Buying a sofa for your apartment is exciting! You get to pick the couch that matches your style and build your living room around it.
There are a few things to keep in mind as you shop for an apartment-sized sofa, though. Yes, you want your couch to be comfortable, but it also has to fit well enough that you have room to move around.
Any furniture is an investment you want to make sure lasts a while. Something as important as a sofa should be able to grow with you in this apartment and any others you might be in over the next few years.
So how do you make sure you’re choosing the perfect apartment sofa? Use these five tips to guide you before you buy.
1. Size Matters
Don’t walk into a furniture store (or shop online) without doing your research first. Check out your living room and decide how much space you want to give up for a couch.
Measure the area where you’ll be putting the sofa, and write down the height, width, and depth. As you shop, stick with furniture that is equal to or smaller than those numbers.
Without this essential piece of information to guide you, you may fall in love with a couch that is too big for your room.
One of two things will happen then. You’ll buy it, get it home, and it won’t fit comfortably. Or, you’ll compare every other couch to that amazing one, and nothing will seem as good.
Knowing the numbers you realistically have to work with keeps you from wasting your time or getting overwhelmed with options that won’t fit.
2. Stick to a Budget
Right behind the importance of the sofa’s size is your budget. Online shopping sites let you choose filters. Before you hit “search,” set a maximum price on the sofas you’ll see. Then, you’re not tempted with things out of your price range.
Furniture stores don’t give you that option. You can ask a salesperson to point you in the right direction for sofas in your size and budget. If you’re on your own, check price tags first and walk past any that are beyond your max.
It’s tempting to overspend if you’re using credit to buy your sofa. If you have a budget laid out before you walk in, it’s easier to stick to it, no matter how high the credit limit you’re given ends up being.
3. Choose the Material Carefully
Who is going to be using the sofa besides you? That answer could help you narrow down the material you should aim for.
For instance, if it’s just you or you and another responsible adult, the sky (or your budget) is the limit. You know you’ll take care of the furniture, so you can invest in luxury upholstery.
On the other hand, if there are a lot of little ones running around, look for something stain-resistant and durable, like microfiber. This material is also perfect for people with pets. Remember that your fur baby may shed, claw, or stain the sofa. It’s a small price to pay for all the benefits that come with having a pet!
4. Look For a Versatile Sofa
Most apartments have limited space, making it especially beneficial to find furniture that can multitask.
There are a few ways you can turn your sofa into something more versatile. Look for budget-friendly options that can solve another problem you have, such as:
- Sofas with flip-top cushions for extra storage space
- Compact pull-out sofas that let you have guests over comfortably
- Foldable sofas that can be tucked out of the way easily or expanded for company
- Daybeds that double as a sofa and have drawers for storage
The right sofa is not just a comfortable piece of furniture. It also helps you get organized if you need more space and gives you a place for your guests to stay.
Conclusion
Sofa shopping for your apartment doesn’t have to be a hassle. It can be a smart investment you make that lasts for years.
As you explore your options, keep these tips in mind to ensure your purchase is perfect for your home. You’ll be glad you spent the extra time planning ahead as you’re relaxing on your comfy new sofa.