The Sofa and Sectional Guide
A sofa is the piece people regret most, usually because they chose it on looks alone. Here is how to get it right the first time.
Start With the Room, Not the Sofa
Measure the wall the sofa will sit against, then subtract at least 12 inches so the piece does not read as wall to wall. Measure your walkways too. You want 30 to 36 inches of clear path around the seating area, and 14 to 18 inches between the sofa and the coffee table.
Then measure the way in. Doorways, stairwells, tight corners and elevator doors are where sofas go to die. Check the diagonal depth of the sofa against the narrowest point of the route.
Sofa or Sectional
A sofa is the flexible choice. It works in a smaller room, it can float in the middle of a space, and you can pair it with chairs to change the layout later.
A sectional is the comfort choice. It seats more people, it handles a corner well, and it anchors an open plan room that has no walls to work with. The tradeoff is commitment: a sectional decides your layout for you.
If your room is under about 12 feet wide, a sofa plus two chairs will almost always feel better than a sectional.
Chaise Orientation
Stand in the doorway and look at the room. The chaise should sit on the side that does not block your line of sight or your path in. Left facing and right facing are named from the perspective of someone sitting on the sofa looking out, which trips up almost everyone, so confirm before you order.
Seat Depth
Deep seats, around 40 inches or more, are for lounging and for taller people. Shallower seats, around 36 to 38 inches, sit more upright and suit smaller rooms and shorter frames. If you like to sit with your feet on the floor and your back against the cushion, go shallower.
Cushion Fill
Foam holds its shape and gives a firmer, tidier look with less maintenance. Down and feather blends are softer and more inviting but need regular fluffing and will look lived in. Foam wrapped in down is the middle ground most people are happiest with.
Frame
Kiln dried hardwood is what you want. It resists warping and holds joinery. Ask about corner blocking and how the joints are made. A frame is the part you cannot fix later.
Fabric
Performance fabrics are worth it if you have kids, pets or a light colored sofa. Look at the double rub count as a rough durability measure, with 15,000 and up being solid for home use. Tight weaves resist snagging, which matters if you have cats. Boucle and heavy textures hide wear well. Velvet shows every mark but ages beautifully.
Order swatches. Screens lie about color, and a fabric that looks warm grey online can read lilac in your living room. You can request up to 10 complimentary swatches from us.
Legs and Height
Exposed legs make a room feel larger because you can see the floor underneath. A skirted or platform base feels heavier and more grounded. In small rooms, go with visible legs.
Before You Order
- Wall measurement taken, with breathing room subtracted
- Delivery path measured, including the tightest turn
- Chaise orientation confirmed
- Seat depth matched to how you actually sit
- Swatches ordered and seen in your own light
Still unsure? Email Info@sodomnco.com with your room dimensions and we will help you narrow it down.