A sofa, settee, chesterfield, divan, davenport, canapé—no matter what name you call it, the couch is one of the first pieces of furniture you notice when you walk into home’s living or family room.
Given that it plays such a prominent part in the décor, it’s possible to feel a lot of pressure to pick a couch that’s not too soft, not too hard, not too big, and not too small, but one that’s — you guessed it — just right.
But if you find yourself in a quandary wondering where to begin in your sofa search, you may want to start with the following six tips:
1. Practical or Pretty?
The first, and most important question to ask yourself on your quest is, “How will this couch be used?” If it will be in a formal sitting area that doesn’t see much use, then you can go as crazy with the style as you want, with no thought of function or comfort. However, if the couch will be in a main living area where it will be lounged on on a regular basis, then you may be better off selecting something a little more practical that will stand up better to wear and tear, and perhaps the occasional family wrestling match or errant spaghetti sauce drippings.
2. Think Scale
Incorrect scale is perhaps one of the most common faux pas people make when decorating their home. When selecting a couch, consider the space it will live in. Is the space small and cramped? If so, then selecting a minimalistic couch will make the room feel larger and make it easier to move in the space. If the room is expansive, then picking an overstuffed couch, or even an L-shaped sectional, will help fill the area. Think of it this way, a large couch in a small room is like a pair of pants after Thanksgiving dinner—bursting at the seams. On the other hand, a small couch in a large room is like a drop in a bucket—too small to make a real difference.
3. Arrangement
The next step is to determine where the couch will be placed in the room. Will it be against a wall? Under a window? Used to divide one space from another? Knowing the placement will help you pick a shape and height that is appropriate.
4. The Fabric of Your Life
You may love the look of white linen, but if you have children running around the house, it may not be the best upholstery choice for your new couch. Unless, of course, you happen to be in the cleaning business and love scrubbing pudding stains out of cushions 24/7. Thinking about who uses the room, and what they use it for will narrow down your fabric choices.
5. It’s All About Style
Once you’ve thought through the considerations above, this part is where the fun begins. Think about the décor in the room and select a style that will blend well. You can be as conservative or crazy as you want, but remember that if you pick a style that is overly trendy, you may find yourself wishing for a new couch in a year or two. If that’s not in the budget, you may want to stick with more traditional styles or colors.
6. So Soft and Cushy
Finally, make sure the couch you choose passes the “sit test.” If you don’t want to sit on it in the store, you’re not going to want to sit on it when you bring it home. On the other hand, a couch that is too soft may not hold it’s shape well over time.
Following these six tips will help you make the right choice when you’re looking to buy that all important focal point for your living or family room.