September 01 2022

THE SOFA

The Protagonist of Your Living Room

Just as any good story begins with an introduction to the main character, any visitor is first introduced to your home aesthetic through your living room and choice of seating! 

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 a lot about its homeowner. Is it comfy or chic? Retro or modern? Old school or fold out? The first step to buying a sofa is identifying its style. Every sofa tells a unique story, and can either meld with your home’s decor or contrast with it.

Do you know your style? If not, give it a thought!

What is Your Sofa Style?

Are you a RETRO gal who likes...

  • A generous seat for deep lounging?
  • Sleek lines and slender forms?
  • A touch of wicker with natural wood for old school flair?

If you answered a resounding YES to all of the above, our retro sofas are for you. With their tapered legs and minimalist forms, retro or mid-century modern sofas tend to be pleasingly proportioned and make any living room feel timeless and tasteful. A benefit of this style is that it can easily become the focal point of your living room, but can also blend with other contemporary furniture styles effortlessly.

Some of our retro sofa styles to try are the Coonoor sofa, Scandic sofa, Slims 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 a TROPICAL fella looking for a sofa that…

  • Reminds you of a weekend beach getaway?
  • Utilizes local and tropical woods?
  • Has a light and breezy silhouette?

If so, you’re going to love our handcrafted tropical sofas - some of which even double up as a pull out/daybed for that afternoon-nap-on-vacation kinda feel! Crafted from richly veined woods such as teak, sheesham, and acacia, these sofas are robust and age beautifully in our humid climate. Think woven elements, natural textures, and a relaxed feel!

Discover our tropical seating with the Nara sofa, Tripper sofa, and Cabana sofa, all of which pair well with light cotton upholstery fabrics.

OR is MODERN more your jam with…

  • 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, the bold and contemporary design of our modern sofas is what you seek. Comfy and cool, the back cushions beckon and the seats are plush with padding to sink right into. These easy forms were made for relaxing and can be truly personalized with your choice with solid and textured upholstery or an eye-catching print. Because the low seating can make your space appear taller, these sofas are also good for anchoring smaller spaces!

Our Nomad Sofa, Big Easy Sofa and Baro Sinker sofa are some modern styles to check out. 

Sofa Guide

With a style in mind, let’s dive into the practical aspects of sofa shopping and the factors to consider when choosing your protagonist. 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 usage of the sofa should inform your choice in upholstery as well. You have many options - cotton, linen, velvet, etc based on the needs of your household. When selecting the upholstery, you’ll have to consider factors such as:

  • 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.

Start shopping here

or use our complimentary Design Services to pick your perfect sofa.