A sofa is usually the largest single piece of furniture in a home, and the one people use most. Getting it right is less about style trends and more about a handful of practical measurements and material choices. Here is the checklist we run through with every client during a studio consultation.
1. Start with the space, not the sofa
Measure the wall the sofa will sit against, then subtract room for walkways — ideally 90 cm of clear space in front for a comfortable path. Mark the footprint on the floor with tape so you can see how the seating depth eats into the room before you commit to a size.
- Two-seater: roughly 150–180 cm wide
- Three-seater: roughly 200–230 cm wide
- L-shaped: plan the chaise on the side with more clearance
2. Seat depth and height decide the comfort
A deep seat (about 60 cm) suits lounging and taller users; a shallower seat (about 50 cm) is easier to sit upright in and better for older family members. Seat height of 40–45 cm works for most people. If household heights vary a lot, we can build a mixed-depth design.
The most comfortable sofa is the one built around how your family actually sits — not a standard size off a showroom floor.
3. Choose the frame and fill for the long term
The frame is what you are really paying for. A well-seasoned hardwood frame with proper joinery will outlast several rounds of upholstery. For the fill, a mix of high-density foam with a softer top layer holds shape while still feeling relaxed; feather-wrapped cushions feel plush but need regular plumping.
Fabric vs leatherette
Woven fabric is breathable and warm to sit on, and easy to re-cover later. Leatherette wipes clean in seconds, which matters in homes with young children, but it can crack over years in direct sun. Ask for swatches and live with them in your room’s light for a few days before deciding.
4. Plan for the sofa’s second life
If the frame is sound, re-foaming and re-upholstery can add years of use for a fraction of the cost of a new sofa. Choosing a classic silhouette and a frame built to be reworked is the most economical decision you can make at the start.
