Sofa shopping tips: Expert advice on style, size and quality

What's a living room without a good sofa? If you want a piece that will withstand years of use, and style, local designers say to keep it simple.

"You can go neutral with the sofa and accent it with brighter colors that are easier to switch out," says Kendra Holzum, an interior designer at Patrick Furniture in Cape Girardeau. "I love pillows -- it's a very easy way to add color to the sofa and make it look brighter."

If you've got too many pillows as it is, look for covers that zip on and off the pillows you already have. Accent chairs, throw blankets and artwork can also bring new life to your sofa.

Whitney Reed, an interior designer and salesperson at Hutson's Fine Furniture in Cape Girardeau, notes that Pantone has a new color of the year every year, so if you want to stay on trend, it's easier and cheaper to change up the accessories rather than the entire sofa. This year's color is Radiant Orchid, a bright pinky-purple.

As for the sofa itself, gray, beige, taupe and a combination -- "greige" -- are popular and versatile shades, says Holzum. To make your investment last, look for polyester or microfiber blends that are durable and easy to clean.

"The big and overstuffed look is kind of going away," Holzum adds. "We see a little bit of a market for that, but now people are really going for a sleek look, very streamlined with a cleaner line."

Both Holzum and Reed recommend buying a sofa with a solid wood frame. Check it out by lifting the corner of the sofa; by the time it's six inches off the ground, the other side should be lifted up as well, says Reed. If the opposite foot or edge is still flat on the ground, it's probably a flimsy frame.

If you can, flip the piece over so you can look at the framing: "It can be pretty, but if you look underneath and it's made from chipwood or particle board, it's not made as well and it won't hold up as well as a solid piece of wood," says Holzum. Some stores or brands carry a lifetime warranty on the frame, so be sure to ask about a warranty before you buy, she adds.

Also pay attention to the details on the piece: If it has a pattern or stripe, or welting on the cushions, make sure everything is straight, lined up and even, says Holzum.

"Come in and sit on it and look at it. Touch the fabrics," says Reed -- this is by far the most important part of buying a new sofa, she says.