Few things in home decor have the power to make or break a space like a sofa. It serves as the focal point of your home and is where you’ll spend a great deal of time unwinding, entertaining guests, and creating memories. Finding the ideal sofa may be a difficult endeavor, though, with so many different styles, fabrics, and sizes available. To make the process easier for you, we’ve put up this thorough sofa shopping guide. We’ll go over everything you need to know to purchase a sofa that not only looks amazing but also fulfills your functional needs, from figuring out the proper size and form for your room to choosing the ideal colour and fabric. Read on for our expert advice on how to pick the ideal sofa for your home, whether you’re starting from scratch or simply seeking to replace your present one.
Table of Contents
- Sofa Considerations
- Sofa Styles
- Sofa Types
- Paolo Moschino’s Sofas
- Sofa Frames
- Cushion Types
- Cushion Styles
- Sofa Upholstery
- Sofa Fabrics
- Sofa Colours
- Sofa Cleaning
- Conclusion
Sofa Considerations
There are a range of factors that need to be carefully taken into account when selecting the ideal sofa for your home. When making your decision, you should take into account factors like size, style, and material. Below we have listed what we consider the most important factors to be.
Try before you buy
Do you know how you perform the traditional bottom test when looking for a new mattress? A sofa can be used with the same logic. The seat depth of the average sofa is at least 60 cm, giving you plenty of room to move if you have long legs and allowing you to tuck them under if you are shorter. However, seat depths do vary, so it’s important to try out several designs to make sure you get good back support. The majority of designs range in height from 45 to 50 cm for the seat. Again, test it out before you buy to make sure it fits you because there is no right or incorrect height.
Check the size of the sofa
There is never a bad number of measurements! Several mistakes can be made at this stage of the process, so make sure you are completely aware of the length, height, and width of the sofa that can fit in your room. While a sofa might be the ideal size for your living room, it might not fit through your front door or through narrow stairwell landing spaces. It is crucial to measure your doors and hallways.
We might select large corners or compact double sofas depending on the space available. Everything depends on how big our living room is and how many people will be sitting on the sofa at once. I believe that a seat is better, more comfortable, and “social” the larger it is.
Choose your sofa style
There are many different types of sofas, from high-back sofas to corner sofas, modular sofas to loveseats. There are traditional sofas, modern sofas, and occasionally a hybrid sofa that combines traditional and modern styles.
Read on to learn the key sofa forms that every furniture shopper should be aware of if you’re not sure what a tuxedo sofa and a Mid-Century sofa are.
Choose your sofa material
Fabric and leather are the two types of materials. The former are more reasonably priced, while the latter are a bit less. Although many people have had negative experiences with leather-like upholstery, the manufacturers claim that the quality of fake leather is currently quite high. The fact that the cloth is softer to the touch, warmer in the winter, and doesn’t stick to the skin on hot days remains unaffected. There are various categories of fabrics. The top one, which is stain and scratch resistant and ideal for tiny children and animals, is priced the costliest.
Purchase a quality frame
Spend as much money as you can on a high-quality frame because it will last you for many years of relaxation. A strong oak frame is a good choice, but metal or particleboard construction should be avoided. Before you buy, make sure to consider the guarantee as well. Always choose manufacturers who provide at least a 15-year warranty.
Order swatches
Viewing actual sofa samples in your living room can make a world of difference. Without swatches, it might be challenging to determine how large a pattern repeat is or how your living room’s lighting influences a fabric’s colour or gloss.
If you’re remodeling your entire room, the majority of merchants will provide free or inexpensive swatches that can be gathered with paint swatches or wallpaper samples. Although a physical moodboard is always advised, if you prefer the digital world, there are several excellent design tools and websites that may assist you in organising your design strategy.
Check the cushions
Always keep in mind that a sofa’s inside is equally as significant as its exterior. While foam or fiber fillings may flatten out and lose their form with time, feather-filled cushions are quite comfortable for the sofa’s back and seat but will need to be regularly plumped.
