What are Performance Fabrics?

Durable and able to withstand heavy daily use, performance fabrics are crafted with technologies to lift stains and also resist general wear and tear. Certain smart fabrics also help combat bacteria and viruses, giving an extra layer of protection for your family. Those with families, pets and hectic households will see a great benefit from upholstering their sofas and furniture pieces with performance fabrics. 

The Benefits of Performance Fabric Sofas

Besides their ability to withstand stains and spillages, there are a wealth of benefits that performance fabrics offer: 

• Longer lasting
• Provide extra comfort
• Provide extra protection
• More usage for your money
• Highly durable
• Stain-resistant
• Water-resistant
• Easy to clean
• Less prone to fading

Best Performance Fabrics

So, what are the best performance fabrics available at Sofa.com? Explore our extensive range of gorgeous smart fabrics and their benefits below. 

1. Aquaclean

Our most popular performance fabric at Sofa.com is our range of Aquaclean textiles. From velvets to canvas to chenille, our Aquaclean fabrics are built with clever technologies to prevent stains from sinking into your sofa. With a simple drop of water and a wipe, stains and spillages are a thing of the past! An additional benefit of Aquaclean is its Safe Front hygenic protection, meaning that the treatment reduces the activity of enveloped bacteria and viruses by more that 91% compared to other untreated fabrics.  

Shown in our range of Aquaclean Clever Canvas fabrics, the Marco range shines with colour, personality and peace of mind that stains, spillages and bacteria are prevented from interfering with your day to day life. With a range of other colours and textures available, find your perfect Aquaclean sofa fabric today. 

2. Smart Velvet

Another popular choice for families is our range of Smart Velvets. With an extensive offering of vibrant colours and a soft texture, our smart velvets look great upholstered onto any style. Each one is finished with a special coating meaning they have a fabulous durable and resistant quality about them that prevents spillages from sinking into the fibres too quickly.Besides its smart quality, they are made with 80% cotton, meaning they encompass a truly luxurious feel – making them a beautiful, comfy choice for your sofa.

3. Easy Cotton

Beautiful, durable and available in 3 colours, our range of Easy Cotton fabrics are a family-friendly, versatile fabric choice. Consisting of muted colours and bolder, statement hues, Easy Cotton gives you the option of upholstering your sofa in a fabric that will fit in any home. Machine washable and 100% cotton, this fabric is easy by name, easy by nature. Easy Cotton is made to last and provides your sofa with an effortlessly luxurious look.

4. Smart Cotton

Exclusively available at Sofa.com, our Smart Cotton is tightly intertwined with a powdery matt finish that’s perfect for a contemporary space. Plus, its special finish prevents accidental spills from sinking into its fibres giving it a stain resistant quality, ideal for busy homes and families. Additionally, Smart Cotton is water repellent – does it get smarter than this?

As you can see, we have a wide and varied range of performance fabrics available for your furniture. With a wealth of different fabric qualities all containing smart technologies, you can create your perfect sofa that caters for your family’s needs. To explore a sofa fabric outside of our range, we offer a COM (customer own material) service, which means you can upholster your sofa in any fabric of your choice. Whether it be your own fabric or you have your eye on a designer fabric, the opportunities are endless with custom sofa fabrics. If you’re looking to choose one of the smart fabrics within our range, you can get your free sofa fabric samples today and start your family-friendly furniture shopping journey!

The post Why Performance Fabrics are a Must-Have for Family Sofas appeared first on Inspiration corner.

What is Art Deco Interior Design?

Emerging in the 1920s, the art deco movement symbolised economic prosperity which in turn birthed a wave of art, architecture and fashion largely associated with glamour and affluence. Capturing the decadence of the period, art deco interiors are instantly recognisable by meticulously crafted furniture, geometric prints and bold jewel tones. 

What Colours fit the Art Deco Aesthetic?

The art deco aesthetic is synonymous with vibrant and rich jewel tones, such as burgundy, gold, emerald and navy. These colours encompass a depth and wealth that lend to the prosperity of the art deco style perfectly, bringing a moodiness and opulence to your living room. 

6 Art Deco Living Room Design Ideas

Below, we have rounded up 6 of our top tips on how to achieve your very own luxurious, art deco living room.

1. Invest in an Art Deco Style Sofa

To fit the art deco aesthetic, your sofa is a central piece of furniture that can help you achieve the look. When deciding upon the perfect style, look for a sofa that features curves and wooden elements, such as our Harper Sofa. If you are looking for something slightly more modern, our Ren Modular Sofa boasts extra seating space whilst keeping the signature curves of an art deco sofa.

As the aesthetic is synonymous with glamour and wealth, velvet sofas are the most popular colour choice for art deco sofas. Whether you opt for a blue sofa or a green sofa, using a rich upholstery fabric such as velvet will instantly help to create the art deco aesthetic within your living room.

