Sofa Buying Guide
Caleb Ryan
| 18-06-2025
· Lifestyle Team
Lykkers, have you ever bought a sofa that looked perfect online but felt totally wrong when it arrived? We’ve been there too. A sofa isn’t just a piece of furniture—it’s the heart of our living room and the place where we rest, talk, and recharge.
But with all the shapes, styles, and prices out there, choosing the right one can be surprisingly tricky.
Today, we’re sharing five important lessons we learned the hard way—after moving house three times and switching sofas again and again. Let's help each other avoid those expensive mistakes!
1. Don’t Choose a Sofa That’s Too Big or Too Small
A good fit matters more than we think. If the sofa is too big, it’ll make our living room feel cramped and block air flow and light. Too small? It creates a cold, empty vibe and lacks space for guests. That’s why we need to measure before we buy.
Here are some helpful reference points:
- Wall-to-sofa length ratio: around 4:3
- Sofa depth to room width: ideally 1:4
Standard sizes:
- Single-seater: 0.8–0.95m
- Two-seater: 1.25–1.5m
- Three-seater: 1.75–1.95m
- Four-seater: 2.32–2.52m
Take a few minutes to measure your room and plan the layout—it can save you years of frustration.
2. Don’t Choose a Sofa That’s Too Hard or Too Soft
Comfort is key, especially if we love lounging after a long day. But balance is crucial. Sofas that are too hard make it difficult to relax, while overly soft ones make us sink in, hurting our back and neck over time. Both extremes can even affect blood circulation or posture.
We recommend:
- Seat height: 0.35–0.42m
- Seat depth: 0.48–0.55m
- Foam density: over 30kg/m³
- Materials like treated cotton or feather blends (with leak-proof design)
- For inner support: rust-proof springs or well-structured filling
A well-balanced seat supports our body, lasts longer, and truly lets us unwind.
3. Don’t Choose a Sofa That’s Too Loud or Too Plain
Looks do matter—our sofa sets the tone for the whole living room. Bright, busy patterns might feel fun at first, but they can quickly look messy or clash with other decor. On the other hand, plain, pale shades can make a space feel cold or uninspired.
- Our tip: Go for cozy, neutral, or warm colors like gray, beige, brown, or soft orange. Simple patterns like abstract shapes or small florals keep the design interesting without overwhelming. The key is to match our sofa with the rest of our space, both in tone and mood.
4. Don’t Choose a Sofa That’s Too Expensive or Too Cheap
We all want a great deal, but price can be a trap. Going too cheap might lead to poor materials and weak construction. Going too expensive can bring regret—especially if the sofa doesn’t match our actual needs.
Instead, we should:
- Set a clear budget
- Compare a few trusted brands
- Look into real customer reviews
- Focus on materials and structure, not just brand labels
- Smart spending gives us better value and peace of mind.
5. Don’t Choose a Sofa That’s Hard to Clean or Maintain
Daily life brings spills, dust, and wear. If the sofa fabric absorbs everything or falls apart easily, we’ll spend too much time cleaning or worrying. This is especially important if we have kids, pets, or love snacks in front of the TV.
So what should we look for?
- Stain-resistant, waterproof, or anti-static fabrics
- Easy-to-remove and washable covers
- Durable stitching and zip design
- Avoid materials that wrinkle or fade easily
With a sofa that’s easy to care for, we’ll spend less time stressing and more time enjoying our space.
Final Thoughts from Our Experience
We moved three times and bought three sofas before learning these lessons. And every time, we wished someone had told us: size, comfort, appearance, price, and maintenance are the five key areas that can make or break our sofa experience.
We hope our story helps you make a smarter, more confident choice. If you're planning a living room upgrade or sofa hunt, remember our “5 Must-NOTs”—and avoid walking the same long, costly road.
So Lykkers, what’s your sofa story? Did you ever regret a purchase, or have you found the perfect one? Let’s chat and share in the comments!
How to Choose a Sofa
Video by Nick Lewis