The sofa in the living room is a gathering place for the whole family: in the evenings they sit comfortably and watch a movie, and in the mornings they discuss plans for the coming day. It is very important that this item is practical, comfortable and pleasing to the eye. This material will tell you which sofa to choose for the living room so that it is comfortable and lasts a long time.
In order to understand which sofa to choose for the living room, you must first find out for what purpose it will serve.
- Will it be just a decorative element or an important functional element?
- Will the sofa be a place for daily sleep or will it only be used for sitting on?
- Will it be comfortable for you to spend time on this sofa?
- Will you be hosting guests there?
Interesting: the word “sofa” itself appeared around the 16th century. In the Farsi language (as well as Turkish and Arabic) it first meant “sheets of paper written on” or “lists”, and then they began to call accounting books and even the offices themselves that way. And after some time, the word “sofa” began to be used to describe typical office furniture - long benches with soft upholstery.
Choosing the appropriate size and shape
The choice of shape is the main parameter that is worth paying attention to. The most popular:
- The straight shape of the sofa is considered the most common. Such models do not take up much space and can be small and compact, or very large. You can place them near the wall or in the center of the living room.
Straight sofa in the center of the room Source st.hzcdn.com
- Corner models have a beautiful appearance and are characterized by mobility. You can place them in the corner of the room, near the window or in the center. Such a sofa will not clutter up the space and will fit well into the interior. You just need to know how to choose a corner sofa for the living room.
First of all, pay attention to how it unfolds. Will one method or another be convenient? It can be left-handed or right-handed. Imagine exactly where it will stand. If you haven't decided yet, look at models in which the side elements can be swapped.
Spacious corner sofa Source avatars.mds.yandex.net
- Modular transformer models are a kind of construction set. It can be folded in any direction, made straight or angular. Some options offer the option to purchase matching parts of your choice.
White modular sofa in the interior Source mblx.ru
- Semicircular sofas are rare and original furniture products. They are suitable for spacious rooms. With them you can beautifully furnish a modern interior. The only thing is that such models are rarely folding.
Semi-circular sofa in the living room Source www.homeideashq.com
These are the basic shapes of sofas that will look good in the living room. When choosing a particular option, you need to take into account its dimensions. For a spacious room, any option, both small and large, is suitable.
The most popular models are designed for 3 people. Their length is about 2 m. If you often have guests or you gather with the whole family, look for options with 5 – 6 seats. In this case, you will not have to place armchairs and chairs in the room. Semicircular and corner models are good for this.
For a small room, the choice of size is especially important. The sofa is installed so that it does not block access to doors, windows or other furniture. The standard option is straight models designed for 2 - 3 seats.
Small sofa in a small living room Source tany.net
Modular or cabinet furniture for the living room?
The problem with cabinet furniture is its strict staffing. Roughly speaking, a clear layout and lack of combination options in the modern mobile world are already more of a disadvantage than an advantage. Each module of cabinet furniture supports the other, creates a support, and therefore they cannot be swapped without destroying the entire composition.
The photo shows a cabinet wall with a built-in sofa
Modular furniture, in turn, consists of separate sections that can easily be adjusted to your own preferences. Cabinet doors, for example, can either open wide or simply fold back.
The photo shows a modular wall in a modern style living room
By the way, it is worth noting that large wardrobes in modern living rooms have long been relics of the past. This room is now filled with small bookshelves, hanging shelves and various equipment. The reason is banal comfort and convenience, since large cabinet monoliths only burden the overall atmosphere of the room.
It is also important to note that the undeniable advantage of modular furniture is that it is made, as a rule, to order, taking into account all the parameters provided by the customer. Therefore, for those who are looking for the perfect solution for a small living room, this is the perfect find.
Another advantage for those who love constant change is that you do not have to constantly buy new furniture. The modular system allows you to be creative, and if some module is missing for the perfect picture of your room, you can always order only that, saving quite a bit of money.
