Outfitting your living room is one of the most important tasks in your home decor journey. Your living room is a space you and your family spend the most time. No piece is more central to the living room than the sofa. With so many variations and factors to consider, it’s tough to find one that checks all your boxes.
Do you prioritize aesthetics over function? Are you looking for a piece more conducive to seating guests or lounging with loved ones? Is your space better suited for the size of a loveseat, or do you have room to shape the area with a sectional?
What is a Sofa?
A sofa is a single piece of furniture with two or three cushions. They’re one-directional seating options that come in different sizes. Sofas generally take up less space than a sectional and are easily paired with a combination of seating options like
sectionals or
accent chairs.
Sofas can easily fit into many spaces and room sizes.
- A guest-friendly environment that facilitates communication without being overly intimate.
- Easy access to coffee and side tables, no matter where you sit.
- Sofas pair well with other furniture and allow for more design flow.
Different Types of Sofas
With endless options, find the sofa style that best fits your home’s needs and aesthetics. Here are four common sofa types:
Traditional:
Traditional sofas are the three-seater models you envision when thinking of a sofa. Use them as your main seating or use them as a complementary piece.
Sectional
: Sectionals are a go-to if you have a large family or host guests. They come with a chaise lounge component and are ideal for providing enough space to stretch your legs.
Sleeper
: Maximize your investment and consider a convertible sofa bed. Its ability to offer an additional place to sleep makes a sleeper sofa a versatile Jack-of-all-trades.
Loveseat
:There is a lot to love about a loveseat. Designed to seat two, a loveseat is ideal for small spaces (like a studio apartment) or complementary to a large sofa.
Popular Sofa Styles
Selecting a specific sofa style depends on aesthetics and your functional needs. If you’d like a place to lounge, you need a couch with more depth. If you plan to invite over guests, you may want to opt for sofas that are less slouchy and more semi-formal. Here are a few of our favorite styles:
Mid Century Modern
Choose a
mid-century modern sofa for a style on the minimal end of the spectrum. These styles are also a traditional choice with a streamlined, rectangular shape and bare legs.
Chaises
The
chaise lounge is an elongated upholstered seat designed to help you lounge with your feet up. It includes a padded back along one short side and one or two arms.
Settee
With a more formal appearance, a
settee is a popular choice when you’re looking to add elegance to your home. They generally feature a high straight back and two arms.
Chesterfield
Rolled arms and tufting give the Chesterfield its bold look. They are often upholstered in leather with nailhead accents.
English Roll Arm
Not to be confused with the Chesterfield, English Roll Arm style sofas feature rolled arms but at a lower height than the back. The deep seat of the English roll arm makes it a comfortable option for lounging.
Tuxedo
Often more formal, tuxedo sofas are typically upholstered in leather with tufting. The arms are the same height as the back, lending to a boxy shape.
How To Choose the Best Sectional Couch for Your Space
Consider Your Needs
When choosing which sofa fits your space and needs, decide its primary purpose. Answer the following questions to help you decide:
- What is its primary purpose?
Do you want a luxurious suede settee to set the tone for your entry space, or do you prefer the comfort of a linen couch for late-night movie marathons? Consider the primary purpose your sofa will be performing.
- How much seating space do you need?
Sofas range from a single chaise or loveseat to a three-seater model or more. Consider your seating needs when choosing the best fit.
- Consider the configuration of your room.
Will you blend your sofa with furniture elements like accent chairs,
rugs, or
coffee tables?
Choose Your Fabric Style
The fabric or material your sofa is crafted with impacts your sofa’s longevity. Consider how often the sofa will be used and how high the daily stain risk may be. Do you have messy eaters in the house or pets that shed? Take careful consideration of your lifestyle when choosing the best fabric.
Measure Your Space
One of the most important considerations for buying your sofa is the size and shape of your room.
Take note of the length and the depth.
- Measure the heights and widths of all entryways, stairways, and hallways to ensure the sofa can maneuver through them.
- Factor in ceiling heights, architectural details of the room, banisters, or low-hanging fixtures that might get in the way.
- Tape out the sofa’s exact shape and dimension in your room to see if it will extend past walls or walkways.
- Consider the traffic patterns of the room and any other large furnishings the room may have.
- Make sure you have enough room to move about the space.
How to Clean & Maintain a Sofa
The last thing you want is for your living room investment to fall apart under excess wear and tear. With the proper care, sofas last for years. Because sofas come in different fabrics and materials, consult the manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning.
Here are some general rules and tips that can help extend the longevity of your sofa:
1. Regularly vacuum or wipe away dust, hair, and debris that gathers.
2. Don’t place furniture in direct sunlight. Extreme temperatures cause discoloration of fabric materials and cracking of leather.
3. Don’t let stains sit. When spills occur, blot any loose liquids immediately. Treat any remaining spots on upholstered fabrics with gentle soap, warm water, and a soft rag.
4. Do not treat leather with soap or oil. Leather sofas become brittle, dry, and damaged when treated with soap or detergent that strips the natural oils.
5. The best way to clean and maintain your sofa is with proper furniture cleaners designed for the sofa material. Follow manufacturer instructions for the best results.
Find Your Perfect Sofa
Whether you want a place to kick back and lounge, or prefer a sophisticated centerpiece to host guests, furniture.com is here to help you find the sofa that best fits your needs. Search our curated collection of quality sofas to find your perfect fit.