Choosing a sofa is a more important decision than it may seem.
It’s not simply about finding a model that complements your living room décor. A sofa is one of the pieces of furniture we use most at home, so it needs to suit the space available, the number of people who will use it, the way you like to relax and your everyday needs.
Today, there are also far more options than the traditional two- or three-seater sofa. Modular sofas, chaise longues, reclining
- What size sofa do I need?
- Is a chaise longue or a corner sofa better?
- What is the difference between a fixed sofa, a sliding-seat sofa and a reclining sofa?
- How do I choose a sofa for a small living room?
- Which fabric is best if I have children or pets?
- Is it worth buying a modular sofa?
In this guide, we’ll answer these and other questions to help you choose a sofa that truly fits your home and your lifestyle.
The first step when choosing a sofa is to understand the space you have available..
It’s not enough to measure the wall where you plan to place it. You should also consider the sofa’s depth, walkways, the position of other furniture and how people move around the room.
Before choosing a model, measure:
- Maximum width and depth: These determine how much space the sofa will occupy and how much room will remain around it.
- Walkways and doorways: Essential for ensuring comfortable movement around the room.
- Distance from the coffee table: Helps prevent the living room from feeling too crowded.
This is something we often overlook. Before buying a sofa, check the dimensions of your doors, hallways, staircases and lift. This is especially important for large configurations or modular sofas.
| Measurement | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Width | Determines how much space the sofa will occupy |
| Depth | Affects the available space and comfort |
| Height | Affects the sofa’s proportions in relation to the rest of the living room |
| Chaise longue depth | Determines the space needed for reclining and relaxing |
| Dimensions of each module | Essential for modular sofa configurations |
| Doors and access points | Help determine whether the sofa can be brought into the home |
A useful trick is to mark out the space the sofa would occupy on the floor using masking tape. This will give you a much better idea of its proportions and help you check whether it fits properly into your living room layout, especially if you’re considering a sliding-seat sofa that needs additional space when the seats are extended.
A person who lives alone doesn’t need the same sofa as a family of four, nor does someone who uses it occasionally have the same needs as someone who spends hours watching TV.
Before making your choice, consider the following:
- How many people will regularly use the sofa?
- Do you prefer sitting upright or stretching out?
- Do you often have guests?
- Do you have children or pets at home?
- Are you looking for additional features such as storage or different reclining positions?
The right sofa size depends not only on the size of the room, but also on finding the right balance: not a sofa that overwhelms a small space, nor one that looks too small in a large living room.
Two- or Three-Seater Sofa
Versatile and compact solutions, ideal for apartments or medium-sized living rooms, offering everyday comfort without overwhelming the space.
Chaise Longue or Corner Sofa
Perfect for creating a dedicated relaxation area, stretching out your legs or making the most of corners and seating space for the whole family.
Modular Sofa
Made up of independent pieces that can be combined to create a customised configuration. Its main advantage is maximum flexibility, allowing you to adapt the composition precisely to the needs of your living room.
The specific options available depend on each model. For this reason, always check the available configurations and corresponding dimensions.
This is one of the decisions that has the greatest impact on your overall experience with the sofa.
Fixed Sofa
This is the traditional option.
The modules remain in a fixed position, making it an interesting choice for those looking for a simple solution focused on design and comfort.
Sliding-Seat Sofa
The seat can slide forward to increase the available seating depth.
This allows you to use a more compact position when sitting and extend the seat when you want to relax.
Reclining Sofa
The mechanism allows you to adjust the position of the seat, backrest and/or footrest, depending on the system used.
It can be particularly interesting for those looking for different reclining and relaxation positions.
Your choice will depend on how you plan to use the sofa. You don’t need the most advanced mechanism, but rather the one that best suits the way you like to relax. Sliding-seat, reclining or combined systems: choose the features you’ll genuinely enjoy in your everyday life.
Two sofas can look almost identical on the outside and offer completely different levels of comfort. Comfort depends on the combination of the exterior design and the sofa’s internal structure:
- Seating comfort (firm or soft): A softer filling provides a more enveloping feel, while a firmer seat offers greater support and resistance to continued use.
- Frame and suspension: A robust frame, made from solid wood or metal, combined with a good seating suspension system, contributes to the sofa’s durability and stability over time..
- Ergonomic support: Pay attention to the backrest height, adjustable headrests and armrest design to help support a comfortable posture for your back and neck.
If space is limited in your living room, some sofa and chaise longue models feature hidden lift-up storage compartments built into their modules or armrests. They are an excellent solution for keeping blankets, cushions and other accessories neatly stored and out of sight.