2. Match with an Art Deco Armchair

Investing in an armchair to match or contrast your central sofa piece not only creates extra seating space but helps to reinforce the art deco aesthetic through fabrics and styles. Again, velvets are a preferable choice for armchairs, especially in the jewel tones of burgundy, emerald or gold. If you have the space, two armchairs complementary to your sofa in contrasting jewel tones is a perfect way to add more art deco elements to your living room. 

3. Add a Geometric Patterned Rug

As mentioned, geometric prints are a huge element of the art deco aesthetic. One way of seamlessly bringing this element into the living room is through a statement, geometric rug. The Athens rug at Sofa.com features an art deco-esque geometric print, yet in a muted colourway as to not overwhelm the room. Fittingly named after the movement, the Deco rug features a gold border, touching on the decadence of the aesthetic in a subtle yet effective manner.

4. Embrace Bright Lighting

Another defining feature of the art deco period was bright lighting. Suiting the aesthetic perfectly, chandeliers and statement pendants work gorgeously within an art deco living room. Aside from ceiling lights, floor lamps with sharp lamps or tripod style lamps help to achieve the modern art deco look. 

5. Include Metallic Touches

Metallic touches go hand in hand with jewel tones used within an art deco-style living room. Home accessories such as photo frames, wall art, metallic accent tables, mirrors and vases are easy and achievable methods for implementing this element of the aesthetic.

6. Choose Bold Colours

Bold colours throughout your living room and beyond your sofa fabric will also help you achieve the art deco style. Vibrant greens, blues, reds and yellows are perfect tones to use to bring the aesthetic to life. Scatter cushions are a particularly effective way of adding these bold shades to your living room. 

Art deco style is a stunning and opulent theme to adorn your living room in. Utilising bold colours, relevant upholstery, metallic touches and geometric prints are all ways to easily transform your living room into an art deco paradise. If you favour bold interior styles, we have a wealth of guides on different aesthetics, such as our blog on dopamine décor living room ideas. You can also explore our COM service for using external fabrics across your furniture pieces which have an art deco style. 

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What are the Benefits of Open Plan Living Rooms?

There are many benefits of open plan living rooms. Just to name a handful:

• Maximised space
• More light flow
• More sociable
• Modern
• Flexible

What are the Disadvantages of Open Plan Living Rooms?

Whilst there are benefits, there a number of drawbacks to consider before opting for an open plan living room:

• Lack of privacy
• Difficult to arrange and style
• Visible clutter

How to Arrange an Open Plan Living Room

When presented with a large open plan living room, creating zones to separate the living room from other areas is one of the most important steps to arrange your room. You should carefully plan how to arrange these zones to fully utilise your space and create a flowing and comfortable open plan living room. To determine the zones of the space, utilise your furniture to make theoretical borders of each dedicated space in the living room. However, you should avoid pushing your furniture against the walls and instead create space, allowing you to walk around your furniture and thus making the room feel bigger.

10 Open Plan Living Room Ideas

Once you have nailed down the furniture arrangement and zoning of your open plan living room, here are 10 ideas on how to maximise your space and make it a modern and flexible space in your home.

1. Use a Cohesive Colour Scheme

To ensure your open plan living/dining/kitchen areas feel consistent and flow freely, opt for a cohesive colour scheme throughout the space. Using neutral, light or pastel colours can help create a bright, airy feel throughout.

2. Choose a Corner Sofa

Debatably the most popular choice for open plan living rooms, corner sofas can help anchor a space and create a clear divide between the lounge and kitchen. Read our corner sofa buying guide to ensure you pick the perfect corner sofa for you and your needs!

3. Separate the Living Room with a Rug

Ideal for open plan living rooms, an oversized rug can also help to zone a space and differentiate the different areas of the room.

4. Add an Armchair

To further the dividing of the room, add an armchair and extra seating that can be moved around where needed. 

5. Create Flexibility with a Modular Sofa

Modular sofas are incredibly flexible, making them a perfect choice for defining a space in both big and small open plan living rooms. Asking ‘what is a modular sofa? Read our guide on everything you need to know about these innovative sofas.

6. Include Multifunctional Pieces

Utilise your open plan living room with multifunctional furniture. Filling the space in clever ways, innovative storage solutions such as footstools or benches will help maximise your space.

7. Use Partitions to Separate the Spaces

Besides sofas, you can utilise physical partitions to separate your space, such as open shelving, accent tables, a chest of drawers of even a classic partition wall. 

8. Create a Centrepiece with a 4-Seater Sofa

If your living room zone needs a clear indicator, create a focal point by using a large and comfortable 4-seater sofa. Ideal for family movie nights, hosting friends or curling up with your pet, a 4-seater sofa is a great addition to an open plan living room with extra space. 

