The sofa is one of the most important items in our apartment, and yet we don’t give it nearly as much thought as we should. For those seeking to upgrade their sofa or find something new, here are tips for finding the right type and size sofa for your needs, and some places that specialize in some great sofas.
Tip #1: Rather Than Buy a New Sofa, Why Not Just Subscribe to One?
Moving to a new apartment often involves buying a new sofa to fit the space, which means a lot of furniture ends up in landfills. In fact, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, an average of 12.1 million tons of furniture goes to waste each year, with more than 80% of that furniture ending up in landfills. To help combat this problem, Feather offers a furniture subscription model with beautiful couches that are available to rent vs. buy. Their sofas are cheaper to rent each month than to buy at the full price and include white glove delivery at the beginning of the rental period and free removal when your lease ends. If you decide to keep the sofa, all rental payments go towards ownership. Feather is great for those who move frequently or have changing living needs. If you prefer to own a sofa rather than rent but don’t want to pay full price, Feather also has a furniture store where they sell pre-used pieces at a 40% discount.
Tip #2: January and July are the Cheapest Times to Buy
If you don’t have an urgent need for a new couch, the two best months to buy a sofa are January and July, according to Wirecutter. This is because the furniture industry ships new inventory to stores in February and August, so retailers are most likely trying to get rid of their existing inventory.
Tip #3: Avoid Particleboard or Metal Construction
While couches made with particleboard frames are cheaper than those made from solid hardwood, they will have a much shorter lifespan. If you are looking for something that lasts, it is worth investing in a sofa made with a hardwood frame, even if that does mean spending a little extra. Also, it is important to opt to buy from manufacturers who offer a 15-year guarantee, especially if you have children or pets.
Tip #4: Opt for Synthetic Fabrics
Synthetic fabrics typically have a longer lifespan and are more durable than fabrics made from natural materials. If your apartment gets a lot of sunlight, natural materials typically fade in strong direct light. Additionally, try to go for sofas with removable materials that are machine washable. If you are looking for a stain-resistant material, something that is ideal for pets, etc., Room & Board has a fantastic collection of pet- and family-friendly fabrics.
Tip #5: Use BenchMade Modern to Get a True-to-Size Printout of Your Sofa
The most important advice we can give before making any sofa purchases is to measure, measure, and measure again — because there’s nothing worse than realizing your couch doesn’t fit the day it arrives at your apartment! In addition to measuring the area where you want your sofa to go, measure your doorway, hallway, elevator, and all other areas where the couch will pass through. Some couches arrive in several pieces which are assembled upon arrival, but others do not.
To help ensure your couch is the right size, BenchMade Modern offers a free, true-to-size printout of your sofa that you can roll across the floor to test out (if you buy your sofa through them). Another option is to use cardboard or pieces of paper taped together. If you live with a partner, roommate, or family, have those you live with try sitting on your cardboard/paper sofa cutout with you to ensure there’s enough space for both of you to sit comfortably. IKEA Place and Wayfair’s Shop All Things Home also show the life-size version of a sofa in your space, helping you visualize what it will look like in your home. And don’t forget to measure depth and height as well as length! This is particularly important if you’re trying to fit your sofa into a smaller area or a room that has shelving.
Tip #6: If You Have Kids, Avoid Hand-Tied Springs
For those with kids, opt for sofas with a frame that has poly-webbing support or sinuous springs instead of hand-tied springs, which are much more delicate. It is also advised to avoid sofas with lots of decorative detailing such as buttons or lace as these will most likely get ripped and pulled by young children.
Tip #7: If Buying a Sofa Online, Request Fabric Samples From the Manufacturer
A sofa’s fabric always looks different in real life than it does online. Before ordering the sofa, ask the manufacturer for a few color samples. After you have decided on the color you want, request a larger sample to ensure that’s the color you want to go with. If you tend to be a sofa sleeper, try laying down on the larger fabric piece to ensure it’s soft against your skin.
Tip #8: Rather Than Replacing Your Current Sofa, Consider Some DIY Upgrades
Sofas are an expensive investment and are often the most expensive piece of furniture in an apartment. If your sofa is looking a little worn but you can’t bear to part with it, consider painting your leather sofa a new color using leather paint, such as Angelus paint. For inspiration, check out the leather paint success story of an Apartment Therapy contributor, who purchased a couch on Craigslist for only $50 and made it look good as new. If your cushions are beginning to sag a bit, consider tufting them with buttons or filling them with polyfill. These options are also great if you buy a used sofa online that needs a little bit of love.
Final Thoughts on Upgrading Your Sofa
If you’re on the hunt for a new apartment, Draper and Kramer offers spacious, luxurious apartments with plenty of room for the sofa of your dreams. Draper and Kramer residences also feature an assortment of amenities all designed to help residents relax and unwind, including resident lounges, private rooftops, children’s play areas, dog runs, and more.
A sofa’s fabric always looks different in real life than it does online. Before ordering the sofa, ask the manufacturer for a few color samples. After you have decided on the color you want, request a larger sample to ensure that’s the color you want to go with.
