How to Choose a Sofa?

The sofa is a centrepiece in most living rooms—it’s often the first thing family and friends notice when they enter, and it’s where you’ll spend a good deal of your time. However, Before committing to a sofa, consider whether it’s truly necessary. If you’re living alone and don’t plan on entertaining often, a selection of chairs or a pair of armchairs might be a smarter option, freeing up valuable floor space for other furniture or activities.

A sofa, on the other hand, is ideal for families or anyone looking for a comfortable lounging spot. Given the limited space in most HDB flats and condos, it’s essential to measure and plan your layout carefully. For example, if you’re placing a sofa along a wall that’s 2 metres wide, look for one that’s slightly shorter — around 1.85 metres — especially if you won’t be adding a side table.

Leather vs Fabric Sofa Upholstery

When selecting the right upholstery for your sofa, consider durability, ease of maintenance, and the aesthetic you want for your space. Here’s a breakdown of popular options:

Cotton & Linen

Tightly woven cotton and linen are strong, breathable fabrics that can withstand daily wear and are easily treated with a stain protector for added resilience. Cotton is soft and comfortable, while linen offers a slightly textured feel. Both are natural fabrics, ideal for homes with a relaxed, airy aesthetic, but they may be more prone to wrinkling over time.

Microfiber

This synthetic fabric has a smooth, velvety texture, providing warmth and comfort. It’s highly resistant to stains and easy to clean, making it an excellent choice for homes with pets or children. Microfiber’s tightly woven fibres resist scratches, making it especially pet-friendly, and it’s available in a range of colours to match any style.

Leather

Known for its durability and timeless appeal, leather offers a luxurious, sophisticated look that suits both modern and traditional interiors. Leather sofas age beautifully, developing a natural patina that adds to their character. They’re easy to clean — usually requiring just a wipe-down — and resistant to stains and odours, though they can be prone to scratches. Leather also regulates temperature well, staying cool in warmer months and adjusting to body warmth in colder weather.

Sofa Colour

When selecting the colour for your sofa, try using the 60/30/10 rule to create a balanced palette in your living room. Start by choosing a dominant colour — usually for your walls, making up about 60% of the room’s overall colour.

Next, pick a secondary colour for large furniture pieces like your sofa, ideally one that complements the dominant shade to create visual harmony. This secondary colour should cover around 30% of the room’s colour scheme, drawing attention without overwhelming the space.

Finally, use accent colours for the remaining 10% — think throw pillows, rugs, or decorative items—to add contrast and personality, enhancing the overall feel of the room.

Still at a loss? The best way is to visit a furniture showroom, where they have several room layouts for you to get inspired. For a start, you can visit the Ashley Furniture Homestore at any of its four locations nationwide to view the wide range of apartment-friendly sofas available.

Should I get a recliner sofa?

When choosing between a motion and a stationary sofa, it’s essential to understand their differences. A motion sofa — often known as a reclining sofa — allows you to adjust your seating position to any angle for optimal relaxation, whether manually or via a power reclining mechanism.

Recliner sofas are designed with comfort in mind, often featuring plush padding, supportive cushions, and optional adjustable headrests or lumbar support. For homes with limited space, a “zero-wall” reclining feature is ideal, as it doesn’t require additional clearance behind the sofa. Some models even offer a “zero gravity” position, designed to improve circulation while you rest.

On the other hand, a stationary sofa offers a fixed structure without reclining features, which often gives it a more streamlined and visually appealing look. While it may not provide the same level of comfort as a reclining sofa, a regular sofa is generally better suited to formal spaces or for those who prioritize aesthetics over adjustability.

Both recliner and stationary sofas come in a wide range of styles, from sleek, modern designs to timeless classics, ensuring there’s a perfect match for every decor and room layout.