Some models include storage solutions in certain modules or armrests. They can be useful for storing blankets, cushions or other items.
Two sofas can look similar on the outside yet offer a very different feel.
The frame, suspension and filling have a direct impact on how the sofa performs.
| Element | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Frame | Strength and stability |
| Suspension | Seat support |
| Filling | Firmness and comfort |
| Backrest | Support |
| Armrests | Comfort |
| Upholstery | Feel, appearance and maintenance |
That’s why, when comparing sofas, you shouldn’t focus solely on the photograph. Ask how the sofa is made and learn more about the experience and process behind each sofa at Acomodel.
- For small living rooms:Prioritise clean, well-proportioned configurations. Compact two- or three-seater sofas, models with high legs (which create a lighter visual appearance) and sliding-seat sofas can help make the most of every inch without compromising on comfort.If you’d like to explore more options and tips for making the most of your available space, see our guide Which Sofa Should You Choose for a Small Living Room?
- For large living rooms:The aim is to give the room a strong sense of presence. This is where large L-shaped configurations, spacious corner sofas, or a large main sofa combined with complementary designer armchairs or occasional chairs can really stand out.
Before making your purchase, avoid these common mistakes:
01 — Not measuring the living room
Check the available space and walkways before choosing a sofa.
02 — Not measuring the doorways
Make sure the sofa can be brought into your home without any problems.
03 — Choosing based on the photograph alone
Proportions, colours and materials may look different in an image.
04 — Not checking the depth
Seat depth has a direct impact on comfort.
05 — Not considering the number of people
The sofa should meet the actual needs of the people who will use it.
06 — Ignoring the type of upholstery
Choose an upholstery fabric that suits how you use your sofa, the level of maintenance you’re comfortable with and the style of your home.
07 — Not checking the available configurations
If you’re looking for a modular sofa, check the different configurations and options available.
08 — Comparing sofas based on price alone
Price is important, but so are quality, materials and durability.
09 — Choosing features you don’t need
Only choose the features you’ll actually use.
10 — Not considering everyday use
The best choice is the one that fits the way you live and use your sofa every day.
What Sofa Do I Need?
Before choosing your sofa, consider your needs in terms of space, configuration, comfort, upholstery and functionality. Complete the checklist and use the results as a guide when comparing different models.
Space
Configuration
Comfort
Upholstery
Functionality
Summary of Your Preferences
Your answers are automatically saved on this device.
There is no single perfect sofa model for everyone. The ideal sofa is the one that strikes the right balance between the dimensions of your living room, the level of comfort you are looking for and the practical features you need in your everyday life.
When a sofa offers multiple configuration and customisation options, it allows you to take the final step: adapting the sofa to your home, rather than adapting your home to the sofa.
Discover the different sofa solutions from Acomodel and find the configuration that best suits your space and the way you live.
How do I know what sofa size I need for my living room?
Measure the available width of the wall where the sofa will be placed, always leaving enough clearance for walkways on either side. It is also important to check the maximum depth so that the sofa does not overwhelm the room, and to measure doors, hallways and the lift to make sure the sofa can be brought into your home without problems.
What is the difference between a sliding-seat sofa and a reclining sofa?
A sliding-seat sofa allows you to manually move the seat forwards to increase the available depth and stretch out your legs. A reclining sofa, on the other hand, uses a manual or motorised mechanism to raise the footrest and recline the backrest, providing more advanced reclining positions.
Is a one-piece sofa or a modular sofa better?
It depends on the dimensions of your living room and your need for flexibility. Modular sofas are made up of independent pieces that can be combined and adapted to the available space, making them more versatile than fixed or one-piece sofas.
What type of upholstery is recommended if I have children or pets?
It is generally advisable to choose durable synthetic fabrics with stain-resistant treatments, such as easy-clean fabrics that can be cleaned with water. These materials can make everyday maintenance easier when the sofa is subject to frequent use.
How can I choose a sofa for a small living room?
In smaller spaces, proportion is key. Compact two- or three-seater sofas, models with high legs that create a lighter visual appearance, and sliding-seat sofas can help make better use of the available space without blocking walkways or making the room feel overcrowded.
How do I know whether to choose a firm or soft sofa seat?
The choice depends on your personal comfort preferences and how you intend to use the sofa. A softer seat provides a more enveloping and cushioned feel, which can be suitable for relaxing or watching television. A firmer seat provides a more supportive feel and may make it easier for some people to get up.