The ideal response? A combination of feathers and foam is advised because feathers give the squish while the foam provides structure. Feather-filled back cushions and foam- or fiber-filled seat cushions both perform nicely.
Place emphasis on fabric
Your choice of upholstery fabric—whether you go for a strong colour, pattern, or neutral—will have a significant influence on the room, so make sure it complements your design aesthetic. If the sofa will be near a window, opt for a synthetic fabric rather than a natural one because the latter may fade in direct sunlight.
Choose a fabric that is simple to spot-clean if you have a dog or cat because it’s crucial in a busy family household. In this situation, leather, microfiber, velvet, and canvas are all excellent choices and textured weaves are durable and forgiving of stains. Given that they can be taken apart for cleaning and that some of them can be washed, loose-cover sofas are worth looking into.
Select timelessly
Generally speaking, you should always spend money on items you will use the most. So, if you enjoy unwinding in front of the TV, allocating a higher budget for your new sofa is essential.
If you want your investment to last, you should be wary about splurging on a sofa that is very trendy. In recent years, velvet, bouclé, and curved sofas have taken over social media, but you should consider very carefully before spending a lot of money on something that might go out of style quickly or doesn’t really fit your lifestyle.
Measure up
Nothing is worse than purchasing furniture that doesn’t suit your room, so take measurements before you take any action. Get the tape measure out and make sure you are aware of the largest sofa measurements that will fit in your room and look good.
Both the width (the measurement across the back of the sofa) and the depth (the measurement from the back to the front of the sofa) should be taken into consideration. If you’re purchasing a sofa for a smaller space, pay close attention to the sofa’s depth because it rarely varies from larger to smaller sofa sizes. If your space has radiators or shelving, in particular, take into account the height of the sofa.
Cutting out the shape of your sofa from newspaper and placing it on the floor of the room is one way to ensure that it will fit in your area. By doing so, you can make sure you have enough area to move around it comfortably and that you’ve allowed enough space for radiators, shelves, and other furniture, as well as the opening of cabinets, doors, and windows.
Consider extra features
The days of choosing additional useful elements in a sofa, such as a sofa bed or a rocker, at the expense of style are long gone. Think about features that go beyond a typical two- or three-seater. Would you find it useful to have a built-in footstool? Would having a sofa bed eliminate the requirement for a guest bedroom? Do you require a removable, machine-washable loose cover?
Also, think about how adaptable it is. Because they can be broken up into smaller sections when you have guests and place a coffee table in between, modular sofas, for example, are a total gift because they are adaptable to your needs. This makes your living space more inviting for socialising. If you start off with the appropriate model, your sofa will work harder for you.
Sofa Styles
Consider your lifestyle and what you might need from a sofa in daily life before plunging into various sofa styles. A sectional might be the ideal option if you have a large family. Choose upholstery made of stain-resistant performance fabric if you have children or pets. If comfort and relaxation are high priorities for you, you might want to consider reclining motion sofa styles. It will save you a tonne of time and effort if you go on your shopping trip with a short list of essential “must-haves.”
Mid-century sofa
A mid-century sofa has a contemporary vintage feel and is distinguished by its clean lines, boxy, streamlined shape, wooden angled legs, and low arms. Instead of being overloaded, the appearance is fitted.
Chesterfield sofa
A Chesterfield sofa is a recognised, imposing statement that fits in with a range of home design schemes. It has rolled back and arms that are both the same height, deep, pinched button details and are frequently made of leather.
Contemporary sofa
One loose back cushion per segment of the seat and straight, uniformly deep arms are common features of contemporary sofas. Common additions include metal feet.
Traditional sofa
Traditional sofas exist in a variety of sizes and designs, but the most popular models, known as “Lawsons” or “Howards,” are characterised by circular arms that are set lower than the back and finish abruptly, not quite reaching the front of the seat cushions.
Turned (rounded) feet are common, as are wooden legs and even castors.
Country sofa
These country-style sofas, sometimes referred to as “Bridgewaters,” have valances to protect the feet, low armrests, and removable seat and back cushions.
