A sofa is more than somewhere to sit. It’s where you unwind after a long day, where family gathers, and where a room comes to life. Choosing the right one is both a comfort decision and a design investment.
One that looks beautiful, is super comfortable to sit on, fits the space its intended for, and stands the test of time. Here’s what to consider before you buy.
Measure the Space Before You Fall in Love
Start with the practical side. Measure your living room carefully – not just the floor space, but doorways, stairways and hallways too. Many beautiful sofas have failed to make it through a front door!
Measure not only the space where your sofa will sit, but also every access point leading to it. Sketch a simple floor plan or use masking tape to outline the footprint of different sizes on your floor.
Allow enough clearance for flow — at least 40 cm between the sofa and other furniture so people can move comfortably around it. In small rooms, consider sofas with slim arms or raised legs, which create visual lightness. In large rooms, two smaller sofas facing each other can feel more balanced than one oversized piece.
Think, too, about where natural light falls and what will be visible from other areas of the house. A sofa often frames the sightline of a room, so its placement affects how the whole space feels.
Match the Sofa to How You Live
Lifestyle shapes function. A family with young children needs something different to someone living alone or a couple who entertain frequently.
- For family life: Durable, resistant fabrics are essential. Choose mid-toned colours that disguise marks and avoid very soft fillings that lose shape quickly. We actually offer many of our models in durable, stain-resistant fabrics, such as Crypton.
- For entertaining: Consider a corner or modular sofa that encourages conversation. Velvet or textured upholstery can make a space feel more welcoming.
- For relaxation: Deeper seats, higher backs, and feather-wrapped cushions create a softer, enveloping feel — ideal for film nights.
- For smaller spaces or apartments: Two-seaters, chaise-end designs, or a pair of armchairs can offer the same comfort without overwhelming the room.
Be honest about how the sofa will be used. If it’s likely to double as a workspace or a nap spot, that should influence both comfort level and fabric choice.
Choosing Between Fabric and Leather
Your upholstery is more than an aesthetic decision — it determines the sofa’s lifespan, maintenance, and comfort.
Fabric Sofas
Fabric offers warmth and variety. Textured weaves, boucle, or linen blends bring depth and tactility. Many options include stain-resistant finishes, making them family-friendly without sacrificing style. Lighter shades can lift darker rooms, while richer tones – navy, olive, or rust — create intimacy.
Leather Sofas
Leather offers timeless appeal and improves with age. It’s resilient, easy to wipe clean, and naturally hypoallergenic. However, it reacts to temperature: cooler in winter, warmer in summer. For a softer look, semi-aniline leather combines durability with a supple feel.
Leather will also age naturally, known as patina. This will oftentimes develop over a long period across the sofa's life, and is something that
many people actively seek out, rather than avoid. A natural patina gives leather its depth and individuality — the soft sheen, subtle creases, and tonal variation that tell the story of years of use. Unlike fabric, which may fade or pill, leather improves with age, gaining a richness that new upholstery simply can’t replicate.
To help this process along, occasional conditioning keeps the surface supple and prevents drying or cracking. Wiping with a soft cloth and using a leather balm once or twice a year will maintain its flexibility and enhance the patina’s gradual development.
Mixed Materials
For a contemporary approach, mix materials. A leather base with fabric cushions or a fabric sofa with leather piping adds subtle character while maintaining practicality.
Comfort, Depth and Cushion Fillings
Comfort depends as much on proportions and filling as it does on style. The difference between a sofa that’s comfortable for ten minutes and one that’s comfortable for ten years lies in the internal structure.
- Seat depth: Standard seats range from 50–60 cm. Taller people often prefer deeper seats; smaller frames benefit from shallower ones that allow both feet to touch the ground.
- Seat height: Between 45–50 cm is most comfortable for most users.
- Back height: Higher backs support posture for reading or longer sitting periods.
- Cushion fillings:
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Foam holds shape and gives a firmer sit.
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Fibre offers medium softness and needs regular plumping.
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Always test the sofa in person. Sit the way you normally would: cross-legged, reclining, or curled into a corner. The right comfort level will feel effortless, not forced.
Frame and Build Quality
The unseen structure defines how long your sofa lasts.
Look for strong, solid frames — they resist warping and retain strength over time. Avoid sofas built from softwood or particleboard. High-quality sofas use screwed, glued and dowelled joints, not staples alone.
Springs are another quality marker: serpentine springs in the base and tensioned webbing in the back create lasting support. Good craftsmanship means no squeaks, no movement, and even weight distribution.
It’s worth asking the retailer about the frame warranty; reputable manufacturers offer at least 10–15 years.
Style and Design Considerations
A sofa should sit comfortably within your interior scheme without dominating it.
- Traditional homes suit structured designs with scroll arms, turned legs or buttoned backs.
- Contemporary spaces favour clean silhouettes and modular flexibility.
- Scandi or minimalist interiors benefit from pale woods, light fabrics and gentle curves.
- Statement pieces — such as a bold velvet or leather corner sofa — can define a large open-plan room.
When choosing colour, think about longevity. Neutral bases with changeable cushions and throws evolve easily over time. If you love colour, anchor it with muted flooring or wall tones so the sofa becomes a feature, not a clash.
Practicalities: Delivery, Access and Longevity
Before ordering, confirm dimensions with your retailer and measure access routes again — including ceiling height at stair turns. Many premium sofas offer modular construction or removable arms to ease delivery.
Ask about fabric protection, cushion rotation, and care instructions. Turning cushions every few months maintains even wear. Vacuum seams occasionally to prevent dust build-up, especially in fabric models.
High-quality sofas can last 12–15 years comfortably, with reupholstery extending life even further. Consider this when setting your budget — quality saves money over time.
Sustainability and Sourcing
Increasingly, buyers want furniture that aligns with sustainable values. Sofas built from FSC-certified wood, natural latex, or recycled fabrics reduce environmental impact. Locally made options also cut transport emissions and support Irish manufacturing.
When possible, ask about material sourcing and production methods — a reputable retailer will always be transparent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best sofa fabric for durability?
Tightly woven synthetics or performance fabrics offer the best resistance to daily wear. Leather remains the longest-lasting option when properly cared for.
How long should a sofa last?
A quality sofa should last at least a decade. Cheaper frames or fillings often lose comfort within a few years.
What sofa shape suits a small living room?
Choose a two-seater or compact L-shape with slim arms. Sofas raised on legs make the room feel more spacious.
Are recliners less stylish?
Not anymore. Modern recliners use hidden mechanisms and can be upholstered in the same premium fabrics as fixed sofas, offering comfort without bulk.
How do I know if a sofa is well made?
Check the frame warranty, joint construction, and spring system. A heavy, sturdy frame is a positive sign.
Final Thoughts
Buying a sofa should never feel rushed. It’s a decision that affects how you live, relax, and connect with others every day. The right one balances proportion, comfort, and design in equal measure.
At The 1933 Furniture Company, our team combines decades of experience with a deep understanding of how people live in their homes. We invite you to visit our showroom to explore Ireland’s leading sofa collections, test comfort levels in person, and discover what quality truly feels like.
