How to choose the right sofa color?

Practical advice for choosing

Roughly all sofa upholstery colors can be divided into 3 categories:

Light upholstered furniture

This includes white, grey, beige and all pastel shades of color. The first three are considered neutral colors and look great in any style and finish.

But this color is not the most practical one: any dirt is perfectly visible on white and other light shades. This is not a contraindication to purchase: just choose upholstered furniture with Easy Clean fabrics and be prepared to periodically spend time on surface cleaning.

In the photo there is a white sofa against a dark wall

Dark colors of sofas

The black and all deep shades of any color: from neutral gray or brown, to burgundy, indigo and emerald. It is believed that the dark color of the sofa is more practical: but this is not entirely true. For example, animal hair and any debris on dark velor will be noticeable exactly as much as on boiling white. However, dark upholstered furniture looks more compact and elegant: therefore, if you do not have pets, feel free to purchase a similar sofa.

Upholstered furniture in bright colors

Green, yellow, red, blue, purple or turquoise - today you can find bright sofas for every taste. Often they are chosen for children, but in the living room or in the kitchen, such a piece of furniture can also look quite harmonious. Practicality depends on the saturation and depth of color, as well as the chosen fabric: a smooth mat, for example, will attract much less dust than velvet or velor.

Output: the most practical are sofas in neutral upholstery of medium saturation. But if you do not have small children and pets, or you are ready to clean its surface about once a week, the choice of the color of upholstered furniture is not limited by anything.

Room type recommendations

The easiest way is to choose the color of the sofa for bedrooms: the main rule here is the most calm colors. Neutral tones like ash or sand will do. Or a soothing pastel: blue, light green.

IN kitchen the color range is much broader. To improve the appetite of household members, pay attention to bright colors: yellow, orange, red. If, on the contrary, you or your loved ones are on a diet, give preference to a blue or green sofa.

Go to nursery: if somewhere there is a place for colored upholstered furniture "pluck out your eyes", it is here. A children's sofa does not have to be plain: look for models with pictures or prints, but choose something neutral. For example, the heroes of your favorite cartoons may not be relevant for a child in a year.

Colors of sofas in the interior living room are not limited by almost anything other than your personal preferences. Neutral tones, bright and dark colors are suitable here. Solid colors and original prints.

The photo shows a bright accent in a white room

To make the right choice, you should consider:

• the size of the room;
• the dimensions of the sofa itself;
• color type of upholstery (plain or patterned);
• the shade of the walls, floor;
• coloring of other pieces of furniture.

We select the color according to the color scheme

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A lifesaver that shows exactly how to match the color of the sofa to the interior - the color wheel. Its image is easy to find on the Internet. According to this tool, there can be several color plans:

1. Monochrome or one-color color scheme... In simple terms, you need to combine shades of the same color in the setting: blue + blue, lilac + purple. In this case, it is better that the color of the sofa is brighter than the wall decoration.
2. Analog combination... As a rule, 2 shades are taken, located side by side: blue-green, green-yellow, red-orange.
3. Complementary combination... The color of the sofa in this case will be the opposite of the rest of the design: yellow-purple, green-red.

In addition to duets, there are also triads on Itten's circle: they should be used carefully, especially if you are new to design.

• Classical triad... Three tones that are equidistant (after 3 sectors) distance from each other.
• Analog triad... 3 colors located next to each other (the most harmoniously verified option).
• Contrast triad... Two shades, one from each other and one opposite.

In the photo, a combination of blue and pink

What interior elements should be combined with?

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The easiest and most logical way to choose a sofa in the color of the walls in the interior. There are 5 color planspartially overlapping with the diagrams from the previous section:

• Monochrome... A rich gray sofa in a light gray room, or a calm blue in a dark blue.
• Neutrality... The most versatile choice: the same discreet shade is matched to taupe, white and black finishes. Example: a white sofa for a beige bedroom.
• Neutrality + color... It is difficult to find the perfect sofa to match the color of bright wallpaper: the easiest way is to opt for a universal model of sand, whitish, grayish tones.
• Color + neutrality... You can dilute the neutral interior and put the right accent using the bright color of the sofa. It is not necessary to choose the most saturated shades, it is enough to find a fabric 2-3 tones darker than the walls.
• Combination... Follow the principle of complementary combination with other colors: choose the most contrasting combined colors of the sofa and walls.

Advice! If you are in doubt about the choice of a shade, opt for a universal and discreet one. In the future, you can easily transform it with bright pillows, blankets.

Pictured is a monochrome living room with beige corner sofa

We've covered the color choices for a sofa in a light room, but what if the walls are dark? Versions are about the same: dark sofa color to match the room, contrasting light or contrasting bright.

• Dark sofa "Dissolve" against the background of the wall of the same tone.
• Any bright shades will look even brighter if their background is black or graphite.
• White upholstery, even without additional color accents, will definitely attract the attention of guests.

In the photo, an analog combination with a carpet

When creating a cozy seating area, it is important to choose the color of the sofa not only in accordance with large surfaces such as walls and floors. You should also pay attention to other furniture and textiles.

When combining furniture with other interior items, you need to pay attention not only to their colors, but also to the shades of the environment. That is, if you have neutral walls and a contrasting armchair, it is recommended to choose the color of the sofa either for the first or for the second option. If the whole environment is calm, a modern colored ottoman.

As for textiles, remember one rule. Changing curtains, pillows, rugs and even carpet is much easier and cheaper than the upholstery on the couch.Therefore, it is desirable, of course, that the furniture be in harmony with the textiles - but if this does not work out, change the choice of decor, not the sofa.

Nuances for different styles

In order for the furniture to match the design, it is necessary to take into account not only the color of the sofa, but also the style of the room.

• High tech and minimalism differ in monochrome colors and the absence of unnecessary details. Upholstered furniture for them is the same: as light as possible, monochromatic, with straight shapes.
• IN classical direction the main task is to create a luxurious environment. Therefore, it is preferable to use light curved sofas, richly decorated with decorative elements made of wood or gilding.
• For industrial design, pay attention to the back wall: loft large open spaces are typical, so sofas are rarely placed against the wall. Modern designers prefer frameless modular designs, but leather with a carriage coupler will do.
• The standard Scandinavian direction it is considered a gray sofa, but beige and natural tones, such as mustard, dusty rose, green grass, look appropriate. Often, repairs are done in white, and any shade will be appropriate against its background.

• Modern styles advocate practical colors: light brown, dark gray. Combined with straight shapes and laconic design, such furniture will be an excellent backdrop for bright accessories and decorations.
• Country Is one of the few styles that allows you to add a little romance to the interior and choose upholstery with a print. Floral ornaments, a cage, a strip are appropriate. It's not even forbidden to combine them with each other: for example, the base is striped, and the pillows are in a flower. The upholstery made from coffee bags is considered a special chic: they smell good and already have patterns in the form of seals and inscriptions.
• Another direction that does not abandon patterns: provence... You can add the chic of the French countryside to your apartment or private house using models with removable pillows and round armrests. Upholstery - plain pastel color, or light with a floral print. Tonal valances add even more rustic luxury.

Photo gallery

The choice of a sofa is a responsible occupation that should be given maximum attention. The right fabric, shade and shape will directly affect not only the aesthetic pleasure of the interior, but also the service life of the purchased furniture.