Sofa Shopping 101
If you're like most people, choosing a sofa can be daunting. You want one that looks great, works well for its purpose, sits comfortably, and fits within your budget. With thousands of choices on the market, where do you begin? Right here!
Let's break down the process to end up with a design you’ll love at a price that makes sense for you. Think about how your new sofa will be used. Is it going to be a place for teenagers to crash? Are your guests going to be eating and drinking on it? All sofas are not created equal: one designed for casual lounging in your pajamas is going to be very different than one designed for a formal social occasion. You're going to want something big and cushy to lie around on watching TV or browsing our website on your laptop, and something with a firmer, shallower seat for entertaining. Your guests sipping martinis and nibbling canapés don’t want to sink into their seat. Whether you're reading, napping, or entertaining, your sofa should match its purpose. Zero in on the ones that best fit your needs.
One of the first decisions to make is the overall shape. There are some basic styles to consider:
Lawson
This is a popular choice for those seeking a traditional oriented comfy living room sofa. The Lawson's arms are lower than the back. It's a versatile design with arm-rests that are a good height for napping, and the well-proportioned seat makes it a good choice for entertaining too, if the cushions are firm.
Rolled Arm
A classic design. The rolled arms on this style give people an extra place to perch, making it a good choice for entertaining. It's also nap-friendly, since it provides a place to rest your weary head. If space is a factor, keep the extra inches that a rolled arm creates in mind.
Tuxedo
This style has clean, simple lines with flat arms that are the same height as the back (cushions might be higher). It's a good choice for reading or entertaining. Because of its contemporary feel, it tends to look best in solid fabrics.
English Arm
This is a good choice for smaller spaces (and parties), because its arms are recessed from the front edge of the seat. Its low profile makes it good for napping. Plush fabrics like velvet, mohair, and chenille look great on this style of sofa.
Camelback or Chippendale
This is a more formal choice best for living rooms. It has graceful traditional lines with an arched back (sometimes with a double arch) and tall, curving arms. It will have a tight back, meaning no separate back cushions or pillows. It's great for entertaining, but not the best choice for dozing.
Sectional
There are many more configurations in this category than you might realize, such as a simple loveseat and chaise combination, or one with many modular components in a complex arrangement. Big multifunctional sectionals can easily swallow a room. To minimize the bulky feel of a large sectional arrangement, use neutral fabrics and place the sectional close to a wall. Conversely, if you have a very large space to fill, float the sectional in the room and use bolder fabrics.
Some basic things to keep in mind when figuring out which style works best for you:
- Exposed legs often give a sofa a more contemporary feel; skirted styles can seem cozier; and metal legs can give the sofa a more modern European look.
- Shapely curves on a sofa give it a more feminine feel.
- Traditional styles typically have three back cushions, while two look more updated. One long bench cushion makes a strong design statement.
- Squared-off box-border back cushions look more contemporary than those with sloping shoulders or rounded edges.
- Loose back cushions or scattered pillow backs often look the most inviting, while attached back cushions give a more tailored look.
- Tight-backs are the most formal.
Click here to read Part II of Sofa Shopping 101
Click here to read Part III 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.