegance
and ornate style with typical features including scroll arms, decorative turned legs,
a buttoned back or polished brass castors. Expect plenty of support and comfort.
Contemporary sofas are renowned for their low backs and small arms, and theyre
commonly low to the ground and have exposed wooden or metal legs. Thats less
support for your back but thats made up for with a cool looking piece of furniture
that adds a sense of space to your living room.
3
page 12 SOFA BUYERS GUIDE
Chestereld sofas
Most commonly tufted in leather, Chestereld
couches are renowned for their high rolled
arms, tufted back and seat. This type of sofa
has connotations of mens clubs and
traditional libraries.
Midcentury modern sofas
Midcentury modern sofas embrace a streamlined
form, featuring straight, squared lines and low
squared legs. This style rose to prominence
from the mid 1940s to 1970, a combination of
pared-down forms, contemporary patterns and
natural materials.
4
This retro style of sofa has become more
desirable again due to the inuence of
popular shows like Mad Men.
5
WHAT SETS THE STYLE OF THE SOFA?
The style of a sofa can be recognised by its arms, back, and the legs or skirt.
The design of those features dictate whether the sofa is contemporary or
traditional in style, as does the way its upholstered and trimmed. Here are a
selection of the most well known styles of sofa.
English or club sofas
The club sofa is a 19th-century classic offering a
casual style thats versatile enough for a variety
of home dcors. The arms, in comparison to
other sofa shapes, are lower and more compact,
making them a good choice for smaller rooms.
Upholstered from the back to the seat cushions,
this is a comfortable piece to sink into and relax.
Scandinavian styled sofas
Scandinavian style (also known as Scandy) sofas are inuenced by a design movement
that began in the 1950s in the Scandinavian countries Sweden, Norway, Denmark and
Finland. Scandy styled sofas are characterised by minimalism and functionality and remain
as popular today as they were 60 years ago.
Sectional/modular sofas
Individual armless sofas, corner units and
ottomans (upholstered seat or bench) combine
to create exible pieces of modular furniture.
The style is typically clean-lined and
contemporary. Learn more about modular
furniture in our How to work with an awkwardly
shaped room section.
page 13 SOFA BUYERS GUIDE
Help your sofa and/or armchair(s) have a longer life by choosing arm covers.
These reduce the wear of your sofa or armchair when youre sitting and relaxing.
SOFA AND ARMCHAIR ARM COVERS
Loveseats
The loveseat has been a popular
piece of furniture for living rooms,
bedrooms and even gardens since
the mid to late 19th century. Designed
to sit two people, this piece of furniture
is perfect for cuddling up with that
special someone. Still on-trend, modern
loveseats, or snugglers/cuddlers, are
the perfect over-sized chair, providing
extra comfort for two.
Chaise longues
Chaise longues give you the ability to
stretch out and unwind. They can stand
alone or combine with an armchair
or sofa, giving you an array of options
when organising your living space.
Known for being a showpiece a chaise
longues is the perfect decorative piece
for your hallway or bedroom. Available
in leather or fabric in a range of
colours to match your dcor.
Chaise longues design evolved
throughout the 20th century, becoming
a popular choice as a piece of
outdoor furniture, used at beaches,
swimming pools, gardens and decks.
Today it is still a highly stylish sofa that
looks at home both indoors and out.
Armchairs
The armchair is a piece of furniture that allows you
to rest both your arms and legs. Theyre renowned
for their exceptional comfort and being a versatile
companion for your sofa, as theyre small enough
to be moved around into a variety of positions.
A traditional armchair has an opulent design;
using ornate wood and upholstery, and embracing
curved lines. Contemporary armchairs tend to
feature clean lines and steel frames.
page 14 SOFA BUYERS GUIDE
LEATHER SOFAS
Leather is a popular choice of material in the world of
interior furniture. Its association with quality comes from
being a natural covering that creases and stretches
over time. This makes the material soften and relaxes its
shape; giving your couch more comfort and character.
Leather is also very hardwearing due to its natural
bres that go in all directions, making it stronger than
many other sofa materials. Its resistant to stains, spills
and general wear and tear.
page 15 SOFA BUYERS GUIDE
Aniline leather
Aniline leather is one of the most
expensive you can buy. Its made from
the nest hides, with dye impregnated
into it and the surface is kept natural.
It is a pure leather that is renowned
for being incredibly soft and full of
character. However, because its surface
doesnt have any nish, Aniline leather
is more likely to absorb stains and have
lower light resistance.
Semi-aniline leather
Semi-aniline leather is similar to aniline.
It also uses a high quality hide and has
a dye impregnated into it, but has the
extra benet of a light surface nish.
This makes the leather more resistant
tostaining, more durable and a much
more affordable option.
Faux leather
Faux leather offers the same luxury
look and feel of real leather, but is
available for considerably less.
Thats because its made from vinyl
(also known as pleather), a material