Sofa Types
In addition to size, style, and material, there are various sofa types to pick from, each with its own distinct characteristics and advantages. Sofas come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and styles, from corner sofas to high-back sofas. Depending on the design you choose, everything from the sofa’s arms to its feet will be different, so it pays to have a clear idea of the kinds of things you prefer before you start looking. The list below aims to discuss popular sofa types.
Traditional Sofas
Traditional sofas often have curving, luxurious forms, superb hand-rendered craftsmanship, and elaborate decorative decoration.
Traditional sofas typically have rolled arms, deep buttons, fringing, tassels, and other ornamental trims, carved wood frames, curved skirts, legs, and feet, and extravagant textiles like brocades, chintz, and tapestries.
If vintage upholstery techniques were applied in the creation of a sofa, it is frequently referred to as traditional. Historically, this sort of sofa was rarely larger than a 3 or 4-seater, however, modern sofas that are much larger can still incorporate classic aspects.
Camelback Sofa
The camelback sofa is distinguished by a noticeable hump (or two) on its seat back, as its name would imply. The conventional choice is for thin, rolled arms, while newer designs frequently use the more modern shelter arm, as seen above. The most classic leg designs are straight Marlborough or cabriole legs, while more contemporary bracketed variants are also available.
This sofa was created in the 18th century by furniture guru Thomas Chippendale, and it has maintained its elegance over time.
Chesterfield Sofa
One of the most recognisable sofa designs and a preferred formal sofa style is the Chesterfield sofa. The elegant sofa design, which dates to the 18th century, has generous seat cushions, deep buttoning, and a somewhat low, rolled back that continues through to the arms, giving it an even-height profile
However, modern Chesterfields are available in a variety of materials, offering a diverse appearance. Antique Chesterfields were frequently crafted in rich leather whose deep tones would be emphasised by the use of the deep button-tufting.
Daybed
A daybed sofa is a relic of the Middle Ages that functions as both a sofa and a bed. Modern examples include frequently used beds with headboard or backrest-like panels and mattress bases as well as occasional chaise-like designs. They frequently have wooden, upholstered, or iron frames.
Trundle daybeds are efficient space savers that are frequently found in kid and teen rooms for use by guests. Daybeds with storage are ideal for modest loft spaces and can be used for adults.
English Roll Arm Sofa
The English Roll-Arm sofa is a timeless Victorian style that is still adored now as much as it was 200 years ago. It has low, set-back rolled arms, a deep seat, and a softly curved tight back, though certain designs may have loose back cushions.
One of the most popular sofa designs, it complements both traditional and modern decorating styles, as well as homes in both the city and the countryside. Jessica Chastain, an actress, and Jenna Lyons, the incredibly stylish former creative director of J.Crew, both have this look in their homes.
Knole Sofa
The Knole sofa is undoubtedly the most distinctive sofa shape and is an instantly recognised sofa design. Its clever design allows it to drop its separate sides in a leaf-like fashion. These folding panels are held upright by a set of beautiful corded ties and hinges, which give the object a practical aesthetic.
Knole sofas are frequently employed as statement pieces in their original form due to their collectability and designer cred; nevertheless, updated versions with contemporary materials and accents do exist.
Contemporary Sofas
Contemporary sofas focus on simple design in contrast to their ornate traditional equivalents. Modern sofa frames receive less attention because they are typically nearly entirely hidden by the upholstery.
The usage of platform bases or basic legs, non-patterned materials, and straight, plain, and unbroken silhouette lines are popular. They can be made in virtually any size and shape, and their construction typically makes use of contemporary materials and technologies to generate the slimmest version conceivable.
Lawson Sofa
One of the more well-known sofa designs is the Lawson, but due to its past modifications and reincarnation, it is surprisingly challenging to define. A real Lawson is a well-stuffed sofa with rolling Lawson or sock arms (which can be either recessed or flush to the front of the sofa), as well as individual loose back and seat cushions that give the sofa its distinctive comfort. It is a popular option for family rooms and comes in both conventional and modern styles.