9. Use Textures to Make an Open Plan Living Room Cosy

Due to its larger space and free-flowing nature, an open plan living room can sometimes lack the cosiness of a traditional, closed in living room. To ensure your open plan living room still feels cosy, use different textures across scatter cushions, blankets, throws and your dining room chairs to add warmth and comfortability.

10. Embrace Bright, Natural Lighting

The same logic of maintaining a consistent colour scheme applies to the lighting that you opt for throughout your open plan space. To create a bright and airy feel to the room, layer lighting with floor lamps, wall lamps and table lamps, which also work to help define areas of the room.

The main considerations to pay attention to when planning to decorate your open plan living room are zoning, arrangement, and utilising furniture to maximise your space. Your sofa size and shape can determine the look and feel of the space as much as the colours on your walls. The factors we have discussed all go hand in hand, working together to create a gorgeous open plan living room that works for you!

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5 Best Sofa Fabrics for Christmas

At Sofa.com, we offer a wealth of durable sofa fabrics that will ensure your sofa will endure the joyous festivities of Christmas and New Year hosting. Read on to discover our top 5 fabric qualities we recommend to upholster your sofa in for long-lasting, cosy success. 

1. Aquaclean

Aquaclean is a wonderfully smart, innovative technology that is built into numerous of our fabric qualities. Its technology, woven into the fabrics’ fibres, means that pesky stains and spillages can be wiped away with a simple drop of water and a cloth. Perfect for families and busy households, Aquaclean sofa fabrics are guaranteed to endure the party season. 

Available in velvet, chenille, canvas and boucle, Aquaclean technology is embedded into a variety and mix of colours and fabrics – making it perfect for endless interior aesthetics.

Pictured below in our Deep Forest Aquaclean Clever Velvet, the Ren Chaise Modular Sofa exudes retro Christmas joy, whilst maintaining the assurance that spills and stains are a minuscule issue.

2. Velvet

Soft to the touch and perfect for the colder months, our range of Smart Velvet fabrics are ideal for hectic households over the Christmas period. Often misconstrued as a high-maintenance fabric, our Smart Velvets prove the opposite. Similar to our Aquaclean offering, the sumptuous fabrics are created with a fabulous resistant quality, that prevents spillages from sinking into the fibres too quickly. Again, available in a myriad of gorgeous colours, Smart Velvet is a beautifully luxurious choice – perfect for the festive season. Explore our range of velvet sofas today and find a piece that is truly special to you.

3. Cotton

Breathable, easy to clean, resistant to pilling and durable, cotton is a classic fabric choice for the family sofa. Our Bluebell in Stoneware Easy Cotton is a beautiful, timeless neutral choice fo the home, fitting into living rooms with ease. If you’re looking to lean into the Christmas aesthetic, our Long Island Modular Sofa in Evergreen Brushed Linen Cotton is a stunningly bold sofa choice, made perfect for hosting with its generous proportions.

4. Chenille

Extra soft and durable for high-traffic areas, chenille is another hardwearing fabric option for your sofa. Despite its undeniable warmth and cosiness, our Aquaclean Clever Chenille will weather the party season whilst ensuring your sofa is the perfect destination for guilt-free, post-feast naps. As it is embedded with Aquaclean technology, you can brave a lightly coloured sofa and not fret about the mess that Christmas ensues. Take our Malibu Chaise Sofa in Chantilly Clever Chenille – a sumptuous and generous sofa that ensures stress-free lounging.

5. Leather

Last but not least, leather is a timeless and resistant fabric choice for your sofa. Easy to clean and hardwearing, our range of leather sofas can tolerate stains and spillages with ease. A simple wipe clean can remove any accidental gravy spills meaning you can lounge in peace!

As we have discussed above, there are endless options for customisation that have the added layer of functionality for your family’s needs. If you’re looking to go one step further with your bespoke sofa, explore how we can upholster your sofa in custom sofa fabrics.

To fully experience the range of fabrics within our Sofa.com collection, you can order your free sofa fabric samples today and dream up your perfect sofa!

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What is a Loveseat?

Definition and Purpose

Loveseats typically fit in small living rooms, bedrooms and hallways as they offer a solution to the tight nooks of the home that don’t fit a full sofa. In the modern home, loveseats boast comfort, intimacy and versatility. 

How a Loveseat Differs from a Sofa

The main differences between a loveseat and sofas are its size, seating capacity and use. A stylish and space-efficient to the sofa, a loveseat is a cosy alternative for your home’s smaller spaces.

How Big Is a Loveseat?

Typical Dimensions

Compact in size, loveseats are on average 132cm in width and perfect for two people to snuggle up on.

How It Compares to a Sofa

Whether you use your loveseat for secondary seating or if your space is too tight for a traditionally sized sofa, a loveseat is the perfect choice for your home. 

