When moving into a new house, a sofa is one of the most important furniture. It is what people first lay eyes on when walking into your living room. It is an anchor to your living space in terms of location, functionality and style. Whether it is to watch the TV or have a quick nap, the sofa is crucial for years to come.

That said, there is a whole spectrum of sofa with different shapes, sizes, and functionality. With a plethora of choices, here are 6 ways to pick the right one for you, possible saving more time and money in the long run:

1. Measure The Space For The Sofa

Deciding where to place the sofa is important, especially so when you start bringing things like "feng shui" into the equation. You should decide on where and how big of sofa you buy based on the space of your living room. Many people take "eye-measurements" and estimate where their sofa will be placed and this might end up hurting more than helping. A suggestion would be using tape to make markings on the maximum size your sofa should be, just to check if there's enough space left to move around your living area. A general rule of thumb would be using 2+3 seaters for a larger living room and a 1+2 seater sofa for a smaller living space. Another thing to keep in mind is whether your sofa will be against the wall or used as a divider.

2. Measure Your Door Frame

This is a very important step that always gets overlooked by first time homeowners. It should be obvious that the sofa you buy must be able to get into your house. So, figure out where the sofa will be coming in from and find out the maximum width and height that opening can open up to. (For example, some people have sliding windows by their living room which can make it much easier) If you are staying at an apartment, besides measuring your door frame, remember to measure the size of the elevator door and the height and depth of the elevator.

3. Sofa Frame

Many people make their decisions based on a design they have in mind or really like. It's worth noting that the quality of a sofa doesn't solely come from the outlook, but also the frame and structure, which in turn greatly affects the comfort and lifespan. Cheaper sofas tend to use wood panels, plastic and metal frames, or use nails to fix the joints. On the other hand, better quality sofas use strong and durable hardwood with joints using mortise and tenon.

4. Sofa Height

The height of the sofa and its cushion also needs further consideration. The best way to find out if it suits you is by trying one out for yourself. Soft is not always good as it might hurt your posture after long periods of time, while a hard sofa keeps your back and waist tensed up. Those who have a habit of taking naps on the sofa have to go a step further to make sure the armrests are not too high up or too hard as this is usually where you rest your head. Another thing to check is the elasticity of the cushioning. This can be done by taking note of the time it takes for the sofa to return to its original shape after standing up. If it takes too long, it's time to move on.

5. Sofa Depth & Width

Here, we are talking about how wide the sofa is measuring front to back as this will greatly affect your comfort. Sit on the sofa with your back resting on the sofa's back and take a good look and feel of your feet. If you feet can't touch the ground, the sofa might be too wide. If your knees bend more than they should (around 90 degrees), the sofa might not be for you too. Both these situations can cause more tiredness when you're supposed to feel comfortable.

6. Sofa Material

Material, material, material. Such a small choice with such a huge effect. It affects the whole style and design of your living space and even your daily life. Your family members (yes, including your pets!), daily habits, and living conditions should all be taken into consideration when deciding the material for your sofa. For example, families with younger children should can consider fabric sofas due to its soft surface and breathability, as kids are usually more active and sweat does not go well with leather. However, it might be tougher to upkeep as you'll have to remove the whole cover for deeper cleaning.

Leather sofas come with a higher price tag but is much easier to clean and is still slightly breathable. Just a wipe and some polishing every now and then and it might look brand new! However, those with pets must keep an eye out as a quick scratch from your furry kids and you'll be left with a permanent mark. PU leather or artificial leather is another option but it just doesn't feel like proper leather. There might be more color options but as time passes, it starts to flake and lose its elasticity. Breathability is minimal too so it's not suitable if you sweat easily or your living area is not regularly air-conditioned.

Hopefully this has helped you move a step closer to getting your dream sofa. Remember to do more due diligence as you do not want to regret what is arguably the most important piece of furniture in your house!