
Sofas, including sofa sets, sectional sofas and sleeper sofas are the largest pieces of furniture in living rooms. Decorating is inspired by the sofa; friends and family use and abuse the sofa; but with all of the sofas, sofa sets, sectionals and sleeper sofas available, basing your choice solely on looks will only get you so far. Let us help you know how to buy a sofa you'll love without the usual confusion surrounding sofa shopping.
While online shopping for your new sofa, there are several things to keep in mind:
Depending on your needs, there are numerous types and sizes of sofas.

You can purchase your sofa singly or in a sofa set. Sofa sets usually come with a sofa and loveseat (and sometimes a matching chair).
Sofa materials include many parts of the sofa, not just the upholstery. The frame is just as important as the fabric.

Sofa and futon frames
The frame of the sofa you select should be able to support and withstand quite a bit of weight and use, especially with kids in the house. Frames are usually made of kiln-dried hardwood or metal. Oak and maple frames offer durable stability. Pine and spruce are softer woods and are sometimes used to save on the price. Rattan is sometimes used when a certain style is desired.
Metal is most often used in contemporary sofas or those that have moving parts, such as a futon or a sofa sleeper. Metal resists wear and tear in a way that a wooden frame would not, extending the life of your sofa while still supplying excellent support. Try to avoid sofa frames made from plywood, particle board or plastic, since these materials tend to warp or crack.
Sofa springs
The sofa you select should be comfortable, and the construction element with the most influence on that comfort is the springs. The deck of the sofa houses the springs on which the cushions sit. Well-made sofas usually include 8-way, hand-tied coils. Other sofas may use pre-assembled coil units or sinuous wire that is stapled or nailed to the sofa's frame. Hand-tied coils will last longer and keep your sofa comfortable longer.
Sofa upholstery fabrics
Pay careful attention to the sofa fabric; it needs to be made to withstand serious wear and tear from kids, pets and everyday use. Otherwise it will age rapidly. When selecting your sofa fabric, take into consideration a few things:

Tightly woven fabrics and blends tend to last longer than other fabrics, like velvet, which can wear out over time. Loosely woven fabrics have larger holes, which can catch on things, such as a watch, belt buckle or clothing ornamentation. If you have a busy lifestyle that includes kids, microfiber is durable and easy to clean.
Leather is also durable and easy to clean (brushed leather will spot when wet). Leather is also more expensive. Leather-match, which is a leather and vinyl combination, has made leather sofas much more affordable.
The sofa style you need depends on your individual taste. The main elements of a sofa's design include the back style, the skirt, the feet, the arms and the cushions.

How can I tell if the sofa will last?
That is an important thing to consider, especially if you have children and don't want to replace your sofa every two years. There are a few things to look for in furniture that will last.
Over time your sofa may loose its cushioning, but don't despair. If you've chosen a quality frame, you can have your sofa reupholstered. Recycling your sofa by reupholstering it instead of throwing it away is a great way to go green and reduce environmental impact.
Is there a trick to finding the right sofa bed?
Just know that, because sofa beds are so functional, they don't always perform both functions as well as would a separate sofa and bed. Decide right away which function is most important to you. Is this sofa bed to function mostly as seating with occasional emergency sleeping? Or will it be a sleeper that needs to be moved out of the way when not in use and used as seating? If the bed is secondary, focus more on the comfort and function of the sofa for sitting.
Create intimate gathering spaces
Use an area rug to make a space more inviting to conversations. Setting your living room furniture around your area rug will bring the furniture closer together so guests and family won't need to shout to be heard. Area rugs come in many sizes and patterns and are sure to look fantastic with your other furniture.
Den of comfort
Sofas of all types work in many rooms throughout the home, but sometimes a room like a den isn't large enough. The size and style of a den suggests that some other furniture should be placed there, like recliners and ottomans. Your den is meant for comfort while reading or working, and although straight backed chairs are supportive, curling up with a good book is easier with a big soft reclining chair. Browse the furniture store for more ideas and furniture to make the most of your den and living room furniture.