Tips for buying a lounge suite

Choosing a lounge suite is a big decision, it’s hefty on your pocket and it will be part of your life for a long time.

You have to sit in a sofa to know whether it is comfortable or not, so be sure to consider all the people who will be using the lounge suite.

Buying a house or a car is not a spur of the moment decision and buying a lounge suite shouldn’t be one either.

Maryke Elofffrom  Gommagomma, says homeowners should do their homework before setting out to make a purchase. "Remember, that at the end of the day, you get what you pay for – so most often, the most affordable suite will most likely not tick off all your requirement boxes."

Price is influenced by the size, the choice and quality of the upholstery, the quality of the craftsmanship, whether it has been locally produced or imported and the durability of the piece. Eloff suggests that you start by listing your requirements – what you expect from your ideal lounge suite.

She offers practical tips to turn a potentially stressful shopping experience into a family adventure.

Aspire in style

Decide on what kind of style you want to go for in your lounge. A lounge suite is often the focal point of a lounge, and therefore plays a leading role in dictating the overall style of the space. It can send your décor in a fresh new direction. “If change is what you are after, let your new sofa be the starting block. Once you have selected your lounge suite, the rest of the décor will fall into place,” she says.

Sofa styles are best displayed in its design lines, cushions and arms. Eloff says that clean lines look more masculine and contemporary while rolled arms are more feminine and classical. "Overstuffed cushions give a casual and comfortable feel, while tailored ones are more formal.”

Consider your wallet

Ask yourself whether it will fit in with your lifestyle and consider colour, material, durability. If kids and animals call the shots in your home, then upholstery in darker colours is advisable.

If money is tight, opt for a timeless suite that blends in with different décor styles. This way you will increase its longevity, as it won’t look outdated in a few years. If you can splash out on something special, go for a dramatic look with bold patterns or a bright colour. Eloff suggests that you save a bit longer and get the sofa that you love.

Comfort is king

You have to sit in a sofa to know whether it is comfortable or not, so be sure to consider all the people who will be using the lounge suite. If there are older people living in your home, you will need a lounge suite that offers good back support or if you have a large family, you will need to consider buying a large lounge suite that will fit everybody. If you have small kids on the other hand, you will need to consider buying a lounge suite that offers easy maintenance, such as faux leather or suede.

Quality though craftsmanship

When looking for lounge suites it's important to inspect the suite’s frame. “Wooden frames are far better than plastic or metal frames for example," she says. She advises homeowners to ask the salesperson about the suite’s joinery – glue alone is not strong enough – the joints should also be connected with screws, dowels or wooden corner blocks.

Quality materials

A lounge suite is often the focal point of a lounge, and therefore plays a leading role in dictating the overall style of the space.

Consider the wood, upholstery and foam. High-density foam will last and keep its shape for longer. Leather, wool, linen and certain synthetics are all good quality, but not all low care. Leather and wool are durable, but pricey.Woven patterns also tend to be more durable than printed upholstery.

Live the lifestyle

Envision the furniture as part of your life. Ask yourself whether it will fit in with your lifestyle and consider colour, material, durability. If kids and animals call the shots in your home, then upholstery in darker colours is advisable. Consider what kind of upholstery you will choose – will it be washable upholstery, such as synthetics, natural fabric treated with a stain-resistant coat; or PVC leatherlook fabrics, which will look good for longer; or a delicate fabric such as silk.

Sleep on it

Visit the furniture store a few times and consider the pros, cons and practicalities of the furniture that interests you. Once you have narrowed your search down, wait another day before buying, since it is easy to be influenced by mood swings.