Sink Into Success: The Ultimate Sofa Buying Guide
Your sofa isn’t just where you kick back with popcorn and a movie or scroll your phone during commercials—it’s the centerpiece of your living room. The anchor. The place everyone gravitates to when they walk in the door. So choosing the best sofa for your space isn’t just about what looks good. It’s about comfort, size, lifestyle and function and yes, style too. Whether you’re after a sprawling sectional or a sleek little two-seater, a recliner with all the bells and whistles or the best sofa sleeper for your guest room, there’s a lot to think through before you buy. Let’s break it down so you can find a sofa that works for your space and your life.
Why Your Sofa Matters
Sofas take center stage. They're the biggest visual element in most living rooms and the most-used piece of furniture. You lounge on it, nap on it, binge-watch shows on it, maybe even eat the occasional dinner on it. With that kind of usage, your sofa needs to look great, feel great and hold up over time. The right sofa brings the whole room together and sets the tone for how the space is used.
Sofa Styles: From Classic to Contemporary
Sofa style isn’t just about what’s trending. It's about what fits your home, your personality, and how you live. Here’s a quick look at some popular styles you’ll see on the showroom floor:
Chesterfield – Deep button tufting, rolled arms and a high back. This one’s all about timeless elegance and drama.
Track Arm – With clean, squared-off arms, this modern style works great in minimalist or mid-century inspired rooms.
Lawson – Plump cushions, low arms and serious comfort. A go-to for casual, laid-back living rooms.
Shelter – Arms and back are the same height, giving this style a structured, tailored look.
Bridgewater – Low rolled arms and a softly sloped back make it a versatile choice.
Material Matters: Leather vs. Fabric
There’s plenty of reasons why leather seating is so popular. Leather is durable, sleek and easy to clean. It stands up to pets and spills and can last a long time with proper care. Fabric, on the other hand, offers all kinds of colors, patterns and textures and generally feels cozier on your skin. Performance fabrics combine the best of both worlds with stain and fade resistance so you don’t have to choose between softness and durability.
Choosing Color and Pattern
Do you want a sofa that blends in or one that stands out? Neutrals like gray, beige and cream give you flexibility to change your pillows and accessories with the seasons. Bold hues like emerald or rust make the sofa the star of the show and patterned upholstery can add energy while disguising everyday wear and tear. Just remember to view swatches in your own lighting—showroom lights can be very different from the soft glow of your living room.
Reclining Sofas: Sit Back and Relax
If you love a good kick-back moment, a reclining sofa might be your dream come true. Manual recliners do the job without cords or remotes. Power recliners let you adjust with the push of a button, often with options to fine-tune the headrest, lumbar support, or footrest separately. Many come with extras:
Built-in electrical outlets and USB ports for charging your devices.
Power headrests for better neck support while watching TV.
Storage consoles for remotes, snacks, or whatever else tends to disappear into couch cushions.
Cup holders, because why not feel like you're in a movie theater at home?
Just make sure your space has enough clearance if you’re going with a reclining model—especially if you’re placing it near a wall.
Sleeper Sofas: Double Duty
Need your living room or home office to moonlight as a guest room? The best sofa sleeper is one that’s comfortable for both sitting and sleeping. Convertible sleepers have come a long way—no more bars in your back or thin cushions that feel like camping pads. Many options today feature memory foam or gel mattresses, and some even have built-in storage for bedding.
Pull-out sleepers with full or queen mattresses are a popular option, but they’re not the only choice. You can also select futons or convertibles that lie flat. Daybeds are especially effective for bedrooms that double as sitting rooms, and some even have a trundle for a pop-out second bed.
When choosing a sleeper, make sure there’s room to fully extend the mattress—and enough clearance around it when it’s open.
Sofa Sizes: Find the Right Fit
Sofas come in more shapes and sizes than you might think. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
Loveseat (52–73 inches wide): Perfect for small rooms, apartments, or secondary seating areas.
Standard sofa (74–90 inches wide): Your typical three-seater. Fits most living rooms comfortably.
Oversize or deep-seated sofa (90–110+ inches): Great for lounging or stretching out, but make sure your room can handle the extra depth.
Sectional: Comes in L-shaped, U-shaped, or modular versions that let you customize your layout.
Apartment-sized sofa: A little slimmer in width and depth, but still looks like a full sofa. Ideal for tight spaces.
Pro tip: Don’t forget to measure your doorways, stairwells, and hallways to ensure your new sofa will actually make it to its destination.
Placement and Flow
Once you’ve picked a sofa, think about where it will live. Keep about 18 inches between the sofa and coffee table so there’s room to move. Position it toward your room’s focal point—whether that’s a fireplace, TV or a window with a view. Often a sofa will have its back to the longest stretch of wall. However, in open-plan spaces, floating the sofa away from that wall can help define the seating area and make traffic flow more naturally around it.
Protecting Your Investment
You’ve chosen a sofa you love. Now keep it looking good. In-store or delivery-applied fabric protection treatments help guard against spills and stains. Slipcovers give you an easy way to update or protect your upholstery. Pet-friendly furniture protectors and regular cleaning—vacuuming cushions, wiping down frames—make a big difference in keeping your sofa fresh.
The Perfect Sofa for Your Lifestyle
The right sofa makes your space more comfortable, more stylish and more you. From the best sofa sleeper to a reclining model with all the extras, there’s a sofa out there that checks every box. Stop by the DOCK86 showroom or browse our online collection to see our full selection and let our team help you find the perfect fit. Your living room has never looked better.