Sunshine & Happiness – New Sunroom Sofa/
Buying a sofa online can be intimidating. I’m sharing tips and tricks for buying sofa online so you can purchase with confidence and make sure you’re getting a quality sofa
Sunshine and happiness …
rainbows and a new sofa.
These are the things that make me happy (in addition to ice cold margaritas and free finds on the side of the road).
Ever try to work with your old furniture in a new house.
It doesn’t really fit but you put on a brave face (while crying inside) and make it work.
That’s what was going on with my old sunroom sofa. It was huge – a sleeper sofa! It made the room feel cluttered.
While searching for a new sofa, I stumbled upon Article (they are sponsoring this post) and fell in love with their clean lined furniture selection – specifically the Ceni sofa.
I love an eclectic home and mixing styles and this sofa is the perfect blend of classic-modern.
Let’s face it – buying a sofa online can be scarier than watching Poltergeist alone, in the dark (remember the clown who pulled the kid under the bed)!
I’m taking the scary out of online sofa shopping …
Tips for Buying Sofa Online
Size – It’s hard to visualize the scale of a sofa from a photo. Use a measuring tape or better yet, tape off the dimensions on the floor to get a better idea of how the sofa will fit into your room. Don’t forget to measure height too – the back of the sofa and the arms (try moving similar height furniture in place for a good visual).
Construction – Know what you’re buying! Is your sofa made with hard woods or particle board? Foam cushions (tight, firm seat cushions – maintains shape) or down (loosely filled – needs fluffing)? Don’t expect a sink into seat if you are buying foam cushions and don’t expect the cushion to retain it’s tight shape if you opt for down.
Fabric – Know in advance the type of material used on the sofa so you can make an informed decision and determine cleaning methods.
Color – Look for close up shots of the fabric. My sofa is gray but has beautiful flecks of brown, black, white and gray threads running through it which makes it the perfect neutral that can go with warm or cool colors.
Reviews – So important! Read the reviews on the sellers website as well as third party reviews (Google “company + reviews”) to find out what buyers are saying.
Delivery – Check out the delivery options and prices. Do you want the sofa set up in your house or do you want it delivered to your door where you will be responsible for getting it inside.
Timing – Need the sofa next week? Make sure your sofa is in stock and ready to ship.
Cost – Factor in total cost which includes purchase price (including tax if applicable), shipping and returns. I love that there is one flat shipping rate for an entire order from Article and you can return the sofa within 30 days (just pay the same shipping amount and make sure to return in the original packing materials).
My favorite part is the solid wood base that wraps around the front, sides and back of the sofa. I also love the loose back cushions and the firmness of the sofa. It’s very comfy (not a sink into sofa) while providing lots of support.
Why Article?
1) no middle man – they work with manufacturers to design unique styles then sell direct to you
2) one flat shipping rate to US & Canada of $49 to your door no matter how much you order (if you want in house delivery there are other shipping rates to choose from)
3) 30 day money back guarantee (just pay shipping and return fees and keep original packaging)
Sofa fabrics: 6 tips for choosing the best upholstery for your furniture
BY ANNA COTTRELL JULY 31, 2019Looking for advice on choosing a sofa fabric? Or an armchair fabric for that matter? When buying a new sofa, it's pretty much the most important factor to consider, so you are going to want to get it right. So to help you make a decision on which sofa fabric is best for you, we've put together some expert tips on how to pick the best upholstery...
Want more tips on buying a sofa? Head over to our guide. And for more gorgeous living room ideas, check out our feature.
1. HOW MUCH DO YOU WANT TO SPEND ON YOU SOFA FABRIC?
Setting a budget for how much you want to spend on a sofa is probably the best place to start as this will determine your fabric choice. There are loads of gorgeous cheaper sofas (check out our budget-friendly sofa buying guide for proof) and you can get them in some really luxe fabrics, such as velvet.
But be aware that with a cheaper sofa your colour choice might be limited to a handful, whereas if you have a bigger budget and your sofa is being made to order, there are usually hundreds of fabrics and colours to choose from, plus you can order swatches before you buy to check you're happy with your choice.
RECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU...CLOSEVolume 0%PLAY SOUND
2. HOW MUCH WEAR AND TEAR WILL YOUR SOFA SUFFER?
The way you plan to use your sofa will partly dictate the choice of sofa fabric. Will your your sofa sit in a busy room where you entertain - and where wine will, inevitably, be spilled? Or will it quietly occupy a home office?
Luxurious, textured blends with wool, for instance, are best suited to seldom used rooms. If you have children or pets, a smooth cotton fabric is best, as it can be washed when needed. Durable fabrics, such as corduroys or microfibre blends, will work especially well in a living room, unlike demanding fabrics such as velvet or chenilles.
If you are looking for a sofa that will only be used by you - in a library or home office, say - then splash on luxury. Think a high-thread-count cotton or a velvet sofa - but do bear in mind that they are likely to need a professional clean at some point. The thread count really does matter: the higher the better, and the longer your sofa covers will last. A word of caution on dark colours: make sure that any dark, natural fabric is kept out of direct sunlight, as it will fade. Alternatively, opt for a lighter shade or a fade-resistant fabric.
