A sofa is one of the largest and most used pieces of furniture in a home, so it pays to plan before you compare styles. The three questions that matter most are simple: will it fit, will it be comfortable for the people who use it, and will it stand up to the way you live.
Start with a tape measure, not a catalogue. Measure the wall or space where the sofa will go, the walkways around it and every doorway, hallway and staircase on the way in. Then decide on the shape and seat depth that suit how you sit. Only after that is it worth comparing frames, cushions and fabrics, because those decide how the sofa will look and feel after a few years of daily use.
Online listings help here, because most show exact dimensions. Read them carefully: overall width, depth and height, seat depth and seat height, and for sectionals, the length of each side.
Measure the room and the way in
Interior designers often work with a few rules of thumb for living rooms:
- Width: a sofa that takes up roughly two thirds of the wall it stands against usually looks balanced.
- Walkways: leave about 30 to 36 inches (76 to 91 cm) for main paths through the room.
- Coffee table: about 14 to 18 inches (36 to 46 cm) between the sofa and the coffee table lets people reach a cup without bumping their knees.
- Television: allow enough distance that the screen is comfortable to watch from the seat.
Mark the sofa’s footprint on the floor with painter’s tape or newspaper and live with it for a day. It is the easiest way to see whether a large sectional crowds the room.
Then measure the route in. Check the width and height of the front door, interior doors, hallways, stair turns and lifts. Compare these with the sofa’s depth and its diagonal depth, which some makers list. Sofas with removable legs, or modular pieces such as the L-shaped sectional with removable ottomans, are easier to get into tight spaces.
Choose the shape
| Shape | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Two-seater or loveseat | Small rooms, flats, reading corners | Not long enough to lie down on for most adults |
| Three-seater | Most living rooms | Often around 180 to 230 cm wide, so check the wall length |
| Sectional (L-shape) | Families, open-plan rooms, lounging | Fixed corner side; check left or right hand |
| Modular | Rooms that may change, awkward stairs | Pieces can drift apart without connectors |
| Sofa bed | Guest rooms, small homes | Mattress comfort varies widely |
Sectionals such as the ROK Sectional Sofa suit people who like to stretch out. If you choose an L-shape, check whether the chaise or corner is on the left or the right as you face the sofa, as listings use different conventions.
Comfort: seat depth, height and cushions
Comfort is personal, but a few measurements tell you a lot before you sit down:
- Seat depth: around 20 to 24 inches (51 to 61 cm) suits most people who sit upright. Deeper seats are better for curling up and lounging, but shorter people may need extra cushions behind them.
- Seat height: about 17 to 19 inches (43 to 48 cm) from the floor is common. Higher seats are easier to get out of, which matters for older people.
- Back height: a low back looks sleek; a high back supports the head.
- Arm style: wide arms take space from the seat; slim arms give more seating in the same width.
Cushion filling changes both feel and upkeep. Foam keeps its shape and needs little attention, with higher-density foam usually lasting longer. Feather and down feel soft and relaxed but need regular plumping. Many sofas combine a foam core with a fibre or feather wrap.
Frame and suspension
The frame and springs are hidden but decide how long a sofa lasts. Product listings vary in how much they tell you, so look for these details:
- Frame material: solid or kiln-dried hardwood is generally considered more durable than particleboard or softwood.
- Joinery: frames that are glued, screwed or dowelled at the joints are sturdier than those held only with staples.
- Suspension: sinuous (zigzag) springs are common and supportive. Eight-way hand-tied springs are a traditional, labour-intensive method found on higher-priced sofas. Webbing alone is the most basic option.
- Legs: check whether they are solid wood or metal and whether they can be removed for delivery.
Upholstery fabrics compared
| Material | Feel | Good points | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton and linen | Natural, breathable | Comfortable, often relaxed look | Can stain and wrinkle |
| Polyester and blends | Smooth to textured | Durable, often stain resistant | Can pill on cheaper fabrics |
| Velvet | Soft, rich | Deep colour, as on the velvet accent chair | Shows marks and pressure patterns |
| Leather | Smooth, ages over time | Easy to wipe, long lasting | Higher price, can scratch |
| Vinyl and faux leather | Leather-like | Easy to clean, lower price | Can crack and feel warm |
Some fabric makers state an abrasion rating, often given as double rubs or Martindale rubs. Higher numbers mean the fabric withstood more rubbing in the test. If you have pets or young children, a tightly woven fabric, removable washable covers or a wipeable material such as the vinyl on the Canyon Ridge Sofa can make life easier.
Bring the room together
The sofa sets the tone for the rest of the living room. Plan an accent chair or two for extra seating, a coffee or side table within reach, and lighting for reading. The guide to choosing pendant and ceiling lights explains how to size and hang fixtures. Browse the full range of sofas once you have your measurements.
Quick checklist
- Measure the wall, walkways and space for a coffee table.
- Measure every door, hallway, stair and lift on the way in.
- Choose a shape: loveseat, three-seater, sectional, modular or sofa bed.
- Check seat depth and height against how you like to sit.
- Look for a hardwood frame and solid joinery.
- Pick a fabric that suits pets, children and sunlight in the room.
- Check delivery terms and returns on the shop’s page before ordering.
Common questions
How deep should a sofa seat be?
Around 20 to 24 inches suits most people for upright sitting. Choose deeper if you like to lounge or are tall, and shallower if you are shorter or want a more formal look.
Is a sectional a good idea for a small room?
It can be, if the sofa fits along two walls and still leaves clear walkways. A compact sectional often seats more people than a sofa plus armchair in the same space.
Which upholstery is best with pets?
Tightly woven synthetic fabrics, microfibre and leather tend to cope better with claws and hair than loose weaves. Washable covers are also helpful.
