Qualities of a Good Sofa

Size

• A good sofa will be the exact size you need. This quality is subjective; the size that is right for you depends on the size of the room in which you place the sofa, and the number of people you anticipate sitting on it. If the sofa will be in a bedroom or dining room, consider a two seater. Sofas in living rooms should have three seats. Even if you have a small family or live alone, it is important to leave room for company.

Color

• A quality to seek in a sofa is timelessness. Stay away from bright and trendy colors that require the room to be a certain color or motif. Your sofa should be a neutral color that will suit the room even if you decide to change the color of your walls and accents, or it should be a bright color you can accept for a long time.

Pattern

• The pattern of a good sofa will suit your lifestyle. If you have a messy family with small children, the sofa that suits you should have a busy pattern that will make stains difficult to detect. The pattern should also complement the colors in the room. Keep in mind that you can purchase sofa covers if you want to switch the look of your couch, or if you get stubborn, irremovable stains.

Fabric

• The fabric of a good sofa should feel comfortable against your skin. It should blend in with your lifestyle; if you're a mom with boisterous kids, choose a fabric that is stain resistant. If you're a single person, choose a fabric that reflects your adult, spill-proof tastes. According to Home Furniture, materials such as plush or chenille are comfortable but don't appear as crisp and neat as smoother materials such as satin.

Comfort

• A good sofa is comfortable. It should be conducive to sitting in front of the television, enjoying a book, conversing with friends and family and catching up on afternoon naps. Before buying a sofa, sit on it first. Some sofas are less or more comfortable than they appear. While sitting on the sofa, pay attention to if you sink in so far that it's difficult to get up. Ideally, your sofa should be comfy, yet firm.