The search for the perfect living room sofa can often be time-consuming and tiresome. But despite that, the end result is worth it all. The right sofa paired with the right decorations can enhance the attractiveness of your living room and serve as a focal point. When searching for the perfect one, knowing the different styles and components will make the process much easier and hassle-free.
Sofa Styles
If you’re looking for a new sofa, the first thing to consider is style. Determining the right sofa style will help you decide what kind of fabric, colour and design best fits your space.
Traditional
Different types of traditional sofas are designed with classic shapes and details. They have loose cushions and backs that make them comfortable to sit on. Traditional sofas are available in a variety of colours and styles.
Modern
Models of modern sofas are sleek and clean-lined with minimal embellishments. They often feature simple lines, warm neutrals, or geometric patterns. These sofas look great in contemporary spaces, but they can also work well in traditional rooms if you want something more modern for an interesting contrast.
Contemporary
Contemporary sofas feature clean lines and minimal ornamentation. These pieces come in a wide range of colours and styles, including minimalist designs with modern materials like leather or upholstered in textiles such as velvet or velvet-like fabrics. Most contemporary sofas don’t have loose cushions or backs. Instead, they’re typically firm with minimal padding.
Types of Sofa Back
The back is another important aspect to consider when buying a new sofa. There are three basic types of backs:
- Fixed back sofa
This type of sofa has no extra design features and simply has a flat back that does not move when you sit down. It’s best for smaller spaces and can be used as a place to prop up your feet or as a temporary bed if needed.
- Scatter back sofa
This type of couch has no extra design features but instead has a curved piece of wood or metal along the top edge of the backrest that allows it to flex forward whenever someone sits on it. This makes it easier for people to get up from their seats without having to completely stand up first.
- Cushion back sofa
Unlike other types of sofas with fixed backs, this one has soft cushions that allow you to lean against them when sitting down and getting up again afterwards. This style can help you relax more easily than other types because there is nothing hard behind you when seated on the couch.
Types of Sofa Arm
Sofa arms are the part of a sofa that is attached to the frame. They are typically made of wood or metal, but can also be made of plastic. There are several types of sofa arms that you can choose from, including:
- Scroll arms – These are curved and usually have an ornate design that is meant to add some elegance to your home. They’re common on antique sofas.
- Flared arms – Flared arms have a rounded edge at the top corner of each armrest. This gives more room for comfort while sitting or lounging on the sofa.
- Howard arms – Howard arms are similar to scroll-style arms, except they don’t curve up as much. Instead, they angle out slightly from the corner where they meet with the back cushion.
- Square arms – Square-shaped arms are flat across their entire length instead of having rounded edges like other types do so that your body doesn’t get caught up on them when you move around. They’re typical for modern sofas with a tailored look.
Types of Sofa Leg
The sofa legs are a very important part of the sofa that supports the whole frame and gives it a beautiful look. It can be made of different materials such as wood, metal and plastic. There are various types of sofa legs that you can choose from.
- Glides: Glides are attached to the bottom of the legs and allow for easy movement across a floor.
- Sabred/splayed legs: Sabre legs are made up of two pieces that are joined together at an angle. Splayed legs are similar, but they have a wider angle than sabre legs. These types of legs can be found on more traditional sofas.
- Bun feet: Round bun feet look like small bun shapes at the bottom of each leg, while square bun feet have a different shape at the bottom of each leg.
- Plinth: Plinth is another type of sofa leg that looks like an upside-down triangle. This type of base is usually used in modern-style sofas.
- Turned legs: Turned legs have a decorative element at the top and bottom, making them look more elegant than other types of bases for sofas.
Sofa Fabrics
Sofas are available in a wide range of materials from leather to microfiber and cotton. Leather sofas offer durability and comfort, but they require regular cleaning and maintenance. Microfiber modern sofas come in a wide range of colours, patterns and textures that can give any room a put-together look. Cotton sofas are ideal for people with allergies or sensitive skin, but if you suffer from dust mites and have difficulty breathing then cloths like cotton aren’t for you as they’re porous. Choose leather or synthetic leather instead.
Final Thoughts
In the end, comfort is the most important factor to consider. A sofa that’s not comfortable will not only be a nuisance but will also hamper your desire to spend time in the living room. Whether you’re looking for extra seating, or a couch for you and your significant other to cuddle up on, it’s crucial that you choose one that offers both convenience and comfort.
