Color matters
The sofa is the master of the living room. It is sofas and, less often, armchairs that become the basis of this room, because the main thing for a living room is maximum comfort for accommodating people. And what else is so comfortable to sit on, if not on the sofa? Well, maybe on the chairs. Therefore, the first and most important requirement for sofas and armchairs is comfort. Secondly, high quality. Third - suitable style and color. After all, the task of a sofa and armchairs is not only to make the living room comfortable and comfortable. Upholstered furniture is also a decoration of the room. Let's talk about what color to choose a sofa and armchairs so that complete harmony reigns in the living room.
Choosing the color of the sofa: basic color plans
Before choosing the color of the sofa and armchairs, you need to decide on a color plan. There are five main color plans for combining the colors of upholstered furniture and other surfaces in the room.
1. Plan “Monochrome”. The sofa in this regard has the same color as the walls or part of the walls, but has a different shade. For example, the walls can be soft blue and the sofa can be blue. More options: beige walls - brown sofa; the walls are purple - the sofa is lilac, the walls are dark green - the sofa is pale green with dark flowers, etc.
2. Plan “Neutral”. If the walls are painted in a neutral color (black, white, gray, beige, gray-beige, brown), then the sofa can be chosen in a neutral color, but a different one. For example, put a gray sofa against beige walls, and a black one against white walls.
3. Plan “Neutral sofa in a colored interior.” If the walls are colored and bright enough, a discreet neutral sofa will allow you to maintain balance. Neutral sofas are white, black, gray and various shades of beige. Such sofas will fit into any interior color. We recommend that you look through our articles “Black sofa in the interior: bet on elegance” and “White sofas in the interior”.
4. Plan “Colored sofa in a neutral interior.” A bright sofa can become the only spot of color in a “colorless” interior. For example, a room can be decorated in white and gray tones, and only a red or, for example, a bright green sofa will dilute this color silence.
This inclusion of one bright object in a neutral interior makes the room very impressive. This technique is suitable for interiors in Baroque and modern styles.
The color of the sofa in the living room interior according to this plan can be supported by other objects. Most often, the color of the sofa is repeated in curtains and lampshades. Less often - in carpets on the floor. There are other solutions: the color of upholstered furniture can match the color of a chandelier, ceiling decoration, posters on the walls, picture frames, floor vases, etc. However, it must be taken into account that the presence of several accents of the same color reduces the effectiveness of the reception.
5. “Combined” plan. A colored sofa is introduced into the interior of a different color. This is the case when there can be a blue sofa against the background of red walls, and an orange one against the background of green walls.
When choosing a color plan, decide how you want your interior to look - bright and spectacular or restrained, calm and pleasant. If you want the interior to impress, give preference to the fourth or fifth color plan. If you want something cozy, calm, balanced, choose one of the first three color plans.
The option of combining colors usually causes more difficulties than all other solutions. How to correctly combine the colors of a sofa, armchairs, walls and other interior objects? Let's take a closer look at the different colors of sofas and armchairs and decide what to combine them with.
Practical advice
Conduct a preliminary inspection of the room, taking into account whether the existing furniture will be combined with the new sofa, and how soon you plan to carry out the renovation.
If you are completely satisfied with the existing atmosphere, you can safely select the color of the sofa based on the existing characteristics.
- Determine where your main emphasis is. If it is the floor, the color of the sofa should be combined with the floor, if it is the walls - with the walls.
- Do not try to repeat the existing color scheme. It is enough that the color of the new piece of furniture fits into the existing palette.
- If you have chosen light-colored upholstery, be sure to consult with the seller about how you can get rid of dirt in the future, whether it is possible to purchase removable covers, and so on.
- Dark colors are more practical than light ones. Minor stains dissolve perfectly against the general background of the upholstery.
Before making a purchase, be sure to ask your consultant to provide you with upholstery samples. When you come home, see how a similar option will look in your interior, how it will look in different lighting.
You can purchase upholstered furniture in neutral colors, and as additional accents you can choose pillows, blankets or bolsters. So that from time to time you have the opportunity to add variety to the interior, it will be enough to replace these accessories. This will be much more economical than changing the ottoman itself.
Red upholstered furniture in the interior
For a red sofa, color plans No. 1 and No. 4 are most suitable. That is, it is better to choose a red sofa for a monochrome interior or as a bright accent for a neutral interior.
