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Your Sofa Buying Guide: How to Choose Your Dream Sofa


Your sofa is more than furniture, it’s where everyday moments and memories are made. From relaxing with family or pets to hosting guests or simply taking a nap after a long day, it plays a central role in your home. That’s why choosing the right one matters, and Caseys is here to make that process simple and enjoyable.

When shopping for a new sofa, consider what truly suits your lifestyle: the feel of the fabric, the colour that complements your space, whether you want a bold statement piece or something more subtle, and the size that fits your room perfectly.

Measuring Match: 5 Steps to Ensure the Sofa Fits in the Room


1.    Measure entry points


Start by measuring your door frames and any narrow hallways the sofa will pass through. This helps ensure it can actually be delivered into your home.

2.    Check the room size


Before bringing your new sofa home, measure the room it’s going in. Mark out the sofa’s footprint on the floor using a tape measure or small objects to visualise how it will fit.

3.    Consider existing furniture


Think about how the sofa will work with your other pieces, like a coffee table, to make sure the proportions suit the space.

4.    Allow for clearance


Keep leather sofas at least 30cm away from radiators to prevent heat damage. If you’re choosing a recliner or sofa bed, make sure there’s enough room for it to fully open.

5.    Choose the right size

Larger rooms can easily accommodate a 4 seater, corner sofa, or spacious 3 seater sofa. Smaller rooms may be better suited to a 2 seater or snuggler sofa, giving you comfort without overcrowding the space.

What to Look for When Buying a Sofa


1. Leather or Fabric

 

When picking out a sofa, linen, leather, velvet, plush and cotton are some of the most common options to choose from. Deciding on the right fabric type can make all the difference in bringing life to your room or keeping it cohesive. Just remember to think about how it will look with other materials in the room like curtains, carpets, lampshades and cushions. 

And don't forget about durability - especially if you'll be using the sofa a lot in your sitting room. Consider a tough material like leather for added longevity.

 

2. Make a Statement or Blend In

 

Don’t mix up colourful with trendy. The right colour couch can be a timeless piece. Choosing the right shade can give your room a touch of classic charm, while still allowing you to incorporate traditional decor pieces. Adding a colourful touch to your space can bring new energy, just make sure to balance the right amount of contrast and colour so it doesn't overpower the room. 

If you're in a rental and can't paint the walls, a colourful sofa is a fun way to show off your unique style!

 

3. Invest in a Strong Frame

 

A sofa’s frame is its foundation. A strong frame provides support, maintains its shape, and ensures your sofa lasts for years. By choosing a strong and reliable frame, you can relax knowing your sofa will stay comfortable and reliable over time.

 

4. Investigate the Couch Cushions

 

It's true. Just like with people, it's what's on the inside that counts! When choosing your sofa, don't forget to make sure the cushions are comfortable too. After all, it's great to have a pretty sofa, but if it's not comfy enough to nap, what's the point? 

Feather and foam cushions are some of the most common cushion fillings. Both have a very different ‘feel’ to them. Neither is truly better than the other. It all comes down to personal taste.

The Different Types of Sofa

 

Corner Sofas

Corner sofas are the perfect addition to any home, offering plenty of seating space for everyone to enjoy. Not only that, but their stylish design is sure to make a statement in any room they occupy. By investing in a corner sofa, you'll be bringing both comfort and a touch of sophistication to your living space. By investing in the right corner sofa you are making a lifetime investment for style and comfort!

Recliner Sofas

If you want the ultimate in comfort, a recliner sofa might just be the perfect choice for you! These sofas not only have comfy cushions, but they also have a built-in footrest that you can stretch out on and a headrest that tilts back so you can relax almost flat. And the best part? When you're done, just push the recliner back into place and it won't take up any extra room in your living space.

Snuggler Sofas

If you love to curl up with a good book or just relax after a long day, a snuggler sofa is a perfect choice for you. It's like a big, cosy armchair that gives you plenty of room to lounge. Plus, it's perfect for small apartments or rooms and adds a touch of elegance to larger bedrooms or spare rooms. Get ready to snuggle up in style!

Sofa Beds

Sofa beds are a fantastic addition to any home! They're not only comfy and stylish, but also super practical. With the ability to easily switch from a sofa to a bed, they're the perfect solution for homes without a spare room. You can invite guests over and provide them with a cosy bed to sleep in, without sacrificing any of your valuable living space. And once your guests leave, your room transforms back into its original form. Investing in a sofa bed is a smart decision for any home, giving you comfort, style and practicality all in one!


4 Common Mistakes People Make When Buying a Sofa



1.   Failing to Measure Accurately

Make sure to measure the space it will live in first. This way, you can be sure it fits comfortably and doesn't take up too much room, keeping your living room layout open and balanced. All you need to measure is the width, depth and height of the area. Then, you can play around with how the sofa will look in your living room and make sure it adds to the overall look and it’s not too big or too small for the room.


2.   Not Fitting the Sofa into the Space’s Aesthetic

To make the process easier, think about what you want in terms of comfort and style. Also, think about how the sofa will look in the room and consider other statement pieces.

If you want your sofa to blend in, consider a neutral colour like cream, brown, or beige. But if you want to make a statement, choose a patterned or brightly coloured sofa! No matter what you choose, you can always add some extra flair with cosy pillows, stylish throws, and eye-catching curtains.


3.   Not Investing in a Timeless, High-Quality Piece

Investing in a top-notch sofa is a wise choice! Not only will it provide a comfortable place to sit and relax, but it'll also last you a long time. With high-quality upholstery, you can be sure that your sofa will keep its shape, comfort level, and colour for years to come. Plus, you'll be saving money in the long run since you won't have to replace it as often.

Win-win.


4.   Choosing the Wrong Sofa Style

To make your living space look even more stunning, it's best to pick a sofa that goes well with all the other furniture in the room. Instead of going for a sofa that takes up too much space and makes it hard to put other important pieces of furniture in place, why not choose one that fits in nicely with the overall design?

For example, a corner sofa might seem like a great idea, but make sure it won't take up too much room and block the flow of movement in your room. By thinking about these things, you can choose a sofa that will keep you comfy and make your room look amazing.

Shop Caseys’ online Sofa Collection to find your dream sofa!

Or, if you prefer a more ‘bums on seats’ approach to sofa shopping, you can pop into one of Caseys Furnitures’ stores. We have locations in Cork, Limerick and Dublin, all of which can be used for Click & Collect.