Even with the zero percent interest for the rest of your life deals that are available today, buying a sofa is still a major investment and one that you hope will last for years. So, before you spend on a sofa take some time to read our guide.

Planning your purchase

Planning is essential when buying a sofa. You need to make sure you measure the area where you want the sofa to go, and remember to measure the doorways too! If you have narrow doorframes or corridors with little room to manoeuvre furniture, look for sofas with removable legs or arms.

How many seats?

What size sofa you need depends on how big your room is and how many people are going to sit comfortably on it. If you have a large family or regularly entertain a three-seater sofa is probably the best idea. Or, if your room is big enough, opt for a two-seater and accessorize with some armchairs.

Which fabric?

How long your sofa lasts depends partly on the fabric. Leather is hard wearing and can be cool in summer and warm in winter. The two most popular are aniline, the most natural and expensive, and semi-aniline, which is dyed and given a protective topcoat. Fabric sofas come in anything from moleskin to damask. If your sofa is going to get a lot of use, look for stain resistant fabric.

Colour

It may seem obvious but choosing the colour of your sofa is important, especially when you are investing in a more expensive model. While that hot pink sofa may fit perfectly with your living room scheme now, it may not in a few years when you want something a bit more subtle and sophisticated. Instead, go for a neutral-coloured sofa and dress it up with cushions and throws to get the bright colours you, want as they can be cheaply replaced.

Cleaner covers

Removable covers are a great choice if you have small children or just want to be able to give your sofa a clean now and then. This type of sofa is ideal if you want something a bit brighter or lighter in colour as it will be easy to clean leaving you to worry about having a fun interior. Most loose covers can be washed at forty degrees although they should never be tumble-dried.

So you want a corner sofa

Corner sofas can be great for rooms that are small or an awkward shaped. They free up space in the centre of the room for focal features such as a coffee table. Be careful to make sure you have measured up accurately; the last thing you want is for doors and windows to bang against your new sofa.

Sofa Beds

Sofa beds are great in a living room or spare bedroom as they are easy to fold away and give you the option of another bed, which is perfect for a small room. Most sofa beds are available with matching two and three-seater standard sofas.

Tailor Made

If you cant find the sofa you want, consider having one made. Some companies will send a consultant to your home to help you choose a style and fabric to fit in with your existing scheme.

It may seem like a lot to think about, but if you get your sofa wrong not only can it completely ruin your homes interior, it is such an expense!