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Sofa styles: The ultimate guide

Sofa styles: The ultimate guide

Sofa styles: The ultimate guide

Want to buy a new sofa, but not sure which design will best suit your living room or your sitting requirements? Let’s delve into the different sofa styles that are available and talk you through everything you’ll need to think about when purchasing seating that will be super comfortable (and incredibly practical) for the whole family.

 

Measuring up

Before you do anything else, it’s important to understand how much space you’ve got to work with.

Check your dimensions

Measure the width, depth, and height of the space where the sofa will sit, accounting for an inch or so of breathing space in each direction and taking radiators, cupboards and shelves into account. You’ll also make sure that any doors or windows will still be easily accessible once the sofa is in situ, and that everyone can walk around it without having to squeeze into a small gap. Don’t forget to measure doorways, hallways, and staircases to ensure the sofa can be delivered into the room without any problems. Low-back sofa styles or modular designs are a great compromise if getting a standard seat into position will be tricky. To help you visualise how much space your new sofa will take up and how it will fit in with other furniture, use masking tape to mark the sofa’s footprint on the floor.

 

Choosing the right sized sofa

It goes without saying that if you have a smaller room, you’ll need to invest in a smaller sofa. Two seaters – sometimes referred to as loveseats – are a compact but comfy option that will rarely overwhelm a room’s design.

Alfie Mink 2 Seater Sofa from Roseland Furniture

Standard sofas typically seat three people and are a solid option for most lounges, while four seater sofas can help fill rooms with ample square footage. Sofa beds can be used to convert any room into a makeshift bedroom for guests – handy if you need to create a spare room that also doubles up as an office.

Justin Oatmeal 3 Seater Sofa for living room

And sectional sofas are brilliant for entertaining and can be arranged as you like, although they are not as versatile as modular sofas. We’ll go into more detail about sofa shapes later.

 

Sofa designs

Now you’ve got the fundamentals right, it’s time to think about what you want your dream sofa to look like. How will you use your sofa? Before settling on the right sofa style, consider whether your preferred design is a functional fit for everybody who’s going to sit on it. A straight back sofa will be no good to you if you like to spend most of your spare time horizontal but will be ideal for a more formal sitting room. Similarly, squishy, ultra deep sofas are great for the loungers amongst you but are not suitable for sitters with mobility issues or recurring back pain.

 

Natural sofa fabrics vs synthetic sofa fabrics

• Organic fabrics like cotton, linen and wool are softer and more breathable than materials like polyester, nylon and acrylic – and, of course, they are more sustainable. 

You might like: The Bianca Linen 2 Seater Sofa

• However, synthetic threads will often be more durable, and cope better with long-term usage in busy areas. They are easier to clean and maintain, and some of them are less prone to stretching, shrinking, wrinkling and fading when exposed to sunlight (you should always check the notes from the manufacturer to confirm exactly how your sofa is expected to perform in different conditions).

You might like: The Felice 2 Seater Sofa

You can learn more about the distinct differences between natural and man-made sofa materials here.

• Leather is another popular sofa fabric. High quality real or faux leather is elegant, long-lasting and simple to maintain, although it does command a higher price tag.

You might like: The Enys Leather Recliner 2 Seater Sofa

• Velvet can also be used to add a sense of luxury to any room, and its fibres will introduce depth to an otherwise flat colour scheme.

You might like: The Trom Velvet 2 Seater Sofa

 

Choosing the right colour

It’s tempting to simply go for a shade you like – but you’ll need to consider how your sofa’s style will fit into your existing décor, and whether you’ll be able to keep it clean and stain-free, especially if there are children and pets in your household.

Neutral colours are timeless and versatile and can be blended with traditional and contemporary interiors alike. However, stains and other imperfections will be more noticeable on white, grey and beige shades than on bolder or patterned designs.

You might like: The Alfie Chaise Sofa

You can absolutely use a bold sofa colour to make a statement and add personality to your space. Just make sure it is the only focal point in the room to avoid an off-balance aesthetic.

