old country house blog

MONDAY MAKEOVER – 10 TIPS FOR CHOOSING A SOFA

CHOOSING A SOFA 

sofa

IS A FUN problem to have – BUT OFTEN DAUNTING TASK!

HERE ARE 10  THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A SOFA.

1. LOCATION /ROOM SIZE – WHERE IS IT GOING AND WITH WHAT?

2. BUDGET

3. STYLE

4. ARMS

5. SEATS

6. PILLOWS

7. SKIRTED OR VISIBLE LEGS

8.DURABILITY

9. COLOR

10. SLIPCOVERED OR UPHOLSTERED

MY OLD COUNTRY HOUSE LIVING ROOM
MY OLD COUNTRY HOUSE LIVING ROOM

1. LOCATION / ROOM SIZE, LAYOUT, DOOR AND WINDOW LOCATIONS, other furniture and  AND FLOOR PLAN ALL PLAY A HUGE PART IS DECIDING WHICH OF THE SEEMINGLY MILLIONS OF SOFAS TO PURCHASE.

SOME QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF : WHERE IS THIS SOFA GOING?

YOUNG HOUSE LOVE HOMEARAMA SHOWHOUSE
YOUNG HOUSE LOVE HOMEARAMA SHOWHOUSE

IS IT GOING TO BE ….IN THE FAMILY ROOM, LIVING ROOM, AND HOW MUCH TRAFFIC WILL IT NEED TO WITHSTAND?

YOUNG HOUSE LOVE HMEARAMA SHOWHOUSE - AND MY PORTRAIT OF BURGER!
YOUNG HOUSE LOVE HOMEARAMA SHOWHOUSE – AND MY PORTRAIT OF BURGER!

WHAT ARE THE AGES OF THE PEOPLE (AND PETS) WHO WILL USE IT MOST? I remember watching as my toddler wiped her runny nose on the sofa cushions edge – which came conveniently to nose-height – and it was a blessing that those cushions could be laundered!

PHOTO BY SARAH CRAMER
PHOTO BY SARAH CRAMER

CONFIGURATION – DOES YOUR ROOM HAVE 4 WALLS? OR AN OPEN FLOOR PLAN?

LIVING ROOM - MY OLD COUNTRY HOUSE
LIVING ROOM – MY OLD COUNTRY HOUSE

WILL THE BACK OF THE SOFA BE VISIBLE?

DIANE BERGERON
DIANE BERGERON

WHERE IS THE LIGHTING IN THE ROOM?

MY OLD COUNTRY HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - SPOONFLOWER FABRIC DRAPES
MY OLD COUNTRY HOUSE – LIVING ROOM – SLIPCOVERED SOFA

IS THIS ROOM THE CENTER OF THE HOUSE…OF DOWN IN THE BASEMENT?

THIS IS AN OLD PHOTO I FOUND ON PINTEREST WITH A DEAD END LINK. IT IS PROBABLY ONE OF MY FAVORITE PHOTOS OF ANY SPACE. IT EPITOMIZES MY DESIGN TASTE
THIS IS AN OLD PHOTO I FOUND ON PINTEREST WITH A DEAD END LINK. IT IS PROBABLY ONE OF MY FAVORITE PHOTOS OF ANY SPACE. IT EPITOMIZES MY DESIGN TASTE

ALL IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF BEFORE YOU MAKE THE PURCHASE….AND FOR PETE’S SAKE – MEASURE YOUR DOORWAYS AND STAIRCASES!!!

PINTEREST
PINTEREST

3. BUDGET.  BUDGETS AND TASTES VARY AND CAN DICTATE OPTIONS.  BUT NOWADAYS – A TIGHT BUDGET IS NOT A BARRIER TO STYLE.

EMILY HENDERSON DID A GREAT “SOFA” POST WHICH INCLUDES AMONG OTHER VALUABLE ADVICE ” GENERIC SOFAS NOT TO BUY” AND A FEW DOZEN GREAT SOFAS UNDER $1000!!!!

PINK RUE SOFA CB2 $999
PINK RUE SOFA CB2 $999 – MODERN CABRIOLE STYLE WITH TIGHT BACK, TIGHT SEAT CUSHION AND LEGS

THERE ARE SOFAS FOR EVERY BUDGET AND EVERY WEBSITE HAS SALES! WATCH FOR DISCOUNTS…AND COUPONS AND MARKDOWNS.

