Want to refresh your living room? Thinking about replacing your sofa but unsure how to choose the best model? If so, you should know that you've come to the right place, as we have created this short article specifically for people like you, where you will learn what to consider when purchasing a sofa for the living room.
Why is the sofa such an important element of living room decor?
Sofa, couch, or corner sofa are pieces of furniture that are hard to imagine a living room without. Living room sofa is the foundation of the living room, where life thrives. It is here that friends, family, and household members gather. A comfortable sofa for the living room should not only stand out with excellent design but also have a comfortable finish that makes spending time together in the living room even more enjoyable. Since the sofa often occupies the center of the living room universe, when choosing it, it's worth remembering to maintain the coherence of the room: whether the couch will set the main style of the living room or adapt to it depends solely on you!
Choosing the perfect sofa for the living room can be a relatively challenging task, which is why we decided to create a few tips that may be helpful when purchasing a new one. sofas.
Light beige sofa with a black base
What should you pay attention to when choosing a sofa for the living room?
When deciding to purchase a sofa, you should first consider its intended purpose. If your living room, at night it transforms into a bedroom, so make sure that the sofa is not only an elegant addition that harmonizes the entire interior but also a functional piece of furniture that allows for peaceful and carefree sleep. Sofa with sleeping function can be an excellent solution for those who enjoy hosting guests in their home. While the idea of having a sofa bed is definitely worth considering, it's important to pay attention to the size of the furniture. layout, a massive sofa with lush shapes will disrupt the proportions of the room, which may ultimately result in an unappealing finish to the interior. Additionally, a fold-out sofa with mismatched dimensions is simply impractical.
An elegant sofa with a sleeping function maintained in a modern classic style
1 - Style, the hallmark of every home
If you want your living room to be your sanctuary, where you feel good regardless of everything, choose a style that resonates best with your sense of aesthetics and individual preferences.
Scandinavian Style
Among the most popular, and consequently most frequently encountered styles, one can distinguish, among others, Scandinavian style, based on the philosophy of hygge, which signifies comfort and coziness. The word hygge is also translated by some linguists as "coziness." The hygge philosophy primarily refers to an inner state of calm and balance; however, this concept can also be observed in interior design inspired by the homes of people living in Scandinavia. A key feature of Scandinavian style is maintaining interiors in neutral and muted colors such as white, beige, and various shades of gray. Another element to keep in mind is furniture with simple, classic shapes that stand out for their exceptional functionality.
Although sofas in Scandinavian style are characterized by effortless elegance, they may not fit into every interior.
a sofa with a sleeping function in muted colors, designed in a Scandinavian style
Art Deco
If muted, neutral colors are not your style, and your rooms are decorated with flair, a sofa in the spirit of Art Deco. This style is not homogeneous and largely relies on combining classic elements from previous eras with designer and modern accessories. While it may initially seem that these two extreme components won't fit together, Art Deco makes the entire room appear cohesive and extravagant at the same time. One of the main principles of Art Deco is the juxtaposition of the past and the future; however, it is worth emphasizing that this does not have to (though it can) occur by placing a piece of furniture from a previous era alongside an innovative design that captivates with its unusual appearance even today.
It turns out that more and more world-renowned designers are opting to combine these two completely different concepts into one element. — this is how Art Deco style furniture available in our collection is created.
Sofa in Art Deco style
Elegance comes first, that is Glamour style
What distinguishes glamour style from other styles is primarily the omnipresent elegance. Interiors decorated in glamour style are characterized by a lot of shine, and often also opulence. However, it is worth emphasizing that a well-arranged glam room will not be associated with proverbial kitsch, and all elements will harmonize perfectly.
Beige sofa with a gold base in Glamour style
Vintage and retro style sofa
The vintage style involves using original elements from past years or products inspired by designs from that period. Interestingly, to arrange a space in this style, one can combine furniture and accessories from the 1920s and 1960s with modern elements that perfectly fit current trends. Rooms decorated in the Vintage style should not lack materials such as wood, as well as ornate structures (for example, table with decorative legs). Additionally, one should also consider practical items such as enamel tableware, which was found in almost every home in past decades.
Sofas inspired by Vintage and retro styles are characterized by vibrant colors and simple forms.
Brown retro sofa
Loft and industrial style
Both loft and industrial styles are a response to the needs of communities that inhabited industrial buildings transformed into residential properties. The raw finishes and ubiquitous materials like brick and concrete laid the foundation for a completely new style, which today is one of the most popular ways to decorate a home.
Loft style is characterized by a raw form and a large number of accessories in intense colors that will bring some life into the interior. Furniture created in the spirit of industrialism is based on steel, modern constructions that are primarily meant to be functional.
Brick sofa in loft style
Boho
Boho style originates from the Romani folk culture, specifically from the bohemian lifestyle represented mainly by artists, musicians, poets, and actors. It is a combination of freedom with intricate expression, aimed at creating something "new" and "personal." Currently, the most important indicators of boho style are the use of natural materials such as wood, linen, or cotton, as well as incorporating many references to nature in interiors (these can be live plants or floral motifs).
The abundance of colors and the variety of fabrics are also among the most popular features of boho style.
