Choosing the best couch style to suit your living space

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A living room couch is one piece of furniture where you really want to choose wisely. As it’s most likely the biggest piece in the room, it’s got a big ego – it tends to dictate what needs to happen with the rest of the space, and usually ends up commanding the most attention. Ideally, you’re going to be living with your couch for the next 5-10 years, and if you’re going to get along, you need to find a style you’ll still love when the initial romance fades, a look that speaks the right language for your space and the rest of your home, even if you decide to make some changes down the road.

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With so many options out there, finding your ideal sofa soul mate can feel a bit overwhelming. From knowing the characteristics of different designs, to choosing the right fit for your space, decor and comfort levels, here’s what you need to know to seek out your perfect match.

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Couch styles - a quick tour through the classics

Salespeople and product description writers like to throw around fancy terms they think are common knowledge. But usually that’s not the case. Let’s take a short tour through some of the couch classics so you’ll know ahead of time which are your top contenders, and sidestep the time-wasting sales pitches!

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The Chesterfield

When you see a Chesterfield, you know you’re in your rich uncle’s house. With its deep buttoned back, large comfortable cushions and often a pair of trademark scroll arms, this classic look oozes character, sophistication and comfort. It’s a more traditional piece that works well in period homes (especially in gorgeous luxury leather!), but in a bright or light fabric it can transform to a more contemporary piece.

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Mid-Century & Mid-Century Modern

The design revolution of the 50s and 60s resulted in furniture that was as much about making a statement as having somewhere comfy to sit. Couches harking back to this period will show off elegant, tapered legs, straight, slender arms and a slimmed down silhouette overall.

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Tuxedo Couch

A design out of the 1920s, the tuxedo couch is one of the easiest to pick out of a crowd, with its geometric box-like shape and high arms that are at one height with the back of the couch. The angular shape encourages an upright sitting position, and the overall effect is a very neat, clean, modern look.

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Modular or Sectional

Sectionals have become a go-to for contemporary homes. They’re versatile, helpful for defining open-plan spaces, can seat more people than couch and armchair setups, and make for a very cosy, relaxed setting – great for laid back family time and entertaining. They’re certainly a good way to anchor and define a large space, but smaller scale units can also work well for smaller spaces.

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Chaise or Daybed

A chaise or a daybed can be a nice alternative to a traditional couch. A chaise can really add some modern sophistication to your space, while still giving you extra seating when needed, just in a more compact version that takes up less space literally and visually. A daybed will give a more relaxed look, and will be vastly preferable to a futon for any tired visitors!

A few style pointers

Of course, there are many more styles of couches out there, all with their own unique personalities. You may or may not be sold on any particular style, but the key is to look for the kinds of design features that will complement your décor style and personal tastes. A lot of it naturally comes down to gut impressions, but here are a few style pointers to help you decide what kind of features are going to be the right fit for you:

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• High back vs. low back

Based on looks alone, couches with lower backs tend to give a more laid back, contemporary feel, while high backs will look more formal and traditional.

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• Tight back vs. loose back (cushioned back)

A tight back or sprung back couch will have a cleaner, neater look and a firmer feel. Tufted backs in particular have a more traditional, classic look. In contrast, loose cushion backs will give that snug, sink-in feeling with a more relaxed look, but will take a bit more maintenance to keep them looking neat and fresh.

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• Sofa legs

Visible legs generally lend a lighter, more sophisticated feel to a couch, while low-sitting couches generally feel more relaxed, contemporary and a bit bulkier. If the legs are visible, pay close attention to the material as this will have a big impact on the overall look – ornate, turned wooden legs will obviously feel much more traditional, while chrome ski-style legs will take you into modern territory.

• Sofa arms

This is one of the most defining features of couch styles. High arms tend to be more traditional and modern, while low arms look relaxed and contemporary. A rolled arm can add a softer, feminine look, while straight, square arms look more masculine.

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Choosing the best style for your space

It’s likely you’ll already have a good idea of what styles of couch speak to you (and perhaps which ones you would never like to speak to!). The key is to choose a couch that feels comfortable to you both literally and aesthetically. In other words, it should mesh with your overall décor style, while being a good fit for your needs and your lifestyle, whether that’s entertaining posh guests over the weekend, queuing up your personalised Netflix playlist, or herding up the family for some nightly bonding time!

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Sizing up the perfect fit

In terms of dimensions, the overall size and scale of your couch will naturally be your first concern. Have a basic plan of what other furniture you need to fit in the arrangement, then do your couch math to allow for 45-75cm breathing room between the larger furniture pieces, and at least a 10cm gap between the couch and any back wall. (You can also read our complete guide on arranging your living room furniture).

Materials & Colours

Choosing the ideal upholstery for your couch will depend on a number of factors, from looks and budget, to how much you love cleaning! Leather couches are an excellent investment that offer timeless class, practicality and amazing durability, while quality fabric couches chosen wisely can also be very practical and stylish at a more affordable price tag. Read more about the pros and cons of leather vs. fabric, and find out what upholstery option is best for you with our detailed guide.

When it comes to choosing the colour of your couch, the main decision you need to make is whether to go for a neutral colour or let your couch be a statement piece. A neutral couch is certainly the easier option whereas a bold colour or pattern can be a great way to inject fresh inspiration into your living room.

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For a truly inspiring range of high quality classic, modern and contemporary style leather and fabric couches, sectionals and recliners, visit Cielo online or head to your nearest showroom, where we can help you find your perfect match.

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