The style of sofa you choose can be determined by the intended use. Do you need the sofa to provide a place to sleep for more than one person? A sectional sofa can provide excellent seating, but if you will need the sofa to provide a sleeping area, you may want to consider a sleeper sofa.

Which Sofa Back is Right for You?

Once you have decided what type of sofa you need, you will need to concentrate on what type of back should be on your sofa. There are generally four types of backs to choose from: tight back, attached pillow back, loose pillow back, and loose multi pillow backs.

A tight back sofa is a sofa with no pillows. It usually sits upright and the fabric chosen is generally easier to clean because there is no way to remove the fabric to clean it.

An attached pillow back refers to a sofa that actually has the pillows sewn to the back of the sofa. This particular type of sofa is easy to maintain, in that, there are no pillows to put back; however, it can be more difficult to clean. The pillows cannot be turned if they get stained so it is important to choose a fabric that is easy to clean and one that wears well.

A loose pillow back sofa is one that has the same number of pillows as cushions. The pillows are not attached to the sofa back and the loose pillows allow them to be turned to extend the life of the pillow. The couch tends to be quite comfortable.

The last type of sofa back is the loose multi pillow back sofa. This sofa can be difficult to maintain because the pillows tend to get everywhere and need constant arranging. The pillows can be turned at will to prevent excessive wear.

What Types of Fabric are Best?

Now that you have determined the style of your new sofa, you will need to determine what type of fabric you desire. Some of the fabrics available include: microfiber, leather, and cloth.

Microfiber is an excellent fabric for a sofa especially if you have pets or small children. Microfiber, also called micro suede or ultra suede, is actually a micro denier weave of 100% polyester. It is extremely durable and can usually be cleaned with water. It is also comfortable even in the warmest of climates.

Leather is a good choice if you are in a moderate climate. The humidity and cold adversely affect the comfort level of the leather so it is advisable to use leather in a moderate climate unless adequate climate control is in effect. Leather can also be costly to repair should a rip occur.

Cloth fabric is available in a wider array of colors and patterns than the other two fabric choices, but it tends to be more difficult to clean than microfiber. It is usually easier to repair than leather so it makes a great fabric choice.

Price is an important consideration when you are deciding to purchase a sofa. However, the overall price is not as important as the amount of quality you get for the money. It is imperative to purchase a sofa that has "good bones" as the fabric can always be changed should the color palate of your room change. A sofa with "good bones" will last you for a long time. You will ultimately spend less money for this type of furniture because you will need to purchase fewer sofas.

Purchasing a sofa is a good home investment. Remember, quality is imperative for long lasting satisfaction.