Different Styles of Loveseats

Classic and Traditional

If your home favours a more classic aesthetic, opt for one of Sofa.com’s more timeless designs. Our beloved Bluebell Loveseat features scrolled arms and deep seats, made even more opulent with a deep velvet fabric choice. For a timeless feel, browse our loveseats in neutral, sophisticated linen fabrics.

Modern and Contemporary

To tap into a more modern interior design, look to our minimalist and sleek loveseat silhouettes. The Izzy Loveseat is streamlined and modest, making it perfect for simple and practical living. 

Loveseat Sofa Beds

Add an extra layer of functionality and versatility and opt for a loveseat sofa bed. Measuring up at the same width as a standard loveseat, a loveseat sofa bed opens up into extra sleeping space for overnight guests and impromptu sleepovers. With deep seats, a feather scatter cushion back and sculpted scroll arms, our Teddy Sofa Bed Loveseat is a beautifully snug piece of furniture that was also awarded the Best Sofa Bed for Traditionalists by The Independent!

How to Choose the Perfect Loveseat

Space and Layout

Before purchasing your perfect loveseat, plan out your room’s layout to determine if your new piece will fit. Measuring your space and referring to our product dimensions will conclude whether or not your loveseat will fit in your space.

Fabric and Colour

Besides the style of your loveseat, materials and colours massively impact the overall aesthetic. Whether you wish to go bold with a colourful velvet or subtle with a textured neutral, your choice of fabric is of utmost importance. Explore our full range of 100+ fabrics and order your free fabric samples to ensure you make the right choice for you!

Comfort and Purpose

Though we have detailed how a loveseat is traditionally used within the home, it is important to think about how it will be used in your own space. Whether you use it as your main seating or as an accent piece, Sofa.com prides itself on ensuring maximum comfort for your home. With a dedicated team of skilled craftsmen, your loveseat will be handmade to order with an emphasis on quality, always. 

Styling Inspiration

Where a Loveseat Fits Best

Small in size and massive in comfort, your loveseat can suit numerous different spaces in your home. Whether it be the corner of your living room, within your bedroom or to fill space in the hallway, this versatile piece of furniture can slot itself into a myriad of zones in the home, 

Pairing with Armchairs and Accessories

To make the most of your loveseat, pair it with complementary pieces for accessorising success. A contrasting armchair, a matching footstool or a harmonising home accessory accent piece will make your loveseat sing!

Why Choose a Sofa.com Loveseat

Handmade Quality

Every piece you purchase from Sofa.com is guaranteed to be handmade with the best materials, by the most skilled craftsmen.

Tailored to Your Home

With an extensive range of shapes and over 100+ fabrics and colours, the opportunities for customisation are endless – meaning you can create your dream loveseat with ease. 

Lifetime Guarantee

We also offer a lifetime frame guarantee, ensuring that your loveseat will stand the test of time!

Find Your Perfect Loveseat

And there you have it! A comprehensive guide on everything from the definition of a loveseat, why you would purchase one, and the ideal spaces to place it. Shop our collection of loveseats today. 

The post What is a Loveseat? | A Complete Buying Guide | Sofa.com appeared first on Inspiration corner.

Stylish Colour Schemes for a Grey Sofa

Being such a versatile colour choice for your sofa, a myriad of colour palettes work well with a grey sofa. Introducing colours that provide balance, contrast and texture are wonderful colour schemes for a grey sofa. Whether you opt for a neutral, earthy, bold, coastal or monochrome, you can blend and mix styles in the following living room colour ideas.

 1. Layer Neutrals for Effortless Calm

If you are looking to create a calming and neutral living room, layer soft fabrics to create warmth and balance. Soothing layers of neutral layers, such as grey, cream, oat and beige tones to introduce a calming yet timeless living room – with your grey sofa as the heart of it all. Whilst layering in colours, add a mix of textures through linens and chunky knits to add depth and create interest in a neutral living room. Our Costello Chaise Sofa features a wooden plinth, which adds a natural texture to the living room in a subtle yet effective way.

2. Add a Pop of Colour with Accents

One bold accent colour enlivens a grey sofa, adding interest and contrast in small doses. Utilising a bright and attention-grabbing colour such as mustard, green or blue across detail pieces ensures that personality can still shine through when you opt for a grey sofa. Scatter cushions, vases and prints are quintessential accessory pieces to achieve this in a very accessible way.

3. Minimalist Monochrome

Keep it contemporary with shades of grey, black at white. To ensure your minimalist monochrome living room still breathes with personality, add pattern subtly through stripes, checks and geometric rugs. Our Bubble Velvet fabric offers texture and pattern to your sofa, making it so much more than just a grey sofa.

4. Warm Up Grey with Terracotta and Wood

Wooden finishes and terracotta tones bring warmth to the coolness of a grey furniture piece. Pairing oak, rust and clay shades creates a grounded and homely look by balancing cool and warm materials. Our Ginger Armchair in Armour Smart Velvet is instantly injected with life when paired with a mix of cool and warm tones. 

