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buy a sofa that represents good value and longevity to match.

The sofa is one of the most expensive purchases the homeowner makes. With a view to this, they want to make sure they buy a sofa that represents good value for their hard-earned money and longevity to match.

Choosing the ideal sofa is, of course, fun, but it also needs to be taken seriously as quality of sofas can vary. In a home with lively children and pets, it makes sense to go for something sturdy and easy to keep clean, rather than something that aesthetically looks that part. With this in mind, it makes complete sense to take time over this purchase.

When faced with a vast range of sofas of all shapes, colours, and styles, it can be hard to make a choice, but a good starting point is to consider the demands that will be made on the sofa. If you have children, you need something robust that will withstand the wear and tear to which it will be subjected, so, when looking at the sofas on offer, check how it has been constructed – children can’t resist jumping on sofas. Try lying on it as well as sitting; in fact, try it out as you would use it at home.

Upholstery is the next thing to check. Most sofas today have a special coating applied during manufacture that has been formulated to shrug off stains and spills - essential where children and pets are involved. If your new sofa has not been protected in this way, it’s possible to buy the formula in aerosol form from most furniture retailers, for application at home.

Some sofas have removable covers which are a great idea, especially if they can be machine washed. If they need to be dry-cleaned, you will have to factor in the extra cost, because it will add to the overall cost of the sofa.

Another important consideration when buying a new sofa is to remember that, because it will be an expensive purchase from which you will expect to get maximum wear, the style, colour, and pattern you choose will be something you will have to live with for several years. Choosing something too trendy may mean that it either becomes outdated too soon, or that you get bored with it because it restricts the choice of colours and accessories when redecorating.

Taking the time at the outset to choose wisely will ensure that the sofa you relax in at the end of the day is one you are truly happy with.