But the biggest advantage is that modular furniture is not only about cabinets and shelves. Soft modern sofas can also be a kind of transformers. Firstly, there is a convenient opportunity to select the dimensions of the furniture according to the customer’s personal measurements. Secondly, such a sofa can easily be transformed into individual elements, such as poufs and even armchairs. Thus, the modules do not clutter small rooms, but create comfort and practicality.
The photo shows a modular kit consisting of several segments that can be combined at your discretion
Below we invite you to familiarize yourself with examples: living room sets (photo), living room furniture (photo). Pay attention to how harmoniously modern sofas for the living room look and what a key role furniture plays in the pictures. These simple examples demonstrate the importance of a conscious approach to thinking about interior design.
The photo shows a lilac sofa, harmoniously combined with the floor and walls, decorated in warm colors
The photo shows a rounded sofa, the shape of which ideally matches the decor of the ceiling covering
In the photo, upholstered furniture with white stripes on a blue background is a common solution for recreating the Mediterranean style
In the photo there is a mustard sofa complete with a rectangular ottoman on legs
Remember that home renovations are not done for a month or a year. This is a long-term project, so you should take the choice of furniture and other details seriously. Using our advice, you will certainly create comfort and harmony in your home!
Choosing the style of the future sofa
All models can be divided:
- to classic ones,
- modern,
- minimalistic,
- baroque
These are the main areas that are especially popular.
Classic models have soft features. Modern and minimalist options are similar. They are distinguished by rectangular shapes without decorations or prominent details. They most often lack armrests.
Sofas made in the Baroque style are equipped with intricate patterns, as well as beautiful carved armrests. They have high legs.
Baroque style in the design of a sofa Source www.krasdom.com
The choice of a specific sofa style will depend on the design of the room itself. The furniture should fit organically into it. The taste preferences of the owners are also of great importance.
If the room does not have a specific style, then you can choose mixed furniture. This option can fit into any interior. The most popular models include the following types:
- Flipper is a laconic sofa with large pillows. It often has a rigid shape and is more suitable for small rooms;
Small sofa Flipper Source www.functionalfurniturenyc.com
- Tuxedo – has simple at the same time strict outlines. It has a low back and armrests that are level with it. They are made in a rectangular shape.
Universal sofa Tuxedo for a small room Source cdn-images.article.com
- Bridgewater - equipped with a high back and low armrests, which are designed in the form of bolsters. This model is best suited for a cozy rest. You can complement it with decorative pillows.
Bridgewater in the living room Source keomaitalia.it
Choice of seats
When choosing armchairs for the living room, you need to be guided by the same principles as when buying a sofa. But there are a few additional recommendations:
- it is better to buy two chairs from one set at once, they may differ in color and design from the sofa;
- the upholstery of the chair should be in harmony with other textiles in the house;
- to implement exclusive interior solutions, you can take 1-2 designer chairs;
- To make the furniture composition look organic, even if objects from different sets are used, you can take the same decorative pillows.
Of course, we should not forget about the strength, safety and durability of the chairs. This piece of furniture should be stable, with a comfortable back and armrests.
More: Living room interior in blue tones
The upholstery fabric should be abrasion-resistant and comfortable to the touch. It is also advisable to choose options that are not electrified, otherwise the furniture will attract dust.
Choosing a color
When thinking about how to choose the right sofa for the living room, do not forget about its color. In many respects, it is determined by the basic tone of the walls or other furniture.
If the room is dominated by pastel colors, then upholstery in bright and rich colors would be a good option. For rooms in dark colors, you can choose a light sofa.
Bright sofa in the living room Source avatars.mds.yandex.net
See also: Catalog of projects of houses with a boiler room in the Art Nouveau style.
The most popular and successful color schemes are:
- Brown is a universal option that will look good in a light interior. It also looks original and fresh in combination with rich tones of yellow or green.
- A gray sofa can be placed in a living room decorated in almost any color scheme. It will look compact and uncluttered.
