As the centrepiece of a living room, it’s important to choose a sofa that ticks both the comfort and style boxes. But when it comes to styling, many people stop at simply scattering a few cushions and placing a throw over the top. The sofa can become a real focal point of the room with a few simple tricks loved by interior experts. Here are five ways to style your sofa like a pro.
1. Plants
Adding a well-sized plant next to your sofa soothes the eye with its balancing capability, and provides a refreshing, natural feel to your living room. Plants, however, aren’t just for show. In fact, it’s proven that houseplants boost your mood, productivity, concentration and creativity. They also reduce your stress and fatigue, while cleaning indoor air by absorbing toxins and producing oxygen.
The best plants for this space are tall ones that have greater height and presence. Good examples are Kentia Palm and Fiddle Leaf Fig. For low maintenance alternatives, look for Swiss Cheese Plant and Areca Palm.
2. Wall art
Placing some wall art directly over your sofa is a modern and sleek way to get the best out of your space. Not only does it meet your creative eye, it’s a dramatic centre-piece to a living room. Keep the area around it sleek and unbusy, you want the art to be the centre of attention, not other bits of furniture distracting the eye.
Next, make sure it’s framed well. The last thing you want is for the piece of art you have so carefully chosen to be ruined by a poor frame. To guarantee this doesn’t happen, consider getting a custom one made by a professional like Soho Frames. If you’ve made a significant investment on the art itself, it’s worth ensuring the frame is optimal.
3. Side tables
Practical as well as stylish, a side table next to your sofa is an ideal way to keep everything you need handy. Whether it becosying up with your book, reaching for that steaming coffee or popping down your tablet, a side table will be there for you to use.
You also need to consider the size. For side tables, make sure that their height and depth match the sofa’s arms as possible. It not only looks better, but it also makes it easier to reach for items on the table when sitting on the furniture.
There is no obligation that says the style, shape or finish of your side tables light to be the same to match. Sometimes a more mismatched appearance adds depth and dimension — and more personality.
4. Lighting
Expert lighting adds another dimension to a space, bringing an interior design project to life. Well-crafted lighting creates depth and balance, as well as drawing attention to impressive areas or objects (such as your wall art). It’s all about curating the perfect balance of light and shade, while cultivating a new energy. It’s amazing what a difference it can make.
For an inviting, cosy environment for evening chill time, look for a floor lamp to add height and choose warm bulbs. If your sofa is more neutral in colour, consider getting a bright lampshade to add some pop and contrast.
5. Rugs
Rugs are perfect to add texture or pattern in your space. They can bring your colour scheme together, or blow it out of the water. Both can work well, but you need to use your creative eye to capture the right balance.
A bold pattern competes as the defining feature of a living area, but because it has so much impact, it’s a choice that requires courage. If you already have an eye-catching piece of art, a rug may be distracting and compete for attention. In this case, a plainer pattern would be more appropriate. It’s a bit like clothing: wearing too many statement pieces in one outfit looks overwhelming.
For the fabric, a soft and fluffy rug is lovely for sinking your feet into during cold winter evenings. A large rug enables you to place it underneath the sofa, keeping it stable and in place. The last thing you want is to trip on the end as you get up, or have it slide when you step on it.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
