In most living rooms, the sofa is the centerpiece that ties the space together. Whether you’re looking to clash patterns or colors with the rest of your furniture, or create a streamlined appearance, neglecting this vital staple can make the room look empty or unfinished. To create the most decorative impact, try out the following popular sofa styles in your home.
Slouchy Oversized Sectionals
Medium-sized rooms could benefit from a sectional, as it gives homeowners more flexibility. Traditional sectionals typically sit a few inches off the ground, but those looking for something different will appreciate the relaxed appearance of the slouchy couch. Look for sofas with smaller components, like in these stunning sectional couches, if you prefer more structure.
Bold Colored Loveseats
Bold mono-patterned sofas can often become pieces of art in a properly painted living room. For example, a gold loveseat can elicit warm, comforting feelings when put up against a navy blue wall. When choosing your sofa, know that pastel tones are a favorite in darker rooms, while earthy hues like forest green offer a stark contrast to a white or grey-painted home.
Fluted Sofas
“Fluting” is one of the oldest design techniques in history and was initially used to make pillars look thinner and more elegant. The curved lines on a fluted sofa give off the same illusion while offering a timeless twist on the traditional Chesterfield. Many designs combine fluted sofa backs with crushed velvet or shiny polyester fabric, so it appears more Art Deco.
Earthy Velvets
Speaking of velvet, the 1970s trending upholstery style is back as if it never left. Not much has changed since your mom’s 3-seater except the colors. Saturated hues like mustard, camel, mauve, and currant are readily available with wood backings but rolled armed sofas aren’t tricky to find. Mute the rest of your furniture around your velvet piece to make it the focal point.
Tan Leather 3-Seaters
Black leather sofas will probably stay for good, but the word was still out a few years ago for its caramel cousin. Fortunately, tan leather sofas aren’t going anywhere, so invest in a comfy, hard-backed 3-seater for a mid-century living room design. More modern homes can still rock a tan leather loveseat if you avoid boxy couch shapes for tufted, buttoned Chesterfields.
Curvaceous Silhouettes
Modern designers have started to shift away from identical facing double sofas and seem to favor a relaxed silhouette. Curved sofas can be difficult to implement into some homes, but when added correctly, they’re often cozier than angular-shaped couches. To complement a curved, oversized, and deep-cushioned couch, buy a round coffee table and matching loveseat.
1920s Retro
Retro is in this decade, and it seems like the Roaring 20s is making a major comeback, luckily without the giant price tag. In years past, antique collectors would have to pay a fortune to get their hands on a highback, wood sofa with a buttoned finish. Now, modern designers are creating beautiful couches with rounded curves, geometric patterns, and scalloped shellbacks.
The Chaise
A chaise lounge isn’t new, but the design is popular in asymmetrical living rooms and for family homes with pets. Since a chaise is long enough to support the legs, it’s a comfy alternative to lounging on the couch or sitting upright on a chair. If you have space for an accent piece that doubles as a great place to rest, purchase a chaise of a similar color as your couch.
Pleated and Tailored
A tailored and pleated sofa would fit right in with the transitional design style, which balances both traditional and modern design elements. If you’re unsure where to start decorating or you’re unfamiliar with the types of colors or patterns you want to add to your space, a white pleated sofa is a great jumping-off point. Add accent pillows and furniture as you go.
