subject: Living Room Furniture: The Sofa [print this page] When decorating or remodeling a home, most interior designers suggest people start with the biggest or most expensive piece of furniture for the room. For those looking for living room furniture, it's best to start with the sofa. The sofa is not only the focal point of most living rooms, but it's the piece of home furniture we spend the most time on. Is there anything better than a comfy, cozy couch? But where do you start? Color? Material? Type? Style?
First consider the type of sofa you want. Room size and your personal style will be the deciding factors. The traditional sofa is about 6 to 8 feet in length and can fit at least three people comfortably. It is the most common choice. A convertible sofa is an ideal option for people who may not have a separate guest room and want to accommodate guests. They typically have a double bed that folds out.
People tight on space or who want a smaller sofa in the room for extra seating should consider a loveseat. The smaller version can fit two people comfortably. A divan is a backless sofa. They are placed against a wall with throw pillows for comfort. There is also a version with one side angled to recline, known as a "fainting couch." Sometimes you see these in large master bedrooms decorated in a more elegant style. Lastly, there are sectional sofas, ranging from 9 to 16 feet, with several pieces that can be repositioned to fit the room. Sectional sofas are ideal for big families and large rooms for entertaining.
After choosing a type of sofa, think about the overall style. What is your decorating motif? Is it traditional, country, Western, modern, Asian? By determining how you wish to decorate the living room, you can easily narrow down your choices further. The style also may play into the color you choose for the room. Modern home furnishings may lead you towards black couches.
Decorating style might also have an effect on the fabric/material choice. Modern home furniture is often leather, but do not let that be the only determining factor. Think about the home environment. Do you have young children? Pets? Families with small children and pets may want to alter their fabric choice so that it can withstand the constant wear and tear your little ones impose. People with pets will want a material, such as microfiber or suede, that is easy to wipe pet hair off of.
With these factors in mind, consumers can purchase living room furniture that is comfortable, durable, and pleasing to the eyes.
