1. Choose the Furniture Style

The furniture style you choose should reflect your personal taste and complement the overall design of your living space. Some popular furniture styles include traditional, modern, transitional, and rustic. Each style has its own unique features, such as curved lines and ornate carvings for traditional, clean lines and minimal ornamentation for modern, and a mix of both for transitional. Rustic styles tend to feature natural materials such as wood, leather, and stone. Consider your personal style, the existing décor of your home, and your desired level of formality when choosing your furniture style.

2. Choose an Arm Style

The arm style you choose can significantly impact the overall look and feel of your sofa. Some popular arm styles include rolled, track, English, and Lawson. Rolled arms have a classic, elegant look with a curved shape. Track arms have a more modern, sleek look with straight lines. English arms have a more casual, comfortable look with a curved shape that is lower than a rolled arm. Lawson arms have a boxy shape and tend to be more relaxed in style.

3. Pick Your Seat/Back Configuration and Number of Cushions

The seat/back configuration and number of cushions you choose can affect both the comfort and style of your sofa. You can choose from a single cushion or multiple cushions, and options for the back include tight back, loose back, and semi-attached back. Tight-back sofas have a clean, tailored look, while loose-back sofas tend to be more casual and comfortable. Semi-attached back sofas have a combination of both styles.

4. Pick Your Seat Depth/Height

Seat depth and height can significantly impact the comfort of your sofa. Consider the size of the people who will use the sofa and their preferred level of support. Standard seat depths range from 21-24 inches, while seat heights can vary from 18-21 inches.

5. Pick Your Fabric

The fabric you choose can significantly impact the look, feel, and durability of your sofa. Consider factors such as color, pattern, texture, and durability when selecting your fabric. Popular fabric options include leather, cotton, linen, and velvet. Each fabric has its own unique characteristics, such as the durability of leather, the softness of cotton, the texture of linen, and the luxury of velvet.

6. Select Your Comfort Level

The comfort level of your sofa is determined by factors such as cushion firmness, seat depth, and back support. Consider the level of comfort you desire and communicate this to your sales associate. They can help guide you through options such as foam or down cushions and a wide range of seat and back support options.

7. Pick Your Legs, Base, or Skirt

The legs, base, or skirt you choose can impact the overall look and feel of your sofa. Consider the style of your furniture and the desired level of formality when selecting legs or a base. Options include wood or metal legs, a wooden or metal base, or a tailored skirt.

8. Finishing Details for the Wood Finish

If you choose a wood base or legs, you'll need to consider the wood finish. Popular wood finishes include natural wood tones, white or black lacquer, and painted finishes. Each finish has its own unique characteristics, such as the warmth of natural wood and the modern feel of lacquer.