Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Living Room Set

Take Exact Measurements

You need to take precise measurements of your living space, especially if you are buying furniture online. Not only does your new furniture have to fit in the dimensions of your living room, but it also has to be able to get from the showroom or warehouse into your home.

Measure the doorways and stairways in your new home to make sure that, when the sofa is delivered, it can fit through your front door.

It's a handy idea to keep these measurements saved in your phone so that if you see the perfect upholstered ottoman, you can check the measurement to make sure it will fit your space.

Plan Your Living Room Layout

There are two basic concepts for planning the layout of your living room - traditional and open concept. Both offer pros and cons, and before you start purchasing a lot of furniture, decide which style suits you best.

• Traditional layout

Each space in your home is outlined by walls and is dedicated to a specific purpose. The library is for books and reading, the sun porch is for plants and relaxing in a chaise lounge.

• Open concept layout

In this type of design, no walls outline each specific space. Instead, all the areas flow into each other. 

The type of layout you want will determine what kind of living room set you choose. If you are opting for an open layout concept, you can select multi-function pieces, such as a modular sectional. If you are going with a more traditional layout style, you can hone in on particular furniture pieces for each unique room.

You should also consider the positioning of your living room set. The layout of the set depends on the purpose of the room. If you enjoy watching TV and movies, the sofa and armchairs should face the TV, so everyone has a clear view. For a setup that promotes conversation, place the pieces of the living room set facing each other, with the coffee table as the central point in the room.

Choose The Upholstery Type

The type of upholstery you choose for your living room set has the biggest impact on how the living room set coordinates with the rest of your decor. There are several stunning options for upholstery, including:

• Linen

Linen is a durable material and ideal for a farmhouse aesthetic as it has a naturally rugged texture. It can be challenging to remove wrinkles from the cushions covers, so you may need to invest in a handheld steamer to clean your living room set or opt for a model with removable cushion covers.

• Cotton

Classic cotton is perfect for family living spaces. Naturally fade-resistant and breathable, it comes in a range of gauges and colors to suit your living room palette. Cotton works very well in modern farmhouses as its breezy aesthetic adds charm and dimension to woods and natural tones.

• Microfiber

This type of fabric is great for busy households with kids and pets because it stands up to a lot of wear, and it's easy to clean. It can also blend seamlessly with an array of colors and patterns.

• Velvet

If you want opulence in your living space, choose a living room set covered in plush velvet. The glossy luster and raised weave add dimension to the space. However, velvet is not as durable as other upholstery fabrics and notoriously difficult to clean, so it may be unsuitable for use in family homes or high-traffic rooms.

• Leather

Leather may need a little more care and attention than other upholstery types, but it is a highly versatile covering that suits both modern and traditional styles. Try a cube-tufted sofa and armchairs for a contemporary home, or a Chesterfield sofa in a rich chocolate brown leather for a traditionally-styled space.

Choose Your Combination

You can set up your living room in various ways; some combinations foster conversation while others provide an optimal TV viewing experience. Here are some different combos of furniture for you to consider.

• Two sofas

If you have a big family or regularly entertain lots of guests, this is an excellent combination as it provides the optimal amount of seating. It is also a great configuration for a home theater if the couches are kitty-corner to one another.

• Sofas, armchairs, and coffee table

The classic set-up consists of a sofa with a coffee table in front of it and two armchairs facing it for guests, making it the perfect arrangement for conversation and entertaining.

• A 5-piece set

This living room set is made up of a sofa and armchairs, a coffee table, and a chaise lounge or oversized ottoman. With five pieces making up your living room set, make sure that you have enough space to work with each piece and that the furniture doesn't make the space seem too crowded.

Colors and Textures

An essential element to any successful room is your color palette. When you're looking for colors and textures, work with three or four shades to avoid the space appearing too cluttered.

For classic styling, the majority of your colors should be neutrals, like white, navy, or tan. You can complement your base tones with pops of bold color such as fuchsia, lemon, or emerald, to express your personality.

Textures also play a significant role in the look and feel of your living room. Fabrics in vibrant patterns, with varying tactility, create a dynamic space with a ton of visual appeal.

Try combining natural elements like wood or rattan with clean microfiber upholstery and cable knit cushions for a lush Scandi style. Inject some glamor into your living space with rich velvet or suede upholstery and gold metallic accents.

The Final Word

Picking out a perfect living room set can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Following your instinct and personal style, creating focal points with a sofa and rug, and adding intriguing accents within your color palette are all fantastic ways to create an inviting atmosphere for your guests and family.