Keys to choosing the perfect and durable couch
The couch represents, without a doubt, one of the nerve centers of a home. Beyond its decorative importance in the ambience of the room, this furniture supports and attracts the presence and weight of all members of the family. More than a seat, it is also our home theater armchair, Reading corner, gathering area… We give you all the keys and solution to all your doubts. An infallible guide to renew and succeed.
1. Size does matter
We will begin to worry about the size, style and composition. The first thing is to measure the room where we put the couch and decide how much space we want to dedicate. As for the shape, in a small room, choose sofas in the form of "L" or chaise longue, is a more practical option than the typical 3 + 2… A trick? When you go to buy the couch take with you: the measures of the room, its distribution and, although it may seem obvious to say, how many people will use it daily.
2. Ergonomics Also
A good couch must be something soft in the lumbar area and we must avoid those where we feel that we slide down. The average of an ideal armrest is about 15 or 20 cm but, as in all, the common sense and use that we give is the first thing to consider. Another option? Adjustable armrests. If we are looking for comfort, the recommended seating depth is usually 65 to 75 centimeters, while the backrest height must be between 80 and 90.
3. Find yours with an extra
That has storage, with removable seats, chaise longue, bed… Analyze your needs. It values the quality of the materials over which it has a thousand uses.
with storage room. There are sofas with space under the seat of the chaise longue, ideal for storing blankets or cushions. and others with shelves on the sides of the arms, perfect for storing small objects such as books and controls.
With technology. The sofas with sliding seats synchronized with the backrest turn into deckchairs in less than a minute. There are also built-in speakers that can be connected to your mobile or TV.
The poufs or the nest tables. They're good allies to play with space. They are light, they change places easily and we can give them several uses. They help, along with the rugs, to differentiate environments and even to open or close a space, as you need.
4. Firm so that it will not deform
Do we want a soft or hard couch? Normally the correct answer is: neither too hard nor too soft. The firmness and solidity of the furniture will depend to a large extent on the filling of the seats, backs and in some cases of the armrests. Make sure you choose a high-density, breathable material.
For the seats, the goose feather or duck for its comfort – although its price is high –. Other good options are viscoelastic, springs or polyurethane foam HR, which has great resistance and durability, and is also slightly deformed. The backrest must be a feather, high recovery silicone hollow fiber or HR foam. A filling must have at least a density of 30 kg in the seat and of 20 kg in the backrest.
5. Inside and out
If we want a sturdy couch, which is kept in good condition over the years, nothing better than to look at the rigidity of the structure. You can check if the armor of the piece you like is firm enough lifted the couch by one side. If it's very easy to lift you'd better choose another model. The most advisable are the frames with structure of solid wood without knots or steel or aluminium. By the way, if the legs are part of the structure of the sofa you will ensure that they last much longer and that it never limps even though you move it.
6. A good upholstery: the determining factor
Another factor that determines the resistance of the couch is that it is breathable. And for that, the upholstery is basic. Plus, the more breathable, the more comfort it will give.
• Cotton: A sturdy upholstery and is not easily deformed. Very elastic and fresh that makes it ideal to give a natural look to your couch and with it, to your living room. We find it in a thousand colors and prints, it is a upholstery very adaptable to all kinds of decoration.
• Chenille: Very soft when you have a mixture of fabrics that give you a velvety finish. With a mixture of synthetic and natural fibers it is more resistant and less wrinkled. It is changeable by its iridescent effect, which makes it modify its color according to the light it receives.
• Skin: It resists well the passage of time. And even worn has a decorative plus. Adaptable to all types of environments, from the most modern to the most classic. Easy to clean with a cloth dampened in water and with special cream every 4 or 6 months.
• with "Aqua Clean" treatment: A new material characterized by its resistance to stains. It allows to eliminate any stain only with water. With a variety of textures and colors, this upholstery adapts to any style.
• Safe Front: Protection against mites, fungi and bacteria. An ecological and simple method. Especially useful for households with pets due to the proliferation of dust mites and bacteria in these animals.
7. What colors to choose?
It's usually the most difficult thing to decide. The color you choose can match the rest of the décor in general lines or you can coordinate with certain key elements. It can also be the piece that stands out without having to match anything. The most combinable sofas are the neutral, pastel or earth-colored smooth. Facing the smooth are the stripes, which stylize the furniture, the pictures, which give a feeling of more volume, or those that are stamped, which are well in large spaces and with lots of light.
Velvet-like smooth chenilles are child and cat proof, fully recommended. Keep in mind that the color and textile you choose is going to be in all seasons of the year, what you can change more easily are the decorative cushions depending on the season or go to the world of sleeves, a way to change the look of your couch every season. Two-in-one, style and protection.
And finally, most important of all: try it before you buy it! Sit down and lie down on different sofas to see which one you find most comfortable in. In addition to being a very nice test, it's the only way to make sure you really hit the election.