We live in an era of infinite options where we have virtually endless choices for any product we’re looking to buy, from electronics and clothes to cars and furniture. A living room sofa is one of the most important pieces of furniture you will buy. You might think that you know exactly what you want, but once you start shopping around, you’ll likely become overwhelmed by all the styles, shapes, and designs out there. To save you from potential buyer’s remorse and help you understand what to look for, here are the best pro tips on how to pick the right couch for your living room.
Consider the Size of Your Room
If you have a big living room, you’ll need to decide exactly how much space you want your sofa to take. Are you planning on adding other chairs or perhaps a coffee table? If so, a simple L-shaped sofa is probably your best option. However, if you’re looking for a large sofa that can accommodate a large number of people and act as the focal point of your living room, around one could be a better fit. On the other hand, if your living room is on the smaller side, you’ll probably need a small couch. Don’t worry; in a smaller space, any sofa will stand out. Just make sure you pick one that’s both practical and stylish.
Determine Which Shape Will Suit Your Needs Best
How many people do you share the house with? If you have a big family, then it’s best to look for a sectional sofa that is comfortable so you can all cozy up together on movie night. L-shaped sofas are also great for dividing open areas, so if you need to separate your living room from the dining room, get yourself one of those. But if you live alone or with your significant other, you’ll do just fine with a small, curved couch. Curved sofas are great for small spaces; they don’t take up much room but can be perfect for any gathering area.
If you want to add more seats or tables to your living room, a chaise or daybed could be a good alternative to your typical couch. It could work as a more sophisticated and compact version of the futon but will still provide enough seating for several people.
Choose a Style That Complements Your Home
If your home has a sleek and modern aesthetic, pick a couch that reflects that in clean lines or bold colors. On the other hand, if your home boasts an eclectic mix of colors, textures, and designs, a sofa that combines several styles, such as a vintage design upholstered in a patterned fabric, could complement your taste perfectly. If your style is a little more on the traditional side, a classically structured couch in a neutral color will give you the clean and minimal vibe you’re looking for.
Pick a Color That Matches Your Taste
Speaking of colors, you need to decide on whether you want a bright, neutral, or patterned couch. We highly encourage you to go for a sofa with a fun and unique print that can add a personal and quirky touch to your living room and transform the feel of the entire space. If you have pets or little kids, a patterned sofa will come in especially handy, as it will camouflage some of the mess that is bound to happen. If bold colors and loud patterns aren’t your cups of tea, you can always go for a neutral sofa with a funky ottoman. That way, you can add a more subtle sense of diversity to the space without disrupting the understated vibe of the room.
Read up on Different Upholstery Materials
Aesthetic appeal is important, but functionality is key when it comes to choosing the best sofa for your living room. Although they are quite popular, suede sofas can be a pain to clean, which makes them a very poor choice if you have furry pets or little kids. Dark leather, on the other hand, ages well and can be fairly easy to clean, not to mention that it never goes out of style. You can also opt to have your couch upholstered in outdoor fabric for maximum durability. Outdoor fabrics are typically the most resistant to stains, water, and sun damage.
Your new living room sofa will probably be subject to heavy use, which is why you need to make sure you pick the right one that can withstand the inevitable wear and tear. That’s not to say that you’ll have to compromise on style, though; the best sofa for you should provide a perfect balance of function, durability, and style. After all, pretty much everything else in your living room will revolve around your couch, so keep the above tips in mind, and you can rest assured that you’ll find the right one.