Corduroy sofa in beige
2 - Material matters
The material can drastically change the appearance of a sofa — anyone who has decided to reupholster an old couch knows this. The choice of material should be based on the best fit. To do this, consider the conditions in which the sofa will be placed, and then compare it with the characteristics of the given material. During this consideration, it is worth taking into account external factors to which your sofa may be exposed. If you have children or pets, it is wise to opt for a material that is highly resistant to stains and dirt. When buying a sofa, you can primarily choose between leather upholstery or various types of fabrics. Both solutions have their advantages, which we will present to you in the next part of the article.
The benefits of purchasing fabric-upholstered sofas
The fabric is primarily characterized by a greater ability to customize its appearance to the individual needs of the customer. With countless color variants and different textures, when purchasing a fabric-upholstered sofa, you can choose from hundreds of products that have completely different aesthetics. The advantages of fabric also include its affordability. Moreover, fabric is a much better choice for those who want their sofa to be easy to maintain and clean.
The most popular types of fabrics include:
- Polyester — a material known mainly for its durability against external factors and its many applications. Currently, polyester is used to create fabrics such as corduroy, suede, and even velvet, which until recently was mainly associated with silk.
- Wool — ma natural material that gives the sofa a distinctive appearance. Wool is resistant to dirt and easy to maintain.
- Linen — like wool, is a natural material. Its resistance to damage and wear is minimal, but the delicate texture and pleasant finish mean that linen is still used for sofa upholstery.
- Cotton — a material that is certainly well known to most customers. The pleasant finish, unfortunately, comes with a lower resistance to damage and an increased chance of color fading.
Convertible sofa upholstered in a pleasant-to-touch fabric
Martindale value
When discussing what to pay attention to when purchasing a sofa, one cannot forget the important element known as the Martindale value. For those who have never encountered this term before, let us explain. In short, this value indicates the degree of a sofa's resistance to various types of abrasion. The Martindale value primarily depends on the type of material used for the sofa upholstery - for example, leather sofas will have a significantly higher value than, say, sofas upholstered in cotton fabric or a cotton blend. Below, we will present a brief overview to help you better understand how the Martindale value works.
- Sofas that score 20,000 to 25,000 cycles are ideal for a relatively small number of people who take care of their everyday items.
- Sofas that achieve a score between 30,000 and 35,000 cycles exhibit slightly increased durability and are suitable for shared apartments or small families.
- Sofas that score between 35,000 and 50,000 cycles are the perfect choice for large families, as well as for pet owners and those who heavily use their furniture.
- When it comes to sofas whose value has exceeded 50,000 cycles, we can talk about the highest durability, which is particularly welcome in public places.
Why should you choose a leather-upholstered sofa?
Leather is a material that requires specialized care, but in return, it rewards you with a beautiful and timeless appearance. When you decide to purchase a leather sofa, you can be sure that this piece of furniture will last with you for many years. The price you have to pay for sofas made of leather is slightly higher than for traditional fabric-upholstered sofas, but cleaning it is usually much easier. When buying a leather sofa, you can also choose from several types of material. Among the most popular are:
- Natural leather — a material that requires impregnation and proper care throughout the year, it is durable and resistant to most stains, but it is not recommended to expose it to direct sunlight. If you have pets, you should be aware that natural leather may lose its appearance when in contact with claws.
- Recycled leather — an eco-friendly solution for those who care about the environment, as well as excellent design. Recycled leather often contains polyester blends, but this does not make it look worse. The good news is that this type of material is cheaper than its predecessor.
- Eco-leather — it is a leather imitation made from materials that are not of animal origin. It requires no maintenance or impregnation, but its durability is significantly lower than that of natural leather.
Sofa upholstered in eco-leather
3 - Type of sofa for the living room
The last element we want to mention is, of course, the type of sofa for the living room. The type of sofa, just like its material, should be tailored to individual needs.
Classic two or three-seater sofas
Traditional sofas for two or three people are probably the most commonly chosen options. These seating elements are perfect for both long family visits and evening relaxation. Two or three-seater sofas are available in many styles and color variations.
Convertible sofas
Sofas that can be converted into beds are an excellent alternative for small spaces. If you have limited room and want your sofa to serve as a comfortable place to relax during the day and a cozy bed at night, choose a convertible sofa made from high-quality materials.
Light blue sofa with a sleeping function
Corner sofas
So-called corners next to two or three-seater sofas, are probably the most popular type of lounge sofas. With their extended section, corner sofas fit perfectly into both small and large living rooms, providing comfort and ease of use.
Corduroy sofa corner in beige color
Modular sofas
The greatest advantage modular sofas offers the undeniable possibility of flexible arrangement. This type of sofa consists of several elements that can be configured in various ways depending on your needs. Such a solution can be particularly useful when hosting guests or organizing a party.
Yellow modular sofa for three people
Chaise longues
Chaise longues are the perfect complement to spaces such as the living room or hallway. On our website, you will find a wide selection of chaise longues designed for those who value comfort and excellent design.
Beige chaise longue with a gold base
We hope that with the tips we've prepared for you, choosing the right sofa will come easily. If you're looking for a high-quality sofa for your living room that stands out with excellent design, visit our website Eye on Design and check out our latest collectionof sofas.