Studies show that the average Australian moves approximately 13 times in their lifetime. This means the question, “What is the best sofa for my house?” has likely come up more than once.

Factors such as colour, material, layout and contrast can significantly shape the room’s appearance. Since design and colour have a psychological effect on our brain, it’s important to choose a sofa that not only aligns with our personal design style but also fits seamlessly into the space.

Colour:

When purchasing a sofa, colour is often the first consideration. You might wonder, “What colour should I get? Should I choose a different colour because I had grey at my previous house?” Think about how you use your sofa and what kind of performance you need. Do you put your feet up on it, do your dogs sit on it, do your children jump on it? These factors all influence your colour choice.

  • Grey: Versatile and works well with any colour scheme and accessories. Light grey creates a calm atmosphere, while dark grey adds coziness.
  • Green: Bold and luxurious, it adds depth and style to a living room. Green has become more popular in recent years for being distinctive without being overly striking.
  • Pink: Emerging as a new neutral, blush or pale pink pairs easily with browns in cushions and other furniture.
  • Blue: A popular choice for a unique look. Depending on the shade, it can be a neutral subtle blue or a bold, luxurious Art Deco feature.
  • Cream: Offers a light look that isn’t stark white, more forgiving and works great with texture.
  • Black: Bold and moody, excellent for hiding dirt and adds an elegant touch.
  • Beige: A classic warm and cozy colour, very versatile and complements many interior design styles.
  • White: Bright and crisp, suits any home, but isn’t as forgiving with wear, depending on the material.

Featuring the Tolv Pensive Sofa from GlobeWest (29 Tarina Street, Noosa Heads, Qld 4567)

Each colour has its own advantages and can help shape the overall feel of your living space. Choose one that not only fits your personal design style but also suits your lifestyle.

Material:

Material is crucial and sometimes even more important than colour selection, as it determines the durability and practicality of your sofa.

  • Linen: Easy to clean and maintain, it’s a natural fibre that is mildew, dust mite, and termite resistant and affordable. However, linen cannot be bleached and may shrink when exposed to extreme heat.
  • Cotton: Great because it’s 100% hypoallergenic, breathable, and can be treated to be stain-resistant. However, it can easily stain as it absorbs spills and stains immediately and may absorb wet dyes from clothes.
  • Polyester: Stain-resistant, soft, comfortable, and ideal for pet owners as it doesn’t trap hair and dust like other materials. However, polyester stretches easily, which means it can lose its shape, is flammable, and can degrade faster.
  • Nylon: Extremely durable, affordable, and doesn’t lose its shape. However, nylon can attract pet hair, is less breathable, and is not environmentally friendly.
  • Leather: A very common sofa material, it is comfortable, luxurious, and genuine leather is durable, requires little maintenance, and does not absorb spills. However, genuine leather is pricey, and faux leather is not as breathable.

Choosing the right material ensures your sofa not only looks good but also meets your practical needs and lasts for years.

Featuring the Felix Block Modular Sofa from GlobeWest (4 Gosford Court, Buderim, Qld 4556)

Layout:

The layout of your sofa is crucial in shaping the room. Consider the foot traffic and entry points of your living or media room. Ensure you’re not blocking vital areas such as sliding doors, windows with views, or the TV if that’s the main focus.

Also, think about how the sofa configuration changes the room’s vibe. For a formal living area, two sofas facing each other with a fireplace as the focal point might be ideal. However, this setup wouldn’t make sense in a media room. Understand the room’s purpose and plan the sofa layout accordingly.

Contrast:

When choosing a sofa, one often overlooked detail is how its colour complements your flooring—whether carpet or floorboards. If you’re buying new, consider colour harmony: match cool-toned floors with greys and warm-toned floors with browns to create a cohesive look.

Avoid pairing dark sofas with dark floors, as they can blend in too much—opt for sofas with legs, contrasting rugs, or light-toned coffee tables to add visual lift. Light sofas can be beautiful but show wear easily, so if you have kids or pets, consider a washable slipcover to keep it looking fresh. These thoughtful choices help ensure your sofa enhances, rather than clashes with, your space.

 

Summary

Choosing the right sofa can feel overwhelming at first, but once you understand the basics, it becomes much easier. Focus on colour and the mood it creates, choose materials and layouts that suit your lifestyle, and you’ll have a living room that feels inviting—a space where lasting memories are made.