Having an office couch is essential in every office. It serves as a comfortable waiting area for clients, a place to set meetings, brainstorm strategies and dream big ideas, or as a breathing space for the tiring yet rewarding day. Yet, as we’re in an era of infinite choices, it can be a daunting task to choose the right piece for your office. Not to mention that there are many factors to consider, which can further overwhelm you and make an impact on your decision.
To save you time, money, and buyer’s guilt, we’ve listed the best picking the ideal sofa for your office. Through these, you’ll have a clear idea of what will work best for you and your workspace before you begin the search, leading you to an informed and worthy purchase.
Determine your needs and set a budget.
The initial thing you need to do is figure out what your office needs. Do you intend to use the sofa for daily meetings? Are you going to use it as an alternative comfortable working space aside from your desk? Will it serve as an area for unwinding during breaks? By knowing the exact purpose of getting an office couch, you’ll get to narrow down the choices in your buying adventure.
After establishing the “need”, it’s now time to set a budget for the furniture. A basic couch can cost from $700 to $2,500. So, be sure to search only for what you can afford. You don’t want to browse for a few hours, only to find out that the range of couches you’re eyeing is not within your means. With a budget already in mind, you know what prices to veer away from, what discounts and deals to look for, and what pieces actually fit your budget. Thus, making it easier and quicker to settle on one.
Consider the size, shape, and seating capacity.
A crucial thing that you need to consider is the size of the couch versus the area of the space where you’re planning to place the new furniture. First, measure the area and layout of the room to serve as your guide. Afterward, have an estimate of the couch length, height, and width that will fit the given space.
If you have a larger office, you’ll have the luxury to decide how much area you’d like the couch to fill. If you have a smaller office instead, it’s best to pick a smaller couch so it won’t affect the flow of traffic or overpower the room. A compact-sized couch with sleek proportions will be your best bet.
After assessing the appropriate size, you can proceed in determining the seating capacity and shape. Depending on the number of people you’re always meeting with, you can decide whether to get a two-seater, 3-seater, 4-seater, or even a 5-seater sofa.
Afterward, figure out which shape will suit your office. If you’re planning to add a coffee table, an L-shaped couch is the best fit. If you want meetings to be more inclusive inside the large office, look for a U-shaped sofa with lots of seating.
Pick a style that suits your office.
Whether your office is leaning towards a modernist style where everything is streamlined, airy, and vibrant, a classic style that’s timeless and suits most businesses, or a transitional one that adapts to the currents in design – you need to match the sofa to that style. By doing so, you make sure that the sofa won’t disrupt the coherence in design and rather blend into it as one.
Picture the sofa in mind and your office. Often, your gut instinct will immediately tell you if it’s the right fit for your otherwise traditional, contemporary, chic, or futuristic office. If you’re having second thoughts, it will never hurt to ask a colleague or an expert for a piece of advice.
Learn more about the sofa upholstery materials.
Sofas are constructed using different upholstery materials, with each having its own benefits and drawbacks. That’s why it’s also vital to learn more about them prior to making a purchase. For instance, microfiber sofas are one of the most comfortable couches you can get. Plus, they’re easy to maintain, stain-resistant, and are cheaper than leather. However, they can accumulate dust and encourage static. Of course, leather has an elegant and professional look. Yet, it can be pretty expensive and can take a beating from extensive.
Meanwhile, suede sofas are softer, more comfortable, and look like leather but less expensive. The drawbacks are they stain easily and are prone to damage. Wool sofas are strong and durable. The catch is that they can be hard to clean if not mixed with other types of fabric. Silk, linen, synthetic, and cotton are some other choices that all have their pros and cons.
Keep in mind who are the people going to use your office couch, frequency of usage, and its intended purpose. Through that, you’d be able to decide which type of material suits your office best. Note that you still have to clean the couch to keep it in tip-top condition regardless of what material you’d be getting so it’s also best to equip yourself with ample knowledge on how to maintain your sofa.
Pay attention to the quality and durability of the frame.
To minimize cost, you must get a quality and durable office couch. Sofas with plastic, particleboard, plywood, and metal frames tend to crack and warp, so they’re a big no-no. Softwood, like pine, is quite stiff and more durable but may wobble after several years. Opt for a solid kiln-dried hardwood frame made of ash, oak, maple, teak, or beach that offers the best durability.
Look for added features.
Innovations and office couches ideas are overflowing. Aside from the improvement in aesthetics and styles, sofas now come in many added features you must take advantage of. It can range from built-in storage perfect for your office documents, cupholders ideal for meetings, and reclining seats for the best comfort. Other ones have charging plugs, phone stands, and many other high-tech features that can help in your productivity in the office. Some couches are also highly-customizable, which means you have great opportunities to modify the sofa in case a need arises in the future.
Takeaway
Getting the right couch for your office is no easy feat but it’s an indispensable part of your office. Use the listed and expand your hunt by combining online searches and in-store visits. Online stores often offer the best deals and offers, but in-store gives perks such as being able to personally test, feel, and evaluate the sofa prior to purchasing it. While the task may take some of your effort and time, having the perfect couch makes it all worth it in the end.