The sofa is one of the most important elements of the living area, around which most moments of relaxation and leisure revolve. It is therefore clear that the choice of sofa is essential when furnishing or renovating the living room: in this in-depth analysis we will see together what aspects to consider to choose the most suitable one for your home.
The first step is to measure the space available in the living area and identify where you want (or can) place the sofa: in the center of the room, against a wall, or perhaps near a window.
At the same time, it is good to consider how many people usually use it and what their habits are: there are those who use it to read or watch TV, those who love to take a nap on the sofa, those who often have guests and spend a lot of time in the living room to chat and be in company.
Overall, it is important that there is enough free space around the sofa to move around the room comfortably. In fact, the sofa should not hinder any other activity taking place around it and be in harmony with the other furnishing elements of the living room.
At this point it is worth thinking about which model of sofa you want. There are many possibilities, but to simplify they can be summarized in these main types.
2 or 3 seater sofa: the most suitable for medium and small sized rooms. The characteristic of these sofas is the structure formed by a single frame, i.e. with the backrest that joins all the seats.
Corner or modular sofa: it is the most flexible solution for those who have a large living room, because it allows you to create customized compositions in the number of seats by combining the different modules.
Sofa with chaise longue (or peninsula): it is an optional element typical of modular sofas, which can be added to lengthen the legs or used as an extra seat when there are guests. The chaise longue can be of various sizes, both in length and width, and sometimes it can also have a container.
Sofa with sliding seats, reclining headrest or containers: these are useful elements especially for those who don't have enough space to place a corner sofa. These sofas represent an excellent solution for adding comfort to the classic 2 or 3 seater sofa, whilst being similar in overall dimensions.
Relaxation sofa: this category includes sofas with a manual or electric mechanism to raise the legs and/or recline the backrest. Typically they have a more classic design than other sofas due to the presence of the relaxation mechanism.
It is difficult to define standard measurements for sofas, but we can identify indicative dimensions, useful for orienting your choice. Today, in fact, you can find many models in terms of seating and we are no longer just talking about two or three-seater sofas (standard), but also about "midi", "large" or "maxi" seats. On average each seat measures 70-80 cm wide, but it is easy to find sofas with seats from 50 to 90 cm.
In general we can say that usually:
- a 2-seater sofa measures 150-180 cm wide
- a 3-seater sofa measures 180-240 cm wide
- a corner or L-shaped sofa can have different sizes depending on the composition: for example 200 x 200 cm for a small corner sofa; 250 x 250 cm for one with 6 or 7 seats.
The depth of the sofa is normally 90-100 cm; that of an element with chaise longue can vary from 110 to 170 cm.
The color and style of the sofa are two other key aspects. Whatever the shape, the color of the covering greatly influences the overall appearance of the living area and the sensations you feel upon entering the room. For example, if you choose a sofa with a strong colour, perhaps combined with complementary shades for the furnishings, you will obtain an energetic and cheerful atmosphere. Mustard, midnight blue, green or burgundy add an original touch to the decor and transform the sofa into the focal point of the room.
Conversely, softer or neutral wallpaper helps create a feeling of relaxation and amplifies a more airy effect in the room. Light colors are more suitable if the living room is small in size and also allow you to be more daring with the furnishing finishes: for example lacquered storage units, colored coffee tables, bookcases or designer lamps. Or, why not, you can choose a patterned wallpaper, which contrasts with a cream, gray or beige sofa.
As regards style, for those who prefer a designer sofa with unusual or eccentric shapes, we suggest combining it with furniture and accessories with essential lines, so as to let the sofa be the only protagonist of the living area. In this case, the choice of color depends on the overall effect you want to achieve: bright shades enhance its original shape, while more sober colors help to attenuate its stage presence.
Finally, a suggestion for those who love change, refreshing the home furnishings following the rhythm of the seasons or fashions: choosing a sofa with removable covers offers the possibility of easily changing the face of the living room, for example from the formal look of a dark blue, anthracite sofa or light grey, to a more informal atmosphere with a rust, fern green or light blue covering.
Another important element to consider when choosing the sofa is the type of covering. In this area the options are practically endless in terms of composition and characteristics of the fabrics.
In addition to the materials used for the upholstery (natural or synthetic fibres, imitation leather, microfibre or real leather), based on use and one's habits it is useful to evaluate whether to choose coverings with additional treatments: for example water-repellent and stain-resistant fabrics, which allow to clean the sofa more easily.
The sofas for sale online on our site represent a small selection of the many models and coverings available. By contacting Customer Service you can find a customized solution and request a quote for a sofa with the features, measurements and accessories you need.
To help you choose the color and material and see it firsthand, you can also request free upholstery samples.
The quality of the materials used to make a sofa affects its performance over time and the final price. In addition to size and style, it is useful to evaluate:
What is the internal structure of the sofa made of: generally good quality ones have a solid wood structure and/or wood fiber panels for the armrests
The material of the padding: a good sofa generally has padding in non-deformable polyurethane foam, with a part in polyester and/or feather to make the seat more comfortable
The straps used for seating support: their task is to support and at the same time cushion movements.
In recent years, sofas have softened in shape: backrests, armrests and even the shape of the sofa are increasingly rounded, often combined with coverings that are soft to the touch and to the eye, almost as if they want to embrace the people sitting. Bouclé fabric can now be found in almost all collections, often available in enveloping shades that evoke a feeling of well-being.
Furthermore, the dimensions of sofas are increasingly generous and alongside the traditional corner models or with chaise longue, double-sided and modular models with shaped modules are making their way, especially dedicated to those who have a large living room. In these cases, where the design element is particularly strong, the consultancy of an interior designer can offer an extra edge to the living room.
Finally, a word on the complements and accessories to match the sofa: armchairs and footrest poufs, coffee or side tables, to be placed part of the sofa, cushions and blankets. Just add a few accessories to complete the living room.
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