ONE of my ABSOLUTE favorite Furniture companies to come on the scene in the last few years is JOYBIRD! .

JOYBIRD IS HAVING A 20% OFF SALE RIGHT NOW! BRAXTON SOFA
JOYBIRD IS HAVING A 20% OFF ALE RIGHT NOW! BRAXTON SOFA

3. STYLE –   “STYLE” REFERS TO THE SOFA SHAPE. THERE ARE SO MANY DIFFERENT STYLES WHICH REFLECT EVERYTHING FROM TRADITIONAL DECOR TO MORE CONTEMPORARY AND MODERN TYPES OF DECOR. THE BEST SOFA STYLES, IN MY HUMBLE OPINION ARE TIMELESS – NO MATTER WHAT STYLE THEY ARE…

..HERE ARE A FEW BASIC BIGGIES…FROM WHICH MOST SOFA STYLES ORIGINATE.(all the diagrams and descriptions below are from DOMINO)

THE DOMINO BOOK IS HANDS DOWN MY GO-TO FAVORITE DECORATING AND DESIGN BOOK !!!
THE DOMINO BOOK IS HANDS DOWN MY GO-TO FAVORITE DECORATING AND DESIGN BOOK !!!

HANDS DOWN THE BEST RESOURCE BOOK EVER!

Slipper Streamlined and unfussy, like an elongated slipper chair, this option is made more for entertaining than lounging. Usually lean and open, it does well in small spaces.
SLIPPER
Streamlined and unfussy, like an elongated slipper chair, this option is made more for entertaining than lounging. Usually lean and open, it does well in small spaces.
JOYBIRD ELIOT DAYBED IN RINCON STEEL
JOYBIRD ELIOT DAYBED IN RINCON STEEL
ENGLISH ARM THREE SEATER Rumpled, yet aristocratic, this British country-house staple has soft, deep cushions and low arms that make it ideal for TV watching.
ENGLISH ARM THREE SEATER
Rumpled, yet aristocratic, this British country-house staple has soft, deep cushions and low arms that make it ideal for TV watching.

 I ADORE This “ROBIN” sofa FROM JOYBIRD with English Arms below is GORGEOUS and I am dying to get is made up in pink!!!!

JOYBIRD - ROBIN SOFA
JOYBIRD – ROBIN SOFA
FRENCH SETTEE Often seen in a Louis XIV style, this regal option is delicate, formal, and architectural. The exposed carved-wood frame provides a structured contrast in a room of heavily upholstered pieces.
FRENCH SETTEE
Often seen in a Louis XIV style, this regal option is delicate, formal, and architectural. The exposed carved-wood frame provides a structured contrast in a room of heavily upholstered pieces.
TUXEDO- A signature of society decorator Billy Baldwin, this sofa is luxurious yet decidedly no-frills. A straight profile (the arms and back are the same height) give it a more masculine feel. Works in any room, modern or traditional.
TUXEDO- A signature of society decorator Billy Baldwin, this sofa is luxurious yet decidedly no-frills. A straight profile (the arms and back are the same height) give it a more masculine feel. Works in any room, modern or traditional.
JOYBIRD -STOWE SOFA IN "CORDOVA TURQUOISE"
JOYBIRD -STOWE SOFA IN “CORDOVA TURQUOISE”
MODERN More sculpture than sofa (this one is a mid-century design by Vladimir Kagan). This piece can float in the middle of a room.
MODERN
More sculpture than sofa (this one is a mid-century design by Vladimir Kagan). This piece can float in the middle of a room.
JOYBIRD "KORVER" SOFA IN VIBE TRANQUIL
JOYBIRD “KORVER” SOFA IN VIBE TRANQUIL
CHESTERFIELD This 19th century English design features tight tailoring, a high back, rolled arms and tufting. In leather, it's clubby and masculine.
CHESTERFIELD
This 19th century English design features tight tailoring, a high back, rolled arms and tufting. In leather, it’s clubby and masculine.
JOYBIRD THEO SOFA IN KEY LARGO KELLY GREEN
JOYBIRD THEO SOFA IN KEY LARGO KELLY GREEN
SECTIONAL Casual, with a '70's lounginess. Good for establishing a sitting area in a loft. Minimizes the need for other seating. A version with legs cuts the bulkiness.
SECTIONAL
Casual, with a ’70’s lounginess. Good for establishing a sitting area in a loft. Minimizes the need for other seating. A version with legs cuts the bulkiness.
JOYBIRD - ELIOT SECTIONAL SOFA WITH BUMBER IN "LINGO PARFAIT"
JOYBIRD – ELIOT SECTIONAL SOFA WITH BUMBER IN “LINGO PARFAIT”
KNOLE (NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH THE FSU MASCOT!) This style is named after a grand house of King Henry VIII. Super-classic and formal, but very cozy and sheltering. Hinged sides untie and drop flat so you can lie down.
KNOLE (NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH THE FSU “NOLE” MASCOT!)
This style is named after a grand house of King Henry VIII. Super-classic and formal, but very cozy and sheltering. Hinged sides untie and drop flat so you can lie down.
JOYBIRD PRICE SOFA - I LOVE THIS SPIN ON A TRADITIONAL LOOK - DOZENS OF COLORS AND FABRICS TO CHOOSE FROM!
JOYBIRD PRICE SOFA – I LOVE THIS SPIN ON A TRADITIONAL LOOK – DOZENS OF COLORS AND FABRICS TO CHOOSE FROM!
Dating back to the 18th-century British designer Thomas Chippendale, this piece has an old-world sophistication but also looks surprisingly modern in a solid linen fabric. SKIRTED OR UNSKIRTED.
Dating back to the 18th-century British designer Thomas Chippendale, this piece has an old-world sophistication but also looks surprisingly modern in a solid linen fabric. SKIRTED OR UNSKIRTED.
PHOTO BY SARAH CRAMER - CAMEL BACK SOFA
PHOTO BY SARAH CRAMER – MY VINTAGE CAMEL BACK SOFA UPHOLSTERED IN BLUE GRAY VELVET
KATE SPADE SRAKE TUFTED SOFA!!!!
KATE SPADE SRADE TUFTED SOFA!!!! CHECK OUT THE SITE FOR MORE OF HER NEW FURNITURE LINE!!!!

