Guide to buying a sofa

5 things to consider before you buy a sofa

1 Check the frame A well-built sofa should be heavy – lift it up at one corner to check. A frame that uses both hardwood for strength and softwood for flexibility is a good option.

2 Ask how the sofa is sprung The cheapest ones are usually web-sprung with synthetic strips; mid-range sofas tend to be zigzag-sprung with springs suspended front to back across the frame (usually more comfortable than web-sprung); while the most pricey – and comfortable – is the traditional coil-sprung method.

3 How firm do you want the sofa? Foam-filled cushions are more supportive and keep their shape. Fibre or foam and fibre cushions are softer, while feather-filled cushions are the softest, but need regular plumping. Foam and feather is a good mix.

4 Loose or fitted covers? If you have children or pets, loose covers are the safer option as you can take them off and have them washed or dry cleaned. Fitted covers aren't so easy to clean, but can be protected with a treatment such as Scotchguard.

5 Take measurements with you – a sofa that looks small in the showroom could look huge at home. Also, measure your doors and hallway and if access is a problem pick a model that can be dismantled.

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