Choosing a sofa is a big decision. After all, you’ll be using it regularly when you have guests or are just lounging around at home.

A key aspect of a sofa is that it should be COMFORTABLE. What makes a sofa comfortable relies on your preference. For example, a softer sofa is ideal for people who want to relax in soft and plush cushions, while a firmer sofa would suit people who prefer to have more support in their seats.

Here, we’ll be tackling a major concern of online shoppers and giving you tips on how to get an idea of the FEEL of your sofa when buying online.

While it’s not possible to give you the ability to experience a sofa for yourself, these are some helpful ways you can get a better idea for your potential purchase. Furniture retailers online provide a lot of information on their products. While most people focus on the aesthetic look, the price and the return policy of a product, giving a moment to look carefully at all the information can save you a lot of trouble.

First, look at the sofa’s construction. This will give you an idea for the support the sofa’s base will give you.

Most sofas have serpentine springs, which are pre-assembled units of snaking wire. They're nicely supportive, but they can press on the frame or sag over time if the metal isn't heavy. High-end sofas often come with "eight-way hand-tied springs." They're comfy but expensive; some experts feel they're no better than serpentines.

Be wary of web suspension, which are bands of webbing across the seat and back. They’re good to supplement springs but when used alone, they are the least supportive and durable of your options. Some of the sofa options would come with pocket spring system within as well. Having a sofa that embedded with pocket spring system gives you extra resilience support especially you are sleeping on your couch sometimes over the movie or party hang-out. 

The next thing to look at are the cushion’s filling.

Foam cushions are extremely common, and come in varying levels of firmness. In the product information, you’re likely to see the term “density”. The density of foam is found by weighing a 12″ x 12″ x 12″ block of the material. If a product has a density of 2.0, that means a 12″ x 12″ x 12″ foam block weighed 2 lbs (yes, pounds - you can thank the American metric system). The term “high-density foam” can refer to any foam with a higher density than 1.8, which is the foam density most commonly used for home furniture.

While the general rule of thumb is that a cushion with a higher density is firmer than one with a lower density, you should always check with the retailer. Since “firmness” is commonly equated with durability, cheap foams are often made “extra firm” but that firmness is unlikely to last.

Feather-filled cushions are ideal for people looking for a soft sofa. When you sit on a feather cushion, you'll feel like you’re sinking into a plush, enveloping cloud. These cushions are usually wrapped in feather-proof casings to prevent feathers from slipping out. It offers very little in the way of support but is extremely comfortable.

However, they generally do not hold their shape very well on their own and will require frequent "plumping" to maintain its shape. For a slightly firmer option, look for cushions with a foam core and an outer layer of feathers or down.

Polyester-filled cushions tend to be inexpensive and are available in different forms and densities.

Soft polyester is smooth, durable and bouncy. "Ply-a" soft polyester is limp and does not bounce back when sat on. Faux-down polyester mimics the look and feel of feather cushions for less money. Cluster-polyester cushions contain tiny balls of fiber. This is one of the most durable, long-lasting types of polyester fillings. These types of cushions are filled with air to make for a comfortable sitting experience. However, they also require regular plumping or fluffing to retain their comfort and appearance.

Lastly, the upholstery fabric. The options here are endless. You could opt for smooth linen, luxurious velvet, classic leather, cool silk, soft natural cotton, durable cotton blends, treated and untreated fabrics.. Really, the list goes on and on.

Besides the material, pay close attention to the weave as loosely woven fabrics are more likely to snag or stretch. Look at close-up photos or ask if the retailer could provide you with some fabric samples.

Of course, all these tips can never compare to being able to experience the products for yourself! See, touch and fully experience our products at Lavino’s showroom, located at:

2, Jalan TPK 2/2,

Taman Perindustrian Kinrara,

47100 Puchong, Selangor.

Experience it offline and make your purchase online! Don’t forget that we offer:

• 14 Days FREE Return
• Lowest Price Matching
• FREE Product Delivery
• FREE Product Warranty