Loveseat
The one sofa design that virtually every area will benefit from is a loveseat sofa. While bigger loveseat designs more closely resemble a 2-seater sofa and perform well in larger arrangements, smaller loveseats are similar to a 1.5-seater chair, making them an intimate space for couples to rest in. Both conventional and modern styles are available for loveseats. Recently, round designs have gained popularity, luring sitters to curl up with a seductive book.
Mid-Century Modern Sofa
Recently, some of the most popular sofas have been from the mid-century era. While there isn’t a single definition that applies to all mid-century sofas, there are a few key characteristics to look for. Classic Mid-century design features include boxy forms, long, straight lines with rounded corners, round bolster cushions, splayed legs, and platform bases. The same goes for pastel hues, exposed wood frames, and shallow linear button tufting.
Tuxedo Sofa
This sofa is recognised for its tall square arms that wrap around the full back of the sofa and crisp, fitted upholstery. It is reportedly named for New York’s opulent Tuxedo Park. It is one of the more formal sofa styles by nature, yet it also works well in a variety of settings. Rich velvet makes a sofa look opulent; channel tufting makes it look distinctly Mid-Century Modern; and a tuxedo sofa that is left simple looks incredibly modern.
Family Sofas
Family sofas are made with comfort and seating capacity in mind. Typically, they are big, casually styled sofas with low profiles, thick, soft seats and cushions, and solid construction. In family rooms or casual living areas, family sofas are understandably popular.
Sectional Sofa
This modern sofa design is normally made as a single unit (or sometimes with one connect) and resembles a standard sofa with a long chaise attached at one or both ends. Depending on where the sofa is positioned, it will either be a left- or right-hand-facing sofa or a U-shaped sofa. There is a possibility that your chosen sofa model will be available in this arrangement since many different sofa styles have undergone sectional treatment.
Modular Sofa
Due to its connected, interchangeable portions or units, a modular sofa gets its name. Sofas can be made in a variety of ways using unique combinations of separate components thanks to their many configurations and limitless possibilities. They might be freeform, curved, or U-shaped. Sectional sofas with seats on all sides that are positioned in the middle of a living room have grown in popularity recently.
Creating Your Perfect Sofa
Although some sofa designs have stood the test of time in their original guises, the pleasure of creating a sofa is that you can blend components from many sofas to create the one that suits you best.
The most crucial thing is to choose your sofa based on what you want from the item and the decor of your room because there are countless combinations of sofa styles, arms, and legs.
Once you are aware of these two factors, you may design a sofa that is ideal for you.
Paolo Moschino’s Sofas
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Portofino Rattan 3 Seater Sofa -
Portofino Rattan 2 Seater Sofa -
Lisboa Sofa – Arezzo Velvet Wheat -
Athena Sofa -
Modena Sofa -
Baldwin Sofa -
Ondine Sofa -
Scroll Back Banquette -
Cambon Sofa -
Pistoia Sofa – 3 Seater -
Torino Sofa – 3 Seater -
Sofia Sofa – 2.5 seater -
Roma Sofa – 3 Seater -
Imperia Sofa – 3 Seater -
Empoli Sofa – 2 Seater -
Celine Sofa
Sofa Frames
The sofa’s frame must be taken into account because it has an impact on the sofa’s toughness and longevity. There are several materials available, each with advantages and disadvantages.
Wood
A hardwood frame is a traditional option due to its robustness and versatility in terms of décor style compatibility. However, compared to other materials, wooden frames can be bulky and may need more upkeep.
Metal
For those who like a more contemporary style, a metal frame is a fantastic choice. Although metal frames are lightweight and simple to clean, they might not last as long as wooden ones.
Plastic
A lightweight, more cheap option that is easy to maintain is a plastic frame. Plastic frames, however, could not be as robust as wooden or metal frames.
