Joybuy Insights

Buying a sofa: a guide to finding the right size, features and material

A sofa can shape how you use your living room for years to come. So when buying a sofa, looks aren’t the only thing that matters. Unclear measurements, misleading descriptions of features or delicate upholstery can all lead to a disappointing purchase. Whether you’re choosing a corner sofa, a large corner suite or a sofa bed, its features should suit the size of your room and your day-to-day life.

Common pitfalls when buying a sofa

1. Measurements are only considered in the showroom or online

A 250 cm-wide sofa can look much larger in your room if it’s also 160 cm deep. With an L-shaped sofa, a chaise longue or a sofa with an ottoman, you’ll also need to check which way it faces. Make sure you consider:

  • available wall length and room depth,
  • distance from doors, radiators and windows,
  • space to move around in front of the sofa,
  • the route through the hallway, stairwell and front door,
  • the dimensions when unfolded, for a sofa bed or folding sofa.

Marking out the area on the floor with masking tape can help you get a realistic idea of how much space the sofa will take up.

2. ‘Multifunctional’ doesn’t automatically mean practical for everyday use

A folding sofa can be used for sitting, lounging or as a guest bed. But how easy it is to convert and whether the sleeping area is big enough for its intended use are just as important. Check the listed seat and sleeping area dimensions, adjustable backrest, frame material and maximum load capacity.

A space-saving sofa for a guest room may only need a compact sleeping area. If it will be used regularly for overnight stays, a sturdy construction and even cushioning are more important than an especially compact folded size.

3. Fabric names are mistaken for easy-care claims

A chenille sofa or corduroy sofa can have a textured, cosy finish. But that doesn’t automatically mean the upholstery is resistant to stains, pet hair or heavy use. Check the specific material details and care instructions, and see whether the covers can be removed.

Polyester covers should be cleaned according to the product information. Harsh cleaning products, bleach or vigorous rubbing can damage the surface. Colours may also look different depending on your screen and the lighting.

Technical details to check before you buy

Size, seating comfort and load capacity

Don’t just compare the overall width: check the seat height, seat depth and usable seat width too. A deep seat is ideal for leaning back and relaxing, but may be less comfortable for shorter people. If several people will use the sofa, the maximum load capacity is an important factor.

A U-shaped sofa with two chaise longues, for example, needs more depth than a traditional three-seater. With a U-shaped sofa, you should also leave enough space around other furniture so that the seats and walkways remain accessible.

Upholstery and frame

Product details such as foam, high-density foam, pocket springs or a combination of different upholstery materials describe the construction, but don’t automatically guarantee a particular level of comfort. How comfortable a sofa feels depends on factors including firmness, seat height and your height.

Check the frame details too, such as whether it’s made from wood, metal or a combination of materials. For a sofa that will see regular use, it’s also worth checking the finish on the feet, the stability of the fixings and the care requirements for the upholstery.

Assembly, delivery and settling

A ‘sofa with no assembly required’ may be easier to set up, but it doesn’t necessarily mean the furniture will immediately reach its final shape. According to the product details, some models delivered compressed need 24 to 72 hours for the upholstery to fully expand.

If you’re buying a larger modular sofa, check whether it will arrive in several parcels and how much space you’ll need to unpack it. A model that requires assembly may offer a more secure connection between the sections. Read the assembly instructions and check whether you’ll need two people to handle a heavy sofa.

Our picks for different types of buyer

Ideal for: Budget-conscious first-time buyers
Cord Foldable Sofa Bed, 2-in-1 Floor Sofa

Cord Foldable Sofa Bed, 2-in-1 Floor Sofa with reclining function

Why this product suits this buyer: This compact model is ideal for small flats, bedrooms or a guest room used occasionally. It can be used as a seat, a lounger or a bed.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product details give folded dimensions of approximately 82 × 53 × 72 cm, a sleeping area of approximately 160 × 82 cm and confirm that no assembly is required.

Main benefits & features

Folding design, adjustable backrest and polyester corduroy upholstery.

Ideal for: Buyers looking for quality
U-shaped four-seater sofa

U-shaped four-seater sofa with chenille upholstery

Why this product suits this buyer: This spacious sofa set is designed for families and larger living rooms where several people want to sit or stretch out at the same time.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Its dimensions are clearly listed as 262 × 134 × 86 cm, making it easier to plan how much space you’ll need before buying.

Main benefits & features

Two chaise longues, double-layer seat cushions and chenille upholstery made from 100% polyester.

Ideal for: Specific needs & frequent use
GTIMEX Lexzurn corner sofa with chenille texture

GTIMEX Lexzurn Series corner sofa bed

Why this product suits this buyer: This model combines a spacious corner design with a listed sleeping area, making it a practical option for families, guests or everyday use in the living room.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The listed dimensions are 258.5 × 160 × 63.5 cm, with a sleeping area of 183.5 × 258.5 cm and a two-year guarantee.

Main benefits & features

Pocket springs in the seat cushions, chenille texture and an optional ottoman, according to the product description.

Ideal for: Flexible room layouts
Three-seater sofa with chaise longue

Three-seater sofa with chaise longue and chenille upholstery

Why this product suits this buyer: This modular set can be arranged as a corner sofa or separated for use in different rooms, making it adaptable to changing living arrangements.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product is delivered without assembly. According to the description, it may take up to 72 hours to fully expand after unpacking.

Main benefits & features

Two-piece modular design, three cushions and a stated load capacity of 300 kg.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and fully comply with the safety regulations in force in the EU.

FAQs about buying a sofa

How do I measure the space for a sofa?

Measure the width, depth and height of the area where you plan to put it. Remember to account for doors, radiators, windows and the route for getting the sofa into your home. If you’re buying a sofa bed or folding sofa, make sure there’s enough clear space for it when unfolded.

How long does a sofa usually last?

There’s no reliable one-size-fits-all answer. A sofa’s lifespan depends on how often it’s used, the load it bears, its upholstery and frame, how it’s cared for and the conditions in your home. Check the material details, maximum load capacity and guarantee terms. Regularly vacuuming with a suitable attachment and following the care instructions can help protect the upholstery.

How much does a good sofa cost?

The price depends on factors such as size, upholstery construction, cover material, frame, features and assembly. So compare more than just the purchase price: factor in delivery costs, assembly and any potential extras. To make a well-informed choice, give more weight to the technical details and how you’ll actually use the sofa than to marketing claims.