69% of American homeowners are “embarrassed” to have people come over to their home due to their aesthetic choices, highlights a survey commissioned by Slickdeals. The survey further reveals that half have even been judged by someone else over how their living space is decorated. For busy families who are in the market for new living room furniture, however, it can be difficult to figure out what pieces will work best. When the goal is to find furniture that is built to last and comfortable, several key elements — such as longevity — are crucial to keep in mind.
Longevity is a must
Durability is a must-have element of furniture that will stand the test of time — especially if you have young children, pets, or frequently host company. As such, the materials that a piece of furniture is made of can have a significant impact on how long it lasts. The Spruce highlights the fact that some fabrics — such as silk, should be reserved for furniture pieces in areas of the home that are used infrequently as it can easily become stained or snagged.
It’s important to remember that there are a number of family-friendly alternatives to consider when the goal is to find the perfect furniture material. In regard to seating, for example, it’s important to opt for materials that are built to last. The Spruce notes that microfibers are particularly great for heavy usage areas (like the living room), are attractive and easy to clean, while leather presents as another ideal material for longevity. One Real Simple article touches upon several options made with durable materials as well — for example, one sofa highlighted is the Burrow Black Nomad Sofa, an option that features olefin upholstery. Olefin upholstery is defined as “a synthetic performance fabric that’s woven so tightly that it’s both scratchproof and stainproof.” Generally speaking, synthetic fabrics are often the way to go when in search of furniture that will last.
Aside from the fabric itself, there are other factors that can determine how long your living room furniture will stick around. Timeless options in regard to color and style, for instance, can reign supreme when the goal is to choose furniture that is built to last, as you won’t need to worry about the design going out of style. Neutral or basic colors are often a great way to go, as these pieces will be able to evolve with your interior design as you change things over time. In many cases, darker colors and patterned furniture are a great way to go about this, as these choices can often disguise pet hair and the occasional spill easier than a snow white piece of furniture would.
The value of an in-person purchase
Even if you have a vague idea as to what your dream piece of furniture looks like, it can still be a challenge to find pieces that are just right. One great way to get a better idea as to how new furniture will look and feel is to head to the store and actually try it out yourself. “If you prefer to lie down on your sofa, make sure that it’s long enough for you to stretch out,” says Sarah Humphreys, a Senior Buyer at DFS. “Taller people may also like to consider a sofa with a higher back to offer extra support,” she adds.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that your lifestyle will factor into the most ideal furniture for your living room. For example, if you want a large sectional that will seat the whole family for movie night, it will be helpful to see potential sofas in store to get a look and feel for how large the sectional actually is (and whether or not it will realistically fit into your living room). On the other hand, if you don’t spend much time in the living room, you may prefer a simple two-seater couch. A lengthy visit to try out and search for furniture in the store can take some time, though it can be well worth the investment as you’ll likely have the furniture for years to come.
Custom solutions can save time
Families who may not have a day or two to dedicate to furniture hunting can find several tools that can help online. An order of fabric swatches, for instance, can cut down on time spent in the store as you’ll be able to determine what patterns and colors will work best with your living room’s interior design. Other tools, such as the creation of an online vision board, can further help plan out what your design goals are, and can serve as a baseline for your furniture preferences and needs.
When shopping for the perfect sofa online, families have the freedom to choose everything from style and size to color, and create a combination that works just right for their space. This approach is really beneficial because it makes it easier to narrow down options, and it also offers a helpful way to imagine how different choices might look in your home. But before you get started with any of this, it’s essential to measure your living room carefully because getting the right dimensions is key in order to make sure your new sofa fits well, especially when you can’t see it in person.
Busy families can face a multitude of challenges when in search of new living room furniture, particularly when the goal is to find pieces that perfectly balance comfort and practicality. To make the process easier, considerations such as longevity, first-hand insight, and custom solutions can all help determine which pieces are right for you and your family.
Photo by Ron Lach
