Choosing the right sofa is difficult enough because of all the different designs that are available, but for many people, the price is the real sticking point.
The main conundrum is whether it makes sense to splash out on a more expensive sofa, or select a cheaper equivalent and dedicate the rest of your budget to another piece of furniture or even interior design accessories.
There are lots of things to consider when weighing this up, so let’s take a look at the main factors at play to help you come to a satisfactory decision.
A well-made sofa can bring a room together
Skimping on a sofa is not a good idea if you are having to make sacrifices in terms of either the form or function of this piece.
For example, buying a sectional sofa can help you optimize the use of your available space, and even make a room appear larger than it is. Conversely, if you opted to make savings and select a smaller or cheaper equivalent, it could detract from both the usability and aesthetic appeal of the entire area it occupies.
In this sense, investing more in a sofa even if you could take the opportunity to make savings is worthwhile, otherwise, your bargain-hunting might just be a false economy.
Comfort is priceless
One thing that people often overlook when selecting a new sofa is the comfort levels it offers. This is not just about allowing you to enjoy your time seated in it, but more broadly about the impact that the cushioning and support it offers has on your health.
If you suffer from back pain or other issues, having them exacerbated by a poorly made, an uncomfortable couch will definitely become a major bugbear. On the other hand, if you are willing to spend that little bit more and get a sofa that has been made with the user’s wellbeing in mind, you can experience thousands of hours of comfort over the years to come.
Posture is important
Related partly to the comfort of a sofa is the influence it has over your posture, both when you are seated and when you stand up afterward.
Whatever your budget, you need to invest sensibly in a sofa that suits your use case; a low-backed sofa may look good, but if you have a wall-mounted TV to watch from it, you may end up craning your neck or slouching backward the whole time, for example.
Longevity is worth paying for
While it is not always the case, a good rule of thumb is to assume that the more expensive the sofa, the sturdier and more durable it will be.
This partly comes down to the workmanship, as high-end sofas that are put together by master craftspeople will be more solidly built than those that have been quickly cobbled together at a factory that pumps out thousands of units daily. The other factor is materials; solid wood and expensive fabrics can withstand wear and tear better than their budget-oriented counterparts.
Customization is key
Last of all, when you invest in a sofa at the more expensive end of the spectrum, you may have the opportunity to make customization requests from the manufacturer which would simply not be available at a lower price bracket.
If you can afford it, spending more on a sofa is usually the way to go, and there is value to be found at every price point. Most of all do not feel like you have to rush this decision, but rather take your time and do not commit until you are content with your choice.