How to Choose a Sofa That Fits Your Living Room: A Complete Guide

Choosing the perfect sofa is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your home. It’s the centerpiece of your living room — the place where you gather with family, relax after work, host guests, or stretch out with your favorite show. At Ebert Furniture Gallery, we help homeowners in the Lehigh Valley find sofas that look beautiful, feel comfortable, and truly fit their space.

Here’s how to choose the right one for your home.

Start With the Size of Your Room

Before looking at styles or fabrics, measure your living room. Size is the most common mistake people make — and the easiest one to avoid.

Measure These Key Areas:

• Wall-to-wall width

• Distance between existing furniture pieces

• Doorways, stairwells, and hallways (for delivery!)

• Space needed for walking paths (usually allow at least 3 feet)

Tip: Bring photos and room dimensions when visiting the showroom. Our team can help lay out several options based on your measurements.

Choose the Right Sofa Shape

Different sofa silhouettes work better for different room layouts.

Standard Sofa

Best for medium to large living rooms. It’s a flexible, timeless choice.

Sectional Sofa

Perfect for open-concept homes or larger rooms where you want maximum seating. We offer L-shaped, U-shaped, and modular options that can be customized to your space.

Loveseat

Ideal for smaller living areas or as part of a seating pair.

Sofa + Chair Combo

Gives you layout flexibility while maintaining balance and flow.

If you’re unsure which shape is right, Ebert Furniture Gallery designers can offer a quick space plan based on your room photos.

Match Style to Your Home’s Personality

Your sofa sets the tone for the entire room.

Classic & Traditional

Rolled arms, tufted backs, rich fabrics, and warm neutrals work beautifully in traditional Lehigh Valley homes.

Contemporary & Minimalist

Clean lines, tight backs, and tapered legs create a modern, airy feel.

Comfort-First Styles

Deep seats, wide cushions, plush fabrics — perfect for busy households or lounging.

Transitional

Blends classic comfort with streamlined modern touches. Our showroom features many transitional options that fit most Pennsylvania homes.

Pick a Fabric That Fits Your Lifestyle

Your sofa fabric needs to match your everyday life — not just the showroom lighting.

For Families or Pets:

• Performance fabrics (stain-resistant, easy-clean)

• Microfiber

• Leather with a durable finish

For Luxury or Low-Traffic Spaces:

• Linen blends

• Velvet

• High-end wovens

We have hundreds of fabric swatches available — bring home a few to test against your lighting.

Consider Cushion Fill & Comfort Level

Everyone sits differently, so comfort is personal.

Foam Cushions

Supportive and structured — a great everyday option.

Down or Down-Blend Cushions

Soft, luxurious, and sink-in comfortable.

Spring-Down or Hybrid Cushions

A premium choice combining support with softness.

Try different cushions in the showroom. Sit, stretch out, take your time — this is your sofa for years to come.

Think About Color & Coordination

Your sofa color can quietly complement a space or boldly define it.

Neutral Colors:

Great for versatility and long-term flexibility.

Bold Colors:

Add personality and create a statement in the room.

Patterns & Textures:

Perfect for hiding wear and adding depth.

Our designers can help create a full palette that pairs your sofa with rugs, chairs, and accent pieces for a unified look.

Don’t Forget About Quality & Construction

A sofa is an investment. Look for:

• Hardwood frames

• Reinforced joints

• High-density foam cores

• Durable fabric options

• Quality craftsmanship

Ebert Furniture Gallery features many American-made lines designed for long-lasting comfort.

Get a Free Design Consultation

Choosing the right sofa doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Bring your room dimensions, photos, Pinterest ideas — anything that shows your style. Our team will help you compare sizes, fabrics, and layouts so you find the perfect fit.

Visit us in Allentown or book a design appointment — we love helping Lehigh Valley homeowners create beautiful, functional spaces.