Couch dos and don'ts – 10 tips for choosing the right piece for your space

A couch is essential for any seating area, but finding the right one for your room and needs can be challenging. There are many factors to consider: it should fit your budget, suit the room’s dimensions, and its design and color should enhance the space.

It also needs to be comfortable and durable and look chic now but also have longevity; trends may come and go, but a sofa should be able to last for years without looking dated. Far from an impulsive buy, a couch requires careful thought and planning.

You’ll also need to consider the sofa's size, its spacing within the room, and the right balance of accessories and surrounding furniture. To help, we consulted top designers on the most important dos and don’ts of selecting the best couches for your space. Here’s what they had to say.

Do consider your specific needs

Before choosing a living room sofa on a whim, experts suggest you take into account your needs and lifestyle. 'Think about how you plan to use your sofa, especially how you like to lounge on it,’ says Kellie Wyles, head of upholstery at DFS. ‘If you like to lie down then make sure there’s enough space to stretch out, or if there are two of you vying for ‘prime position’ consider a U-shaped or chaise-end sofa with footstool so no one has to sacrifice putting their feet up.’

Also, consider the number of people you regularly entertain or live with. ‘Whether you need a compact two-seater or a spacious corner sofa, sizing plays a critical role in comfort and functionality,’ adds Patricia Gibbons, head of design at sofa.com.

Do measure the space carefully

Make sure your sofa is proportionate to your living room. Interior designer Nishtha Vashist suggests you ‘measure like you’re planning a moon landing.’ She advises against just guessing the sofa’s fit. ‘Take precise measurements of not only the room but also your doorways, hallways, staircases, and elevator space,’ she adds. ‘A sofa that fits perfectly in the showroom might not survive the journey into your living room. Pro tip: Leave some breathing room for side tables and other furniture to keep your space looking balanced and airy.’

‘Ideally using painter's tape on your floor to mark off the outside corners of the new sofa will work,’ says Julia Mack, founder of Julia Mack Design. ‘Also, if your floors are wood, use the linear planks as a guide to be certain that your measurements are straight.’

Manually measuring aside, another way to check the right fit is by ‘cutting the sofa shape to scale out of newspaper and placing it on the floor,’ suggests Kellie. ‘This method will allow you to make sure you have plenty of space to move around and will give you a great sense of how the sofa will compare against the other pieces of furniture already in the room.'

Do think long term

A sofa is a big investment and you should want to get as much value out of it, as possible. While it's great to check on sofa trends to choose designs and colors that look eye-catching don’t miss out on checking the durability and longevity of the piece.

‘Keep in mind how easy it will be to clean and maintain the sofa,’ advises Patricia. ‘Families with children or pets should avoid fabrics that are hard to clean and choose options that can be professionally cleaned or are stain-resistant. Also, pick a sofa that blends with the rest of your decor. For traditional homes, classic styles work beautifully, while the sleek lines of modern sofas suit contemporary spaces.’

Do check the sofa fill

For a cozy living room that's always comfy to spend time in, check the sofa fills. ‘Different fillings offer different comfort levels – foam offers firm support, feathers provide softness, and memory foam gives you that “sink-in” luxury,’ says Nishtha. ‘Choose based on how you like to lounge!’

‘Opt for styles that offer deep cushions or added features like chaise sections for stretching out, especially for family movie nights or lazy Sundays,’ adds Patricia.

Do think about the shape and style

Measurements and needs aside, you should also choose the right sofa shape to avoid any living room layout mistakes. ‘L-shaped or sectional sofas tend to work well in large, open rooms, while standard sofas will suit most spaces,’ says Megan Holloway, founder and creative director of Maro Home. ‘Loveseats are ideal for rooms where space is at a premium and modular designs will offer you all the flexibility for different layouts. Classic shapes transcend trends and are easier to live with, which adds longevity and timelessness to a space.’

‘Sofas with a low back will help to make a room feel more open, while those with high backs will provide more support,’ adds Megan. ‘The leg height can also affect the overall feel, with higher legs making the room feel more airier, providing space for storage underneath. Remember that purpose is key, so if you love watching TV or relaxing with a good book then deep-seated styles with an arm to snuggle into work best. If it's a more formal sitting room, or playroom then armless styles with pelmets or fringing can bring a sense of fun and grandeur to your scheme.’

Don't buy without testing

'A sofa may look great, but always test it for comfort before committing,’ warns Patricia. ‘Visit a showroom if possible to feel the pillows and fabrics for yourself.’

‘Spend a good 15 minutes lounging on it the way you’d actually use it at home –legs up, snacks in hand, or sitting cross-legged,’ adds Nishtha. ‘It’ll help you decide if the firmness, seat depth, and cushions meet your comfort standards.’ While you’re at the store, you will be able to gather more information about living room trends and sofas from the experts around, so you can make a sound buying decision.

