23 January 2025
The living room is often the heart of a home, a space where families gather, friends are entertained, and memories are made. As such, it deserves to be furnished with pieces that are both stylish and functional, reflecting your personal taste while providing comfort and practicality. Choosing the right living room furniture can be a daunting task, with countless options available in a wide range of styles, materials, and price points. Assessing Your Needs and Lifestyle Before diving into the exciting world of furniture shopping, take a step back and assess your specific needs and lifestyle. Consider the size and layout of your living room, how you plan to use the space, and who will be using it. Room size and layout: Measure your living room carefully, noting the dimensions and any architectural features that might influence furniture placement, such as fireplaces, windows, or built-in shelving. A large, open-plan living room offers more flexibility, while a smaller space requires careful planning to maximize functionality without feeling cramped. Sketching a floor plan can be helpful in visualizing different furniture arrangements and ensuring adequate traffic flow. Functionality: How do you envision using your living room? Will it primarily be a space for relaxation and watching TV, or do you also need it to accommodate formal gatherings, dining, or even a home office? If you frequently entertain guests, you might prioritize ample seating and surfaces for drinks and snacks. For families with young children, durable and easy-to-clean fabrics may be a top priority. Personal style: What is your preferred aesthetic? Are you drawn to modern minimalism, classic elegance, rustic charm, or eclectic bohemian vibes? Browsing design magazines, websites, and social media platforms can help you identify styles that resonate with you. Creating a mood board with images, colors, and textures can further refine your vision. Budget: Establishing a realistic budget before you start shopping is crucial to avoid overspending and ensure you prioritize essential pieces. Consider factors such as the quality of materials, craftsmanship, and brand reputation when allocating your budget. Remember that investing in well-made, durable furniture can save you money in the long run. Choosing the Right Sofa The sofa is often the centerpiece of a living room, setting the tone for the entire space. Selecting the right sofa involves careful consideration of style, size, comfort, and durability. Style Sofa styles range from traditional to contemporary, with countless variations in between. Consider the overall aesthetic of your living room and choose a sofa that complements it. A classic Chesterfield sofa with its tufted leather upholstery and rolled arms exudes timeless elegance, while a sleek, minimalist sofa with clean lines and neutral fabrics creates a modern ambiance. Size The size of your sofa should be proportionate to the size of your living room and the number of people it needs to accommodate. Measure the available space carefully and consider the sofa's dimensions, including its depth, width, and height. A sectional sofa can be a great option for large living rooms, offering ample seating and defining different zones within an open-plan space. For smaller rooms, a loveseat or a compact sofa might be more suitable. Comfort Comfort is paramount when choosing a sofa, as it's where you'll likely spend a significant amount of time relaxing and socializing. Test out different sofas in person, paying attention to the seat depth, back support, and overall cushioning. Consider the firmness of the cushions and whether you prefer a plush, sink-in feel or a more supportive, upright posture. Durability A sofa is a significant investment, so it's important to choose one that will withstand the test of time and everyday wear and tear. Consider the frame construction, upholstery fabric, and cushion filling. Hardwood frames are generally more durable than softwood frames. Fabric choices range from durable linen and cotton blends to luxurious velvet and leather. If you have pets or children, opt for stain-resistant and easy-to-clean fabrics. Selecting Complementary Seating While the sofa often takes center stage, complementary seating options can enhance the functionality and visual appeal of your living room. Armchairs Armchairs provide additional seating and can be used to create cozy conversation areas or reading nooks. Choose armchairs that complement the style of your sofa but add a touch of personality with contrasting colors, patterns, or textures. A wingback armchair with its high back and winged sides offers a sense of privacy and comfort, while a sleek, modern armchair with a sculptural silhouette adds a contemporary flair. Accent chairs Accent chairs are smaller, more decorative chairs that can be used to fill empty corners, add pops of color, or provide extra seating when needed. Consider using accent chairs in contrasting styles or materials to create visual interest. A vintage velvet armchair with ornate details can add a touch of glamour, while a rattan or wicker chair brings a natural, bohemian vibe. Ottomans and stools Ottomans and stools are versatile pieces that can serve multiple purposes. They can be used as footrests, extra seating, or even as coffee tables when topped with a tray. Choose ottomans or stools that complement the style and color scheme of your living room. A tufted ottoman with a plush velvet upholstery adds a touch of luxury, while a woven leather pouf brings a casual, earthy feel. Choosing the Right Coffee Table and Side Tables Coffee tables and side tables are not just functional surfaces for holding drinks, books, and decorative objects; they also play a crucial role in defining the overall style and flow of your living room. Coffee table: The coffee table is often the focal point of a seating area, so choose one that complements the style of your sofa and other furniture. Consider the size and shape of your living room, as well as the traffic flow around the seating area. A round coffee table can soften the edges of a room and facilitate conversation, while a rectangular coffee table provides ample surface area for larger gatherings. Side tables: Side tables are essential for providing convenient surfaces for lamps, books, and other necessities. Place them next to sofas and armchairs for easy access. Choose side tables that complement the style of your coffee table but don't necessarily match exactly. Varying the heights and materials of your side tables can add visual interest. Materials and finishes: Coffee tables and side tables are available in a wide range of materials, from wood and metal to glass and stone. Consider the overall style of your living room and choose materials that complement it. A rustic wooden coffee table with a weathered finish adds warmth and character, while a sleek glass coffee table with a metal frame creates a modern, airy feel. Incorporating Storage Solutions Storage is essential in any living room, helping to keep the space organized and clutter-free. Consider incorporating a variety of storage solutions to accommodate different needs. Media consoles and TV stands Media consoles and TV stands provide a dedicated space for your television and other media equipment, while also offering storage for DVDs, books, and games. Choose a style that complements your other furniture and offers ample storage space for your needs. Bookshelves and display cabinets Bookshelves and display cabinets are not only functional storage solutions but also opportunities to showcase your personality and style. Use them to display books, artwork, photographs, and other decorative objects. Consider incorporating a mix of open shelving and closed cabinets for a balanced look. Storage ottomans and benches Storage ottomans and benches offer hidden storage space for blankets, pillows, and other items, while also providing additional seating or surface area. Choose a style that complements your other furniture and consider the size and weight capacity of the storage compartment. Baskets and bins Baskets and bins are versatile storage solutions that can be used to corral blankets, toys, magazines, and other items. Choose baskets and bins in materials and colors that complement your living room decor. You can find all the other bespoke furniture products you are looking for on our Dogan London page.