We believe home design should be stylish and distinctive. From the inviting lines of a shelter velvet sofa to the statement appeal of a kidney bean design, a couch is one of the defining features of a lounge. At Lulu and Georgia, our thoughtfully curated collection of traditional and modern sofas has something perfect for your home, offering the ideal blend of comfort and style.
From a small contemporary sofa for your den or home office to a sprawling couch, with room to spread out, a sofa is central to establishing a room’s character and expressing your style. The versatility of frames, fabrics, and colors lets you decide between timeless and tailored to the bold and sculptural to transform your space.
Not sure what design best fits your space when shopping for your next sofa? Don't worry; we have got you covered. Check out the tips below for ideas and inspiration as you choose the best piece to buy for your space.
How to Choose a Sofa or Couch For Your Space
When we think about a space, we want to think about it in every dimension. Not just the footprint but also how often and in what way it is used. Is this an everyday space that sees spills, wear, and tear? Is it a more formal sitting room where luxe touches may overrule practicality in a few areas? Most spaces will fall somewhere between—an elevated place for entertaining that transforms into your family hangout. Once you start to define the space, the question of which sofa to choose answers itself—what size it should be, what style, and what material makes the most sense.
Our style guide below covers size and silhouette in more detail, but let’s start by looking at upholstery options. Linen is a perennial favorite for its natural strength, softness, and breathability. But if you’re looking for a modern couch that will hold up incredibly well to wear, a performance fabric sofa might be the perfect fit. Many people like to anchor their living room with a neutral tone, but the fear of stains or markings is a valid concern for lighter shades. Performance fabrics and slipcover sofas let you style an elegant, contemporary sofa with easy-care appeal.
Unique fabric or upholstery can also help set off a statement sofa. A leather sofa, for example, brings a dose of luxurious texture into your edit. The Breanne Leather Sofa is an instant classic with wood legs, supple upholstery, and button-tufting. A velvet sofa can also inspire refinement—plus, velvet sofas are surprisingly good for pets because the tight weave is less likely to snag (although it can be a magnet for shedding fur). A boucle sofa can make the strongest statement of all—plush comfort is welcome here.
For a bespoke touch, check out our made-to-order designs, like our Cashel Sofa. This lets you start with the silhouette and style the look to suit.
Sofa and Couch Seating Style Guide
Let’s talk silhouettes. This is by no means an exhaustive list of styles; there could be an entire book on the design grammar of sofas—indeed, there are probably several. We just want to start by looking at sofa design through the lens of what makes sense in your space. When we talk about the impact of a piece of furniture, it's not just how it looks on a post or in a showroom but how it works in your design.
Traditional Sofas
When it comes to everyday comfort and entertaining, sofas hold a central place in your living room. From the rolled arms and tufting of a Chesterfield to the sleek, clean-lined appeal of a more modern sofa, we have silhouettes for every aesthetic. Most three-seater sofas are about 90" long, but oversized designs and sectionals can make great lounge sofas with extra room to spread out
Sleeper Sofas
If you're buying a sofa for a multi-purpose room or just want a dynamic feature for your lounge, sleeper sofas can be a great way to maximize utility while maintaining a stylish look.
Media Loungers
For an extra cozy modern couch in your family room or a laid-back living space, consider a media lounger. With their extended seat, these deep couches let you kick back comfortably. With its plush pile of cushions and rounded profile, the Kalia Media Lounger is a stylish showstopper, perfect for a movie night or a lazy weekend hangout.
Chaises
Looking for a chic accent sofa? Try a pared-down frame like a chaise. The allure of a chaise lounge lies in your ability to stretch out and relax in elegance. Thoroughly rooted in French decor, chaises have two traditional styles—the first features an asymmetrical back and headrest, and the second is characterized by symmetrical raised ends that can serve as both headrest and footrest. With a pillow-top cushion and bolsters, the Elvie Chaise is a striking spot to lounge, read, or curl up all day.
Daybed Sofas
Like a chaise, a daybed can resemble a sofa when placed against a wall and typically has throw pillows layered on to provide support. Traditionally, daybeds are transitional pieces that function as a couch by day and a bed by night. Their most telling characteristic is a static frame that supports a standard twin-sized mattress.
Loveseat Sofas
A loveseat, larger than an accent chair yet narrower than a classic sofa, is designed specifically for two people and smaller living spaces. A loveseat may be ideal if you are furnishing a smaller apartment or home office. This small sofa offers the dual appeal of lounge comfort with a compact footprint.
Completing the Look: How to Style Your Sofa
Styling your sofa is about creating visual interest. To do that, we want to layer the look. What do we mean by layer? It means adding color, texture, and pattern one step at a time until there is a variety that reflects the whole.
Around the sofa, you’re appointing those practical touches—here, it’s all about proportion. Your coffee table should be about the same height as the seat of your sofa and two-thirds the length. Side tables should be about the same height or slightly lower than the arm of the sofa and sit about 18” away. If you’re floating your couch in the middle of the room, you might style a sofa table behind—the rule of thumb here is that the table should be about the same height or a little lower than the back of the sofa and about two-thirds of the length (or should at least leave about 12” of space on each side). Remember, we want to layer lighting too. A lamp by your sofa can be a great task light for reading or working. Aim to have the bottom of the shade at eye level when sitting.
On the sofa itself, we’re layering with pillows and throws. Opt for variety. Mix small-scale and solid designs with large-scale patterns. Include pillows of different shapes and sizes to create more depth. Want a designer tip for making your throw pillows look photospread-ready? Chop the top. Using your hand to indent the top of the pillow, you can make it appear softer and fuller while bringing out the pattern and texture by catching more light.
Lulu and Georgia Sofas
However you style it, a sofa allows you the flexibility to showcase the nuances of your design aesthetic. Loved ones and visitors can immediately get a sense of who you are by seeing how you have used this foundational piece to anchor your living room edit.
When you shop online at Lulu and Georgia, you'll find pieces that complement the style of your space but also make it feel more elevated. Whether you are looking for a statement sofa to stand out in the room or a small sofa to complete a seating group, we have a selection curated by design, materials, and size. Check out our living room inspiration for more ideas on creating stylish everyday living spaces.
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