Lover's Sofa: Tips and Trends
How to find the right sofa
Okay, of course you should like the sofa of course. But apart from the design, there are a few other criteria that you should consider when buying. For what good is the chic white chaise longue, if you have three raging children at home? Here are the most important tips:
It has to be comfortable!
A sofa is there to loll, so comfort should be the most important criterion. So take enough time to try it out - and if the seller still looks so funny. Try all sorts of seating and reclining positions, after all, at home, you are not squatting and watching TV.
The size
In any case, measure the place where you want to place the sofa or armchair. In the store, furniture always looks smaller than in the home. Expect at least five centimeters of leeway, as the dimensions usually often deviate slightly, especially with handmade products.
The reference
textile covers Expensive in this case is not necessarily easy to clean and robust. Especially when children are in the house, a delicate silk fabric is hardly the best choice. Most durable are synthetic fibers such as viscose or polyamide. Natural fibers such as cotton, wool or linen are more sensitive, but have the advantage that they "breathe", so absorb and release oxygen and moisture. Here you have to decide for yourself what is more important to you - seating comfort or durability.
In general, the tighter the fabric is woven, the less sensitive it is. Ask the seller for the so-called "rubbing tours". With these numbers, the durability of the fabric is measured, so it should be as high as possible (at least 20,000 for velor). And if you choose a removable, washable cover, not every chocolate stain will make for a family drama.
leather upholstery Again, the more expensive the leather, the more sensitive it is. Natural, uncoloured leather covers, for example, look great and feel great - but they also need a lot of care as they dry out easily and lose their color. Less resistant, however, are pigmented, ie dyed leather - but you sweat on this faster. The same applies to artificial leather, which is made of either PVC or PUR, with PUR being the more environmentally friendly option. Be sure to pay attention to high quality leatherette furniture, cheap faux leather can tear or fade very quickly.
Caution, smell: Leather furniture has a very peculiar smell, which usually decreases soon. If the sofa still smells after several weeks of intense airing, it may contain solvents. In Germany harmful substances are banned, but in other countries the regulations are not as strict. Be sure to contact the manufacturer and have them clarify the place of origin before purchasing.
The color choice
Of course, the new piece should fit well with your interior. If you are unsure: Take a picture of your living room and take it to the store. Keep in mind that with bright colors, stains can be seen quickly. If you like to wear jeans, you should think about that with the white leather sofa again - because jeans fabrics quickly stain.
Careful, pattern: As beautiful as the floral fabric in the catalog looked - a completely flowered three-seater can quickly overtax the eye. For large upholstered furniture therefore prefer to choose solid color covers. For small armchairs or stools, however, a patterned cover can create great effects. In any case: Before you buy, be sure to show a piece of furniture that is completely upholstered with your desired cover.
The site
Even if the view outside is so beautiful - do not place your sofa directly at the window. Otherwise, the sun's rays quickly turn the deep dark blue of your cover into a pale light blue. The same applies to halogen spotlights. Even heaters do not go well with upholstered furniture - especially leather dries quickly through the heat.
Fotoshow: Nice flexible - the sofa trends 2009
