This week, You! shares some ideas to help you find a sofa that brings comfort, character and a little more style to your living space…
interiors
A sofa can set the mood of an entire room. It is usually the largest piece of furniture in the living room, so its shape, colour and fabric have a lot to say about the space around it. More importantly, in a Pakistani home, it is where much of the day tends to unfold; from morning chai and afternoon naps to family gatherings and guests who came over for an hour and stayed for three. That makes choosing a sofa a little more interesting than picking a piece that happens to fit the room. This week, You! shares some ideas to help you find a sofa that brings comfort, character and a little more style to your living space…
Start with the shape
Sofas have become more relaxed in recent years. Deep seats, rounded edges and softer shapes are replacing some of the very structured styles that were popular for a long time. Curved sofas are especially appealing if you want the room to feel softer. They work well in larger living rooms and can also be used to divide an open space without putting up a physical wall. For smaller rooms, a simple two- or three-seater with clean lines can work beautifully. A sofa with visible legs can also make the room feel more spacious because more of the floor remains visible. Then there are sectionals, which are perfect for families who like to spread out. They give everyone a comfortable spot and are especially useful in homes where the living room doubles as the TV room.
Before falling for a particular shape, however, measure the room, the doors and the staircase. A sofa may look perfect online and become a very different story when it has to make its way up three flights of stairs.
Bring in some colour
Beige and grey sofas are popular for good reason. They are easy to style and allow you to change the look of the room with cushions, rugs and accessories. But colour can give a sofa much more personality. Olive green, rust, deep blue, chocolate brown and burgundy are beautiful choices for a richer look. Softer shades such as dusty pink, sage and warm cream can create a lighter room.
For anyone who enjoys colour but doesn’t want to commit to a bright sofa, an accent chair is an easy way to experiment. A patterned chair next to a plain sofa can add plenty of interest without making the room feel busy.
Think about
the fabric
The upholstery deserves as much attention as the design. Linen and cotton blends have an easy, relaxed look, while velvet gives a room a more formal feel. Textured fabrics can add depth to a neutral sofa and washable or stain-resistant options are worth considering for homes with children or pets.
Pakistan’s weather is another reason to think carefully about fabric. In warmer months, breathable materials are usually more comfortable than heavy upholstery. If you are ordering a sofa locally, ask about the fabric, foam and frame before placing the order. A beautiful sofa is a good purchase only when it remains comfortable after months of use.
A little bit of tradition
There is plenty of room for traditional details in a contemporary living room. A modern sofa can be paired with a carved wooden chair, cane furniture or a traditional side table. A simple sofa also gives embroidered cushions, block-printed textiles and handwoven fabrics room to stand out. And then there is the charpai, which has found its way into many modern interiors. Used as a daybed or casual seating, it can add warmth and texture to a room. Add a mattress, a few cushions and a throw and you have a comfortable corner for reading or an afternoon cup of tea.
The same idea works with older furniture. Instead of replacing a much-loved wooden sofa, consider having it reupholstered in a fabric that works with your current décor. A change of fabric can give a familiar piece an entirely new look.
Mix your pieces
Matching furniture sets are easy, but mixing different pieces can make a room feel more personal. Try pairing a large sofa with two different chairs instead of buying everything from the same set. You could have a simple upholstered sofa alongside a wooden armchair, a cane chair or a small lounge chair. The same applies to cushions. They can share a colour without having the same print. Combine different sizes and textures and add one or two patterned pieces among the plain ones. The aim is to create some variation while keeping the overall room connected.
