New research by Plush has found that Australians spend an average of 50 days a year sitting on their sofa. That’s roughly 3.3 hours a day that you spend snuggled up as a couch potato.
The Sofa Census by Plush also found that one in four couples say “I love you” the most on a sofa, while 68 per cent of Australians say the sofa is their favourite spot to get closer to their partner. And it’s not just a place for the romantics, 63 per cent of Australians say it’s where they connect with their mates.
The sofa is the true hub of the home these days. It’s where families have conversations, where kids play games, and where we comfort each other in times of need. Not only that, but a sofa is one of the biggest pieces of furniture you’ll ever own and invest in, so it pays to pick a winner.
The 5 golden rules of sofa selection
1. Try before you buy
It’s so important to sit on a sofa before you buy it. Many styles have different heights, depths and widths, so you need to make sure that your back feels supported, that you don’t feel cramped and that you feel as though you could snuggle up in a corner or lay across the length of it comfortably.
2. Prioritise the frame
A sofa with a solid steel or well-made timber frame can last you a lifetime. Steer clear of models with a chipboard frame or something similar. Invest once and invest well, and buy from a manufacturer that guarantees the life of their frames.
3. Check out the cushions
Ideally, you want a couch that has cushions filled with a combination of both down feathers, and foam or fibre. This will ensure that the cushions are structurally sound and offer support and longevity, while also being plush and comfortable. A sofa filled entirely with feathers will need regular plumping and eventual refilling, while cheap foam will eventually lose its shape.
4. Buy fabrics that suits your lifestyle
The fabric that your sofa is upholstered in is just as important as the design itself. If you have a home filled with children and pets then it’s best to choose a fabric that is strong, durable and is resistant to stains. Ask your salesperson for details on the fabric and stain-proofing. If your home is an adults-only area, then luxe fabrics such as velvet, white linen or butter-soft leather might be more suited to you. If your sofa gets lots of sun, choose a synthetic fabric that won’t fade as quickly. Go-to upholstery fabrics are usually strong cottons, linen, leathers, wool and man-made materials such as PU leather, microfibre or synthetic blends.
5. Measure twice, cut once
Or measure twice, buy once, more accurately. Make sure you carefully measure the space you have available for your new sofa, versus the measurements of the piece of furniture itself. You don’t want to buy it only to have it be too big for the space, or far too little.
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