Red sofa against a terracotta wall: monochrome scheme
The red sofa itself is very bright, so introducing it into the interior of a different color can result in a heavy, oppressive combination, which can make the interior seem overly colorful and noisy.
If you still decide on a bright combination, combine red upholstered furniture with light green, golden orange and golden yellow. You can combine it with muted blue, but this combination is, as they say, not for everyone.
Basic recommendations
If after some time the color of the sofa becomes boring, or the room is renovated, it is not necessary to buy new furniture, just change the color of the upholstery fabric. Companies that specialize in upholstery replacement will carry out the necessary repairs and replace the filling. Another option for changing the decor is to sew additional covers. This will allow you to easily change the atmosphere depending on the time of year. For example, natural fabrics of bright colors are used for summer; darker and denser upholstery material is chosen for winter. The designers of the Facets of Style store will help you choose the color of the sofa.
Orange upholstered furniture in the interior
Orange sofas and armchairs are good in all forms: as a bright accent in a neutral interior, as an element of a monochrome room, and in combination with other colors.
Orange sofa in monochrome scheme
Orange sofa as a bright accent
An orange sofa and armchairs will look good on a blue, blue, green and gray background.
Choose with style in mind
Undoubtedly, the color of the furniture must be combined with the style of the room. This is how the most common combinations are distinguished:
- Techno works well with deep colors, such as red and blue.
- Sofas in black, white and gray colors match minimalism.
- The classics are favorably emphasized by all shades of beige, gold and blue.
- Art Deco is good with red, black, blue and yellow.
- For Provence, a sofa in lilac or mint color is suitable.
Yellow upholstered furniture in the interior
Yellow upholstered furniture is great in the fourth color plan (a colored sofa in a neutral interior), if the walls have one of the shades of gray. Yellow furniture against the background of gray walls burns and glows - like the sun in the middle of lead clouds or like an electric lantern on a dark street. Effective, impressive and cheerful.
If the "Combined" color plan is selected, green, blue and purple surfaces will be suitable backgrounds for the yellow sofa chairs.
So which sofa upholstery is the most practical?
Having considered the main properties, it’s time to talk about placement in a house or apartment. Each room has its own options:
- In a bedroom where there is a bed, the sofa serves a decorative function. They only sit on it sometimes, which means you can choose expensive and original fabrics, for example, scotchgard and jacquard.
- For a nursery, it is better to choose wear-resistant, easy-to-clean and waterproof furniture. Optimal upholstery – chenille, flock. These fabrics are pre-treated with safe compounds.
- For the living room they buy sofas with chenille, microfiber, eco-leather. They are designed for high loads, comfortable, soft, and resistant to stains. If you have a cat or dog, give preference to special synthetic upholstery fabrics. You don’t have pets, and you want to make your living room fashionable? Take a closer look at models made of tapestry, velor, and genuine leather.
- For the kitchen and dining room, a non-natural upholstery fabric that does not absorb grease, dust, or odors is good. It should have a Teflon coating, which provides fire protection and extends the life of the product.
- Leather models are placed in an office or home office.
If you plan to sleep on the sofa, then choose the upholstery according to other criteria. In this case, environmental friendliness, hypoallergenicity, resistance to mechanical stress and breathability are more important.
The composition should contain more than 50% natural fibers. The most suitable fabrics are jacquard, velor, as well as flock and chenille.
What upholstery fabric should owners of dogs and cats buy?
Very dense and with fine weaving - velor, flock. Faux suede is highly durable, looks elegant and gives comfort. Flock is even called "anti-claw" for its endurance. On the outside it is a pleasant, soft fabric, but in reality it is very wear-resistant and does not require maintenance.
Corduroy is also resistant to mechanical stress, is not subject to deformation and does not contain artificial impregnations. There is also a special synthetic material with the “talking” name “Relax”. It is made from high-strength polymer fibers that are very easy to care for.
Green upholstered furniture in the interior
A green sofa in the interior is calm and serene. It conveys these qualities to the living room. Green upholstered furniture is good in all acceptable color schemes: in monochrome, as a bright accent, and in combination.
Green upholstered furniture in the interior as a bright accent
Green sofas in a monochrome scheme against pale green walls
A green sofa in the interior will look great against a background of various shades of purple. If it is a rich and quite dark purple, an olive or khaki sofa will be more suitable, and bright green furniture will harmonize perfectly with soft lilac walls.
Yellow and pink surfaces are also suitable partners for green upholstered furniture. You can try combining it with orange.
