Introduction to Different Types of Sofas

Nowadays, the process of selecting and purchasing a sofa can be very confusing. Sofas now come in such a large variety of shapes and sizes that for some, it may be difficult to remember the time when the only choice you had was between sofas with two or three seats. Becoming familiar with the various types of sofas out there will help you determine which type is best for you and your household. No matter what a home is like, a sofa is always an important purchase. After all, people spend much of their time at home relaxing in their living room. If you're confused by the modern selection of sofas or if you just need some guidance before you go out and buy a new sofa, this article will be a good place to start.

Regular, traditional sofas usually come with two or three seats. Two and three-seater sofas can be a great option for both living rooms with a limited and a generous amount of space; If you have a household of just two people and you don't frequently have guests over, a simple two-seater will be a good option that will save you lots of space. If do have guests over often or you just like to stretch out on the couch, a three-seater could be the ticket. Because of the relatively small size of a single regular sofa, it's often easy to blend it in with the rest of your décor.

Some people prefer the look of traditional sofas but also want to be able to seat more than just two or three people. If you are one of those people, you could consider a suite set, which typically consists of a two-seater and a three-seater. Such sets work best in large living rooms that can accommodate two sofas without making the room aesthetically unappealing or sacrificing precious floor space.

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Corner sofas and sectional sofas tend to be a popular choice for people with small living spaces, mainly because these types of sofas utilise the space more efficiently than two separate sofas ever could. Due to their innovative shapes, these types of sofas offer a wonderful compromise between the limited seating of singular traditional sofas and the loss of space from suite sets. They are the perfect seating arrangement for large families, as they can seat more people and also add a little extra room to spread out!

Sleeper sofas are ideal for homes with extremely limited space or for people who often have visitors stay the night. If you don't have a spare guest room for people to stay in, it's great to have a sofa in your living room that people can sit on during the day and turn into a bed at night. However, if you are considering purchasing a sleeper sofa, be aware that cheap models can be uncomfortable. If you're getting a sleeper sofa for frequent, continuous use, be sure to buy one with a high quality frame and mattress.

Most of these different types of sofa are available in a variety of materials, of which fabric and leather are the most popular. Which material is best depends on your personal preference, but if it is practicality that you are after, leather is a great option as it is easy to maintain, easy to clean, and lasts longer than fabric. Additionally, good quality leather looks great even when it has aged and it has the pleasant ability to stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter. However, leather (and even fake leather) sofas can be expensive compared to their fabric counterparts and they usually come in a limited amount of colors, let alone patterns. Fabric sofas are made in an endless range of colors, designs and textures, giving you more freedom in your selection.

As you can see, there are many different types of sofas that each have their advantages and disadvantages. When shopping for a new sofa, it is always best to first consider your practical needs and then your preference in style. That way, you will be able to narrow down your options to one or two types of sofas. This will ensure that you end up with a sofa that fits the exact needs of your household.

This guest article was written by Jürgen Heidenreich from Germany, who runs a website about sofas and other seating furniture. Among other types of sofas, his website offers detailed information on sectional sleeper sofas (in German: Wohnlandschaft mit Bettfunktion), as well as affordable extra large sofas sofas (günstige Big XXL Sofas).