4. ARMS – 

…HERE ARE some TO MUDDLE THROUGH!

DREXEL HERITAGE ARMS
DREXEL HERITAGE ARMS
MADE.COM RITCHIE SOFA WITH COLORED BUTTONS - DROOL!!!
MADE.COM RITCHIE SOFA WITH COLORED BUTTONS – DROOL!!!
DECORPAD
DECORPAD – TRACK ARMS SLIPCOVERED

5. SEATS, CUSHIONS – NUMBER – HOW MANY??? DO YOU WANT ONE BENCH SEAT CUSHION, TWO CUSHIONS OR THREE…AND WOULD YOU LIKE “T” OR AN “L” CUSHION OR A “SQUARE/RECTANGLE”  STYLE? WHO KNEW IT COULD BE SO COMPLICATED.

"L" AND "T" CUSHIONS WRAP AROUND THE ARM OF THE SOFA.
“L” AND “T” CUSHIONS WRAP AROUND THE ARM OF THE SOFA.
RECTANGLE AND SQUARE CUSHIONS SIT SQUARE ON THE SOFA
RECTANGLE AND SQUARE CUSHIONS SIT SQUARE ON THE SOFA

6. PILLOWSAND just as you can have NO pillows and a tight back you can have – 1, 2 , 3 or a bunch of back pillows –

burgundy and cream walls
PLUM AND BOW “ANNETTE” MAROON SOFA FROM URBAN OUTFITTERS $798 MODERN SCRILL ARM WITH 3 SEATS AND 2 PILLOWS WITH BUTTONS.
ANTHROPOLOGIE - THE CARLIER COLLECTION - BENCH SEAT, MULTIPLE PILLOWS, SLIPCOVERED - MODERN BENCH SEAT, TOPSTITCHED, 5 BACK PILLOWS,
ANTHROPOLOGIE – THE CARLIER COLLECTION – BENCH SEAT, MULTIPLE PILLOWS, SLIPCOVERED – MODERN BENCH SEAT, TOPSTITCHED, 5 BACK PILLOWS,AND SKIRTED – THIS IS A GREAT OPTION WITH KIDS
REGARD MAISONS PINK SOFA
REGARD MAISONS PINK SOFA
FOUR SEASON'S
FOUR SEASON’S FURNITURE – SARAH RICHARDSON COTTINGHAM MEADOW FABRIC FROM THE PILLOW COLLECTION – GREAT SOURCE FOR PILLOWS!
DESIGN SPONGE - I LOVE THIS!
DESIGN SPONGE – I LOVE THIS!

