Sofa shopping made easy
In most Singapore homes, the sofa tends to take centre stage, as modern HDB designs tend to emphasise the living room, and by extension, the largest piece in the room. However, first-time owners may face issues in choosing an appropriate sofa for their new home. After all, sofas come in a myriad of finishes, configurations, and sizes. How then, does one make the best choice in choosing a sofa?
To help in the decision making process, we spoke to WTP The Furniture Company director Naazli Somjee, who had some tips for picking out a new sofa.
1. Your lifestyle should determine the sofa upholstery
Young parents or pet owners might want to take their home situation into consideration when deciding on a sofa upholstery. Families with younger children should avoid velvet, and opt for something textured instead. Pet owners should look at textured finishes as well, as they tend to hide scratches better than most materials.
To help in the decision making process, we spoke to WTP The Furniture Company director Naazli Somjee, who had some tips for picking out a new sofa.
2. Navy is the safest colour
When choosing a colour for your sofa, it is safer to swing toward a navy or smoky blue palette.The cool colour tends to age well, and is relatively easy to maintain.Neutral colours like beige or grey are also good options, if a little unexciting.On the other hand, bold colours like a bright red might seem novel at the start, but will seem garish within a year.
3. Note your sofa height
When choosing a colour for your sofa, it is safer to swing toward a navy or smoky blue palette.The cool colour tends to age well, and is relatively easy to maintain.Neutral colours like beige or grey are also good options, if a little unexciting.On the other hand, bold colours like a bright red might seem novel at the start, but will seem garish within a year.
4. Don’t be afraid to splurge on your sofa
Apart from the bed, the couch will be the place where most people will spend their time on at home. This is why the sofa and TV should take up most of the living room budget. A more expensive sofa will likely last up to 10 years, and is a worthy investment for most.
5. Maintain your sofa
Of course, the insides of the sofa play a big part in ensuring your comfort. Naazli recommends foam or fibre cushions as they increase the longevity of the sofa. A high-density foam filling will maintain its shape while providing a firm, springy feel. Feathers should not be considered as they are too soft and will not last for more than a couple of years.
6. Mind the insides
Perhaps the best way to prolong the lifespan of your sofa is to periodically take care of it. Naazli recommends a full vacuum and wipedown of the entire sofa every month or two to ensure it is constantly clean. Of course, any stains should be wiped and cleaned immediately, but that’s not enough. A layer of Scotchguard should be applied every wipedown to create a protective layer for spills and stains. applying a layer of Scotchguard on the sofa every time it is cleaned.