Sofa Buying Guide: How to Choose Your Perfect Sofa
Sofa Buying Guide: How to Choose Your Perfect Sofa
Buying a sofa is a significant investment for your home, so choosing one that fits your needs in terms of comfort, style, and durability is important. We’ve pulled together a helpful guide to help you navigate through the process of buying a sofa:
Sofa Sizes
Before you start shopping, measure where you plan to place the sofa. Consider the room's dimensions, including doorways, hallways, and stairwells through which the sofa will need to fit. You don’t want to squeeze a 4 seater into your lounge and leave little room to manoeuvre. The same goes for corner sofas; these can block necessary walkways and doorways if not planned correctly.
Two Seater Sofas
This size works well for couples or compact spaces. Our two seater sofas allow two people to sit comfortably or three at a squeeze. It's an ideal extra sofa when purchased as a set with a matching armchair. Range starts from around 158cm wide.
Three Seater Sofas
The three seater sofa is the most popular size for an average UK home. While traditional styles have three seat cushions, modern Aluxo styles feature two larger cushions for a simplistic look. Typically sized between 215cm and 240cm.
Four Seater Sofas
Bigger families or those wanting a statement piece in an open-plan area will benefit from a four seater. Ideal for larger lounges, these range from 240cm to 270cm in width.
Corner & Chaise Sofas
Do you prefer to stretch your legs out? An L-shaped corner sofa provides extra seat space for larger families. Our models like the Tribeca or Leonard are sized between 300cm and 360cm.
Modular Sofas
Modular sofas consist of 3 to 5 sections that can be rearranged to suit your floor plan. The Lottie and Leonard ranges offer this added functionality for a seamless home statement.
Materials
Choosing the right fabric and colour will transform your space. Consider your lifestyle—do you have pets or children? At Aluxo, we feature two main luxury fabrics: Bouclé and Velvet.
| Fabric | Bouclé | Velvet |
| Texture | Cozy "Teddy Bear" Loops | Silky, Soft Flat Pile |
| Maintenance | Durable & Hard-wearing | Snag-free & Easy Wipe |
Bouclé: Known as the "teddy bear fabric," Bouclé offers a lavish appearance with a snuggly texture. Made from looped yarn, it is incredibly hard-wearing and stylish.
Velvet: A tactile fabric with a soft texture. Featuring a flat pile, it is a snag-free option ideal for high-traffic areas and families with pets. Available in our Gramercy and Lenox ranges.
Styles of Sofa
Consider your overall home aesthetic first. Pick a style that complements your existing decor.
Modern & Contemporary
Characterised by clean lines and sleek finishes. Aluxo is tailored to this style, featuring premium statement pieces like the Dakota range.
Mid-century Modern
Taking inspiration from mid-20th-century designs, this style features organic shapes and tapered legs, as seen in our Lenox and Cooper ranges.
Sofa Backs: Scatter vs Fixed
Assess comfort level by looking at cushion support and seat depth. Here is the difference:
Scatter Back
Large cushions positioned loosely for a relaxing, inviting vibe. However, cushions can move, which is something to consider with young children.
Fixed Back
Upholstered backs or cushions fixed to the frame. Fixed backs like the Tribeca or Astoria offer better support for those with back problems.
How to Measure
Measure the whole area. Ensure windows and doors aren't obstructed. Ideally, allow a minimum walkway space of 900mm around the sofa to keep paths clear.
Dimensions to Check:
- Width: From outer edge to outer edge.
- Depth: From the front of the seat to the back of the rest.
- Height: Floor to the top of the backrest.
- Access: Measure doorways and hallways. Modular sofas are great for tight entrances.
Sofa Care Tips
Ensure your investment lasts by following these simple tips:
- Cleaning: Regularly vacuum using a curtain attachment and blot spillages immediately.
- Maintenance: Keep out of direct sunlight and away from radiators to prevent fading.
- Plumping: Plump cushions daily to keep them in good shape.
- Protection: Use foot pads to prevent floor scratches. Be sure to lift rather than drag your sofa.
We recommend switching up your favourite seat occasionally and regularly flipping cushions to allow for even wear across the sofa.