5. Velvet Luxe

A velvet grey sofa has an undeniable, timeless appeal. Pictured here in our Armour Smart Velvet, the Bluebell is given a cool and luxurious look – pairing a classic style with a classic tone. Pair your velvet grey sofa with metallics and jewel tones for a sophisticated edge, whether this be through scatter cushions, frames for your artwork or contemporary vases. 

6. Coastal Cool: Blue Hues & Natural Textures

Create a coastal cool aesthetic in your home by combining navy, denim and sand tones to your home. Utilising natural materials such as jute, rattan, linens or other textured materials evokes a relaxed and fresh feel throughout your living room. Our Otto, paired here with a matching armchair in Shearling Hygge Chunky Weave, adds a touch of texture to the grey palette of the main sofa.

7. Autumnal Warmth: Ochre & Caramel Tones

Capture the comfort and warmth of the Autumnal season by mixing grey with caramel, ochre and walnut tones. By switching to wool throws and amber lighting, your living room will perfectly encapsulate the cooling down of the surroundings outside. 

8. Maximalist Layers & Personality

The beauty of a grey sofa is the wealth of accessory options that presents itself. As the grey sofa acts as a grounding neutral, you can express your personality in abundance by mixing patterns, colours and textures boldly! 

9. Winter Cosy with Soft Lighting

Intimate and cosy, the Winter season opens up a host of accessorising choices that can aid creating a cocooning and relaxed atmosphere. Wool throws, soft candlelight and layered textures provides your grey sofa with warmth and comfort – the perfect combination for a serene living room.

How to Style a Grey Sofa: Tips and Tricks

As iterated throughout, a grey sofa is immensely versatile and easy to personalise, whilst encompassing an inherent value of timelessness. To style your grey sofa for optimal comfiness, experiment with layers, fabrics and accent colours to brighten up the sofa, and inject your personality into your living room.

Other integral factors to styling your grey sofa are the lighting you choose for the living room, the colour of the walls and the materials you opt for – all influencing the styling massively.

Grey Sofa Styling FAQs

What colours go with a grey sofa?

Neutrals, earthy tones, greens and blues all naturally suit a grey sofa beautifully.

How can I make a grey sofa feel warmer?

Create warmth with warm lighting, wooden accents and textured fabrics such as velvets or wools.

What wall colours suit grey sofas?

To achieve balance in your living room, opt for soft white, greige, sage or navy wall colours.

What colour cushions go with a grey sofa?

To create a calm atmosphere, neutral tones such as cream, tauharcoal are the hues to go for. If you favour a bold colour scheme, opt for mustard, forest green, blush, navy for contrast. 

Aside from colour, mix textures such as velvet, linen and boucle to add an extra layer of depth and comfort.

Looking for more inspiration? Discover our guide on how to style a blue sofa.

Editor’s Note

This articles was inspired by real interiors shared by our customers on Instagram, alongside some of our own inspirations created by our wonderful design team. Thank you for continuing to share our sofas in your cosy spaces! For a chance to be featured on our Instagram, tag us in your real homes on @sofadotcom!

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What is Farmhouse Decor?

If you haven’t come across the aesthetic previously, farmhouse décor is concerned with creating a warm and simple feel, emulating the sense of a rustic, country-style home. Inclusive of a myriad of materials and neutral colours, the farmhouse aesthetic is a modern and refined version of rustic décor, including a mix of both old and new furniture. Its popularity in the interior space speaks to its cosy and nostalgic appeal, something that we particularly crave in the colder, Autumnal months. 

9 Farmhouse Living Room Ideas

Does the farmhouse look sound like the one for you? Read on for some helpful tips on how to weave the aesthetic into your living room. 

1. Choose a Warm, Neutral Colour Scheme

Farmhouse décor usually features a warm and comforting colour scheme, such as beige, greige and off-whites. You may decide to choose a neutral colour for the backdrop of the room, adorning your walls in a beige colour to create cosiness. Alternatively, you may upholster your sofas and other furniture pieces in these warm colours. Head to our Inspiration Corner to find more neutral living room ideas. 

2. Pick a Comfy Armchair

An integral feature to a farmhouse-style living room, armchairs are an easy way to adopt the aesthetic. Adding two armchairs as a focal point is a highly effective and charming way to incorporate farmhouse into the living room. To lean into the look further, add two armchairs in contrasting colours or textures (or both) to your main sofa. 

3. Include Textures and Materials

To achieved the desired farmhouse aesthetic, textures and materials are of utmost importance. Utilise materials such as cotton, linen and wood to create the most authentic look and feel.

4. Add an Oversized Rug

Create charm and warmth by adding an oversized rug to the living room. Adding a rug in complementary materials and colours aids in creating a cohesive look.