that imitates the texture of leather but
needs less maintenance, as its water
and scratch resistant.
Antique leather
Like the corrected grain leather, antique
leather uses a pigment to cover the
hides natural imperfections. Only antique
leather also uses two dyes - a light base
coat and a dark top coat. Once the
furniture has been upholstered, a section
of the top coat is rubbed off by hand to
reveal the contrasting colour underneath.
This gives the impression of a well worn
leather that will bring an antique look to
your room.
Leathaire sofas
Leathaire is a new material offering all
the luxury and comfort of real leather.
Like leather, Leathaire is stylish, hard-
wearing and easy to clean. Ideal for our
changeable British weather, Leathaire
is 100% breathable and adapts to your
body temperature keeping you cool in
summer and warm in winter.
Corrected grain leather
Corrected grain leather uses a pigment
to cover the hides natural imperfections.
The grain is then embossed onto the
hide and a protective coating is added,
making it more resistant to fading,
scratching and staining. This leather is
inexpensive and easy to care for.
TYPES OF LEATHER
page 16 SOFA BUYERS GUIDE
Linen and linen blend sofas
Linen sofas offer a casual, relaxed living room style due to their
natural creases that soften over time. Linen naturally pills but
this doesnt affect its high durability.
FABRIC SOFAS
Fabric sofas look warm and inviting, particularly in the colder, wetter months
of the British calendar. They have a large range of colour, pattern and texture
options, making it easy to reect whats in vogue. Plus, thanks to microbre
materials, fabric sofas can be as durable and easy to clean as leather sofas.
However, the durability of different fabrics does vary considerably, so be realistic
about the amount of wear and tear your sofa is likely to endure.
Fabric sofas tend to come with removable covers. This also gives fabric sofas
the option to transform their look with a different set of covers, which can
prolong the life of your sofa if your tastes change or you redecorate. Check the
manufacturers guidelines before attempting to remove or clean them.
Microbre sofas
Made of polyester bres on a cotton base, microbre is made
from a synthetic material that resembles suede. However, its
much more durable making it ideal for busy family homes.
Microbre slipcovers offer a good solution if you opt for a
couch made from a more fragile material and want to provide
it with excellent protection.
Choose a fabric sofa with
deep-lled seats and backs.
FOR EXTRA
COMFORT
Fabric sofas with a pattern
woven into the fabric will
wear better than those
where the pattern is printed.
DID YOU KNOW?
Cotton sofas
Cotton bre is a natural material that resists general wear and
tear. Whether pure or blended, cotton bre is easy to care for. Its
fade and pilling resistant, but cotton does wrinkle and absorb
spills. Spoiling can be prevented by treating your cotton sofa
with surface treatments, or opt for a slipcover thats designed to
combat soiling and wrinkling. Cotton sofas are also available in
a wide range of nishes.
Chenille sofas
Chenille fabric is renowned for its soft and textured surface that is
the result of its tufted yarn. Poking out at various angles, the material
resembles a caterpillar, which is in fact what chenille means in
French. It is often made from natural bres like cotton or rayon, or
man-made bres like acrylic.The colours will always vary and look
unique, as the bres catch the light differently depending on the
angle youre looking at it.
Velvet
This fabric has a thick soft pile which is cut so the ends of the
yarns form the surface, creating a luxurious feel.Velvet offers
many different nishes, brush the pile in one direction and you
will get a rich, high sheen nish, or press the fabric direction
down in different directions for a patterned appearance.
Cord sofas
Corduroy is a cotton fabric using twisted bres that are
woven together. Think of it as a form of soft velvet that is also
hardwearing due to its ribbed texture. Cord sofas are easier to
clean than velvet and suede, and have a rustic look that will
make your home both warm and inviting.
Acrylic sofas
Acrylic sofas are made from a synthetic bre that is an imitation
of wool. It resists wear, wrinkling, soiling, and fading. However, if
the acrylic material from your couch is of a low quality, it may pill
excessively in areas where it is often being rubbed.
page 17 SOFA BUYERS GUIDE
FIXED OR LOOSE
SOFA COVERS?
Not only do sofa covers help to minimise the wear and tear of your sofas,
they add extra style to enhance the overall look of your dcor.
Loose sofa covers
Sofa covers dramatically differ due to
their fabrics, ttings and styles. A loose
sofa cover is easy to remove, which can
sometimes make them easier to clean.
Theyre also easy to replace, and are a
favourite with families and pet owners
who often deal with sofa stains and
wear and tear.
Fixed sofa covers
A xed sofa cover is pulled tight
across the cover, and tends to be
non-removable, creating a more tted
and formal look. Fixed sofas are more
appropriate for more formal living
spaces such as dining rooms, or less
casual style living rooms.
page 18 SOFA BUYERS GUIDE
LEATHER OR FABRIC?
Still unsure whether you want the warm and welcoming comfort of fabric or
luxurious feel of leather? Heres a round-up of the pros and cons of both.
Leather sofa pros

