Colin and Justin: Sofa, so good

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Everything you need know to choose the best sofa

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It’s fair to suggest that the human derriere comes in a flush of sizes, no two precisely alike.  However, each shares a common requirement: the need for somewhere to sit.

To properly service the gluteus maximus, your sofa should be an all-yielding padded terrain that welcomes, cossets and supports. So, are you sitting comfortably? Read on…

Upholstery falls into the “must endure longer than a passing fad” category, its procurement, in most cases, requiring careful planning to tempt stylistic longevity.

So what looks best where? Well, a clean-lined ‘tuxedo’ sofa, arms and back arranged at the same height, will perhaps appeal to both traditionalists and modernists, whereas an outsized squashy option with fat, rolled arms may better serve those who enjoy country style interiors.

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At the other end of the spectrum, a mid-century Danish couch may lure historical purists or admirers of the avant-garde aesthetic.

Standard chesterfields? These – in broad strokes – are typically 200 to 220 centimeters long, whereas two-seater sofas or loveseats, generally speaking, measure 145 to 195 centimeters in length.

Bear in mind that a lavishly filled sofa will appear eminently more cumbersome than a tightly tailored chaise, and that the overall length of your couch doesn’t always relate to its seating capacity.

Wide arms, for example, mean less sitting space, so consider the evidence, and then spend — and then sit — wisely.

Other options? Space permitting, a sectional or L-shaped sofa is a perfect solution to amplify the number of people who can be accommodated.

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In larger spaces, sectionals can be used as room dividers, but take a tip: consider the sofa’s proposed orientation and, crucially, at which end the ‘corner’ will turn in relation to ancillary furniture.

Sofa beds? When space is tight (or doubles as guest accommodation), these are useful problem solvers. For sporadic use, a foam foldout design will probably suffice, but for regular use we recommend wire-sprung options with mattresses at least 10 centimeters thick.

If buying online, read the small print and appraise return policies and guarantees. Many e-commerce companies will take product back, but not all pay for return delivery or shipping.

If adventurous, custom upholstery allows you to tweak your vision and max up or reduce arm size, adjust length or change cushions fill as required. We provide for around 50 per cent of our client roster in this way, both on screen and off.

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Our Sofa 101

 Measure, make paper templates and play with different room layouts before purchase. We like to re-arrange furniture each season, but will the size and shape of your new sofa allow this?

Ensure doors are sufficiently wide to intake new upholstery. The last thing you need is the prospect of window removal to fit everything in. Aye, been there.

Think ergonomics: optimal lumbar support is served by sofas with shorter seat depth – and fixed backs – than from a loose-cushioned alternative.

Space permitting, centrally arranged seating creates a better impression. The ‘dentist’s waiting room’ look is so last year.

If a wall is where your chesterfield must go, choose an option no longer than three quarters the length of that wall.

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Try before you buy: lounge, stretch out and cuddle on potential options to be assured you’re buying an appropriate model.

Ask how your dream sofa is sprung – the last thing you need is coiled metal prodding you as you settle in for the evening.  Springs should provide yield and support, but should be barely there as far as feel is concerned.

Enquire about padding. Feather-wrapped foam is a perfect combo as opposed to foam alone, which can be too hard, or feather alone which can be too soft.

Look for certification that assures filling is safeguarded against combustion. Check out Canada’s consumer product safety website (for furniture, décor and garden) at www.hc-sc.gc.ca

Inspect stitching and appraise pattern matching. Well-made pieces should never display sloppy tailoring.

If a junk store chesterfield meets safety legislation, it can be revamped.  As we found the sofa featured today, it was attired in grubby velvet, but, in the hands of a pro’ upholsterer – with new padding and 15 yards of rose toned linen – it was lovingly reborn.

The bottom line, if you’ll excuse the pun, is this:, a balanced combo of style, size, construction and comfort will ensure you never experience the bum’s rush…

Watch for Colin and Justin on Citytv’s Breakfast Television. Find the Colin
and Justin Collection in stores across Canada. Visit www.colinandjustin.tv.

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