5. Get Cosy with Scatter Cushions

To create interest and cosiness, scatter cushions are a fool proof way to incorporate different textures and colours to your living room. With over 100 fabrics to choose from, shop our range of scatter cushions and create your cosy space now!

6. Add House plants and Flowers

And what is farmhouse décor without a touch of countryside magic? Bringing the outdoors in with house plants and flowers is a lovely addition to any farmhouse look. Additionally, using dried flowers year-round creates a gorgeous rustic look, synonymous with the cosiness that the farmhouse aesthetic exudes. Figs and olive trees are popular choices, made even more effective with a well-suited pot. 

7. Embrace Rustic Wooden Accents

Wooden accents can create a cosy and relaxing space whilst also adding depth and texture to your living room. By embracing a wooden bean above a fireplace or on the ceiling, or alternatively exposing wooden floorboards, your farmhouse look can be instantly elevated. A simpler way of adding wooden elements to the living room is by opting for wooden accent tables, such as a coffee or side table.

8. Create a Warm and Welcoming Lighting Scheme

Just as important as furniture or accessories, lighting plays an integral part to achieving the farmhouse look. Lighting can set the mood to create a calm yet welcoming environment, therefore choosing bulbs that emit a soft warm glow and using various lamps will help you emulate a cosy feel.

9. Combine Old with the New

Combining old decorate accents with new ones can create an interesting and nostalgic blend. Think antique vases, vintage mirrors, unique candle holders and homemade pottery, new photo frames!

As we have discussed above, you can go as big or as small as you wish with adding elements into the home to achieve the farmhouse aesthetic. No matter how you adopt the trend, the farmhouse look is a timeless, cosy and achievable décor to bring into the home.

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From sofa to settee to couch, there’s a lot of names for the heart of our homes. We return from work to perch upon it, and we spend our lazy Sundays camped out there – so what is the difference between sofa, settee and couch? We’re here to discover the differences between the three and explore where their different origins. 

What is a Sofa?

Starting strong, the sofa is a term primarily used in the UK – take sofa.com! A sofa is defined as an upholstered bench or seat featuring arms and a back, allowing people to sit comfortably. This is the most common word used nowadays to describe the comfy piece of furniture we all relax on in the living room.

What is a Settee?

The difference between a sofa and a settee is practically non-existent. Some say sofa, some say settee! However, there are some interesting roots to the settee. The settee originated in the Middle Ages, and whilst it had a design more similar to the sofa as we know it, was typically made from wood, and typically featuring an elegant and intricately carved back. Upholstery was not included in original settees, and were added during the middle ages for comfort. 

What is a Couch?

Across the pond, ‘couch’ is a much more popular way to describe a sofa. The couch originated in French interior design in the 17th century, and consisted of a lounge seat with supports at both ends, but with no back support, unlike a sofa as we know it today. Instead, a couch was very similar to a traditional daybed or chaise longue. 

Sofa, Couch or Settee: Which is the Correct Word?

Is there a correct word between sofa, couch or settee? The short answer is no. But, in modern day terms, sofa is the most popular word used to describe that big, comfy piece of furniture in your living room, but the words couch and settee do mean the same thing, and are certainly interchangeable today. Back in the 1950s, the author Nancy Mitford wrote a guide to words that were suitable for the aspiring upper class, and words that were used by the aspiring middle class. According to Mitford, the upper class tended to use simpler terms, similar to the working classes, whilst the aspiring middle class would opt for more pretentious language. In terms of sofa, Mitford suggested that ‘sofa’ was the correct term, whilst ‘couch’ and ‘settee’ were the more pompous terms used by the aspiring middle class.

Where Does the Word Sofa Come From?

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word ‘sofa’ originates in the eastern Mediterranean with the Arabic soffah, which is ‘a part of the floor raised a foot or two, covered with rich carpets and cushions, and used for sitting upon’.

In 1625, Samuel Purchas was the first person to write about a sofa, which he noted during his travels to Arabia, calling it a ‘sofa’, whilst in 1637 Sir George Courthop described a ‘sopha’ as a place raised about a foot to sit on.

In the 17th century, the sofa as we know it came to England from France and became a popular piece of furniture in homes of the wealthy, and by the 19th century the spelling had been settled on – it was officially a sofa!

Where Does the Word Couch Come From?

The word couch originates from the French verb ‘coucher’, meaning to lie down – very fitting! However, the couch evolved from a day bed to, what we know it for today, as a place to sit.

Where Does the Word Settee Come From?

An old English term, ‘setl’ referred to a long wooden bench with a back, as we mentioned earlier. The ‘setl’ transformed into the settee, a slightly smaller, more decorative and upholstered seat.

Different Types of Sofas

So now we know, the super comfy piece of furniture in your living room is called a sofa! But what type of sofa do you have? From the standard sofa, to chaise sofas and corner sofas, there is still plenty of variation!