- Black color is suitable for a minimalist interior. This sofa can be placed in a large room with a small amount of furniture and decor. To prevent the room from seeming gloomy, you can use bright pillows.
- Green upholstery looks good when decorating walls in brown tones, and red will become a bright accent in the living room. It can be combined with gray or beige room decoration.
- Blue models are popular in interiors of any style. You just need to choose a design that suits the interior. They have a calming effect.
Optimal color scheme
The choice of color combination plays a huge and important role in practice. It has long been noted that the correctly selected shade of upholstery allows you to more freely operate with free space, creating a certain visual effect in the room.
When choosing a color, you should focus, first of all, on the size of the living room, the location of other furniture elements, the presence and sufficiency of natural lighting, and the chosen interior style.
The most popular shades today are:
- All tones of white (cream, creamy shade) are ideal for small spaces. Light colors create a great visual effect, creating the illusion of open space.
- The mint shade is especially popular this season. The pleasant bright tone does not catch the eye, and also perfectly focuses attention on interior items.
- Beige, sand and walnut shades are natural and also create a feeling of warmth in the room.
Contrasts such as black and white accents, yellow and blue combinations, and cool tones in the interior are also popular. In each specific case, the choice depends on the personal wishes of the owner.
Which transformation mechanism to choose
When deciding which sofa to choose for the living room, you also need to take into account its transformation mechanism. This is especially important when it will also serve as a bed.
Transformation of a sofa into a sleeping place Source pro-mebel-textile.ru
The following mechanisms are distinguished:
- Book or click-clack . To unfold this model, raise the seat until it clicks, and then lower it. You will have a flat space. This mechanism allows you to disassemble the sofa quickly and easily.
- Eurobook . In this case, the sofa seat will be pulled forward, and the back will lie on the empty space. This mechanism is simple and durable. It is convenient to use every day.
Sofa with Eurobook mechanism Source ideal24.ru
- Sofa . Here you need to pull out the lower part, and then place a seat on it, made in the form of a folded mattress.
Transformation mechanism Sofa Source www.divani-tut.ru
- Dolphin . The seat will remain in place when folded. You need to pull the second sleeper piece out from underneath it. This is done easily using a special loop.
Models with Dolphin mechanism Source aksamit.by
- Roll-out mechanism . It is most often used in models in which the sleeping place is made perpendicular to the wall. Just roll the bottom out forward. It comes on wheels, so this will not be difficult to do. You will end up with a recess into which mattresses or pillows that come with the kit are often placed.
Sofa with a roll-out mechanism Source vannadecor.ru
- Accordion . The seat must be raised until it clicks and then pulled forward. Behind it will be lowered the back, which includes 2 parts. This allows you to get a spacious place with a relatively small size of the sofa.
See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in stoves, fireplaces and garden furniture.
Model with Accordion mechanism Source mblx.ru
- American folding bed . With this mechanism, you will get a large space that is close to a real bed. It is completely hidden under the sofa seat. The base will be a metal frame and a thick mattress.
Transformation mechanism American folding bed Source i2.wp.com
When choosing, take into account all the nuances of the mechanism, comparing them with the capabilities and size of your room. How often you lay out the model is also important. It can be used as a guest option or serve as a permanent sleeping place.
Choosing a strong and reliable frame
The lifespan of the sofa, as well as the maximum possible load on it, depends on how correctly the frame is chosen.
Solid wood sofa frame Source 4.bp.blogspot.com
Let's consider all possible options:
- Chipboard . This is the most common option due to its affordable cost. Its frame is quite durable. It will not dry out, but it is not an environmentally friendly material that is heavy;
- Solid wood . The frame made from it is considered one of the most durable, but it is used in expensive and luxurious models, made mainly in the classical style;
- MDF . This is a more durable option than chipboard. It contains all the positive qualities of an array, but the price is much lower;
- Metal . Has a high service life and light weight. It is this kind of frame that is used in models of non-standard shape;
- Multilayer plywood . It is a durable and strong material. The frame made of it will be resistant to drying out. The thickness of the plywood used may vary. The larger it is, the longer the service life;
- Wooden beam with metal inserts. This is a durable and environmentally friendly option that is lightweight.