Cushion Types
Find out which type of cushion is best for you from fixed to loose cushions. Many people are unaware of the effect that a sofa’s cushion style may have on the piece’s overall appearance, but cushion trends can come and go as fashions do; trust us, the 1990s were all about boxed cushions with Lawson’s arms for the seat and back.
Choosing the proper cushion style for your sofa can really make the piece, even though it’s less obvious than other design elements.
Fixed and loose cushions are the two primary types of cushions. Loose cushions, which might look “lived in,” tend to be less formal than fixed cushions.
Fixed Cushions
Fixed sofa cushions are those which are integral to the sofa and cannot be removed. These are typically tightly packed with filling and, therefore, firmer. This style is often chosen for its sleek appearance and is used regularly for tuxedo sofa backs. Because this type of cushion is fixed, it doesn’t require the upkeep of plumping.
Loose Cushions
In contrast, loose cushions are upholstered individually and can be taken out. The covers can be cleaned, taken off, and removed from these. Because they don’t need to be stuffed as tightly, loose cushion sofas are typically more comfy.
Cushion Styles
Not all cushions are created equal, and the choice you make will reveal a lot about the look you want to achieve. The numerous cushion alternatives are listed below.
Bench Seat
A bench seat is made up of a single, seamless cushion. It extends the full length of the sofa and can be either fastened or loose. Its straightforward construction produces a minimalist style that has experienced a comeback in recent years.
Box Cushion
The box cushion includes a top and bottom panel that is enclosed by four side panels, giving it distinct surfaces. The seams can be piped for more definition, and the look is more rigid and formal. seen in the back and seat cushions.
J, L and T Cushions
The cushions are known by their shapes, J, L, and T. The left or right sofa arm is encircled by J- and L-cushions, respectively. A T-cushion is a loose bench cushion that forms a T shape by wrapping around the sofa’s armrests on both ends.
Knife-Edge Cushion
A cushion with a seam across the length of the front and back panels. The seam can either be piped or left alone. seen more frequently in back cushions than seat cushions, despite being a well-liked arm style for contemporary sofas.
Straight Cushion
A straight cushion is the most basic sort of cushion, consisting of a loose square or rectangle with no projection that wraps around a sofa arm. End cushions can also be straight, as in this picture, although interior seat cushions are almost usually straight.
Waterfall Cushion
A cushion is enclosed by side panels and with fabric that wraps uninterruptedly from top to bottom (in the case of seat cushions) or from front to back (in the case of back cushions).
Which Sofa Right For You?
Nearly all possible cushion combinations are available for sofas, including fixed backs with loose seats, fixed backs with fixed seats, and loose backs with fixed seats. For instance, the English roll-arm sofa typically has removable seat cushions and a fixed back cushion.
Depending on the cushion type, fixed cushions often always have a tailored appearance, but loose cushions can be either professional or casual. You select what would suit your style the most.
The loose cushions’ detachable coverings make the most sense if you have small children or animals.
A fixed cushion with button tufting is a lovely option if you’re wanting to buy a chaise for your master bedroom that will only be used occasionally by adults.
The number of cushions on your sofa, whether a bench seat, a cushioned pair, a triad, or more, also has an impact on how it looks. For instance, a bench seat complements a tuxedo sofa with channel quilting the best since there are fewer physical interruptions, allowing the channeling to make the desired impact and the item to appear cohesive.
Sofa Upholstery
Sofa textiles, which include alternatives like cotton, wool, leather, linen, and more, are the materials used to upholster a sofa. The comfort and sturdiness of this crucial piece of furniture greatly depend on the cloth you chose for it.
When comparing popular sofa materials, bear in mind that each material has advantages and disadvantages. Different alternatives vary in terms of softness, sturdiness, and stain resistance. The ideal sofa fabric for your lifestyle should be chosen by carefully weighing the benefits of each material when shopping for furniture. To confidently select the best solution for your space, style, and budget, learn more about some of the most popular upholstery materials.
Cotton
Best for: Warm climates where breathable materials are required, as well as for achieving a soft, cosy texture.
