Ask ten people what makes a comfortable sofa and you'll get ten adjectives. Soft. Supportive. Deep. Cosy. None of them help much when you're comparing two sofas on a screen at 11pm.
Comfort is easier to compare when you look at the measurements behind the descriptions. Seat depth, seat height, back height and cushion fill all affect how a sofa feels. The right combination depends on your body, how you sit and how you use the room.
Seat depth, and how deep is too deep
Seat depth is the distance from the front of the seat cushion to the back cushion. It's different from the sofa's overall depth, which also includes the frame.
A shallower seat generally suits a more upright sitting position, while a deeper seat gives you more room to stretch out. If you're shorter or prefer to sit upright, a very deep seat can leave you reaching for the back cushion or perching towards the front.
Eva's two ranges show how much this varies. The Everyday Sofa has a 66cm seat, deep enough to stretch out and lounge. The Eclipse measures 45cm, but that's to the front of its small cushions. The seat itself runs deeper behind them. The Eclipse frame is the deeper of the two, at 110cm overall against 99cm for the Everyday.
There's no single seat depth that works for everyone. If you're shopping online, compare the published measurements with a sofa you already find comfortable. You can also use a cushion behind your back to make a deep seat feel shallower.
For a household with different heights and sitting habits, removable back cushions can offer more flexibility. Keep in mind that the thickness and shape of the cushions affect how much usable seat space you have, so check how the seat depth is measured when comparing sofas.
Seat height, and how easy it is to stand up
Seat height is measured from the floor to the top of the uncompressed seat cushion. It's easy to overlook when you're shopping online, but you'll notice it every time you sit down and stand up.
A lower sofa can feel relaxed and look great in a room, but depending on your height and proportions, it may also be harder to stand up from. If possible, compare the published seat height with a sofa you already find comfortable.
The Everyday's seat sits 43cm off the floor and the Eclipse sits 47cm. Four centimetres doesn't sound like much, but you'll feel it each time you get up.
A simple test is to sit with your feet flat on the floor. Your knees should feel comfortable rather than being pushed noticeably upwards. The right height will depend on your proportions and how you like to sit.
Back height, and where your shoulders go
Back height is measured from the top of the seat cushion to the top of the backrest. A lower back can give a sofa a more open, streamlined look, while a higher back gives you more support around the upper body.
Think about how you actually use the sofa. If it's mainly somewhere to sit upright for short periods, a low back may be perfectly comfortable. If you spend hours reading or watching films, you may prefer more support behind your shoulders and upper back.
The Eclipse stands 86cm tall overall, compared with 73cm for the Everyday. The difference gives the two sofas a distinct look, so consider which back height and overall silhouette best suits your space and preferences.
Cushion fill: foam, feather or both
Cushion fill has a big effect on how a sofa feels. Foam generally gives a more consistent, supportive seat, while feather feels softer and more relaxed.
Feather cushions also need regular plumping because the filling moves with use. A feather-and-foam construction sits between the two, combining a more structured core with a softer surface feel.
When comparing sofas online, look beyond words such as "soft" or "supportive". Check what the cushions are actually made from and whether they need any regular maintenance.
How to compare with the sofa you already own
You already own a useful measuring tool: your current sofa.
Measure its seat depth, seat height and back height, then think about how it actually feels to use. Do you perch towards the front because the seat is too deep? Do you find yourself pushing off the arms when you stand? Does the back give you enough support?
Now compare those measurements with the sofas you're considering. A new sofa with noticeably different proportions may feel very different, even if it looks similar in photos. Your current sofa gives you a useful reference point for working out what you want more or less of. Here's how Eva's two ranges compare:
| Measurement | Everyday Sofa | Eclipse Sofa |
|---|---|---|
| Seat depth | 66cm | 45cm (to the front of the back cushions) |
| Seat height | 43cm | 47cm |
| Overall depth | 99cm | 110cm |
| Overall height | 73cm | 86cm |
| Cushion fill | Layered foam | Feather-wrapped foam |
If you've measured carefully and still aren't sure, Eva's Living Room Planner can help you check the dimensions and configure the Everyday Sofa for your space. The planner is currently available for Everyday, with Eclipse coming soon. You can also sit on the sofas in person at the Richmond showroom, Carlton showroom or Surry Hills showroom. If you're still unsure, check Eva's 60-day return policy before ordering.
Frequently asked questions
What is a comfortable seat depth for a sofa?
There's no universal number, but around 55 to 60cm is a useful reference for a more upright sitting position. Around 60 to 65cm gives you more room to lounge, while deeper seats may suit people who like to stretch out. Compare the measurement with a sofa you already find comfortable.
Is a deep sofa always more comfortable?
No. A deeper seat can be great for lounging, but it may feel awkward if you prefer to sit upright or your feet don't reach the floor comfortably. A back cushion can make a deep seat feel shallower.
What seat height suits most people?
Many sofas sit around 40 to 45cm high, but the right height depends on your proportions and how you like to sit. Check that you can sit comfortably with your feet flat on the floor, then compare the measurement with a sofa you already like.
Foam or feather cushions, which lasts longer?
Neither is automatically better. Foam generally holds its shape and offers a more consistent feel, while feather is softer and needs regular plumping to keep its shape. Cushion construction and quality also affect how it performs over time.
Why does a sofa feel comfortable in the showroom and not at home?
A short showroom sit doesn't always reflect how you'll use the sofa at home. Your usual sitting position, how long you sit for and whether you lounge or sit upright can all change how comfortable it feels.
If it feels different once you get it home, check the retailer's trial or returns policy so you know what your options are. With Eva, sofas are covered by a 60-day return policy, giving you some time to see how the sofa feels in your own space.
Do sofa cushions get less comfortable over time?
They can change with use. Foam can soften, while feather filling moves and needs regular plumping. The rate of change depends on the cushion construction and how often the sofa is used.
How do I work out if a sofa will be comfortable before I sit on it?
Measure your current sofa and note what you like or would change about it. Then compare its seat depth, seat height, back height and cushion construction with the sofa you're considering. If the new sofa is several centimetres deeper or lower, expect it to feel different from what you have now.
