Stylish sofas
Latest Interiors guides you stylishly through the world of sofas
If you’re not sitting comfortably, then it may be time to invest in a new sofa. Don’t get up just yet though – not until you’ve read Latest Interiors’ indispensable guide to the season’s most sumptuous settees…
TriBeCa sofa £1816 – Design Studio, 56 Western Road, Hove 01273 206016
What sofa where?
There has been a real move back to comfort this season, as a ‘lifestyling’ ethos takes hold of interior design. We want our homes to be warm, welcoming and eco-friendly. So the first thing to think about when buying a sofa is whether you can salvage or update your existing piece with new seat cushions or covers. If it’s gone beyond changing covers or you just want to buy new, invest in a piece that suits the scale and style of your room. One large sofa will give more of a feeling of space than two smaller ones – if you need extra seating, go for a modular or corner design so that the lines remain unbroken.
With sofas (as with so much else), you get what you pay for, so be prepared to spend a little more for something that will last. Better quality sofas generally have a hardwood frame that has been dowelled, screwed and glued together for strength. A sprung seat will give support to the cushions, helping the piece to keep its shape. Cushions types are a matter of taste: Foam-filled seats and cushions are firm and spring back into shape, whereas feather-filled designs are softer and generally more sinkable-into.
Quebec corner sofa (unit & chaise), £1749 www.barker-stonehouse.co.uk
Sofa so good
Whatever your style, you’ll want your sofa to have a long, comfortable life, so think carefully about shape, style and fabric. Neutral tones date less quickly than anything fashion-led: spruce them up with cheap-to-replace throws
and cushions if you want more pattern and texture. For inspiration, try the style-finder at
Mydeco.com: http://mydeco.com/imagini/test.
Shaped to fit
Traditional style and real vintage sofas like good old-fashioned Chesterfields give character and warmth to a room. Beaten-up leather (surprisingly child and pet friendly), faded velvet, flock covers and silky scatter cushions remain popular for that don’t-need-to-try-too-hard look.
‘Lenny’ chair, £poa, www.barker-stonehouse.co.uk
This season, anything from or influenced by the mid-20th century is highly covetable. Modernism and post-war utility influences bring clean, functional lines to the home: perfect for an eclectic style. Opt for greys (the darker the better), chocolates or stone shades, in simple, textured fabrics such as wool, tweed and linen. A word of caution though – chic, low-backed styles look great and work very well in low ceilinged rooms, but they may not provide enough back support for everyone’s taste. Always try it out before you buy.
Milano Sofa in Red Leather and Oak – £599. Buy from Velvet, 29 Bond Street Brighton or online at www.velvetstore.co.uk
To make the most of your space, choose a multi-function, modular sofa. Great for awkward rooms, L-shaped sofas can be combined with under-seat storage, a recliner unit and a fold-out bed – time for a nice sit down, perhaps?