Natural cotton combines desired qualities like softness, toughness, and breathability. Given that it is comfortable to sit on, resistant to pilling and wear, and simple to clean, cotton is a particularly popular fabric choice for sofas. Cotton is a fantastic material to choose from in hotter regions because it is also extremely breathable. However, cotton is not stain-resistant, therefore you will need to treat this fabric to make it stain-resistant. Cotton is readily dyed and is available in a wide range of hues and designs.
Linen
Best for: Rooms with a stylish, informal appearance.
Like cotton, linen is a naturally very breathable textile that gives a sofa a chic yet casual appearance. It is popular in many different decorating styles, including shabby chic and Belgian.
Although incredibly resilient, linen is readily wrinkled and stained. Therefore, unless it is mixed with another fabric to boost its stain resistance, linen is best used in low-traffic areas. Linoleum might not be the greatest material for your sofa if you have kids or pets who constantly scuff up your sofa.
Wool
Best for: High-traffic areas that need durability without losing softness are the best candidates.
Wool is an extremely tough natural fibre that won’t wrinkle, wear out, or become stained. It is durable and easy to maintain without losing its soft, cosy feel. Wool costs more than other types of fabric, though.
Velvet
Best for: Adding elegance to formal or low-traffic areas.
Velvet is a fluffy fabric renowned for its vibrant hues and luxurious texture. Although velvet is resistant to liquids, it does not deter stains and grime. For these reasons, velvet is less suitable for a family sofa but is ideal in more formal settings or low-traffic areas. Velvet also frequently flattens or wears out over time.
Chenille
Best for: Having a softer feel than velvet while having greater durability.
Closure loop weaving gives the textured fabric known as chenille a velvet-like softness while also giving it more resilience. Chenille is simple to clean, but its loops might get tangled in a pet’s claws or catch on something sharp. However, chenille is generally regarded as being extremely durable in normal homes, particularly if you select a performance chenille. If you’re looking for a soft, pleasant upholstery material, this kind of cloth is excellent for people without dogs.
Leather
Best for: High-traffic areas that need durability, stain resistance, and cleaning simplicity are best for. fantastic for allergy sufferers.
Leather is a particularly tough material option that resists stains, spills, grime, and normal wear. Leather upholstery is quite simple to clean and is durable. It will last for a very long time because it is durable and softens with use. Leather is also a fantastic alternative for people with allergies because it cannot retain dirt or allergens like other fabrics.
Polyester
Best for: High-traffic areas that require durability and stain resistance are best served by.
A synthetic material called polyester is renowned for its longevity and resistance to fading and wrinkling. Furthermore, compared to other fabric choices, it maintains its shape nicely and does not stretch or sag as much. Polyester is a fantastic material option for spaces that require strong fabric options and the capacity to quickly remove spills or stains.
Nylon
Best for: High-traffic areas that need extremely sturdy, long-lasting upholstery
A synthetic fibre called nylon is renowned for its exceptional strength and toughness. Although 100% nylon upholstery is available, it is frequently combined with other fibres to complement nylon’s strength with other fibres’ desirable properties. When strength and durability of the fabric are important considerations, nylon, whether blended or not, is a fantastic choice for a sofa material.
Microfiber
Best for: Soft feel and simple cleanup are the best. Unsuitable for pets
A particular kind of synthetic fabric called microfiber is frequently constructed of polyester or a nylon and polyester blend. Microfiber is exceptionally stain and liquid resistant, making cleaning a snap. It does, however, cling to dust, hair, and filth more so than other fabrics due of its delicate texture and tight fibres. Microfiber might not be the ideal sofa material for houses with dogs as a result.
Sofa Fabrics
To meet your unique demands and preferences, there are numerous fabric alternatives available for sofa upholstery. sofa textiles are frequently a combination of two or more of the aforementioned materials, allowing you to further tailor the characteristics you want your sofa fabric to have. For instance, a cotton and polyester blend enables you to balance softness with the necessity for the fabric to be durable and stretch-resistant.