Most leather types (such as corrected
grain and aniline) are easy to maintain.
A quick wipe with a damp cloth is all
thats needed

Leather is a very durable material that,
depending on the leather, can get softer
with age and outlive fabric materials
Leather sofas can complement the
style and dcor of both traditional
and contemporary homes
Leather sofa cons

Some people nd leather is cold to
the touch

Leather can be easily scratched
Limited colour options in comparison
to fabric sofas
Fabric sofa pros

A large variety of styles, colours and
patterns available

A warm, cosy and inviting piece of
furniture that doesnt cool down or heat
up with the temperature of the room

Some fabric sofas have removable covers
making them easier to clean
Fabric sofa cons

Easier to get stains from spillages

Not as durable as leather, unless you
opt for microbre
7
page 19 SOFA BUYERS GUIDE
Square cushions are very popular. But if you only buy a
selection of the same size and shape cushions, youre
missing an opportunity to add some variety and depth
to how theyre laid out. Mix up the size and shape of
your cushions.
SIZE AND SHAPE OF SOFA CUSHIONS
COMFORT IS KEY
You wont nd your ideal sofa by making your decision solely on style and living
space compatibility, as comfort also plays a huge factor. So you need to give
some serious thought about how rm you want your lling to be.
Give some thought to your choice of lling
Discover the latest cushion collection from Cargo.
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Foam upholstery
Upholstery foam is affordable and comes in
several thicknesses and weights.
Foam upholstery feels rm and supportive, and
gives your sofa a more tailored nish. They have
a uniform appearance, recover quickly after
being sat on and need little maintenance to stay
looking their best. However, over time, the foam
will compress and slightly shrink but this process
is slower with high resilience foam.
Fillings for sofas
Sofa llings make a big difference to the level
of support and comfort your couch will offer.
Your choice of lling will also inuence the
level of maintenance your couch will need
in its lifetime.
Fibre upholstery
Fibre sofa cushions feel slightly softer than
foam and help create a more relaxed style.
Theyre made with synthetic bres, and
need to be turned and plumped regularly
to maintain their appearance and
comfort level.
Feather-lled upholstery
Feather sofa cushions are the most
traditional form of seat lling. They are
the softest to sit on, but also the most
challenging to maintain. Thats why theyre
often only used in pillows, back cushions,
and scatter cushions.
www.cargohomeshop.com
Turn your cushions occasionally
to ensure even wear of your sofa.
TOP TIP FOR
SOFA CUSHIONS
page 20 SOFA BUYERS GUIDE
4.Ask about joinery
A sign of a quality-constructed sofa is the joints
used to connect the parts. Quality joints include:
wooden corner blocks, metal screws and
brackets, wooden dowels or double wooden
dowels. Nails and staples are commonly used for
reinforcement, but be wary of purchasing a sofa
just held together by these two items. You can
ask your salesperson for written manufacturer
information on frame joinery.
5. How rm are the llings?
More durable llings are of a higher density.
So when youre inspecting a couch, check
the rmness of its cushions to understand how
hardwearing it is. Softer foam will deteriorate
quicker with use, but is less expensive.
Here is our top 5:
1. Sit on the sofa
Theres no better way to make sure your selected
sofa is well made than to sit on it and give it a
quick once over. The sofa should feel heavy and if
