Your sofa is the centerpiece of your living room — the place where you relax after work, binge your favorite shows, host friends, and make memories with family. Choosing the right one is a decision that affects your daily comfort for years to come. At Urban Styles Furniture, we've helped thousands of families find their perfect sofa, and we've learned what matters most.
Start With Your Space
Before you fall in love with a style, measure your room. This is the single most common mistake furniture buyers make — choosing a beautiful piece that's too big or too small for their space.
- Measure the room: Note the length and width of the area where the sofa will go, including any doorways it needs to pass through for delivery.
- Leave walking space: Allow at least 18 inches between the sofa and coffee table, and 36 inches for walkways.
- Consider the layout: Will the sofa face a TV, a fireplace, or a window? Think about how you'll use the room before deciding on size and orientation.
- Use painter's tape: Mark the sofa's footprint on the floor with tape to visualize the size before buying.
Choose Your Style
Your sofa should reflect your personal taste while complementing the room's existing décor. Here are the most popular styles we carry:
- Contemporary/Modern: Clean lines, low profiles, and minimal ornamentation. Perfect for urban apartments and modern homes.
- Mid-Century Modern: Tapered legs, organic curves, and retro-inspired designs that never go out of style.
- Transitional: A blend of traditional comfort and modern simplicity — the most versatile option for most homes.
- Sectional: L-shaped or U-shaped configurations ideal for large living rooms, family rooms, and open-concept spaces.
Material Matters
The upholstery material affects how your sofa looks, feels, and holds up over time. Consider your lifestyle when choosing:
- Fabric (polyester, linen, cotton blends): Soft, breathable, and available in endless colors and patterns. Great for most households.
- Performance fabric: Stain-resistant and easy to clean — ideal for families with kids or pets.
- Leather: Durable, ages beautifully, and easy to wipe clean. A premium choice that gets better with time.
- Velvet: Luxurious look and feel, but requires more care. Best for formal living rooms or adults-only spaces.
Test the Comfort
This is why visiting a showroom matters. Comfort is personal — what feels perfect to one person may feel too firm or too soft for another.
- Sit depth: If you're tall, look for deeper seats. If you're petite, a shallower seat keeps your feet on the floor comfortably.
- Cushion fill: Foam is firm and holds shape well. Down or feather fill is softer but needs regular fluffing. Many sofas use a blend of both.
- Back support: Test how the backrest supports your lower back. Tight backs look sleeker; loose cushion backs are more relaxed.
- Sit for at least 10 minutes: A quick sit doesn't tell you much. Settle in like you would at home.
Set a Realistic Budget
A quality sofa is an investment that should last 7–15 years. Here's a general guide:
- $500–$1,000: Starter sofas — decent quality for apartments, guest rooms, or temporary living situations.
- $1,000–$2,500: The sweet spot for most families. Good construction, comfortable cushions, and durable fabrics.
- $2,500+: Premium materials, superior craftsmanship, and designer styles built to last a decade or more.
Remember: Urban Styles Furniture offers flexible financing options so you can get the sofa you really want and pay over time.
Quality Checks Before You Buy
Not all sofas are created equal. Here's how to spot quality construction:
- Frame: Look for kiln-dried hardwood frames (oak, maple, birch). Avoid particle board or stapled joints.
- Springs: Sinuous springs or eight-way hand-tied springs provide the best long-term support.
- Cushions: High-density foam (1.8 lb/ft³ or higher) holds its shape longer. Ask about the foam density if it's not listed.
- Stitching: Even, tight stitching with no loose threads. Check seams, piping, and button attachments.
Get Expert Help
Choosing a sofa doesn't have to be stressful. At Urban Styles Furniture, our team provides honest, pressure-free guidance based on your space, style, and budget. Visit our Indianapolis showroom to see our full collection in person — sit, touch, and compare until you find the one that feels like home.