The Best Contemporary Sofas

Construction

• The frame of a sofa supports the cushions, padding, springs and weight of anyone sitting on the sofa. Without a quality-built frame, a sofa may become unsteady and wobbly. Kiln-dried hardwood frames are considered a top-quality frame because a large percentage of the moisture has been evaporated from the wood, preventing warping and bowing. These frames are commonly joined with dowels and glue and are quite sturdy. Particle-board frames are less expensive to construct and are typically stapled together resulting in an inferior sofa frame.

Space

• Many young adults living in apartments or condos often prefer the contemporary decor. Because of limited floor space, every piece of furniture must be carefully selected to ensure maximum function and aesthetic appeal. Apartment sofas are shorter than traditional sofas and are ideal for smaller living areas. If the living space has an awkward floor layout, a sectional sofa can be configured into an accommodating shape. Larger homes with abundant floor space provide room for a wider selection of sofa sizes.

Function

• Consider the function of your sofa prior to final selection. If you need an extra bed for occasional overnight guests, a sleeper sofa may be the solution. The modern sofa sleeper sits upright as a couch by day and flips open to a bed at night. A studio apartment may benefit from the convertible design and flexibility provided by a sleeper sofa. Leather or microfiber upholstery holds up well when there are children and pets in the house using the sofa.

Preferences

• Consider your personal preferences when picking out a contemporary sofa. Let friends and family assist and advise you in your sofa shopping adventure, but it is ultimately your choice. Consider a neutral-colored sofa in black, beige, white or gray for flexibility in changing your color palette. Ensure that you won't quickly tire of a fire-engine-red sofa that catches your attention. Cushions, padding, springs and webbing affect the sofa's comfort level. Before purchasing a sofa, sit on it like you normally would at home to see if it is the best sofa for you.