In addition to being a place for relaxation and family gathering, the sofa is generally the highlight of a room. It usually stands out in the eyes thanks to its size and the position it occupies, regardless of color or style. However, choosing the right color for the sofa can not only give a sense of the whole to the room, but also represent a declaration of personality. All you have to do is decide whether you intend to opt for something practical and versatile at the same time, or play it all out with a piece of furniture with a lively and bold color.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Choosing the Perfect Hue
Step 1. Look for inspiration before making the purchase
Grab some furniture magazines such as Home Decor and Elle Decor to get a starting idea. They will not only give you helpful tips for choosing colors, but they will also be full of pictures of professionally furnished rooms that can help you clarify your ideas about what you want. You can also do an online search on sites like HGTV or Pinterest for some ideas and inspiration.
You can also go to some furniture and interior design stores to check out the latest news
Step 2. For an overall look, opt for colors that match the existing furniture
An easy way to choose the sofa is to be inspired by the other colors in the room. Making good use of complementary colors will give you a perfect match and will save you a lot of worries about finding the right shade.
- For example, if there are already orange lamps, carpets or paintings in the room, a sofa in a blue shade will be a great match. If you have purple upholstery, try a chartreuse yellow or green sofa.
- You could also choose colors from the same family as the existing furniture. In the case of a wooden floor in a cold color, try a sofa in the same tone: a black sofa will look great on a gray floor.
- If you are furnishing a new or empty room, it may be best to choose a sofa in a neutral color, so that you can use it as a starting point for decorating the rest of the space.
Step 3. Make a bold choice with a brightly colored or patterned sofa
Since this is the centerpiece of the room, try to make it stand out. Choose a color of a jewel tone such as jade, ruby, sapphire or a contrasting color that makes it stand out. For example, if you have a pure white carpet, choose a dark gray or black sofa; to enhance it even more you can also choose a large flower pattern or a zigzag pattern.
If you opt for a particular pattern, be aware that uncommon fabrics can in the long run increase the cost of the sofa
Step 4. Choose a neutral color that suits any room
A sofa in a color such as cream, gray or dark blue will be perfect anywhere: you can also change its look very easily by adding a sofa cover or cushions.
For example, you could liven up a gray sofa with a red blanket and some pillows with a red and white pattern. If you get tired of this look, replace the blanket with another one with a teal and dark blue zigzag pattern and the pillows with other plain colors of the same colors
Step 5. To liven up the room, match the color with the outdoor landscape
If the room has a lot of windows, try matching the sofa with outdoor greenery. For example, if you live in a heavily forested area, earth tones like green or light and dark brown are a great match. Otherwise, if you have a large garden, you can match the sofa with the shades of the plants or flowers.
If you live in the city, let in some of the color of the surrounding buildings. Check for example the shades of the bricks or the shiny dark gray of the surrounding metal structures
Part 2 of 2: Observing External Influences
Step 1. Consider who will be using the sofa
Before choosing its color, consider other family members. If you have a roommate, children or pet, it may be preferable to opt for a neutral color of a dark or medium dark shade such as gray to hide any stains.
- Small children tend to cause disasters: the last thing you want is to get home and find a light-colored sofa covered with dirt and food residues.
- Likewise, pets like dogs and cats usually shed their fur, so it might be a good idea to match the color to their fur - you'll save yourself from constant worrying and cleaning.
Step 2. Consider the position of the sofa
Think about where you want to place it and how the location might affect your choice. For example, if you plan to place it in front of a panoramic window, consider that the sun may fade its color over time. Choose a shade that doesn't discolour noticeably like gray or cream.
Step 3. Consider the general purpose of the room
Is it dedicated to relaxation, entertainment or is it simply for representation? If there is a theme in the room or if it has a specific purpose, it might be better for the color of the sofa to reflect it. For example, if you intend to use it for entertainment, you could choose a bright and lively color such as red or purple.
- In the event that the sofa is placed in a room that you use often, choose a shade that you will not easily get bored with, such as a classic gray.
- If the room is a quiet place for relaxation, opt for a light, minimalist color: pale green or beige are a great choice.
Step 4. Take your personality into consideration
If you are a person who changes style all the time, you could opt for a solid neutral color. Although it may seem surprising, choosing a banal color and embellishing it with accessories such as cushions is an excellent idea for a person with a changing style. A gray, black, or navy blue sofa is like a white canvas and goes with just about any color you want to add.
- You can also choose a sofa with several sofa covers, so you can change them when you feel like something different.
- People with a more traditional and consistent style can choose any color they prefer, although solid ones are more recommended than patterned ones, as they are more versatile.
Step 5. Choose a fabric that reflects your lifestyle
Depending on the family and friends around you, choose a specific type of fabric: for example, if you don't mind dirt or food scraps, you can try a linen sofa. However, if you are expecting a lot of wear damage, you may prefer a more durable fabric such as leather or wool, bearing in mind that each fabric is priced differently.
- The leather can be cleaned with either a vacuum cleaner or a wet rag, while the wool does not wrinkle, does not discolour and does not make lint.
- Fabrics like velvet, chenille, tweed, and silk are not the best choice if you have children or pets. In this case, it is better to opt for more durable fabrics and models that can hide dirt.
- If you're not sure what might be the best choice for your room, try taking home a couple of fabric swatches - you can get some for free at craft stores or you can even find fabric catalogs online.
Advice
- Be sure to include the sofa color or fabric in your budget, as unusual fabrics will cost more than ordinary ones.
- Always use a coat protector spray to keep the tone on for a long time.
- Avoid choosing something trendy that you will get tired of and that you will want to change over a couple of years.
