Furniture Buying Guide: What to Know Before You Buy a Sofa

Posted by Tom Hughes on

Buying a new sofa is one of the most important investments you’ll make for your home. It’s the heart of your living space, a place to relax, entertain guests, or cosy up on rainy Welsh afternoons. But with so many options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why we’ve put together this sofa buying guide to help you make the right choice for your lifestyle, space, and budget.

Whether you live in a modern town flat, a traditional stone cottage of north Wales, or a family home in Deeside, here’s what you need to know before buying your next sofa.

1. Measure Your Space (Twice!)
Before you fall in love with a sofa, make sure it fits!

  • Measure your room, including doorways, stairwells, and hallways the sofa must pass through.
  • Use masking tape or newspaper to mark out the sofa’s footprint on your floor.
  • Think about scale: a large sectional might overwhelm a small cottage lounge, while a petite two-seater could feel lost in an open-plan space.

Pro Tip: Coast Road Furniture offer a free home measuring service to assess the access of any potential new furniture.

2. Choose a Frame That Lasts
A quality sofa starts with a strong foundation.

  • Look for frames made of hardwood (like oak or beech) for durability.
  • Avoid soft woods or particleboard for long-term use.
  • Ask about the frame's guarantee - many of our quality brands offer 10+ year warranties.

3. Pick the Right Fillings
Comfort comes down to the cushion filling:

  • Foam: Firm and supportive, keeps its shape longer. Good for a structured look.
  • Feather or fibre: Soft and cosy, but needs regular plumping.
  • Hybrid: A foam core with a feather wrap offers the best of both worlds with reduced plumping required.
  • Cold Cured Foam: Cold-cured foam offers superior durability because of its dense, structured composition. It resists sagging and flattening far better than conventional foam

Think about who will use the sofa. Families with kids may prefer easy-care foam, while feather-filled cushions are perfect for sinking into during a rainy evening, just as long as you're happy with the requirement of regular plumping.

4. Select the Right Fabric or Leather
Your choice of upholstery impacts comfort, style, and maintenance.

  • Fabric: Available in a wide range of colours and textures. Look for stain-resistant or washable options.
  • Leather: Durable and elegant. Ideal for allergy sufferers. It ages beautifully but may scratch easily in homes with pets. Make sure you go for quality genuine leather as cheaper leather is some of the least durable covering available.
  • Velvet or chenille: Luxurious but can wear faster in high-traffic homes.

Want a sofa that reflects the natural tones of the Welsh coast or countryside? Earthy greens, coastal blues, and neutral greys are timeless choices.

5. Think About Maintenance
Choose a sofa that fits your lifestyle:

  • Removable covers are a lifesaver for families and pet owners.
  • Consider fabric protection treatments to resist spills and stains. (see in store)
  • Check the care instructions before committing - some materials can require professional cleaning.

6. Try Before You Buy
If possible, visit one of our local showrooms to test out the comfort and build quality. Sit on it. Lie on it. Imagine spending an entire Sunday afternoon watching the rugby on it.

At our showrooms in Connah's Quay and Prestatyn, you can explore a range of sofas and get expert advice tailored to your needs.

7. Delivery & Access
Once you've found your perfect sofa, make sure it can get through the door!

  • Ask if the arms or legs can be removed for easier delivery.
  • We offer a white glove delivery and assembly service - unlike some stores we deliver and set up in your room of choice as part of our free local delivery service

Tip: For rural Welsh properties with tricky access, let us know in advance so we can help plan access beforehand.

8. Set a Realistic Budget
While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, a sofa is a long-term investment. Higher-quality sofas will last longer, feel better, and usually come with better guarantees.

Remember, delivery is FREE with Coast Road Furniture, with no hidden extras added to the cost.

Final Thoughts
A sofa is more than just a piece of furniture, it’s the centre of your home life. Taking the time to choose the right one means you’ll enjoy comfort, style, and function for years to come.

Still unsure? Visit our showrooms in Connah's Quay & Prestatyn, or get in touch with our friendly team for personalised help. We’re proud to serve homes across Wales with high-quality furniture and expert advice.

Need help choosing your perfect sofa?
📍 Visit us at Coast Road Furniture, Church Street, Connah's Quay - CH5 4AR
📞 Call us on 01244 830308
🌐 Browse online

 


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