As a colourful and luxurious option, we like the Oscar Two and a Half Seat Sofa in Amalfi Soft Wool, Sofa.com
(Image credit: Sofa.com)
3. WILL PETS SIT ON IT TOO - AND DO YOU HAVE ALLERGIES?
Natural blends and fluffy textures are pleasingly tactile, but if you are an allergy sufferer, they are likely to bring you misery. Long natural fibres are perfect depositories for dust, dirt, and pet hairs, so if you have a sensitivity or allergy, smooth, synthetic blends will be a better choice. There are many clever blends on the market, with faux suede being one popular option.
4. WHICH SOFA FABRIC COLOUR TO CHOOSE?
Do you want your sofa to stand out or blend in? A sofa's fabric colour can make a dramatic difference to a room, and you can create a bold accent by choosing upholstery fabric in a bright colour. The downside? It will be more difficult to redesign a colour scheme around.
Light colours will show marks more quickly, so if you've fallen in love with a pale-coloured sofa, ensure it has removable, washable covers or, at the least, ensure the upholstery is pre-treated to repel stains.
A good middle ground is a grey or taupe coloured sofa. Both are easy to work into just about any colour scheme, and are dark enough to hide stains and marks. Add interest by choosing one in a fabric with a texture, and change it up with swappable, bright accessories, such as colourful cushions and throws.
Isla three seat sofa in Silver, Sofa.com
(Image credit: Sofa.com)
5. PLAIN OR PATTERNED UPHOLSTERY FABRIC?
A two-seater sofa may need a different fabric from a three-seater. As Tamasyn Gambell, textile designer and Sofa.com’s design portfolio collaborator for 2018, explains, ‘Larger sofas look good in plain and textured fabrics, whereas smaller sofas look stunning with a pattern.’
If your sofa will get much use by a large family, a patterned option, however subtle, will be better at concealing accidental spills. If you think you might tire of the pattern, and the covers are easily removable, it's worth investigating how much replacement covers are when you buy the sofa – and if it's affordable and you have the storage space, investing in an extra, plainer set. This works well if you're buying light-coloured covers that might need replacing well before your sofa does, too.
The Snowdrop Two and a Half Seater in Anchor is a lively yet elegant option, Sofa.com
(Image credit: Sofa.com)
6. HOW EASY IS THE SOFA FABRIC TO CLEAN?
If you are going to have to clean your sofa fabric regularly, opt for an easily washable fabric, such as cotton. Any natural blends, such as a cotton-linen, or a cotton-wool mix, will need to be cleaned professionally. Because different types of fabrics respond to water differently, a complex fabric blend is likely to shrink in the wash, so always check before you chuck your covers in the machine. Alternatively, consider spot cleaning with upholstery detergent or use a vacuum designed for pet hairs.
Your Guide to Buying a Sofa
Buying a sofa is a big investment, so you want to make sure you’re making the right decisions and choosing a sofa that fits your lifestyle and budget. A good sofa can last you years and years, so it’s always a good idea to do some research beforehand to ensure you get one that’s perfect for you and your home. There are a few things you’ll need to consider aside from the size, such as the filling and the frame your sofa is made from. Here are some of our tips for those of you purchasing your next (or first!) sofa.
Sofa Frame
Ideally your sofa should have a hardwood frame, such as ash, oak or beech. These frames are the most durable and long lasting, withstanding plenty of use. Soft wood frames are generally cheaper, such as those made from pine, but these can warp over time causing your sofa to break. Plastic and metal frames are sometimes used, but these are susceptible to cracking over time and with constant use. Manufacturers will often combine metal and hardwood to save costs and produce a more affordable sofa, so this is a viable option if you have a smaller budget.
Sofa Filling
The springs for your sofa should be firm and supportive. The most common types are serpentine springs, which are springs woven together with a sinuous wire. Sofas without springs can be uncomfortable and quickly wear out. When it comes to the filling of your sofa cushions, this can really affect how comfortable it is! Foam fillings are the most affordable option, and there are a variety of foams you can choose. They provide comfortable support and are the most popular choice for sofa seats. Other alternatives include duck down and feather, a luxurious and opulent filling that is reflected in the price.
Sofa Fabric
There are many options when it comes to choosing sofa fabric, but it's important to select something that suits your home and how you will use the sofa. Leather is a popular option, being extremely durable, easy to clean and improving with age. It can work for both traditional and contemporary decor, but is colder than fabric and is limited in colour options. Leather is a great option for families and homes with pets, as it doesn’t harbour odours or stain easily. Faux leather is an affordable and long lasting alternative. Cotton and soft fabric sofas may not last as long as leather, but they offer a greater variety of colour and texture options, including the ability to customise your sofa exactly how you’d like it. They tend to be warmer and cosier than leather, and can be much more affordable. Be careful if you have pets or children however, as they are much more prone to stains and odours.Sofa Size
It goes without saying that you need to make sure the sofa you buy fits comfortably in your home. Other things to consider include the amount of people who will be using it and whether it will fit in comfortably with the other seating you have in the room. You might want it to be the centrepiece of your living space, or perhaps just to complement furniture you already have. It’s also important to make sure it will fit through the doors on its way to it’s new home!