Sofa Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Sofa for Your Home

Buying a sofa? This guide explains how to choose the right size, shape, frame, foam and fabric for Indian homes, so your sofa stays comfortable for years.

A sofa is the one piece of furniture everybody uses every day: for TV, for guests, for afternoon naps and for children's games. It is also surprisingly easy to get wrong. A sofa that looks perfect in a showroom can feel too deep, too soft or simply too big once it is in your living room. Here is what to check, step by step.

1. Measure the room before you look at sofas

• Measure the wall where the sofa will go, and the distance to the TV wall.
• Leave about 75 to 90 cm (2.5 to 3 ft) for main walkways.
• Keep 40 to 45 cm between the sofa and the centre table, close enough to reach your cup of tea.
• Check the width of the main door, the lift and the staircase. A sofa that cannot reach the living room is an expensive mistake, and one reason many families prefer a sofa made to measure.

Tip: mark the sofa's size on the floor with masking tape and live with it for a day. You will know at once whether it feels right.

2. Choose the right shape

• 3-seater: the most popular choice. Pairs well with one or two accent chairs.
• L-shaped: the most seating in the least space, and perfect for a corner. Ideal for big families and for watching TV with your feet up.
• 3+1+1 set: the classic Indian living room arrangement. Flexible to rearrange.
• 2-seater: for compact flats, bedrooms, study rooms and office cabins.

3. Get the comfort measurements right

Comfort is mostly about three numbers:

• Seat height: about 40 to 45 cm (16 to 18 in), so your feet rest flat on the floor.
• Seat depth: 50 to 55 cm for upright sitting; 60 cm or more if your family likes to lounge.
• Back height: a backrest that supports your shoulders makes long TV evenings far more comfortable.

Older family members usually find a firmer, slightly higher seat easier to get up from. Sit on a sample for at least five minutes in the way you normally sit at home.

4. Look inside: frame, foam and support

What you can't see decides how long the sofa lasts.

• Frame: a strong hardwood or good-quality plywood frame keeps its shape. Avoid frames made of particle board.
• Foam: higher-density foam keeps its shape for longer. Ask what density is used for the seat; around 32 to 40 density is common for sofas that are used every day.
• Support under the foam: webbing or zig-zag springs give the seat its bounce and stop it sagging.

If the seller cannot tell you what is inside, that is a warning sign.

5. Pick the upholstery for the way you live

• Leatherette: wipes clean easily, so it suits homes with children and pets. Choose a soft, flexible grade; very cheap leatherette can crack.
• Fabric: breathable and comfortable in Gujarat's hot summers, with endless colours and textures. Tightly woven fabrics resist wear and pilling.
• Velvet: a rich, premium look, but it needs more care.
• Genuine leather: long-lasting and expensive, and it needs regular conditioning.

Because of dust and heat, mid-tone and darker colours are the practical choice for most homes in Bhavnagar. Keep light colours for rooms that are used gently.

6. Colour and style

A neutral sofa (grey, beige, mocha, brown) with colourful cushions is the safest choice: you can change the cushions every season without replacing the sofa. Match the wood tone of the sofa legs to your TV unit or flooring for a coordinated room.

7. Ready-made or made to measure?

A ready-made sofa is available immediately, but only in fixed sizes and colours. A custom sofa is made for your wall, in the colour and fabric you choose, with the seat depth your family finds comfortable. Read our comparison of custom vs ready-made furniture.

At Bosk, we make 3-seaters, L-shaped sofas and accent chairs in leatherette or fabric, made to your size and colour. See our sofas in Bhavnagar.

Simple sofa care

• Vacuum or brush the sofa every week, and turn the cushions regularly so they wear evenly.
• Keep it out of strong afternoon sun; both fabric and leatherette fade with direct sunlight.
• Blot spills straight away with a dry cloth. Don't rub.
• More tips in our care and maintenance guide.

Visit us to try the comfort

The best way to choose a sofa is to sit on one. Visit our showroom in Bhavnagar, or send us your wall measurements on WhatsApp at +91 97378 17777 and we will suggest a size and shape that fits your room.

Frequently asked questions