Home Decor & Garden

Buying a couch is not much different than buying a car. Both are major investments that involve months of real-life and online window shopping, second-guessing, and more window shopping. Not to mention that you’ll have to live for quite some time with the choice you’ve picked. So, obviously, you want to avoid making the wrong decision. With that being said, the following steps can help you find a couch that perfectly fits your home and lifestyle.

Choose a Design that Complements Your Interior Style

Often being the centrepiece in the living room, the couch can influence the tone and feel of your space. With that being said, a big factor that should influence your decision is the design of the couch. In general, minimalist, clean-lined homes are best complemented by modern couches with a streamlined, simple silhouette. If this is you, try to focus your search on Scandinavian or mid-century modern couches. Contemporary living rooms, on the other hand, benefit the most from modular sofas which can be arranged in a variety of ways. And finally, if your room is styled in a traditional way or has a vintage flair, you may want to consider designs like the tuxedo or Chesterfield sofa.

Consider Your Comfort Needs

While we may focus on aesthetic first, don’t forget that comfort is equally important. After all, even the most attractive couch is useless unless it can provide you with the comfort you crave after a long day at work. With that being said, be on the lookout for options that have armrests and deeper seats which makes them perfect for lounging. Additionally, selecting the right material is also important for your comfort.

For instance, although leather looks expensive and is easy to clean, it can make you feel sweaty in the summer. If you really want the look of leather, try finding a matching cover that can keep you cool. On the other hand, microfibre upholstery is a great option for a couch as it’s durable and feels more comfortable than leather. However, keep in mind that it will need to be more frequently cleaned, especially if going for a lighter colour.

Pick a Shape and Size that Fits Your Space & Needs

Once you know the exact spot you want your couch to be in, it’s time to pick the shape and size. If you want to take advantage of a corner, consider a sectional couch. On the other hand, if you want to place your couch against the wall or in the middle of the room, the standard option works best. Either way, make sure that the couch is the appropriate size for your space while also offering enough space to fit the whole family. But if your family is particularly large, and you don’t have the space for a large couch, consider getting matching armchairs or ottomans.

Does your living room have an unfinished vibe to it? Truth is, a well-executed living room design scheme goes beyond picking the perfect sofa and coffee table combination. There are also the cute accent pieces that help make this space not only liveable but loveable as well. With that being said, most of the time that certain “Je ne sais quoi” a living room is missing is a charming side table. Besides being a convenient place to rest a drink or a book, or stash the remote, a side table can serve as your secret decorating weapon. You only need to choose right and this little piece can enhance the look of your space big time. Here are some steps to help you discover your new living room gem.

Choose a Complementing Look

When you’re browsing the wide range of traditional and modern side tables Australia furniture stores offer, you’ll come across a dizzying array of shapes and styles. A simple way to make your mind up is to get inspired by your existing living room style. The coffee table you pick doesn’t necessarily need to match it, but rather complement it in a nice way. For instance, if you have a lot of upholstered pieces, a hardwood table will mirror the warm feel a lot better than a glass one. If your space has an eclectic aesthetic, something chunky and ornate can add additional interest. Again, try to visualise how the side table will fit in your existing space before you reach for your wallet.

Pick the Right Height and Shape

The side table should not only fit in your space style-wise, but also literally. Besides style, height and shape are also important considerations. For greater convenience, a side table should be as high as the arm of the seat next to it. Not only will this create a balanced flow in the space, but it will also make it easier for people to use the table. But in the case of armless chairs of sofas, a shorter side table usually looks better. As for shape, a round side table can soften the edges of the furniture and add variety to a square room. On the other hand, square tables are a natural fit for a corner, or between a sofa and a chair.

Consider Your Storage Needs

Let’s not forget that the side table is there to serve a practical purpose, namely to provide storage space. It’s surface doesn’t necessarily have to be as large as a coffee table’s, but it still needs to be able to fit a few basic things, like a glass or a book. If you feel like you need additional storage space, look for a table with drawers or shelves, or both! And finally, with the many gorgeous modern side tables Australia stores sell, don’t worry that you need to settle for a single one. It’s always a good idea to include two, or three of them provided you have the space. Plus, sofas always look great anchored with a side table at either end. You can get a twin pair, or a mix-and-match combo – either way you can’t go wrong!