7. SKIRTED OR VISIBLE LEGS, – I LIKE A MIXTURE OF BOTH ….LEGS ARE CONSIDERED A BIT MORE DRESSY…BUT LOVELY SKIRTED ONES ARE BEAUTIFUL TOO….DESIGNER TRACI ZELLER HAS A RULE OF THUMB THAT IF THE SOFAS ARE SKIRTED SHE SELECTS MORE LEGGY TABLES….

DON’T EVEN GET ME STARTED ON THE DIFFERENT CONFIGURATIONS THERE ARE KICK PLEATS, DRESSMAKER PLEATS, EVEN RUFFLES…YOU CAN CAVE MULTIPLE PLEATS, JUST CORNER PLEATS…OR A CENTER PLEAT…!!!!!

TRACI ZELLER DESIGNS -
TRACI ZELLER DESIGNS – SKIRTED UPHOLSTERED ROLLARM SOFA WITH 3 CUSHIONS SEAT AND BACK
PHOEBE HOWARD
PHOEBE HOWARD – PARIS CLUB ARMS, L CUSHIONS, CORNER PLEATS, SECTIONAL SOFA

8. DURABILITY – THIS MAY SEEM LIKE AN OBVIOUS CATEGORY, WHO DOESN’T WANT A DURABLE SOFA?  BUT SOMETIMES YOU JUST NEED A 3 YR SOFA, (THINK COLLEGE APARTMENT…) OR YOU KNOW YOU WILL SWAP IT OUT WHEN THE KIDS GET OUT OF DIAPERS AND YOU JUST WANT SOMETHING TO FILL THE SPACE …A SOFT PLACE FOR EVERYONE TO SIT …IN A ROOM WHERE ONLY YOUR FAMILY GOES. –

THIS "9 BY NOVOGRATZ" SOFA/FUTON IS $399 AT WALMART!
THIS “9 BY NOVOGRATZ” SOFA/FUTON IS $399 AT WALMART!

IN OTHER CASES, YOU CONSIDER THIS SOFA TO BE AN INVESTMENT, WORTHY OF EXTENDING YOUR BUDGET TO ACCOMODATE A PIECE OF FURNITURE THAT IS NOT ONLY WELL MADE AND STURDY, BUT CLASSIC VS TRENDY, WITH A TRADITIONALLY INSPIRED FRAME AND LINES, IN FABRICS WHICH ARE TIMELESS AND HOLD UP TO HEAVY WEAR.

REMODELISTA
REMODELISTA
RESTORATION HARDWARE - BELGIAN LINEN SLOPE ARM SOFA - SINGLE CUSHION, SKIRTED AND SLIPCOVERED!
RESTORATION HARDWARE – BELGIAN LINEN SLOPE ARM SOFA – SINGLE CUSHION, SKIRTED AND SLIPCOVERED!

9. COLOR/ FABRIC – AGAIN THIS IS NOT ALWAYS SOMETHING YOU HAVE LOTS OF FLEXIBILITY ON…BUT WILL THE SOFA BE YOUR POP OF COLOR? OR WILL IT SERVE AS A BACKDROP TO ALL OF THE OTHER COLORS IN THE ROOM – WITH ART, RUGS AND OTHER PIECES TAKING FOCUS?

GEORGE SHERLOCK SOFA FROM JENNA LYONS BROOKLYN APARTMENT
GEORGE SHERLOCK SOFA FROM JENNA LYONS BROOKLYN APARTMENT
JOYBIRD HEATH LOVESEAT - OVER 100 COLORS TO CHOOSE FROM!
JOYBIRD HEATH LOVESEAT – OVER 100 COLORS TO CHOOSE FROM!
WILLOUGHBY SOFA - ANTHROPOLOGIE
WILLOUGHBY SOFA – ANTHROPOLOGIE
PINK YUMMY - NYLON PINKSY
PINK YUMMY – NYLON PINKSY- CONTRASTING PIPING ADDS WHIMSY AND STYLE…LOVE THE BROWN AND PINK!!