How to choose the right one
- You should not choose furniture only according to the fashionable color of the season. Fashion passes, but furniture remains .
- If the interior design is being worked out from scratch, you need to take into account the combination of objects throughout the room .
- Choose furniture to match the tone of the walls. For example, for pale walls, choose the same shade of sofa upholstery, but brighter. And vice versa, match the bright walls with a pale sofa of the same color category.
- The tone of the furniture is selected according to the room in which it will be located.
Blue and dark blue upholstered furniture in the interior
A blue sofa is always relevant and versatile. It’s also not bad as a bright accent, but it’s not nearly as effective as red, green or orange.
Blue sofa as a bright accent
Blue upholstered furniture is wonderful in combination with light gray-blue shades - such monochrome interiors turn out cold, strict, but magnificent - like the palace of the snow queen.
Blue sofas and armchairs in the interior
In a combination plan for a blue sofa, you can include colors such as yellow and orange. With this combination, the living room can look like a tropical bungalow. The interior turns out to be sunny, summery, cheerful.
Sofa upholstery: which is better?
Depends on the specific situation. You need to consider the location of the sofa, who it is for, and whether you will use covers.
Got it? Now you can safely choose upholstery fabric with the desired qualities.
Cotton
Eco-friendly material that absorbs moisture and allows air to pass through. It paints well, but wears out quickly. If used regularly, it will last an average of 6 years. When pre-treated with special compounds - a little more.
Chenille
Dense, durable, comes with different bases: fabric or glued. The adhesive base does not tolerate contact with liquids well - it takes a long time to dry and becomes deformed. The fabric is moisture resistant, but does not withstand long-term loads, so it is not suitable for sleeping.
In general, the advantages of chenille include durability, relative naturalness, softness, and color retention even with frequent exposure to sunlight. How to care? Clean with a vacuum cleaner or wipe with a dry sponge or soft brush.
Can be wiped with a soft brush and a dry sponge, or cleaned with a vacuum cleaner. The disadvantages include a meager selection of colors and difficulty in determining the composition “by eye”. Pets can also pull out threads with their claws.
Scotchgard
The most practical upholstery for a sofa is a subtype of jacquard. Thanks to impregnation with special substances, the fabric is resistant to dirt and moisture, and repels dust. It is beautiful, durable and designed for very frequent use. The stains are removed with a regular soap solution. The main thing is not to use hot water or abrasive detergents.
Microfiber
This is artificial suede, hence the synthetic smell. It has an unusual texture and uneven color.
This upholstery fabric retains its original shape, structure and color, allows air to pass through, and does not stick to the body. Suitable for most interior styles. What are the disadvantages? Attracts dirt, dust, deteriorates from liquids and excessive activity of pets.
Velveteen
Same as velvet. It is remembered by its color tints and pleasant tactile sensations. It is considered a practical upholstery fabric because it is easy to care for and is not afraid of moisture and the claws of dogs or cats. The material is wear-resistant, but not suitable for permanent use. Experts recommend it for rooms designed in classical rather than modern styles.
Flock
Inexpensive sofa upholstery containing natural and artificial microvilli. More precisely, it is 65% synthetic and must be pre-dyed. Main advantages: it can be cleaned from stains with a regular soap solution, does not “harden” in the cold, “breathes”, and does not tear from cat and dog claws.
Flock is pleasant to the touch, slightly velvety, warm, and is often pre-treated with moisture-proof compounds.
The disadvantages are the absorption of foreign odors, the accumulation of animal hair and dust, and abrasion over time. The material becomes electrified and deteriorates from substances containing alcohol.
Tapestry
An exquisite fabric that is used for upholstering sofas and decorative elements. Looks natural in rooms designed in Empire, Art Nouveau and Retro styles. Tapestry lining is durable, but should be kept away from ultraviolet light. It is a natural, luxurious, durable material with a wide variety of patterns and colors.
If you plan to use it regularly, do wet cleaning, or are on a limited budget, it’s better to immediately take a look at other options. That's not what the tapestry is for.
Jacquard
High-quality upholstery with a variety of patterns, especially suitable for the living room. It has a lot of advantages, among the main ones are durability, richness of colors, and no risk of deformation. The fabric is not afraid of temperature changes, looks expensive, and does not provoke allergic reactions.
It will last a long time, will not fade under the sun, will give you coolness in the summer, and will keep you warm in the winter. It is better not to buy a sofa with jacquard for those who do not like sliding surfaces, dry cleaning methods and expensive products.
