How to Choose the Best Upholstery for Your Sofa

When it comes to choosing a new sofa, the endless amount of upholstery choices can make choosing the right material seem like quite the challenge. Patterns or solid colors? Leather upholstery or fabric? Neutral color or bold? There are an infinite number of possibilities to choose from, and the one you choose in the end will express your personality and set the tone in your family room.

Assess Your Need for Functionality and Durability

Functionality is an essential element when choosing the upholstery for your new sofa. Assess the level of activity the sofa will endure over its lifetime. This is a critical step toward deciding what kind of upholstery will be best on your sofa and can narrow down your choices.

Consider how you will use the piece and how it will fit into your life. If you have pets or kids, you will want to make sure you use something durable and easy to care for, like the leather upholstery on the Couture Leather Braxton sofa by Lexington available in 65 colors. It is completely customizable, so not only can you choose the perfect color, you can choose the arm style, back cushion type, base or leg style, and more. It’s a great way to get the perfect piece for your home.

Once you’ve determined the functionality and durability you need, it’s time for the fun stuff: color, patterns, and texture. What you choose will depend on your design concept.

Bold Color or Calming Neutrals?

Do you want to make a statement, or are you looking for something more subtle? It depends on the look you are going for. Statement furniture can be fun, and no one loves red leather upholstery on a sofa more than I do. However, neutrals can be easier to work with, especially if you want to change up your look in the future. One way to go is to choose solids on the bigger pieces, such as the sofa, and bring in patterns and prints on the smaller accent pieces such as ottomans and chairs.

With a neutral color, you can easily change up the colors in your family room with pillows, throw blankets, and other accessories. If you like to decorate for the seasons, a neutral sofa is probably your best option. By carefully considering your upholstery choice, you will end up with a piece of furniture you will use and love for years.

Determine What Your Room Needs

When choosing upholstery, whether leather or fabric, determine what your room needs in terms of pattern and color. Don’t be afraid to go against the norm and choose a bold color and pattern if that is your heart’s desire. This is your chance to play. After considering the function, pay close attention to tone and texture.

If you want an airy feel, stick to light textures such as cotton or linen. For a more curated look, mix different textures together in one space. Mix up the upholstery styles to create depth and interest. Don’t forget to take into consideration comfort, quality, and the style that reflects your personality.

Getting your upholstery choice right is always a balance between function and form. Upholstery pieces tend to be used a lot, so understanding the benefits of leather upholstery vs. fabric upholstery is important. Add pieces that fit well in your space and don’t overpower you, and choose silhouettes that will stand the test of time.

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