September 01 2022
The Sofa: Your Complete Buying Guide for the Living Room
The Protagonist of Your Living Room
Just as any good story begins with its main character, every living room begins with its sofa. It's the first thing a visitor notices — and the piece that sets the tone for everything else in the room.
And just like the protagonist is the central character in any story, the sofa is the central focus of any living room. It is the most used piece of furniture- be it for entertaining, lounging, snacking, reading or for much-needed family time. The sofa is the ‘live’ in every ‘living’ room.
Each sofa says something about the person who chose it — comfy or chic, retro or modern, structured or sink-in-soft. The first step to choosing the right sofa is knowing your style.
Do you know your style? If not, give it a thought!
What Is Your Sofa Style? Find Your Match
Are you drawn to mid-century retro — clean lines, tapered legs and a palette that feels like it belongs in a 1960s living room?
- A generous seat for deep lounging?
- Sleek lines and slender forms?
- A touch of wicker with natural wood for old school flair?
If that's you, our mid-century retro sofas were made for your space. Clean lines, tapered legs and a quiet confidence — they work beautifully as a statement piece in both compact and spacious living rooms.
Some of our retro sofa styles to try are the Coonoor sofa, Scandic sofa, Sims sofa and the Trapeze sofa. Browse these styles online to further understand your aesthetic preference and the individual details of each. You can customize the upholstery fabrics as per your preference and add 2 to 3 cushions to complete the look!
Or are you drawn to tropical design — bold prints, natural materials and a relaxed, resort-like feel that makes every day feel like a holiday?
- Reminds you of a weekend beach getaway?
- Utilizes local and tropical woods?
- Has a light and breezy silhouette?
Our handcrafted tropical sofas are built for living — some double as pull-outs or daybeds for extra flexibility. Made from solid teak and designed to last, they pair beautifully with light cotton upholstery.
Discover our tropical seating with the Nara sofa, Tripper sofa, and Cabana sofa, all of which pair well with light cotton upholstery fabrics.
Or do you prefer a more contemporary look — clean geometry, bold upholstery and a sofa that makes a statement without being showy?
- A smart, versatile shape?
- Clean lines and enough room for the upholstery to shine?
- A low profile for a spacious and comfortable feel?
If so, our contemporary sofas are for you — bold in design, generous in seat depth and comfortable for long evenings. The kind of sofa that looks sharp and feels even better.
Our Nomad Sofa, Big Easy Sofa and Baro Sinker sofa are some modern styles to check out.
Sofa Buying Guide: What to Consider Before You Buy
With your style figured out, here's what else to consider when buying a sofa — from dimensions and doorways to upholstery and seating depth. Whether you’re setting up your first apartment or upgrading your living room furniture, it’s all about finding the right combination of comfort and design. Read on to discover how to choose the best sofa for your home.
Will the sofa fit through your doorway?
The most practical of queries first. Will your sofa be able to get into your space and can any pieces be removed to aid its entry? (Remember Ross Geller’s iconic ‘pivot’ scene from Friends!)
Is the sofa the right size for your needs?
The size of a sofa is a critical factor - too big and you might end up with a cramped drawing room; too small and you won’t be able to accommodate enough people. If you have a small living room, you could opt for a 2 or 2.5 seater sofa. If your living room is large, a sectional sofa is a good choice and can comfortably seat more.
Who will use the sofa?
Is the sofa intended for occasional formal seating, entertaining guests, or weekly family movie marathons? Depending on how often it’s going to be used and its primary users, you’ll want to consider whether you want a sturdy back, deep seating, etc.
The way you use the sofa should also guide your upholstery choice. Cotton is easy to care for and bring vibrant prints and colored solids from our collection; velvet is more formal; woven textures add warmth. Browse our upholstery fabrics to find the right match.
- Kids and pets in the house.
- Environmental elements like dust, moisture, and direct sunlight.
- The decor style of your home and other fabrics in the living room.
Is the sofa going to be the primary seating in the room?
What other furniture will be around it? Side tables, a bookshelf, or a pouf? Are there other chairs in the room, such as a comfortable armchair or two to complete the seating, or perhaps a whole other seating arrangement on another side.
This will help you decide whether you need a 2 or 3-seater sofa and how often it will be used for lounging.
Where will the sofa go in your room?
- Against the longest wall
You will want to check the length of the wall and measure the sofa length plus any side tables or planter that may flank the sofa. An awkwardly placed sofa can be jarring to behold. If you have a large window or TV in the room, your sofa should face these sight holders for optimum viewing pleasure. This also keeps the room looking open and clear. - To create a section / zone
If your living room is large and you want to create an intimate section, your sofa can help cordone the sitting/lounging area into a clear zone by acting as a divider. It can face the TV or an attractive artwork where guests and family can gather. This can be especially useful if the other section of the large room has a dining area or a reading nook. - Under a window
If your aim is to use the sofa for work, reading, or just an occasional nap, then positioning the sofa under a large window is perfect to catch that soft afternoon light. Let the breeze and the sounds of the chirping birds transport you - the sofa becomes your cozy vehicle and as much a decorative feature as a functional one.
Like everything else in this era of endless choice, there seem to be infinite options when it comes to choosing a sofa. Even if you don’t know what you want or need, browsing through our Freedom Tree catalog is sure to get your imagination firing.