Arpatek
Previously, this material, due to its similarity to genuine leather, was used to trim seats in car interiors. It is suitable for wet cleaning, does not deteriorate from ultraviolet rays and is ideal for kitchen furniture. Accidentally spilled something or got food on it? Wipe with a cloth and any cleaning gel, liquid soap and water. The fabric perfectly retains its shape and color, and is resistant to tears, cuts and various mechanical damage. What's wrong? Over time, microcracks appear, and such upholstery cannot be called thick.
Faux leather
Faux leather is a budget analogue of genuine leather. It can be used for a long time, there are no particular difficulties in care. The sofas are stylish and look presentable, but they are plain and not intended for hot summers.
The material generally does not tolerate high temperatures and is not very pleasant if you come into contact with bare parts of the body. It can also crack.
Genuine Leather
Always a relevant classic, a sign of good taste, high status and wealth. Fits organically into almost any interior; a large selection of models is offered. There are sofas on sale with matte or patent leather, smooth or wrinkled leather, with embossing and even printed patterns. The upholstery is eco-friendly, luxurious, durable, moisture-resistant and durable. The only obvious disadvantages are the high cost, small selection of shades, stickiness, flammability and lack of protection from pets.
Purple upholstered furniture in the interior
A purple sofa is not bad in monochrome against the background of lilac, lavender, lilac or bluish-pink walls. This palette of purple tones can be diluted with beige, silver or delicate green.
As a rich accent, a purple sofa is most suitable for a neutral gray interior. However, even in a beige interior, purple upholstered furniture looks royal.
Purple sofa in the interior
In a combined plan, a purple sofa and armchairs should be combined with khaki, golden yellow and soft green.
How to choose the color of chairs for a sofa? Combination of colors in upholstered furniture
The chairs can also be selected according to one of the color plans.
1. “Accent” plan. The armchairs here are bright accents against a neutral sofa. The walls are also usually neutral. If, for example, the walls are beige, you can put a sand sofa, and next to it - red, green, blue or purple armchairs. This combination usually looks very impressive.
2. Plan “Neutral”. Neutral-colored armchairs complement a sofa in another neutral color. For example, the sofa is black and the chairs are white. Or the sofa is gray and the armchairs are cappuccino color. This plan is chosen if you want to create a contrasting black and white interior or a cozy, calm living room in powdery tones.
3. Plan “Neutral chairs - colored sofa.” You can match a red sofa with beige armchairs, a blue sofa with gray ones, etc. The sofa usually remains the only bright spot, the main accent of the living room. This plan is chosen if the sofa is very bright or large. If you add the same chairs to it, you may end up with too much color. Neutral chairs allow you to avoid this.
4. Plan “Multicolored”. In a neutral interior, there may be bright accents of not one, but two colors: one of these accents will be a sofa, and the other will be an armchair or several armchairs.
For example, in a gray living room, the sofa may be red and the armchairs may be blue. Or the sofa is green and the chairs are yellow. It's bold, juicy, cheerful.
5. Plan “Ornaments and drawings + monotony”. For a plain sofa, you can choose an armchair in the same or similar color, but with a pattern or ornament. For example, to go with a blue sofa, buy an armchair with white flowers on a blue background or yellow-blue stripes. This solution is most often used when creating a living room in a classic style.
This plan can be combined with others. For example, neutral sofas and armchairs or sofas and armchairs of different colors can be combined in this way.
Sometimes they put different chairs: one of them is the connecting link. For example, the sofa is yellow, and one of the chairs is blue. The second chair can be blue and yellow striped. It will connect the sofa with the blue chair, and the picture will turn out to be very logical and harmonious. Examples with a bunch in the photo below:
Color type
To solve this issue, there is a rule, the essence of which is as follows: harmony of colors is the key to a successful interior.
According to this, two color types are distinguished:
- Single-color sofas: the beauty of furniture lies only in its colors. Neutral colors are designed to balance the emotional background, as they do not cause unnecessary emotional outbursts. In contrast to them are rich shades that carry certain emotions. For example: red – energy and passion, yellow – vigor, blue – calmness and so on.
- Sofas with a pattern: in contrast to the first option, which is simpler, this one is more interesting, capable of adding dynamics to the surroundings. Thinking over the compatibility of a design is much more difficult than choosing a color, since it must be appropriate in all respects and not stand out from the overall picture.
