Above Diana Chester sofa by Baxter (price unavailable), and Ellipse end table, $1,930, both from Pure Interior; Tvar Blanc table lamp with dimmer, $360, from Marxx; teapot, $46.90, and tea cup, $17.90, both from Takashimaya D.S.

Your sofa might just be the most visible piece of furniture in your living room, and hence plays a big part in setting the tone of the surrounding spaces. As such, choosing one is one of the most significant decor decisions you'll make. 

We ask Christina Ong, senior manager of furniture buying at Courts about the factors that influence the price of your sofa.

The material
Real leather is more expensive than synthetic leather or fabric. Half-leather options are more economical. This is where the unseen surfaces of the sofa, such as the back facing the wall, are done in synthetic leather. At Courts, the price difference between a half-leather and full-leather sofa can range from $500 to $1,000.

The inner construction
The most basic and economical construction is rubber webbing. Customers can choose to add pocketed springs, a layer of polyurethane foam or even feathers. All these add to the cost of the sofa. Various polyurethane foam densities also play a part in the pricing.

The styling, details and design
Details like buttons and piping on your upholstery will add to the final price of the sofa. Removable covers, which are washable and more hygienic, also mean the sofa must be upholstered with an inner body. But not all designs can have removeable covers.