10. SLIPCOVERED VS UPHOLSTERED –  I REFUSE TO BELIEVE THAT THE ONLY OPTION FOR YOUNG CHILDREN IS LEATHER… THERE AND SO MANY DURABLE FABRICS OUT THERE AND SUNBRELLA MAKES INCREDIBLE INDOOR OUTDOOR OPTIONS THAT THE POSSIBITIES ARE ENDLESS.AND I LOVE SLIPCOVERS!!!

DWELL STUDIO MODERN BUNGALOW INDOOR/OUTDOOR - ROBERT ALLEN
DWELL STUDIO MODERN BUNGALOW INDOOR/OUTDOOR – ROBERT ALLEN
JOYBIRD FRANKLIN SOFA IN "ESSENCE ECLIPSE" - I LOVE NAVY!!!
JOYBIRD FRANKLIN SOFA IN “ESSENCE ECLIPSE” – I LOVE NAVY!!!
LOVE THESE SLIPCOVERS - HOUSE OF TURQUOISE WATERCOLOR FLORIDA
LOVE THESE SLIPCOVERS – HOUSE OF TURQUOISE WATERCOLOR FLORIDA SLIPCOVERED MODERN SHAPE SOFAS WITH STRAIGHT ARMS AND 3 BACK CUSHIONS.
the decorista - Megan Hess's amazing living room
the decorista – Megan Hess’s amazing living room

AND FOR PETES SAKE – HAVE SOME FUN!

THE ENGLISH ROOM - TRADITIONAL HOME SHOWHOUSE 2016
THE ENGLISH ROOM – TRADITIONAL HOME SHOWHOUSE 2016
THE ENGLISH ROOM PHOTOGRAPHY Mekenzie France
THE ENGLISH ROOM – ONE ROM CHALLENGE – PHOTOGRAPHY Mekenzie France

OVERWHELMED? YEAH, ME TOO!

BUT ISN’T IT BETTER TO CONSIDER ALL OF THE OPTIONS? I THINK SO, EVEN IF IT TAKES A LITTLE MORE TIME.

EMILY HENDERSON’S THEORY AS TO WHY SO MANY “MISTAKE” SOFAS GET PURCHASED IS BECAUSE THEY ARE 1.  IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE AND 2. INEXPENSIVE...BUT SHE AND I HAVE FOUND IS THAT IF YOU SHOP AROUND YOU CAN GET A GREAT SOFA FOR A DECENT PRICE…AND ONE YOU ACTUALLY LIKE – NOT SETTLE FOR!!!

SO HOW DO YOU CHOOSE A SOFA? WITH SO MANY CHOICES? AND SO FEW DECENT PLACES TO GO SHOP AROUND WITHOUT LOSING YOUR MIND?

MY SUGGESTION IS TO VISIT SITES LIKE PINTEREST, HOUZZ AND THERE ARE SO MANY GOOD ONES THAT FEATURE LOTS OF HOMES -…. I LIKE EMILY HENDERSON,  DESIGN CHIC,  AND OTHER STYLIST, DECORATORS AND DESIGNERS  – VISIT THEIR SITES AND JUST WANDER THROUGH THEIR ARCHIVES. PIN THE PHOTOS THAT SPEAK TO YOU – COLLECT PICTURES OF SOFAS THAT YOU LIKE!!!!

HOUSE OF TURQUOISE
HOUSE OF TURQUOISE

ONE OF MY PERSONAL FAVORITE “IDEA” RESOURCE IS THE BLOG  HOUSE OF TURQUOISE –  SHE FEATURES PRIMARILY DESIGNERS AND THE ROOMS AND HOMES THEY HAVE DESIGNED, SHE HAS THOUSANDS OF LIVING ROOMS FEATURED IN EVERY STYLE IMAGINABLE!!!!!

DO YOU HAVE ANY SOFA STORIES???? DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE STYLE??

HOW DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR SOFAS???

ONE OF MY FAVORITE PHOTOS EVER!
ONE OF MY FAVORITE PHOTOS  AND SOFAS EVER!

XO

anthr

2 thoughts on “MONDAY MAKEOVER – 10 TIPS FOR CHOOSING A SOFA

  1. So informative. Thank you for posting a well researched and presented piece about sofas. This will be a resource for me. Thanks again!

  2. Lesli, thanks for sharing this b log – I agree with all 10 of your considerations for sofa-purchasing, and love your breakdown of the different types of sofas. Great info, thanks again for sharing!

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