you grab the arm and back, you shouldnt be able
to bend the frame. If possible, sit on the sofa with
another person to make sure you dont roll together.
2.Ask how the sofa is made
High quality frames are made from hardwood and
the parts are glued, dowelled and screwed together.
Another popular frame is softwood, and this is
often glued and stapled. More affordable sofas use
no-sag springs, while the cheapest sofas dont use
springs at all and instead use webbing made from
elastic and man-made bres. Premium sofas use a
combination of springs and padding thats made
from wool, cotton wadding, felt or hair.
3. Inspect the frame and check the springs
A strong frame means a more durable sofa that will
last you years if looked after. Softwood frames, like
pine, are popular due to their affordability. Bear in
mind that softwoods have a shorter lifecycle than
more expensive hardwoods. Softwoods may warp or
wobble after ve years, but for their money they can
still be a great investment.
To check the springs, sit down on a corner or
outside edge of the sofa youre inspecting. If it
creaks then the springs are possibly incorrectly
placed or hitting the frame.
BEFORE BUYING YOUR SOFA
Once youve selected a size, type and style of sofa, its time to look closer at what
you could be buying. If the opportunity is there, visit the store to see the sofa(s)
youre interested in and ask the store assistant a few more questions.
Too much water or vigorous
cleaning can destroy
the surface nish of your
fabric sofa.
DID YOU KNOW?
page 21 SOFA BUYERS GUIDE
Caring for fabric
Your sofa is one of the main attractions of
your home, so its well worth taking good
care of. Here are a few tips on how to clean
your fabric sofa:

Vacuuming from time to time will help
keep your couch in tip-top condition.
Get into all the nooks and crannies to
ensure all dirt and dust is removed

If you have loose sofa covers, simply
pull them off and clean them as per
manufacturers guidelines
Make sure you follow the manufacturers
instructions as some covers may require
dry cleaning
Before using any cleaning materials on
your fabric sofa, give it a spot test rst
As long as your sofa can withstand water,
use a mild washing up liquid or laundry
detergent in warm water to remove any
marks. Only lightly dab the liquid onto the
stain then rinse with a clean cloth and
small amount of water. Then dry as quickly
as possible using a dry cloth and open
your windows
If you have non-removable sofa covers
consider getting them cleaned once a
year by a specialist cleaning company
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If your room gets lots of natural light,
rotate the cushions on your sofa to slow
the process of fading
SOFA CARE
Your sofa is a big investment, so its important to try and keep it looking as good as
the day it arrived in your home. Of course, accidents can happen from time to time,
especially around the furniture in a busy living space! Whether youre faced with
a coffee stain or a scratch from a set of keys, its a good idea to get some form of
insurance and a care kit for your sofas protection. If you buy a sofa from a furniture
retailer, its likely that theyll offer you insurance and a care kit with your purchase.
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Caring for leather
One of the reasons leather sofas are so popular,
especially with families, is that theyre easy to
maintain. However, that doesnt mean you should
take your sofa for granted and not give it the
necessary care. Here are a few suggestions, just
remember to research the type of leather your
sofa has before following them:

