If you’re anything like me, the past year has found you spending more time than ever lounging and relaxing on your sofa. I don’t know about you, but I’ve become quite the expert in the art of sofa napping – an essential skill these days! So when the team at Sofas Spectacular asked me to share my tips for finding the perfect sofa for maximum lounging comfort, I was more than happy to oblige.
You see, I’ve been on a bit of a sofa journey myself over the past few years. From sinking into the sumptuous depths of a deep-seated sectional to curling up on a streamlined modern stunner, I’ve tested out my fair share of sofas. And let me tell you, the dimensions you choose can make all the difference when it comes to comfort and functionality.
Sofa Dimensions: The Key to Lounging Bliss
When it comes to selecting the perfect sofa, the dimensions are where it’s at. Sure, the style and aesthetic are important, but if your sofa isn’t the right size and shape to support your lounging habits, you might as well be sitting on a rock.
Let’s start with length. The standard sofa ranges from 72 to 96 inches, while loveseats generally fall between 48 and 72 inches. Now, I’m a firm believer that if you have the space for it, an 84-inch sofa is the sweet spot. Even someone who’s 6’4″ can comfortably stretch out and catch some Zs on a sofa of that size.
Next up, seat depth. This is arguably the most crucial dimension, in my opinion. Too shallow, and you’ll feel like you’re perched uncomfortably on the edge. Too deep, and you’ll be sinking in like a little kid with your feet dangling. The ideal seat depth range is 21 to 24 inches. If you’re more of an upright sitter, stick to the 20 to 22-inch range. But if you’re a hardcore lounger like me, go for 23 to 26 inches.
Seat height is another important factor. Most sofas, chairs, and dining chairs have a standard seat height of 18 inches. For sofas, you’re looking at a range of 15 to 20 inches. The key thing to consider here is how deep your seat is. If you’ve got a super deep, low-to-the-ground sofa, you’ll want to add an inch or two to the seat height to make it easier to get in and out.
And let’s not forget about back height. You want a sofa with a back that provides ample support, usually between 30 and 36 inches. The deeper the sofa, the lower the back can be in that range, since you’ll naturally be sitting in a more relaxed position.
Last but not least, arm height. Aim for something between 7 and 9 inches from the top of the seat cushion to the top of the armrest. This is the sweet spot for optimal lounging and head-resting comfort.
Sofa Comfort: The Emily Henderson Edition
Now that we’ve covered the all-important dimensions, let’s talk about some of my personal sofa favorites that deliver on both style and comfort. After all, what good is a beautiful sofa if it’s not absolutely heavenly to sink into?
First up, the Moreno Sofa from Lawson-Fenning. This sleek, modern beauty features a traditional touch with its curved arms, and the dimensions are perfectly tailored for maximum lounging bliss. With a 96-inch length, 17.5-inch seat height, 23 to 24-inch seat depth, 26-inch arm height, and 31-inch back height, it’s the ultimate in relaxation.
Another long-time favorite of mine is the Lounge II from Crate & Barrel. This deep-seated stunner has been in an on-again, off-again relationship with my LA living room for years, and for good reason. The plush, squishy cushions and perfect 23-inch seat depth make it the ultimate napping spot, as my boyfriend can attest. And let’s not forget the lovely ladies of the EHD team – Sara and Jess have both crashed out on this beauty during our epic work sessions.
Then there’s the sectional version of the Lounge II, which takes the comfort factor to a whole new level. Seriously, this thing is massive (we’re talking a minimum of 120 inches), but if you’ve got the space for it, the more the merrier! The deep, sink-in-and-never-want-to-leave cushions are just heaven.
And speaking of custom creations, I have to give a shoutout to the low, deep sofa I designed with the team at Sofas Spectacular. Inspired by my favorite elements of a traditional sofa, the end result was the perfect spot to curl up with a good book (or, let’s be real, a good Netflix binge).
Sofa Comfort: The Whole EHD Team Edition
Of course, I’m not the only one on the EHD team with a penchant for supremely comfortable sofas. My colleagues have their own personal favorites that they just can’t get enough of.
Arlyn, for instance, is a self-proclaimed “huge fan” of the Lounge II. As she puts it, “I love a deep sofa because if I had my pick of positions to be in for life, it would be horizontal on a pile of pillows.” And she’s not the only one – our very own Sara has been known to catch some serious Zs on this bad boy.
Jess, on the other hand, is all about that single-cushion life. As she says, “I love that there isn’t an uncomfortable dip in the middle of my sofa when I lay down. Now I have a hard time getting comfortable on a multi-cushion sofa. One and done!”
And then there’s Sara’s pick, the Cisco Home sofa we used in the Portland Project. As she puts it, “If that’s not a solid recommendation, I literally do not know what is.” High praise indeed!
But the sofa love doesn’t stop there. Ryann is a big fan of her sleek, comfortable sectional, describing it as “one of those deceivingly comfortable sofas” with “just the right amount of cush on the seat and a little extra on the back.” And Brady swears by his Pottery Barn sofa, calling it “timeless and tailored” with cushions that have held up beautifully over the years.
Sofa Shopping: The Final Verdict
So there you have it, folks – the EHD team’s tried and true sofa picks for maximum lounging comfort. Whether you’re in the market for a deep-seated sectional, a streamlined modern stunner, or a custom creation, the key is to pay close attention to those all-important dimensions.
And if none of our recommendations quite fit the bill, we’ve got you covered with a roundup of other top-notch options that fall within those sweet spot measurements. From the Mirren Reversible Chaise Sectional to the Harmony Sofa, there’s something for every style and comfort preference.
Personally, I can’t wait to continue my sofa journey and find the perfect piece to sink into for all my future lounging and relaxing needs. Who knows, maybe I’ll even design another custom creation with the team at Sofas Spectacular. After all, a girl can never have too many comfy couches, right?