Sofa choices: how to pick the right one

A sofa is certainly a significant statement piece and usually a long-term investment in a home. A necessary combo of aesthetics, function and comfort, just how do you choose the perfect fit?

Interior designer Emma Taylor shares her tips on how to find the ideal couch for your living room.

Determining the shape

According to Emma, deciding on the shape and size of your couch all depends on how you use the room.

“If it is a designated theatre room with a wall-mounted TV on one wall and a space opposite, then a modular sofa or L-shaped sofa will be ideal, with lots of space for many bodies to sprawl.  If it’s a living area where multi uses are required, such as conversation and TV viewing, then two or three-seater sofas opposite each other will be best.”

Advantages of each style

“Modular or sectional sofas are great for seating more people, with the chaise part creating a handy conversational space. They also give a more modern contemporary look. A two or three-seater sofa has a more classic appeal as they look super opposite each other adding symmetry to a room and a sense of definition to a layout,” Emma adds.

Fan favourites

“I do prefer a sofa or two sofas opposite each other and I really like a sofa and two fabulously comfortable occasional chairs sitting opposite.

“My preference is fabric: velvet, a wool felt or to be a really luxurious, cashmere wool blend. These are things that are warm and tactile to touch. In a warmer climate, consider using linen. I also love a buttoned sofa and piping is very elegant and timeless. A coloured sofa adds wow to a room, or you can keep it neutral and add some gorgeous cushions for personality.”

 Mistakes to avoid

“Try before you buy!” Emma says. “A feather sofa looks so inviting and is heaven to sit on, however if you don’t like the messy, unplumped look of an already sat in sofa and you don’t want to constantly plump your sofa seats, you might want to consider foam seat cushions with feather back cushions.

“Don’t compromise on cost. Be prepared to spend some money and you’ll be rewarded with a sofa that lasts for years.”

Anchor it

Anchor your couch with a glorious rug as it defines the space and adds colour and texture. Whether it is a bold or muted palette, the rug will add that necessary foundation to amplify the couch in the space.

-Emma Taylor is senior interior designer for Henley, a leading home builder in Victoria with more than 30 years of experience in the Australian building industry.