Take a clean, dry cloth and wipe your sofa
down once a week

Vacuum back panels to remove dust and dirt
Never use wax or silicone polishes on leather
furniture, and avoid over-using specialist
cleaning polishes
Its best practice to use a specialist cleaning kit
for your sofa once every six months, including
a treatment cream to preserve leather quality
Always follow instructions supplied with care
products and test cleaning products on a
hidden area of the sofa rst
If you spill food or liquids on your couch,
simply wipe them up with a damp cloth
and dry immediately after
Switch cushions regularly for even wear
When cleaning your sofa, avoid rubbing
too hard to protect the nish
Keep your leather sofa and a
radiator a safe distance apart
(one foot/30cm) to prevent
drying out. Also, bear in mind
that, like fabric, leather will fade
when left in direct sunlight.
LEATHER SOFAS
AND RADIATORS
page 22 SOFA BUYERS GUIDE
APPENDIX
1. http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/09/26/why-is-a-sofa-like-a-writing-desk/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0
2. http://www.channel4.com/learning/main/netnotes/sectionid1045.htm
3. http://www.countryliving.com/homes/makeovers/different-tastes-0305
4. http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1492446/list/So-Your-Style-Is--Midcentury-Modern
5. http://www.amctv.com/shows/mad-men
6. http://www.bhg.com/decorating/lessons/basics/guide-to-upholstery-fabrics/
7. http://www.sofa-guide.com/junction/leather%20or%20fabric.html
8. http://www.cargohomeshop.com
9. http://www.harveysfurniture.co.uk/CareAndProtection.aspx
10. http://www.channel4.com/4homes/how-to/diy/how-to-clean-your-sofa-08-09-08
11. http://www.frn.org.uk
12. http://www.furnituredonationnetwork.org
13. http://www.bhf.org.uk/shop/donating-goods/donate-your-dfs-sofa.aspx
14. http://www.harveysfurniture.co.uk//DynamicContent/Buying_Guides/Garden_buying_guide/Harveys_Garden_Buying_Guide.html
HOW TO GET RID
OF YOUR OLD SOFA
If you have an old sofa, you may not need it once your new purchase arrives.
However, that doesnt mean someone else wont put it to good use. A local
charity shop may be happy to collect it. Try the Furniture Re-use Network
11
or the
Furniture Donation Network
12
to let local members know what you have to offer
free of charge.
The British Heart Foundation
13
also accepts old sofas and will take them off
your hands for free. Those items are then sold and the money is put towards
researching how to beat heart disease.
Bear in mind that no charity will accept your sofa if theyre missing their safety
and/or re labels. Double-check that they are still attached.
page 23 SOFA BUYERS GUIDE
Wicker sofas are a popular choice for
conservatories and gardens. Theyre
commonly made via the practice of
weaving strips of modern or poly
rattan made from polyethylene (a
kind of texture plastic), a method
established in India centuries ago. The
end result is a light piece of furniture
thats easy to move around, but still
durable enough to live outdoors.
WHY RATTAN-STYLE
SOFAS ARE IDEAL FOR
YOUR GARDEN
A SOFA FOR THE
GREAT OUTDOORS
Sofas arent just for your house, but your garden or conservatory too. Available
in all shapes and sizes, you can sit comfortably in the sunshine by choosing a
garden sofa thats right for your needs and space.
There is a wide range of wooden, metal
and rattan sofas and chairs available that
are designed to withstand Mother Nature,
whilst providing you with a comfortable and
beautiful outdoor living area.
Want to know more about how garden
furniture can bring your garden to life?
Then take a look at our Garden Furniture
Buying Guide.
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