Standard Sofa

The standard sofa comes in a wide range of different styles and sizes – here at sofa.com we have 2 seat sofas, 2.5 seat sofas, 3 seat sofas and even some 4 seat sofas.

Chaise Sofa

A chaise sofa consists of a standard sofa, but with an extended seat cushion and extra legs on one side of the sofa, allowing you to put your feet up and stretch out in style.

Corner Sofa

A corner sofa is the perfect choice for busy homes and larger households! A corner sofa tends to consist of two sofa sections that are joined together at a right angle, allowing the whole family to sit down together to relax for a movie night or spend the afternoon together.

Sofa Bed

Sofa beds are the perfect choice for those with limited space, or if you are partial to sleepovers! A sofa at first glance, our sofa beds are equipped with smooth and seamless mechanisms, turning your sofa into a bed in seconds. With a choice of foam or spring, you can customise your sofa bed to your personal preferences.

Loveseat

While we use the term loveseat today to describe a cross between an armchair and a sofa, a seat that would accommodate 2 people at a stretch, or one person with plenty of room, the term loveseat was originally used to describe a seat that comfortably sat two people. Whilst the name suggests an element of match-making, the loveseat was originally designed for ladies to be able to sit comfortably whilst wearing wide dresses.

Chesterfield

The Chesterfield is a name that many Canadians still use to describe any type of sofa, but here in the UK the term is mainly used to describe a large, overstuffed, button tufted sofa, often upholstered in leather and reminiscent of the sofas you’d find within gentlemen’s clubs in Victorian London. Our Patrick sofa is a great example of a refined version of the classic chesterfield sofa, with a deep button tufted back and comfy seat cushions.

How to Choose a Sofa Type

Choosing the perfect sofa for you can be a long process, dependant on your space, needs and personal style. You must also consider the size, comfort, design and colour that you are looking for. However, this process can be made a lot simpler with the tips and tricks of our experts! Head to our Inspiration Corner for more advice, such as our exploration of the most comfortable sofas, or order your free fabric samples and get one step closer to finding the one with sofa.com.

So, there you have it! By learning about the origins of the sofa, settee and couch, you can begin to understand why each name is still bandied around to this day. To find your perfect sofa, settee or couch, shop our entire handmade to order range today, customisable in over 100 fabrics!

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What is Blush Pink?

Soft, muted and warm, blush pink is a beautiful shade of pink with peachy undertones. Often associated with femininity and girliness, blush pink is not to be underestimated. When utilised in the home, the hue can be very sophisticated and luxurious. Aside from being a gorgeous colour on its own, blush pink is also a very versatile shade. 

What Colours go With Blush Pink?

As it is such a soft and warm colour, blush pink can act as a neutral colour in the home – meaning it pairs well with many other shades.

Blush Pink and Grey

Warm in nature and tones, blush pink is highly effective in warming up a grey space. If you’re looking to add a softness to a dull grey room, blush pink is the answer. 

Blush Pink and Olive

Historically, green and pink have always worked together beautifully (cue Wicked reference). By softening your traditional pink to a blush pink and grounding your standard green to an olive, you can create a gorgeous soft and earthy effect to your space. The contrast in the two shades achieves a wonderful equilibrium, balancing each other out perfectly. 

Blush Pink and Brown

Similarly, blush pink and brown pair together really effectively. By contrasting the soft and feminine nature of blush pink and the earthiness of brown, the colour combination creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. 

Blush Pink and Burgundy

Another winning contrasting combination goes to blush pink and burgundy. The richness of burgundy contrasts perfectly with the softness of blush pink – creating a beautiful and luxurious look for your home.

Blush Pink Home Decor Ideas

Sold on blush pink? Here are our top blush pink décor ideas to incorporate the colour into your home.

1. Use it as a Neutral

Pink may not be the first colour that springs to mind when thinking of neutral shades for your home. But pastel and blush pinks could be just the thing for someone looking to break the mold slightly. Using the colour as a neutral means that pink isn’t the main focus of these rooms but still provides a colourful alternative to greys and beiges.

2. Opt for a Pink Armchair

Create the cosiest of reading corners with a decadent blush pink armchair for the perfect spot to relax with a cup of tea and a good book. Opting for a pink armchair in a neutral arm can make a huge difference, creating warmth and depth in a dull room. If we’ve painted the perfect picture for you, read our top tips on how to create a cosy reading nook for more inspiration!

3. Stand out with a Blush Pink Sofa

If you have a dark and moody backdrop, our elegant Snowdrop sofa in blush pink will look beautiful. The subtle pop of pink injects some warmth and helps soften the overall feel of the room making it the perfect place to kick back and relax. The subtle blush colour below contrasts beautifully with the white door frame as well as the black and white floor tiles. Imagine welcoming your guests through this dreamy doorway! 

