by David Erwin
Okay, now you have a style and budget in mind - let’s think about fabric. I lean towards neutral colors for the body of the sofa, letting the shape take precedence. I like to use bolder colors and patterns in the throw pillows, which you can more readily experiment with and change when the mood strikes. Throws can do the same thing for a sofa that pillows do: add both comfort and interest.
Let’s talk more about fabric. This usually has the greatest influence on the sofa’s price. Many people confuse the grade of fabric with the quality, thinking a higher grade translates into higher quality. In practice, fabric grades really just tell us what it costs to use a certain fabric on the sofa - not how durable it is. Silk is a very luxurious fabric associated with high grades, but it’s quite fragile. Many of today’s microfibers are high performance, low maintenance fabrics offered at the lower end of the grading system - an excellent value for active lifestyles.
Neutrals or Colors?
To achieve a calm, serene feel in your room, use neutrals. The room is going to feel a bit larger if you go with this choice. Be careful, though, because you don’t want the room to look boring. A textured fabric will provide a warmer, less stark feel. A sofa in an assertive color can be the centerpiece for a lush room. Bold colors like red, purple, and chartreuse look great on sofas with simple shapes. Don’t forget to think about the other colors in the room you’re working with for the floor covering, drapes, and additional furniture.
Patterns or Solids?
You’re less likely to tire of a solid over time than a pattern. That’s one reason I often use a solid for the body of the sofa with throw pillows in a contrasting pattern. A bold pattern draws attention to itself; an attribute well suited for accent pillows. If you have children or pets or are prone to spills, think about using an all-over patterned fabric to hide stains. The very best way to protect your investment against most stains is to have us apply Guardsman fabric and leather protection to your sofa. It comes with a generous five-year warranty, and is worth every penny!
Textured or Smooth?
A dressier look can be achieved by using flat, smooth fabrics. You’ll notice wear on a smooth fabric before a textured one, so think about using something sturdy like a microfiber, denim, or cotton duck in a casual setting. True mohair is a smooth fabric that wears like iron, and can look more formal. Linen will show wrinkles and give you a relaxed slouchy look. Textures give a sofa an inviting warmth and depth. Popular textured fabrics are chenille, velvet (synthetic for low maintenance), and boucle. If you own a cat, you already know to watch out for fabric with long loops that can snag.
Leather or Fabric?
A fabric covered sofa has a soft, warm, inviting look that’s different than leather. It is the most appealing choice for hot climates, especially fabrics in cool spa colors. But today’s leather isn’t just for traditional dens and libraries. We now have more choices than basic brown and black. Leather companies now offer a wide range of colors, textures, and finishes. Our Guardsman leather protection makes leather a very practical design option. If durability is one of your primary concerns, choose leather. A good leather sofa can last twice as long as the same sofa in fabric.
We have a huge selection of sofas on display, making it easy for you to find the comfort level you’re looking for. I encourage my clients to sit on the sofa just as they would at home. If you like to catnap, try lying down on it. Go ahead and put your feet up! It’s kind of like trying on shoes - you’ve got see for yourself how they fit. That’s another reason I encourage partners to shop together.
Clients often want my advice on sofa placement, and I’m glad to help. Consider these four scenarios:
Against the Wall
This often works best in a cozy, traditional room. Make sure your fabrics work well with the wall color and any nearby draperies. I prefer to place the sofa a few inches away from the wall to protect it from damage and to give the sofa a little visual breathing space. Don’t worry about exactly matching the sofa fabric to any art on the wall. They don’t have to match, just look good.
Floating
A sofa floating in the middle of the room becomes a focal point. This placement requires a sofa with a sculptural shape, one that’s attractive from any angle. Floaters look great facing a fireplace, for example, with chairs on either side to form a U shape. Just be sure you have plenty of space to maneuver around the room easily.
Facing Each Other
This conversational arrangement is a good solution for entertaining. Unless they’re close family members, most people feel more comfortable sitting apart. You can always use two club chairs opposite a sofa to achieve the same result, but a second sofa can be a more relaxing option that takes up about the same amount of space. Two matching or similar sofas usually look best in this arrangement.
Back to Back
Placing two sofas back to back creates two distinct areas. Try using this arrangement in a large room with straight-backed sofas. One can face the TV or other focal point, while the other one can anchor a seating arrangement designed for cozy conversations. Okay, so you’ve done your homework. Let’s start the hunt together right here at Furnitureland South! I’ll guide you through the world’s largest home furnishings showplace and we’ll end up with the sofa that meets all your criteria. I’ll help you find the sofa you love!
Click here to read Part I of Sofa Shopping 101
Click here to read Part II of Sofa Shopping 101
David says about his work, “My background of decorating sets in the film industry taught me about developing a character’s personality through their environment. I like to partner with my clients to help them create a look that says who they are, what they’re about, where they’re going. Their interior decor should express a personal mythology. It should have meaning.” He adds, “I’m enjoying a wonderful life. Over the years, I have worked with Hollywood celebrities, famous New Yorkers, and opinionated Parisians. But someone named Melba Jean living in a doublewide down a dirt road can be just as interesting - you never know.”
This inclusive approach to life comes through in his interior design. Whether it’s a single room or an entire residence, his clients end up with a uniquely personal style. “I have my own preferences, which I try to fuse with my clients’, but mainly I just want to show them how to get where they want to go.”
To contact David, call 866.436.8056 ext. 2618 or email daviderwin@furniturelandsouth.com.
