How To Choose The Perfect Sofa

Chances are, you spend more time on your couch than anywhere else in your house. It's where you binge-watch shows, have casual dinners and get together with people for game nights. If there’s one piece of furniture you should really take the time to think about before you buy, it’s your sofa. Get it right, and you'll have created a space in your home that really feels good to be in.

Here's how to find the sofa that fits your space, lifestyle and budget.

Sofa buying guide: What to consider

Size and scale

Your room size determines everything about your sofa choice. Too big and it'll overwhelm the space — too small and it'll look lost.

Cassaïa Founder and Studio Director Hayley Hartner says that you should choose a sofa (or lounge set) proportionate to your space: “Small spaces may only be able to accommodate a settee, but a large open concept living space may require two large sofas that work together.”

So, how do you get it right? Start by measuring your room. Mark out where you think the sofa will go — you need at least 30cm of walking space around all sides, and about 45cm between your sofa and coffee table.

Shape

The shape of your sofa should work with how you move through and use your space. Standard three-seaters work well in most rooms, but sectionals and modular options give you more flexibility.

L-shaped chaises are great for open-plan homes where you want to separate living and dining areas without walls. U-shaped sectionals suit larger families who need more space. Modular sofas let you reconfigure your seating as needed.

All of these options are also great for those who like to kick their feet up after a long day.

Family and friends

Don't just think about your household size — think about how you actually use your living space.

Haley always makes sure to cover seating needs before picking out a sofa: "We always ask questions to our clients on who is using the seating daily and how many maximum people they expect to use a space at once.”

“This helps us ensure there is adequate seating in each room for how our clients will use this daily or for special family get-togethers or events,” she says.

A family of four might only need a three-seater for daily use, but want extra seating for when extended family visits. If you want more flexibility, you could also pair your sofa with armchairs or ottomans that don’t take up much space.

Material

Your lifestyle should drive your material choice more than trends. Each fabric type comes with different maintenance requirements and durability levels.

Leather handles spills well and gets better with age, but it's not great if you have pets who like to scratch. Polyester blends resist stains and clean easily — perfect for families with young kids. Velvet and linen look beautiful, but may be a bit annoying if you like to eat on the couch.

Colour

Your sofa is likely going to be the biggest piece in your living room, so colour-wise, it needs to work with everything else you own.

Neutral colours like grey, beige and navy work with most existing pieces and let you change your decor with cushions and throws. Bold colours also work beautifully if you know how to style them.

Comfort

Seat height and depth affect how comfortable your sofa actually is to use. You’ll need to factor in how you sit to pick a comfortable couch. For example, deep seats work well for lounging, but can be uncomfortable for upright sitting.

Haley also points out that where a sofa is made can also impact comfort: "Some European sofas have a much larger sofa depth vs standard Australian sofas. I always find petite, older clientele find this difficult in relation to a comfortable seat."

If you can, try your sofa in person before you buy. If that’s not an option, check the specs and make sure it’s tall and deep enough for you.

Multi-functionality

If space is tight or you have specific needs, multi-functional sofas can solve a few problems at once.

Sofa beds work well for studio apartments or spare rooms that need to serve double duty. Storage sofas hide extra bedding, seasonal items or clutter. Recliners let you lie back without taking up much space, which can be good for small spaces.

Cohesiveness

Your sofa doesn't exist on its own — it needs to work with your coffee table, side tables and other seating.

Think about colour, scale and even the material of your sofa legs and whether it goes with the rest of your living room picks. For example, your coffee and side tables should be roughly the same height as your sofa seat or slightly lower.

Quality

Quality sofas are significant investments, so choosing pieces that last just makes sense. Look for reputable brands, solid timber frames rather than particleboard, and check that cushions have quality foam that won't sag quickly. The best part is that by doing this, you’re also being less wasteful and more sustainable.

Find your perfect sofa at Fantastic Furniture

Your perfect sofa is out there — and you’re one step closer to finding it. At Fantastic Furniture, we understand that great furniture should work with your lifestyle, not against it. See in-store to test a few options out and see fabric colours in person, or browse our full sofa range online. Take the time to get it right, and you'll have a piece that serves you well for years.

Sofa buying guide FAQs

Will my sofa fit through the door?

Measure your doorways, hallways and staircases before buying. You need the sofa's height, width and depth, plus the diagonal measurement for tight corners. Don’t stress too much, many sofas come in sections specifically to solve delivery problems.

How do I visualise the sofa in my space?

Tape out the sofa's footprint on your floor using tape. This shows you exactly how much floor space it'll take up. There are also online programs that let you see what it might look like in your space.

Should I float my sofa or push it against the wall?

In smaller rooms, placing your sofa against the wall maximises floor space. In larger rooms, floating it can help define different zones. You need at least 1m behind a floating sofa for it to feel intentional.

What colours hide wear and pet hair best?

Choose fabric colours that match your pet's fur, or go with textured fabrics that disguise hair better than smooth ones.