How to Choose a Sofa—Your Complete Buying Guide

Step 1: Consider How You’ll Use Your Sofa

Daily Hangout Spot, or a Formal Centerpiece?

For formal spaces, you can go bolder with eye-catching silhouettes or luxe materials. The Willow Misty Blue Velvet Sofa, for example, adds instant elegance with its rich velvet fabric and sculptural lines, ideal for spaces that lean more decorative than lounge-worthy.

Families, Pets, or Small Apartments

For a family-friendly pick, the Cali Chocolate Brown Velvet Modular Sofa offers plush seating, easy-to-clean upholstery, and a roomy layout ideal for movie nights and lounging.

Living in a smaller space? A loveseat, apartment-size sofa, or modular piece might be your best bet, like the Elyza Linen Modular Loveseat.

How to Choose a Sofa for a Tall Person

One great option is the Trasimeno Caramel Power Reclining Sofa. With its generously deep seat, reclining feature, and supportive back cushions, it's designed to give taller users the space and structure they need while still looking sleek in your living room.

Step 2: Measure Your Space

Not a surprise, your new sofa needs to physically fit your space. Measuring ahead of time saves you the headache of falling in love with a piece that just won’t work in your room. It also makes shopping easier, because you’ll know exactly what size range to stick to.

Measure Your Room, Doorways, and Hallways

Plan Your Layout and Leave Room to Move

Step 3: Choose Your Sofa Style and Shape

Select a Shape

Different sofa shapes suit different spaces and lifestyles. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Standard sofas are great for most living rooms and give you a classic, clean look.
• Sectionals provide extra seating and help define open-concept spaces.
• Loveseats work well in smaller spaces or as a companion to a larger sofa.
• Sleeper sofas pull double duty, giving guests a place to sleep when needed.
• Modular sofas are made of individual pieces that can be rearranged or added to later, perfect if you want extra flexibility.

Match Your Style

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  Traditional

  Love a classic, lived-in feel? Traditional sofas are all about timeless details: rolled arms, tufted backs, and turned wood legs. These styles often come in rich materials like leather, velvet, or jacquard, giving your space an elevated, curated look.

  If that sounds like your style, take a look at the Davis Rolled Arm Sofa. It’s upholstered in a soft, versatile gray and finished with elegant nailhead trim and traditional shaping that never goes out of style.

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  Mid-Century Modern

  Inspired by 1950s and ’60s design, mid-century sofas are known for their sleek silhouettes, low profiles, and angled wood legs. These designs are clean and minimalist, often upholstered in textured fabrics like linen or tweed.

  One standout is the Caufield Turquoise Blue Queen Sofa Bed. It blends mid-century form with a warm, earthy hue. Plus, it converts to a bed when needed for visiting guests.

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  Contemporary

  Contemporary sofas keep things streamlined and versatile. They often feature modular builds, neutral color palettes, and soft curves that work well in almost any layout. Materials vary, but you’ll often see clean fabric upholstery paired with metal or subtle wood accents.

  The Emmet Cream Velvet Sofa nails the look with its smooth silhouette, modern piping details, and soft neutral upholstery.

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  Glam

  Looking to make a statement? Glam sofas are bold, eye-catching, and full of personality. Expect velvet finishes, tufted backs, sculptural forms, and metallic accents like gold or chrome legs. 

  The Sophia Grey Sofa checks all the boxes. With its channel-tufted back, soft velvet fabric, and flared gold legs, it turns any seating area into a showstopper.

Step 4: Pick the Right Sofa Material and Upholstery

Choose a Fabric Type

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  High Performance Fabric

  Coleman Furniture’s High Performance Fabric is made to take on spills, stains, and everyday living. It’s water-repellent, stain-resistant, and incredibly durable, all while staying soft to the touch.

  One standout is the Cali Performance Fabric Modular Sofa. Along with the fabric’s ability to fight off stains, muddy paws, or toddlers, its modular design also makes it easy to rearrange your layout.

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  Chenille

  Soft and plush with a slightly shimmery finish, chenille is all about cozy texture. It’s a great middle ground between durability and comfort, making it a solid choice for family rooms or TV lounges.

  For something that blends comfort with character, the Benito Surrey Olive Sofa brings in soft chenille upholstery and a rich green tone that makes a subtle statement.

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  Velvet

  Rich and luxurious, velvet instantly elevates a space. It’s soft, dramatic, and perfect for glam or traditional designs. Just keep in mind it can show marks from pressure or spills, so it’s best for lower-traffic areas.

  If you’re ready to go bold, the Willow Berry Red Velvet Modular Sofa has striking color, soft texture, and the flexibility of a modular layout.

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  Genuine Leather & Faux Leather

  Leather adds a sleek, timeless touch. Genuine leather develops a beautiful patina over time and is highly durable, but it does need some care and can be prone to scratching. Faux leather has a similar look at a lower price point and is easier to maintain, though it may not last as long. 

  For a truly classic piece, check out the Maxx Heirloom Sienna Leather Sofa. With rich coloring and top-grain leather, it’s a statement piece in any living room or office.

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  Microfiber

  Microfiber is a tightly woven synthetic fabric that is a go-to for families. It’s soft, resistant to stains, and easy to clean. Plus, it holds up well in high-use environments without pilling or fading. 

  The Verdante Emerald Green Sofa is a practical pick for casual living. It’s upholstered in smooth microfiber and doubles as a futon, perfect for extra guests.

Step 5: How to Choose a Sofa Color

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  Work With What You Have

  If your room already has bold rugs, artwork, or accent walls, a neutral sofa can help balance things out. On the flip side, if your space feels a little flat, a colorful sofa can add interest and warmth. The Azalea Rust Orange Velvet Sofa is a great option for adding depth to a space.

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  Go Neutral or Make a Statement

  Neutral shades like beige, ivory, or gray are safe, flexible, and timeless. If you prefer something bolder, like navy, green, or terracotta, just make sure it complements the rest of your space. The Dom Bonnell Sofa has a crisp, neutral palette that pairs beautifully with nearly any room design.

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  Think About Lighting and Fabric

  Natural light softens colors, while artificial light can shift tones slightly. Fabrics also change the effect. Velvet looks rich and reflective, while linen and microfiber have a softer, matte finish. The Aurora Brown Sofa blends warm tones with a soft, light-catching texture that plays well in both natural and indoor lighting.

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  Choose a Color That Lasts

  Think about upkeep. Darker colors tend to hide stains and wear better, while lighter tones can make a space feel brighter but may need more maintenance, especially in homes with pets or kids. The Ingel Antwerp Cafe Modular Sofa is a deeper hue in a durable fabric that’s perfect for everyday life.