Wooden sofa frame Source pbs.twimg.com
Frame or frameless?
It's just a matter of convenience, durability and design. Frameless furniture is very popular these days, it is safe and comfortable, but it cannot be used in all styles - such furniture will not fit into the classic or English style of the living room.
Such models are usually made of dense natural or synthetic fabric with a water-repellent layer. Foamed polymers (holofiber in the form of small balls) are used as filler.
More: Living room in Country style, design rules
Furniture with a frame is more expensive, it is durable and always looks solid. But you need to choose only high-quality models made from durable materials, otherwise sofas and armchairs will last even less than frameless models.
Choosing a filler
The comfort of the sofa and the ability to withstand heavy weight depend on the filler used. From a large assortment you can select a spring block. It is considered the best choice due to its heavy weight bearing capacity. It is smooth and will not sag over time.
Modern sofa with spring block Source infomebli.ru
Polyurethane foam filler is very popular. It provides softness and comfortable sitting. It will be good to regain its shape.
Sofa with polyurethane foam filling Source premiumsvet.ne
In addition, there are models with padding in the form of latex, holofiber, synthetic down, synthetic padding and struttofiber. They are not as durable, but are used in many inexpensive models.
Traditional linear sofas
As a rule, furniture of this type comes in combination with two armchairs. If the chairs are not provided by the selected model, you should think about purchasing additional furniture units.
Linear sofas are the most famous in the design and user environment. They can be presented in the form of furniture with a transformation function (euro book, folding bed, accordion and many other options for folding structures).
Choosing upholstery material
In addition to appearance, the upholstery has a functional load. The service life of the sofa and the need to reupholster it will depend on it. You need to choose the top fabric taking into account the intensity of use of the furniture, the presence of animals, children, etc. in the house.
The upholstery can be either natural or artificial materials. They can be divided into several groups.
Textile
This is a practical upholstery that has a large selection of textures and colors. Its role is played by wear-resistant and durable materials.
The most popular of them include:
- Flock is a pile fabric that requires careful care;
- Tapestry is distinguished by its practicality and smooth transitions of shades. It is pleasant to the touch, but can fade in the sun, so it is better to place a sofa with such upholstery away from windows;
- Arpatek is a durable material. Upholstery made from it will not fade and is easy to clean;
- Velor is a tactilely pleasant fabric that is easy to clean. It is used in combination with complex frames. Over time, the velor will not stretch or sag, but the pile may wear out;
- Chenille - will keep its shape well. When dirty, it is easy to clean;
- Jacquard – has a beautiful appearance thanks to complex patterns. High density and quality allow it to be used as upholstery for a long time;
- Faux suede is a fabric that is pleasant to the touch and attractive in appearance. It is UV resistant. No pellets will form on it.
How to choose upholstery for a sofa in the living room
First, think about whether the material will be easy to care for, whether your pets will scratch the upholstery, whether children will spill coffee on the sofa, how durable the upholstery is - that is, pay attention not only to the style of the upholstery, but also to its functional load.
There are three types of upholstery: fabric, genuine leather and eco-leather.
Fabric upholstery is suitable if there are children or pets in the house. Most often, flock, velor, chenille, jacquard or tapestry are used to upholster a sofa. These fabrics do not allow moisture to pass through, are easy to wash and are resistant to wear.
Genuine leather is also a very wear-resistant material, but it is difficult to care for and is the most expensive. But note that leather upholstery gives a feeling of coolness. And in general, a leather sofa is classic and luxurious.
Eco-leather (artificial leather) is not inferior in performance characteristics to natural leather, but costs much less.
It is easier to maintain eco-leather than natural leather: it is wiped with soapy water and then washed off with clean water.
Sofa with fabric upholstery. Source: stroitelcentr.ru