You might like: The Charice 3 Seater Sofa

 Arthur Gold LH Chaise Sofa from Roseland Furniture

Settling on a suitable shape

Sofas are available in a wide range of configurations, including:

• L-shaped: Corner sofas can help to maximise space in unusual spaces and will provide ample seating.

• U-shaped: These offer extensive seating options and work best in large, open spaces.

• Modular: These are made up of movable pieces, so you can get as creative as you like with their layout!

 Bletchley Charcoal Jumbo Cord Corner Sofa for living room

Finding an appropriate frame

Hardwood frames such as oak, beech, or ash offer superior durability. If you’re looking for a sturdy sofa that can carry extra weight, avoid softwood or particleboard frames.

You could also consider sofas with corner-blocked, glued, and dowelled joints, all of which add extra strength.

 

Spotlight on: suspension

Be aware of your options when shopping for a new sofa, because its suspension can greatly impact its performance and longevity.

Sinuous spring systems – which consist of heavy-gauge steel wires formed in continuous, vertical S-shaped coils underneath your sofa’s cushions – provide good support and are commonly used in mid-range sofas. Eight-way hand-tied springs, which are usually found in higher-end sofas and are considered the ‘gold standard’ in sofa suspensions, deliver enhanced comfort and durability, and help to control even the smallest lateral movements.

 

Popular sofa styles to consider

When it comes to choosing the shape and structure of your new seating, you’ll need to decide between a fixed back and loose back sofa.

In fixed back sofas, the back cushion is built into the frame to create firmer support. These sofas are guaranteed to stay neat, even when they’re used for long periods of time (and clambered on by the kids!).

The cushions on loose back sofas are not fully attached to the back of the seat, allowing you to sink into the structure and snuggle deeply into the fabric. The downside? Loose back sofas are prone to sagging and look decidedly messier than their fixed back counterparts.

Many sofa styles come with specific design features that complement specific trends. For example, if you’re kitting out a contemporary living room, you’ll want a settee with clean lines and metal or wooden legs that will create a cool detachment between the sofa and the floor. If you’re dressing a traditionally decorated room, go for rolled arms, tufted backs, and wood accents.

Mid-century modern designs with tapered legs and low profiles are fantastic for vintage and retro-inspired homes, while Chesterfields add undeniable sophistication and glamour to even the plainest of spaces.

You might like: The Nina Leather Chesterfield 4 Seat Sofa

 Trom Green Velvet 2 Seater Sofa by Roseland Furniture

Cushion considerations

The size, shape and materials used in your cushions will affect your experience of your new sofa.

There are plenty of different fillings available to help you achieve the perfect firmness; foam cushions will maintain their form and memory foam cushions will conform to your body for personalised support, while feather and down cushions will offer a gentler and more luxurious feel (but will need to be fluffed regularly). Remember, you can always buy extra scatter or pillow back cushions so sitters can create their perfect setup!

You might like: Mangara 45cm Cotton Velvet Bolster Cushion

 

Extra features

Want to get that little bit more from your new sofa?

Recliners are a functional choice for sitters who want increased flexibility from their purchase. Some reclining sofas are operated manually using a level or handle, while motorised versions require minimal effort for maximum lounge!

Some sofas are designed with your storage needs in mind. Hidden drawers and compartments can be used to store blankets, pillows or other living room essentials while they’re not in use (for example, during the summer, when less is certainly more).Thalia Olive Green Velvet 3 Seater Corner Chaise Sofa Bed

Looking after your sofa in the long term

Proper maintenance will extend the life of your sofa and keep it looking like new. Your care routine will depend on the materials your sofa is constructed from, as well as how often it is used and where it is placed.

Fabric sofas will need to be vacuumed regularly and spot cleaned with a fabric cleaner (but always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to avoid harming the material). Leather sofas, on the other hand, will need to be periodically wiped down with a damp cloth and treated with a leather conditioner to keep it supple and free from cracks.

It’s a good idea to keep the sofa out of direct sunlight to prevent it from fading, and you might want to use additional throws and blankets to protect your investment from spills and other forms of damage.

Still blinded by choice? For help navigating different sofa styles and tracking down seating that ticks all your boxes, contact Roseland Furniture today.

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