IN THIS POST
– Things to Consider when Buying a Sofa
– Most Popular Sofa Styles
Buying a new sofa for your home can be an overwhelming experience. Firstly, investing in a new couch is not exactly cheap. Secondly, there are so many options available in the market nowadays that it is easy for one to get confused between different sofa styles.
Whether you call it a sofa or a couch, the truth is that this piece of furniture can set the tone for your entire room – more so than any other item in your home. While a leather-bound Chesterfield sofa can make your space look upscale and regal, a comfortable Lawson sofa with simple and clean lines and cotton upholstery can give your home a more contemporary and modern look.
If you are having a hard time picking the perfect sofa for your home, here is a guide that might help you make the right decision.
Things to Consider when Buying a Sofa
Before we discuss the top sofa styles in Pakistan, let’s take a look at some of the things one must consider when buying a new sofa for their home.
Colour: You must buy a couch that complements the colour palette of your home. Depending on your personal style and preference, you can choose a bold colour to turn your sofa into a statement piece or opt for something a bit more neutral and simple that would fit into any room of the house.
Size: It is imperative to measure the size of the area where you will be placing your new sofa. This will give you a clear idea of what to buy without impeding the flow of traffic. Also, it is recommended to measure the size of your door before going for couch shopping, because if you choose a bigger piece, bringing it into the room might become a bit of a hassle.
In case you are planning to buy a sofa set online, make sure to ask the vendor for exact measurements.
Shape: The shape of the sofa is perhaps its most important element. Generally, this is what attracts a buyer in the first place.
Comfort: A sofa design might look great, but it may not be comfortable to sit on. While buying a new sofa set, you must make sure it is not just aesthetically pleasing but also comfy and functional.
Usage: The intended usage of a sofa also matters a lot. For instance, if you are planning to place the sofa in your living room, you can go with bold colours and simple lines to make it the focal point of the space. On the other hand, you might want something that looks formal, for instance, a Chesterfield sofa, for your drawing room.
Legs: You may not notice them at first glance, but the legs of your sofa set can impact the overall look of the piece. Although it varies with different sofa styles, the legs are usually made of wood or steel for strength and durability.
Arm style: The arms of the sofa also vary with each style and design. Most modern and contemporary couch designs feature straight arms, whereas traditional sofa sets usually boast rolled or tufted arms.
Frame: If you want your sofa set to last longer, you must invest in a piece that has a solid frame. The best way to figure out if a sofa will hold up well in the future is to sit and move around on it before making the purchase. If you can already hear squeaks or feel the couch moving even slightly, consider it a sign that the sofa is poorly built.
Upholstery: Apart from shape and colour, the upholstery plays an important role in influencing the buyer. Some of the most popular upholstery fabrics in Pakistan include leather, polyester, velvet, cotton and silk.
You can also check out our comprehensive guide on how to deep clean different upholstery fabrics without hiring a professional.
Pattern: While couches in solid colours have always been rather popular, you should consider buying a patterned piece to freshen up your home.
Most Popular Sofa Styles in Pakistan
Now that we know the basics of buying the best type of sofa for every room, take a look at the most popular sofa styles that can fit into any décor and theme.
- Mid-century style loveseat
- Contemporary style three-seat sofa
- Chaise lounge sofa
- Sectional sofa
- Pull-out sofa or sleeper sofa
Let’s discuss the features of each of these sofa styles.
Mid-Century Style Loveseat
A loveseat, more commonly referred to as a two-seater, is undeniably one of the most popular sofa styles you will find in any living room. This type of sofa style usually comes with tufted detached cushions, straight arms and wooden legs with a natural finish. It is ideal for homes boasting contemporary or modern décor.
This sofa only has enough room for two people and is one of the best types of sofa for the living room as it doesn’t take up much space and is rather comfortable to lounge on. Loveseats are also less bulky and easy to move or rearrange.
If you are looking to buy a sofa set for your drawing room, you can match a two-seater with a traditional three-seat sofa to create a complete set. A trendy wooden coffee table will also go well with this sofa style.
Best Fabrics for this Sofa Style: Cotton, linen, wool, polyester
Contemporary Style Three-Seat Sofa
A three-seat sofa is a must-have for all houses, regardless of how big or small they are.
When it comes to traditional sofa styles, Chesterfield, Lawson and camelback used to be the top choice among homeowners across Pakistan. However, with more people opting for couches with simple, clean lines and minimalistic look, contemporary designs are quickly gaining popularity.
Contemporary sofa designs usually take inspiration from different time periods and incorporate features that work well with a wide variety of décors and themes. These types of sofa sets usually boast deep cushion, soft upholstery fabrics, pronounced edges, simplistic shapes and straight arms.
If this design seems a bit too minimalistic for your home, you can always add some colourful and cosy throw pillows on your new sofa to brighten up the room.
Best Fabrics for this Sofa Style: Polyester, cotton, wool, velvet
Chaise Lounge Sofa
Chaise lounge sofas can add a distinctive element to your living room or drawing room décor.
Considered one of the top modern sofa designs for living rooms, chaise lounge sofas focus on both comfort and aesthetic, making your home look stylish yet cosy at the same time. Apart from the living rooms and drawing rooms, this popular sofa style can also be placed in bedrooms, home offices and home libraries.
Interior chaise lounge sofas usually have a single armrest perched next to an elongated. They either have an adjustable back or are simply backless, a design feature that sets them apart from the traditional sofa styles.
Two of the most popular examples of chaise lounge sofas include Victorian-style fainting couches and French-style chaise lounges, both of which can be found in contemporary and modern homes.
Best Fabrics for this Sofa Style: Leather, polyester, velvet, silk
Sectional Sofas
If you are looking to buy a couch for a large living room, you should consider investing in a sectional.
This sofa design comprises two or more independent units joined together at right angles to form an extended yet comfortable seating arrangement. Depending on the size and layout of your living room, you can either arrange your sectional sofa against the wall or place it right in the middle of the living room with enough space around it to move about freely.
Sectional sofas usually come in L or U shapes and can have enough room for 5 or more people. Some of these couches even come with built-in storage areas and a recliner.
Some of the most popular styles of sectional sofas include mid-century style, farmhouse style, transitional, traditional and modern.
Best Fabrics for this Sofa Style: Leather, faux-leather, polyester, velvet, chenille
Pull-Out or Sleeper Sofa
Pull-out or sleeper sofas are ideal for studio apartments and small houses.
This dual-purpose piece of furniture can be used as a couch during the day and a bed during the night. All you need to do is remove the cushions and pull out the foldable bed to turn your living room into a makeshift guest bedroom. The best part is that you don’t even have to get an additional mattress.
Sleeper sofas are usually bulkier than traditional sofa styles. However, their versatility and advantages certainly outweigh their size.
Futons, which can be folded flat to make a bed, along with frameless sofa beds are also two popular types of sleepers sofas. Usually, these couch designs come with built-in drawers for additional storage.
Best Fabrics for this Sofa Style: Polyester, velvet, cotton and wool.
So, which of these modern sofa styles will be the best fit for your home? Let us know your thoughts and comments by sending an email on blog@zameen.com.
Meanwhile, if you are looking for ways to create a comfortable seating arrangement on the floor, our detailed guide on the topic will surely help you out. Also, don’t forget to take a look at our tips on how to make your home furniture last longer.
For more home décor tips and tricks, stay connected to Zameen Blog – the best lifestyle and property blog in Pakistan. You can also subscribe to our newsletter on the right to receive the latest updates about the real estate and construction industries right in your inbox.
