Shopping for a new sofa is a wildly exciting experience. You’re getting something fresh and new and fabulous, and it was probably a long time coming! But the sofa-shopping experience can quickly derail into something exhausting and overwhelming, leaving you fed up and settling for something, anything. It’s a shame, since buying a sofa should really be a rewarding experience, but you’re not alone. Here are four mistakes everyone makes when they shop for sofas – and what you can do to avoid them.

Your Sense of Size and Scale is Way Off

This is probably the most common mistake – we get so excited to hit the stores that we neglect to measure our space. Trust us – eyeballing it can be problematic. And that’s true for the sofa as well. Soaring ceilings and expansive spaces are misleading, and what works well in a setting like The Find’s enormous warehouse may be positively gargantuan in your great room.

Avoid the scenario of getting your brand new sofa home and finding out too late that it’s far too big. Measure your space (and entry points) before leaving home, and then take measurements of sofas you like so that you can get an idea of how they’ll fit in your home. Mapping out the footprint of the sofa with blue painter’s tape can help you if visualizing a sofa in your home isn’t working. And remember to factor for scale as well! Something with trim, delicate lines may just seem too small (even if the size is right) if the rest of your furniture is oversized. Remember, the key is balance.

You Didn’t Think it Through

Sitting down on a potential sofa is important, but thinking it through means more than just bouncing a few times to check the cushion and spring. After reading point one, you know how important it is to factor for size and scale. Just as important? Considering how a certain sofa suits you and your lifestyle. Do you want somewhere to cuddle up for movies and naps? Then look twice at a sofa with arms that are too high, or cushions that are too firm. Double check the seat height if you’re on the taller or shorter side.

Think about your lifestyle, too. Are you factoring for kids, pets, spills and fur balls? If so, you may want to avoid delicate fabrics and light upholstery. Or, check out the Revolution fabric we offer on the many sofa styles at The Find – it’s practically indestructible!

You’re Struggling with Style

If the idea of creating your own style is intimidating, we get it. Pairing or even defining aesthetics can be challenging, and having someone to offer a little expert guidance goes a very long way. That’s why The Find offers free design consultations. We’re happy to listen to your dilemma and point you in the right direction so you don’t end up with a sofa that sticks out like a sore thumb.

You Default to the Cheapest Option – Always

You get what you pay for, and that’s true with sofas. If you go for the cheapest sofa you can find, you’ll likely be replacing it within a few years, and it’ll look worse for the wear much earlier than that. If you can spend a little more on higher quality, you’ll end up saving money over the long run. That’e because a well-made sofa holds its shape, looks, and comfort much longer.

Ready to get started? Measure your space, and come to The Find on Longley Lane Thursday, Friday and Saturday between 10 and 6 pm. We have an amazing selection of stylish and beautiful sofas, and our finds go beyond our store. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, or you don’t even know what you need, just ask! We’re here to help, and sofas are one of our specialties.

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