You may decide which type of upholstery is best for you by considering your routine and habits. When choosing a sofa fabric, keep the following factors in mind: How frequently is the sofa used? Is this sofa used frequently in a family room or is it in a more formal setting? Have you got young kids or pets? Which aspects of the upholstery do you value more highly: softness and comfort or toughness and cleaning simplicity?
You may decide if a soft, opulent fabric, like velvet, is best for your area or if something robust, like leather, is more acceptable by deciding what standards you want the fabric of your sofa to live up to. Whatever the situation, you can choose the ideal sofa fabric for your house by carefully weighing the advantages and disadvantages of each fabric.
Sofa Colours
When designing our houses, colour is one of the most important factors to take into account because it affects a variety of things, including our mood, sleep quality, and even our ability to concentrate. A calm and tranquil bedroom, a clean and bright kitchen, or a cosy and welcoming hallway are all made possible by colour.
Therefore, it is not unexpected that colour is one of the most important aspects influencing our shopping decisions, particularly when it comes to expensive things like a sofa. For our opinion on the most popular sofa colours, continue reading.
Grey
Unsurprisingly, the most popular sofa hue of the year was the consistently fashionable grey. Neutral grey is incredibly adaptable and can be used in nearly any decor, from old textured tweed to contemporary tactile velvet. And it creates an excellent foundation for complex pattern.
Green
Crisp apple green hues work well in a rustic cottage setting, whereas forest green produces a moodier, more romantic atmosphere.
Pink
Rich or chalky tones of pink in tactile fabrics, such as textured wool, velvet, or tweed, can be a versatile and classy choice, however, they require a keener eye than simple grey to prevent an overly sugary end.
Cream
Despite being the epitome of adaptability, classic cream was not as in demand as one might anticipate. Brilliantly neutral with warm undertones that beckon lavishly patterned textiles, vibrant accessories, and reddish woods, this is a great foundation over which to build. By combining your sofa with gentle blues or greys, you may keep your colour palette cooler.
Black
Dark wood flooring, antique brass, and soft furnishings in romantic tones of grape or burgundy are the greatest complements to black sofas, which are bold and brooding in expression but can be a little tough to pull off.
Blue
Deep blue velvet sofas are a sumptuous option, whereas pillowy powder blue sofas are a little cosier and more rustic.
Beige
Behind its cosier neutral rivals, white and cream, traditional beige came in seventh. Beige works well in cosy living room designs like this one and looks excellent layered with similar colours like biscuit and brown.
Navy
The moodier alternative to the traditional blue option above is a rich navy. Choose a deeper, richer blue to add drama to the room. One of the best things about blue is how well it pairs with a wide variety of other colours. Its wide range of tones can also alter the atmosphere of any room.
Orange
A space is brightened by a spicily warm orange like this Pudding sofa by Loaf. It is a deceptively adaptable centre piece that pairs well with organic materials and other warming accents like brass.
Teal
The third blue hue to appear on the list this year. Richer undertones are introduced by greener varieties like teal or sapphire, which go well with pastels that are more chalky. A teal, navy, or deep blue sofa might be the ideal addition to your living room and be a terrific way to make your space shine, according to Ben. They are eye-catching, adaptable, and functional.
White
A detested hue for parents and pet owners. A spotless white sofa might appear as though it were taken straight out of a glossy magazine, and it begs a minimalist design scheme with a chic but limited use of unusual accessories. Warmer colours are more forgiving and provide a neutral foundation for layers of pastel blankets and pillows.
Yellow
Yellow is surprisingly adaptable, pairing well with most hues on the colour wheel, but it works best with softer, more natural-looking greens and blues.
Sofa Cleaning
One could argue that a sofa is only as good as the maintenance it receives. While a well-made sofa can last for many years, if any upholstery is handled roughly or given the essential sofa TLC, it may start to seem a little dated before its time.
We want your sofa to be the centre of attention in your living room and to serve you well for many years to come. Use these sofa care and upkeep tips to keep your prized possession looking as good as the day you got it.
