Before You Buy a Sofa: Five Questions We Always Ask at Tuck
Choosing the right sofa can feel overwhelming, especially when every option looks good on the showroom floor. At Tuck Studio, we know it’s about more than just picking something pretty. The right piece should work for your space, your lifestyle, and your real-life chaos (hello, juice spills and dog hair).
That’s why during our in-store furniture consultations, or anytime we’re helping a client, we always ask a few key questions to make sure your new piece fits your life and your room.
Here are the five essential questions we ask to help you choose the right sofa, featuring sofa and sectional options from Tuck including the favourite and highly customizable Oskar Sectional by EQ3, chosen for the John & Catherine's family’s great room, seen recently in our latest issue of TUCK IN.
1. Do you have any specific fabric needs, like stain resistance, pet-friendliness, or allergies?
This one always comes first. You might love the look of a white linen sofa… until your golden retriever claims it as his own.
At Tuck, we walk you through performance fabric options, natural fibre blends, and upholstery that stands up to life. Think: moisture-resistant, pet-friendly, or soft enough for an afternoon nap. With hundreds of fabric and leather options from brands like Gus* Modern, EQ3, Trica, Four Hands, and Ethnicraft we will definitely find a winning sofa and upholstery option to suit your needs.
2. What are your space constraints and layout needs?
Before we even get to style, we look at your room. Is it long and narrow? Open concept? Shared with a dining space? These details help determine whether a sofa, sectional, or modular piece is the best fit.
In John & Catherine's Great Room Getaway, the Oskar sectional helped define the layout, anchoring multiple zones without blocking flow or views. It also gave the family plenty of seating for guests and quiet reading corners alike.
The EQ3 Oskar Collection is made up of a variety of seating components which allow you to customize the layout to fit your needs. With its compact design, it delivers on style without compromising comfort. Send us an email to hello@tuckstudio.ca or visit us in store to discuss customization options.
3. Do you have a preferred seat feel? Plush and sink-in or firm and supportive?
Seat comfort is personal. Some love to sink into soft cushions, others want more support (especially if you’re on and off the sofa all day). We’ll ask you how you sit, if you nap, and what your current sofa is missing. Then we’ll help you test the right pieces in-store.
Featured Products: Gus* Nest Modular 2-PC Sofa in Morris Fog, Gus* Ledger Storage Box, Gus* Trophy Side Table, Ethnicraft Aged Wall Mirror, Stella Single Sconce.
4. How do you use your living room and who else uses it?
Is this sofa for solo lounging? Family hangs? Occasional entertaining? Kids’ forts? Guests sleeping over? Your furniture should reflect how you live, not just how a showroom looks.
In John & Catherine's Great Room, we knew the room needed to flex between quiet evenings and big gatherings. The Oskar sectional’s modular options and deep seating made it the ideal solution. Paired with sofas and chairs from Gus* Modern, like the Gus* Modern Cabot Chair, there's a seat for everyone!
5. Is there a sofa you’ve loved (or hated) in the past — and why?
This is a fun one, and it tells us a lot. Maybe you’re still mourning a sofa that was the perfect height. Maybe you hated that one cushion that always slipped. Whatever it is, we listen closely so we can help you avoid those frustrations this time around.
Featured Product: Gus* Ashdale Sectional in Merino Cream Fabric, Gus* Ledger Coffee Table, Gus* Monarch End Table in Royal Oak, and Coordonné Imperial Ibis Nacre Wallpaper, Earth Wind Fire Hanging Planters, Perilla Table Lamp, Faux 5' Olive Tree
4. Do you have a preferred seat feel? Plush and sink-in or firm and supportive?
Seat comfort is personal. Some love to sink into soft cushions, others want more support (especially if you’re on and off the sofa all day). We’ll ask you how you sit, if you nap, and what your current sofa is missing. Then we’ll help you test the right pieces in-store.
Let’s Find the Right Sofa (or Chair, or Table…) for You
Whether you’re looking to buy a new sofa, chair, or building an entire room, our team at Tuck is here to guide you. We take the time to ask the right questions, show you the right options, and make sure your new piece feels like you, not just what’s trending.
Visit us at 115 Prince William Street in Saint John.
Book a consultation — at your place, our place, or virtually.
Let’s make your next piece the right one!
