A sofa can look right in a showroom and feel very different at home. Start with the space it will occupy and the habits it needs to support.
Measure the room first
Write down the room dimensions, then mark the places a sofa cannot cover: door swings, windows, sockets and walking routes. A strip of masking tape on the floor can show the sofa footprint before you buy.
- Measure the full sofa width and depth, including its arms.
- Check doors, stairs, lifts and tight turns along the delivery route.
- Leave clear floor space for people to move naturally.
Choose for the way you sit
Think about who uses the room every day. A compact two-seater can keep a smaller room flexible. A deeper sofa may suit lounging, but it can make upright sitting less comfortable. Try the seat height and depth in person if possible: your feet should rest comfortably and standing up should feel easy.
Check the details that change comfort
Two sofas with the same outside dimensions can offer very different usable seat widths. Compare the arm size, cushion support and fabric care instructions. In a busy household, an easy-care cover may matter more than a decorative detail.
Make one final room check
Compare the taped footprint with your coffee table, rug and other furniture. Step back and look at the whole arrangement. A sofa is a good fit when the room still feels easy to use after it arrives. Browse the Home and Decor category for more ideas about arranging the space.