Sofa Care Instructions
- A weekly gentle vacuuming with an upholstery attachment and dusting is a terrific method to maintain your upholstery looking and smelling clean and reduce dirt and dust.
- After vacuuming, restore the fabric’s nap (the textural raised surface) by brushing with a delicate fabric brush.
- Where feasible, sofa cushions should be frequently fluffed and turned. For sofa cushions with just one side, this is more challenging.
- To prevent dirt from getting on the back and armrests of a sofa, use throw pillows or blankets. A well-used blanket on an arm won’t appear out of place and will serve as a stain barrier.
- Pets should not be allowed on sofas to avoid excessive wear and stains that could be difficult to remove.
- To make the upholstery on your sofa even more durable, there are several different fabric treatments that may be applied. You should be able to get advice on this from your manufacturer.
- Schedule routine professional cleaning.
Care for Certain Sofa Materials
Caring for Leather Sofas
If properly maintained, quality leather sofas can last a lifetime, and leather furniture in a typical home setting should require little upkeep. Avoid keeping leather too close to heat sources, which will quickly dry out the leather’s natural moisture, or in direct sunlight, which can cause colour fading. Use leather conditioners or oils on a regular basis (at least twice a year; preferably more often).
Caring for Linen, Cotton & Wool Sofas
Because of their absorbent nature, linen, cotton, and wool sofas are a little more difficult to care for than leather sofas but regular maintenance will keep them looking good as new. Keep out of direct sunlight or opt for a lighter colour that won’t fade as obviously. Rearrange furniture regularly to prevent uneven fading. When new, wool furniture may shed tiny fluffy fibers. This is completely normal and not indicative of an inferior fabric.
Caring for Polyester, Acrylic or Viscose Blend Sofas
Man-made fabrics (or blend fabrics which include man-made or partially man-made fibres) are usually the easiest fabrics to care for. Whilst there are many low-grade synthetic fabrics produced, high-end synthetic fabrics are designed to be as durable as possible and go through rigorous development. Most polyester, acrylic or viscose blend fabrics require simple regular vacuuming and brushing if they have a nap.
Caring for Velvet Sofas
With velvet it’s important to be aware of the nap because extreme pressure, particularly when wet, can potentially do permanent damage to it. Velvet will also benefit from regular vacuuming in the direction of the nap and brushing with a velvet brush in the same direction to restore its loft. Be careful not to get velvet wet. If you do have a spill, blot lightly as soon as possible with a clean, dry cloth.
Fabric Cleaning
Depending on the particular fabric requirements, we always advise having luxury sofas professionally cleaned. This is also advised by many renowned upholstery fabric manufacturers. By doing this, you can almost guarantee that the fabric won’t be irreparably damaged and that the colour of the sofa will remain consistent after cleaning.
However, occasionally stains on sofas won’t require a thorough cleaning, or perhaps you spilled something and need to move quickly. If this is the case, you might wish to try some delicate cleaning techniques at home, but only after speaking with the sofa’s maker and getting their approval that light spot cleaning is acceptable.
Your manufacturer can assist you in determining the fabric composition of your individual sofa and may even make recommendations for the best ways to maintain it.
Cushion Cleaning
If you like the loose cover style, it’s a clever method to make cleaning your sofa easier and extend its lifespan. When necessary, loose covers can be readily taken off and cleaned in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
It wouldn’t hurt to have an additional set of slipcovers. It not only gives your coverings a rest in between uses, but it also gives you the ability to switch up your appearance. Make sure any washing won’t interfere with the fabric’s initial treatments, such as its fire retardancy.
Always keep in mind that tumble-drying unfastened covers could cause them to shrink.
Conclusion
Size, style, material, and kind are just a few of the important considerations you should make while selecting the ideal sofa for your house. Make sure to take into account the rest of your room’s dcor when selecting a colour and pattern. To keep your sofa looking fantastic for years to come, basic care and upkeep are also necessary. You may select the ideal sofa for your home that not only looks wonderful but also satisfies your functional demands by using these professional buying advice and taking your time.
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