No matter your style of sofa, upholstering it in a beautiful and soft blush pink is a fun and effective way to create interest in your home. Explore our full range of pink sofas today!

4. Include Blush Pink Flowers

To add a hint of blush pink into your home without overhauling your existing furnishings, opt for blush pink flowers. A quick and easy injection of the shade, adding flowers can transform a space – breathing life into your room. Whether they’re real or faux, creating a gorgeous flower arrangement is both visually pleasing and a new hobby to pick up!

5. Add Some Blush Pink Scatter Cushions

Another quick and easy way to incorporate blush pink into your home is opting for blush pink scatter cushions. Whether you use them on the sofa, armchair or your bed, blush pink scatter cushions are a great way to add a pop of colour.

6. Accessorise with Pink

The opportunities for accessorising the home are endless. Pink candle holders, or pink tapered candles, frames, decorative vases, coffee table books and throws are all simple and subtle ways of adding pink into your decor.

7. Create Cohesion with a Blush Pink Rug

To tie your room together and create a warm and welcoming environment, a blush pink rug can help create cohesion – especially when paired with the colour combinations we mentioned above! 

8. Choose Blush Pink Accent Pieces

Blush pink accent pieces such as a blush pink footstool or alternative storage solutions can add interest and a pop of colour without overwhelming the room. For those wanting to include more pink in their décor, adding a footstool or exploring blush pink storage solutions are a great starting point!

A highly versatile shade, blush pink is a gorgeous addition to any home. Working in a multitude of colour combinations and easy to accessorise with, if blush pink is the one for you, get your free pink fabric samples from sofa.com today. 

The post Blush Pink Home Decor Ideas and Styling Tips | How to style blush pink appeared first on Inspiration corner.

Why Choose a Leather Sofa?

So why would you choose a leather sofa for your home? If you are more inclined to a modern and streamlined interior, leather sofas are a clean and complementary choice for your living room. On the other hand, leather sofas are also synonymous with rustic and traditional homes, creating a warmth and cosiness to the atmosphere of your home. 

Leather also looks best when paired with a matching piece, so when buying a leather sofa, you may also consider purchasing a leather armchair to lean into the aesthetic further. 

Benefits of Leather Sofas

There is an extensive list of beneficial features of purchasing a leather sofa for your home. To list a few:

• Durable
• Longevity 
• Stain-resistant
• Hypoallergenic 
• Timeless aesthetic 
• Easy to clean

How to Choose a Leather Sofa For Your Room

If you are convinced that a leather sofa is the one for you, there are a few factors you may wish to consider to ensure you find the perfect piece.

Leather Sofa Styles

Depending on the size of your living room and your individual needs, you may require a specific style of sofa. At sofa.com, we cater to all needs, and in turn offer a varied range of sofa styles. If you require extra seating space and boast the space, a corner sofa may be the one for you. Alternatively, if space is an issue, a leather sofa bed could be perfect for your home. Looking for something on the elegant side? Consider a chaise sofa for your living room.

Leather Textures

There are many different leather textures that appeal to different customers. To fully experience these varying textures, order your free leather fabric samples today!

Antique Leather Texture

Indulge in a vintage finish with our Antique Leather fabrics. Available in the shades Walnut and Saddle, this fabric enhances a rustic feel to your sofa, creating warmth and depth in your living room. Over time, this leather will prove to be durable thanks to its scratch resistant quality.

Grain Leather Texture

Also embedded with scratch resistant qualities, our Cognac Grain Leather is a warming and beautiful fabric option for your sofa.  With a light lustre, the fabric interacts beautifully with any light that surrounds it. Our Grain Leather is a gorgeous quality which is sure to make your sofa both stunning to the eye, and sumptuous to the touch. 

Leather Sofa Colours

As expected, the colour options for leather sofas are classically within the brown spectrum. However, along the spectrum, different browns can achieve different looks and feels within the home. The current colour scheme and aesthetic of your home must be taken into account when considering which brown you would like to opt for when picking your perfect your leather sofa. 

If leather feels too limiting for you, you may want to explore other fabric options. Here at sofa.com, we have over 100 colours to choose from in other high-quality, comfy fabrics. However, if leather is the way you want to go, you can read our guide on how to style a brown leather sofa to determine what the best choice is for your aesthetic.

How to Clean a Leather Sofa

One of the main bonuses of owning a leather sofa is how easy to clean they are. Typically stain resistant, leather sofas are simple to maintain. One way to keep a leather sofa clean is to hoover the sofa once a week to remove any dust and debris. Ensure when you are cleaning to use products that are specifically made for leather to avoid any damages.

There you have it – the ultimate guide to buying a leather sofa! From picking the perfect shape to your desired colour, you have all you need to purchase your dream leather sofa. If you’re still on the edge, read our guide on fabric vs leather sofas to determine your wants and needs.

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