The humble sofa: a mainstay of any living, and arguably the heart of the space itself. Many would say it’s a statement piece. It’s therefore one of the most important pieces of furniture you can purchase for your home.
The living room is for relaxing, socialising and entertaining, so your sofa needs to work hard to be comfortable yet stylish. Thankfully, we have the answers on how you can make it happen.
We're going to share with you our top tips for dressing your sofa like a true connoisseur of luxury, so you can create a space that is both elegant and comfortable.
Let’s dive in.
Choosing the right sofa
There are a lot of factors to consider when selecting your next sofa to achieve the look you want. Here’s a quick guide on what to look out for.
Scale
Choosing a sofa that’s the right size for the space is an absolute must to avoid an interior design disaster. Going for a sofa that’s too big will dwarf the space and make it feel cramped, while a too-small sofa will get lost in the room.
Opt for a sofa that is proportionate to the size of the room, creating a harmonious flow. Be sure to measure your space before sofa shopping, or use 3D visualising apps to get a sense of whether that must-have piece might end up being a must-avoid for your home.
Colour
When it comes to sofas, the shade you choose can make or break the room. Neutral hues such as white, beige, or grey are timeless and versatile, and can easily be paired with different colour schemes.
Want something a little more daring? Aim for a rich and luxurious colour like aubergine or emerald green. These shades serve as an accent around other neutral accessories.
Shape
These days, the world of sofas has expanded to include all kinds of shapes to enrich and delight your living room. Consider the style of the room and choose a sofa shape that complements it.
A curved sofa can add a soft, elegant touch to a space, while a straight-lined sofa can give a more mid-century and minimalist feel. You can mix and match sofas and other seating, like armchairs, for a contemporary vibe that doesn’t look too matching.
Top tips for dressing a sofa
Now you’ve found the perfect sofa that suits your style and taste, it’s time to dress it up into the living room look of your dreams.
Define your style
Consider the overall style of your living room to dictate on how you should dress your sofa. If you have a calm and neutral style, and then throwing around patterned cushions would look out of place. Think about the style of accessories, too - is it modern, or vintage you’re after?
Aim for a cohesive finish by identifying what you want the sofa to feel like as part of the room. Head to Pinterest and create a mood board, if that helps! Planning out what you want the sofa to look like will help you to create the perfect vibe for your living room.
Cushions
These are an easy way to dress your sofa and add some comfort, style and personality. If you have a neutral colour scheme to work with, try introducing some pops of colour for added interest.
Want to stick to one colour? You could mix and match different materials like bouclé, leather and velvet in a similar colour group. This adds dimension to the space, but in a way that still looks cohesive and classy.
Throws
A throw in an opulent material, like cashmere or wool, can add warmth and elegance to your sofa. They can also be used to add a pop of colour to the room. Arrange over the back of the sofa or on a chaise lounge section for an effortless, yet sophisticated vibe.
Layering up throws adds extra texture to the sofa and works especially well with larger sofa sets. Consider switching up the materials for an even more dimensional and layered finish.
Tables
Sometimes, the sofa dressing can extend past the sofa itself. Side tables and coffee tables are an integral aspect of the overall look of the seating area, adding definition and handy storage.
If there’s room, a pair of side tables balance out the sofa and adds a touch of elegance. A coffee table creates a focal point while anchoring the sofa in the room. Opt for a marble or glass top for an extra touch of glamour.
Rugs
A high-quality rug can anchor your sofa, add in an extra layer of texture, and define the seating area. Scale is everything, so be sure to go for a rug that isn’t too big or small for the space.
Go for complementary colours and textures if you want the sofa to be the star of the show. Aim for a bolder colour or pattern if you want the rug to stand out alongside your beautifully dressed sofa.
Lighting
Lighting can add ambience to your room and highlight certain features of your sofa. A large, overarching floor lamp that spotlights the sofa adds a decadent and dramatic feel to the space.
You could also go for table lamps if you want a more subtle finish. A side lamp doesn’t have to be boring - there are some wonderfully quirky lamp base options available that will still look cohesive in your finished living room.
Artwork
Hanging art above the sofa can add a touch of elegance and personality to the room.
Choose a piece of art that complements the colour scheme of the space and the style of the sofa. Whether it’s a well-placed gallery wall or a gorgeous large piece, the choice is yours.
Final thoughts
Dressing a sofa is an art form that requires attention to detail, a sense of style, and the right accessories. With this guide, you'll be able to create a luxurious and inviting living space that you'll be proud to show off.
Want some inspiration on where to start? Our luxury sofas are the perfect blend of the hottest trends and the highest quality.