Also, testing out a sofa and seeing its size and dimensions in real-time will allow you to pick one that truly belongs in your home. While you may have set out to buy a standard three-seater, you may realize that it’s not ideal for smaller living room seating. ‘Look for providers offering two-and-a-half-seat options for those needing compact solutions without sacrificing comfort,’ avers Patricia.

Don't choose a sofa on looks alone

Wondering how to design a living room that’s built for the ages? A sofa is a big contributing factor to the room’s beauty. But just looks alone aren’t going to cut it. The piece needs to be easy to maintain and clean so it can last a long time.

‘It’s easy to fall for gorgeous, delicate-looking pieces covered in fabrics like silk, velvet, or linen, but they might not suit your lifestyle,’ shares Nishtha. ‘These materials can be high-maintenance – silk stains easily, linen wrinkles with just a glance, and traditional velvet can trap dust. If your sofa is going to be your main hangout zone (think movie marathons and wine nights), aim for something beautiful and practical. The goal? Strike the perfect balance between fashion and function.’

Megan agrees, saying that it’s a big mistake to choose style over functionality. ‘While the look of your sofa is important, most people often overlook elements like size, comfort, and durability; which is crucial for longevity,’ she adds. ‘Compromising on size can also really affect the feel of a room. You want your sofa to feel generous and/or purposeful.’

In terms of the sofa frame, ‘look for kiln-dried hardwood frames for durability, and if it’s modular or has removable pillows, even better...it makes cleaning and rearranging a breeze,’ says Nishtha.

Don't go for super ‘trendy’ colors and prints

Hear us out: there’s nothing wrong with following interior design trends. But if you want a space that never feels dated and can adapt to the changing design of your space (perhaps you may plan to paint the room a different color, add new artwork, or bring in fresh pillows) then it would be prudent to go in for a sofa that can survive all changes.

‘A big don’t when it comes to sofa prints is to select a pattern that is too trendy for such a dominant furniture,’ shares Julia. ‘Instead of a pattern which you may tire of, consider a texture in any color or tone that works with your space, saving patterns for smaller adjacent chairs or throw pillows.’

Similarly, for a timeless living room color scheme, choose sofa tones that are forever appealing. ‘A bright mustard yellow or electric blue sofa might seem like a bold design choice, but trends come and go – your sofa, however, is in it for the long haul,’ says Nishtha. ‘Instead of committing to a bold, trendy color that might feel outdated in a few years, stick to neutral tones like beige, gray, or soft taupe. These hues provide a timeless base and are easier to style around as your decor evolves.'

'If you’re craving color, think in layers! Introduce pops of personality with accent pillows, throws, or a statement rug. These accessories can easily be swapped out with changing seasons or moods, ensuring your space stays fresh without a complete makeover. Another tip: Pay attention to natural light – some colors shift drastically under different lighting, so bring fabric swatches home before you decide.'

Don't avoid a statement piece

However, while we advice against following fleeting trends, a sofa is the largest piece in the living room; it makes the maximum impact in the space. If you want your interiors to reflect your strong tastes and likes, or you wish to add a wow factor to your traditional living room then don’t be afraid to find a statement sofa that does that.

‘Don’t be afraid of finding your thing and expressing your style and personality,’ advises Kellie. ‘A sofa shouldn’t blend into the background, it should be a much-loved centerpiece and an investment that you will cherish for years to come. Don’t be afraid to be bold with your sofa choice whether that’s in the color, shape, or fabric choice, as it only takes a few extra pieces in the room such as a vase, rug, or lamp shade to tie the look together.’

Don't forget fabric durability

‘It’s tempting to choose a sofa based on appearance, but don’t overlook how well the fabric will wear,’ says Patricia. ‘For high-traffic areas, avoid delicate materials like silk and opt for hardier options like cotton or leather.’

That apart, if your home has pets, it might be a good idea to pet-proof your seaters. 'Opt for performance fabrics such as microfiber, leather, or stain-resistant upholstery that stand up to scratches, spills, and daily wear,’ says Nishtha. ‘Leather ages gracefully, gaining a beautiful patina over time, while performance fabrics are often water-resistant and easy to clean. Bonus tip: Look for fabrics with higher rub counts if you expect heavy use.’

Everyone wants a brand new, fresh-looking sofa but everyday life with its accidents, wear and tear will mean the sofa will never stay box-fresh. This is why it is important to choose a sofa that has a quality frame and upholstery, as both these contribute to the longevity of the furniture. Experts usually suggest a hardwood or steel frame.

Also, do your research on the sofa fillings. Usually, foam filling is best as it helps maintain your posture, and provides firmer support. However, if you really want to sink into the sofa, you could go for fiber or feather cushion filling. And finally, when buying a sofa, first consider where it will be placed. This will allow you to create a proportionate and well-designed living room. Do remember to take measurements of the space available so you choose a sofa that fits well.