I’m serious when it comes to sofas. So much so, that I’ll wait for the right one. I search and seek and swoon and sit patiently (on my old sofa) if I must –for just the right fit. I have three simple qualifications when it comes to sofas and sectionals.

The perfect sofa or sectional must be:

01 / Comfortable: Is the sofa inviting? Soft? Begging me to lounge and linger after a long day.

02 / Pretty: Comfort doesn’t disqualify beauty. It shouldn’t have to be on or the other.

03 / Functional: Do the proporations work in the room? Does it clean well? Does it serve it’s purpose?

Not all sofas are created equal and that is ok because not all sofas or sectionals serve an equal purpose.

This lovely sofa, for instance, while pretty is not one I’d imagine piling on with my kids for movie night. Rather, I think of it for a sunroom, office, living room or reading spot.

When I redesigned our living room, I picked a sofa that was functional for that room–a formal living, sophisticated but not stuffy. The sofa with a chaise is roomy (fits a good amount of people), yet has clean lines. Polished and rather dressed up which was the perfect juxtaposition for the swing just across the way.

I went against one of my rules and chose pretty over comfort for our family room, for a season. The one that was lovely to look at lasted for a bit, but one dark, cold, winter night comfort won out and we drug the dark green squidgy sectional up from the basement. The one that is comfy to sit on still reigns.

I don’t desire a dark green sofa. I still prefer white.

Or velvety pink.

A heather grey or oatmeal sectional would be lovely too.

But I’ve made peace, with the dark green, as I continue to look for sofa or sectional that serves my family best (three growing boys, a big dog, and a cat means white isn’t functional and I might not get away with pink).

I decided to make the green sectional pretty as we couldn’t make the white sofa comfortable (or keep it clean).

I bought lush velvet pillows, a couple in Dusty Pink and Copper, and then added a few cozy blankets with pretty patterns. Days after I saw the pillows I had purchased featured in the photo below– same colors, same tones. The darker colors really added a depth to the lighter colors I like to decorate with.

Our sofa is now serving us well.

I’m learning what will work (as I keep my eyes open for a new sofa) and to work with what I have.

Do you have a favorite style of sofa? Favorite brand? Favorite feel?

PS- I just came across the most squidgy sectional that is called “La La.” I wouldn’t serve my family well in this season and is out of my price range, but it sure looks like it has my name written all over it.

Does your sofa serve you well?

 

Image Sources in order of appearance: Rachel Chudley / SF Girl by Bay / Addison’s Wonderland / Pinterest / Design Love Fest

This post is in partnership with Nakturna