How to Choose a Sofa? Embrin’s Guide
Are you tired of seeing the same sofa for the past 20 years, but unsure which model to choose as a replacement? Size, colours, upholstery... We understand: choosing a new sofa is not always straightforward. To help you make the right decision, Embrin has prepared a handy guide for you!
First criterion: size
Size is the very first thing to consider. It cannot be said enough: always take precise measurements of the space you have available and compare them with the dimensions of the sofa you wish to buy. It would be a shame to make a mistake and have to knock down a wall just to fit your new sofa into your living room!
Also think about how you will use your sofa: if you live alone, a huge sofa probably isn’t necessary. It will only take up valuable space. On the other hand, if your living room is often the scene of lively evenings with friends, or if you live with children, you’ll need a larger sofa.
A small but important detail that is often overlooked: if you live in a block of flats, or if your sofa needs to go upstairs, make sure it will fit in the staircase or lift!
At Embrin, we offer sofas ranging from 184 to 230 cm in width. Take your pick!
What are the best materials?
Not all sofas are created equal. The materials used often distinguish a cheap but flimsy sofa from an excellent one that will stand proudly in your living room for years to come. So it’s important to pay attention to the quality and density of the seat, as well as the frame.
When it comes to the frame, you have several options: metal, beech wood, fir, eucalyptus, or even plywood. Solid beech wood is the most reliable and durable choice. That’s the frame we’ve chosen for Embrin sofas!
When choosing a sofa, never neglect the seat. This is what will determine how comfortable you feel in your new sofa. Ideally, opt for high-resilience foam or down. These materials will give you the most comfort and long-term durability: they hold their shape even if you spend a lot of time on your sofa!
The resilience of the foam isn’t the only factor to consider: you also need to choose the density of the seat. While this is largely a matter of personal preference, avoid going below 30 kg/m3. The ideal density is 35 kg/m3: it easily supports your body weight and offers you true relaxation without discomfort, even after extended use.
If you like sofas with a firm feel, discover our made-to-measure Alizée sofa: its 35 kg/m3 high-resilience foam and quilted wadding cover guarantee a comfortable seat. If you prefer to relax in a soft, cosy cocoon, turn instead to our Aramis sofa: it contains the same foam, but also feathers and siliconised hollow fibres, for a much softer feel.
Which colour(s) for your sofa?
The sofa is the centrepiece of your living room, the first thing people notice. It’s best to choose its colour with great care.
A simple change in the colour of your sofa can transform the entire atmosphere of the room. For example, if you find your interior a little dark, opt for light shades: they bring brightness and a sense of space. However, avoid light colours if you have young children or pets that tend to shed.
If your living room is large and sparsely furnished, a black or dark-toned sofa will help fill the space. Black adds a modern, elegant touch to any room and pairs well with many other colours!
Depending on your style, the ideal colours can vary greatly. For a vintage, cocooning vibe, choose pastel shades. If your living room has a more industrial look, go for taupe, brown or grey. But of course, let your own tastes take precedence over fleeting trends!
At Embrin, we offer a multitude of colours to combine: one for the base, one for the seat, and one for the cushions. Let your imagination run wild and create a sofa that’s uniquely yours, 100% tailored to your tastes!
One last question: the upholstery
Whatever upholstery you choose, it’s best to go for a sofa with removable covers, so you can clean it more easily. At Embrin, our sofas are fully removable. There’s no need to buy special products to get rid of stains on the covers or cushions: a simple machine wash is all it takes!
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hoosing the right upholstery can be as bewildering as choosing curtains, given the sheer variety available on the market. But don’t worry, Embrin is here to help!
- Linen: you know it, it’s our favourite. Linen is a natural, eco-friendly fabric that guarantees an authentic, rustic or bohemian chic look. It also has thermoregulating properties, perfect for a cool summer nap. What’s more, it’s generally stain-resistant and extremely hard-wearing. It’s your best ally for a sofa that’s original, comfortable, elegant, and built to last!
- Cotton: this is the most affordable option and comes in an endless variety of shapes, prints and colours. However, those concerned about the environment should know that cotton cultivation requires a lot of water and pollutes the soil.
- Microfibre fabric: this is a synthetic upholstery with a tight weave, making it resistant to stains, dirt, and even scratches. It’s the perfect choice for families with young children or pets! Microfibre fabric is also available in a wide range of colours. However, it attracts dust quickly and fades easily.
- Velvet: perfect for the living room, velvet creates a warm and elegant effect. However, like microfibre, it attracts a lot of dust and is very difficult to clean.
- Leather: a natural material, it improves with age and develops a beautiful patina. However, it is expensive and rather delicate. Leather is vulnerable to stains, scratches, and sunlight.
If you love beautiful linen sofas, Embrin offers you the chance to personalise yours to suit your desires. Thanks to our sofa configurator, you can choose everything: colours, size, model... Simply follow the arrows and let yourself be guided. These sofas are 100% made in France. They come with a frame and foam guaranteed for 7 years!