Choosing the Right Couch For Home

Written by: Sumita Roy

A new home or an old home, in desperate need of furniture face-lift, can very well do with the introduction of a new sofa or couch. So how to decide which one to select from the wide range that is available in the market?

Many may seem right for you and your family’s utilization, but how to narrow your choices down to select the most suited one. 

First, because furniture is not cheap; second, because it will set the aura of your home for the coming years giving it a look of completion; and third, because, it should be completely suited to the use of any and everybody within the household.

Consider the correct size

No size restriction for larger homes. Before introducing the supposedly largest piece of furniture in your home, you will have to measure the space you are willing to dedicate for the sofa. 

Most of the times a correct measuring down is vitally important for living rooms that are not spacious. 

For larger spaces, measuring out area is not that crucial. There is ample space, as a result, a lounge (one large or many small) suiting the setting would be enough. An estimation of the furniture would be enough in this case. 

For smaller homes

But what about homes with limited spaces? Apartments, being the most preferred living option by the milieu, small space accommodation and designing has become the trend setter. 

In fact minimalistic living has also been chosen by many who opt for simple furniture, carpets – devoid of home based accessories or design materials. 

For home like this, measuring the disposable area is all the more important. A size bigger than the required one, can make a home look overstuffed. Also it might block the doors and windows.

For this you need to determine the space you are ready to dispose for accommodating this furniture. Some people consider drawing the layout of the room. The paper representation, if done proportionately, can decide the placement of furniture. They provide easy reference while looking for couches in the market.

Style and texture

After determining the space, do not go to a store. First take your time in deciding the style you want. 

With the wide range of availability in the market, do not let the sales person talk you into anything. 

Make your own decisions. Of course, their suggestion can be valuable when you cannot decide one from the few you have chosen. 

But the first criterion of choice should be made by you.

Go out and purchase interior design magazines or browse online regarding the types of couches available in the market. Online search will also provide you with the kind of overall look your couch will provide. You can go for the traditional and ornate looking ones, the sleek and modern ones, masculine aura ones, or bright and homier ones.

Fabric usage

Not just the style, the fabric and color also play an important role. If you choose a style of the couch then next go for the fabric and color. 

Since it is a matter of long term commitment, the color and the fabric has to be the ones that do not get dirty easily, more so, if you have kids or pets playing around the house. 

While deciding on the texture and material, keep in mind the durability of the material. Most stores provide option of changing the upper material. Therefore, if you do not find your preferred material done on the furniture of your choice; ask the store to make arrangements for you to change the cover material.

Color logic

In case of colors, only the setting can decide the best suited color in your house. A simple way to determine this is by creating a contrast of shades. 

If your home has dark color paint on the walls- like bright red, yellow, green, purple etc. then a sober colored- beige or white- lounge will be better. 

If your home has a neutral shade wall, then any dark or vibrant color would be a good choice, including black.

Options for couches

Chesterfield Sofa 

These are famous for their ‘tufted’/ ‘quilted’ style. These are easy to clean and go against almost any background. It has an overall masculine effect. 

Plus its grandiosity suggests its placement in a well set out study or a spacious bachelor pad. It is too serious to go with an ordinary family living room décor.

Lawson style sofa

This is designed for comfort. Its element of design comprises of pillow made back, that is not included in the frame. 

It creates a softer more cushioned seating space. These are available in a number of colors, texture, and materials. Large cushions are modus operandi for the right usage of this kind of seating.

English rolled arm sofa

These are characterized by high backs and low arm rest, with a rolled pattern. 

Upholstery is tight throughout the structure and cushioned all over - causing the arms to roll. 

These are cushioned all over, and a small additional cushion would be enough to make it comfortable.

Camel back sofa

Camel back sofa is a type of seating arrangement that features tradition with a style. 

Their main features consist of high back in the center which descends to arm rests. 

The borderline of the furniture has exposed wood with wooden legs.  

It exudes a charm of antiquity.

Chaise Lounge

Again one of those which would suit a bachelor/ bachelorette pad more. 

It can be a good addition when you already have luxuriously set in two or more sofas. 

But if you are thinking about this individually, a single sofa in the living room – a single person’s home would be more suited to it rather than a family home.

Sofa cum bed

An all encompassing type of sofa where the comfort of sitting is present along with additional advantages. 

It offers sleeping accommodation as well. A very popular concept and suited to almost every kind of home. 

This exclusive creation can be one’s bed and lounge or can accommodate guests whenever necessary.

Loveseats

This is an umbrella term used for sofas that can seat two people comfortably. 

It can fit in any small room or alongside the bed in a bedroom. 

If used in the living room, it is unsuitable for a family home. 

However for a couple living in together, this would be an appropriate addition.

Corner sofa/ couches

Single sided sofa is the most traditional of the lot. Since childhood we have seen numerous designs, textures, and colors in them. 

But with the shortage of space in today’s market, many a times it is impossible to get a wall free, so that you can put the sofa against it. 

For those homes, the market has introduced corner sofas- a kind which easily fits in the corner of any house.

Due to its variability in sizes, a small corner can offer seating arrangement for at least 3-4 people. 

In fact in a studio apartment this will not look as an unnecessary, overstuffed home. Its sleek demeanor and easy way of deceiving its presence makes it not only comfortable to sit around, but also eye catching through finesse.

Thus next time you go for a furniture hunt- think about certain points and take note of the variety of furniture present in the market and which one suits your living space in the best way.