Tips for buying a new sofa

1. Determine your style

Before you start searching for a new sofa, it's essential to determine your style. What kind of style do you want to create? Do you like boho, modern, industrial, traditional, Scandinavian, or a mix of two styles? If you don't have a clear style preference, it's best to choose a timeless model. After all, your sofa will last for many years. It would be a shame if you got tired of it after just two years. Make a conscious choice.

Gather your preferences in an (online) mood board. This is a good starting point to discover your style. A mood board helps you visualize your preferences and shows what you are looking for in a new sofa.

2. Choose your comfort

The seating comfort of a sofa is crucial and depends on how you use the sofa. Consider the activities you perform on the sofa: reading, watching TV, entertaining guests, or even taking naps.

Seating position

Do you want to sit actively with firm cushions, or do you prefer to relax with soft seat cushions that you can sink into? Choose the desired seat height, seat depth, and backrest height based on your seating position. A wide sofa with broad armrests offers more space to lie down comfortably than a narrow sofa with narrow armrests. And have you thought about a chaise longue?

Support

Do you need support for your legs, a headrest, or a specific seat depth? Do you prefer a firm sofa or one you can completely sink into? The filling of the cushions and the materials of the frame determine how firm a sofa feels. What do you find more comfortable?

Functionality

Consider sofas with storage options if you want to store items, or look at sofa beds if you often have guests staying over.

Need help? Check out our sofa planners.

3. Determine the layout

Decide how much space the sofa has (and can take up) and how many people you want to accommodate on it. The shape of the sofa also determines your space. For example, in a rectangular room, a longer sofa might fit better, while in a square room, a more symmetrical arrangement or a corner sofa might be ideal.

Number of seats

Determine how many seats you need. Should the sofa accommodate the whole family, or is space for just you enough? Do you want to relax with your family or often have friends over to watch a football match?

Dimensions

Measure the available space in your living room accurately. Consider the length, width, and height of the room. Don't forget to measure the width of the doors and staircases to ensure your new sofa fits through.

Shape and model

The available space and your functional needs determine the shape and model of the sofa. Choose from options like 2-seaters, 3-seaters, corner sofas, modular sofas, or sofas with a chaise longue. The arrangement of the sofa should match its intended use, such as watching TV with your partner or gaming with friends.

Placement of the sofa

Place the sofa so that you use the space efficiently and don't block walkways. Consider different arrangements, such as in front of the window, in the middle of the room, or against the wall. A sofa doesn't always have to have its back against the wall.

4. Choose your colour

Colour and pattern

Use a mood board as a starting point to choose the right colour, texture, and pattern for the fabric. These aspects play a significant role in how the sofa fits into your interior. Will you go for a bold colour or prefer to keep the colour of your sofa neutral?

Material choice

The material of the sofa is also important, especially if you have children or pets. Will you choose a leather sofa or a fabric sofa? Consider materials that are durable and easy to maintain, such as leather, fabric, or polyester.

Design and details

Think about the details such as the model, legs, seams, and finish. For example, choose a sofa with legs for an airier feel and easier cleaning, or a sofa that extends to the ground for a more robust look.

Sofa covers

Tired of the current colour or print of your sofa? With our handy IKEA+ sofa covers, you can give your sofa a new look in no time. Specially tailored sofa covers in a size and colour of your choice. Removable covers are ideal if you have children. They are washable and thus extend the life of your sofa. New upholstery is also much more affordable than buying a completely new sofa.

5. Finish it off with accessories

When purchasing a new sofa, matching accessories are a must. At IKEA, we have plenty of cushions, throws and blankets, accessories, lighting, or rugs to style your space completely.

Cushions

Add more atmosphere and comfort to your sofa with cushions. What do you want to convey? Will you go for bold with fun patterns and bright colours, or choose neutral with teddy cushion covers and natural materials?

Throws and blankets

There's nothing better than snuggling under a blanket on the sofa. Drape a soft throw over the armrest of your sofa for a nice look and snuggle up under a blanket in the evening while watching your favourite series.

Lighting

Lighting largely determines the atmosphere in the room, especially in the evening. Fill your room with ambient light using table lamps, floor lamps, and decorative lighting.

Home accessories

With new scented candles, candle holders, vases, mirrors, picture frames, cushions, or a houseplant, you can give your living room a completely different look.

Rugs

A rug can help bring furniture together and create a cohesive whole. Define your seating area with a high-pile rug, low-pile rug, large rug, or handmade rug.