This article explores the diverse world of Australian furniture design trends, providing a solid foundation for making informed decisions. It covers essential steps to choose the perfect furniture for your home, including measuring your face and considering the layout before shopping. Determine your style by gathering pieces that go with your style and needs, prioritizing functionality and comfort, especially in high-traffic areas. Select a cohesive color palette and durable fabrics for your furniture.
Art deco, a style that emerged after World War I, is an example of Australian furniture in real homes. This comprehensive guide offers advice on selecting versatile pieces that enhance the beauty and practicality of your home interiors. The article also discusses the importance of choosing furniture that complements your interior, such as Australian timber, which is renowned for its natural beauty and unique grain patterns.
The article examines the most popular design styles in Australia and uncovers the essence of Australian interior design. Top six hallmarks of quality furniture design include custom-made, handcrafted, solid foundation, superior construction, aesthetically refined, and modular design. FrancoCrea, award-winning Australian furniture designers, provides a guide for buying designer furniture Australia.
In summary, this article provides a comprehensive guide to choosing the perfect furniture for your home, focusing on the importance of style, functionality, and durability. By following these steps, you can create a beautiful and functional space that showcases the creativity and diversity of contemporary Australian furniture design.
📹 6 Tips For Choosing The Perfect Sofa & Where To Buy Them
In this video I’ll go through all the steps you need to go through from measuring your living room to choosing the best materials so …
📹 How to Choose a Sofa
In this video, I go over my tips for how to choose a sofa (or a couch!) for your living room! No marshmallow couches here, I promise …
After struggling with a white faux leather sofa with my toddler, I finally decided to go for one in the same fabric but in grey, and let me tell you, it has saved my sanity, it’s inexpensive, looks good, it hides so much scuffs and it’s waterproof, when it’s time to clean it, a bit of leather cleaning foam will leave it as good as new 😅👌
We have had this bench youtube.com/post/UgkxNuLbiXpLQ-mKH5NlyjrNe88hiCk2N3Cg for five years now and it is still holding up strong with minimal signs of wear! So much so that I decided to get another one to store other stuff. The first one is still beautiful, strong and is easy to clean. It’s been in our living room and we store toys and blankets in it and it really holds quite a bit of stuff. I purchased a similar one two years ago from Aldi and let me tell you that one fell apart in less than six months of use. Get this one if you’re looking. Seriously worth it. Five years already and I can’t believe it looks this good and has held up for the price! Awesome bench, the new one I just got is identical.
I believe that the main aspects that any user must take into account when choosing a particular sofa are: aesthetic value, (considering that it must be compatible with the decorating style that has been chosen for the environment), the materials, which are directly related to durability and other aspects that are less thought of, such as the climate (choosing a leather sofa is not the same as choosing a fabric sofa for hot climates, for example), dimensions and technical characteristics (if it will be a linear sofa, sectional, sofa bed, corner sofa, etc). My current sofa is a blue velvet version Bellini sofa that I bought at Manhattan Home Design, and before choosing it, I carefully considered all these aspects. Thank you very much for sharing your guide!
I’m currently sofa-shopping, so the timing on this article is perfect! I’m writing this stuff down lol. Husband doesn’t want to purchase a sofa unless we can go to a brick-&-mortar store and sit on it to try it out. Unfortunately, the stores that sell sofas in our part of the US have 3 kinds: marshmallow sofas, home-theater style sofas, or sofas that sit just high enough off the ground to collect dust bunnies, cat toys, etc…but just low enough that you can’t reach under them, much less clean under them. I dislike all 3 types intensely lol. So I’m going to have to order one online, but I didn’t know where to start & which sites to trust. Thank you for this!
7:00 You imply that velvet isn’t a good fabric for pet owners but I have a cat and I honestly can’t think of anything better. It’s so slippery and smooth that your cat will not be tempted to scratch it because there’s nothing for the claws to catch on. More than anything else, your couch will last longer if there isn’t an animal scratching it with razor sharp claws. And it’s actually VERY easy to clean fur off of. All fabrics attract fur because of static electricity. If your cat spends any amount of time on the sofa, their fur and dander will not only stick to the surface but get rubbed into the weave and tangled up with the fibers and become difficult to get out with a vacuum. On velvet, the fur and dander may be a bit more visible against the shiny texture, but they can’t get tangled in velvet because the dense pile shields the weave and the hairs will slide right off the vertical fibers. But the trick is you don’t use a vacuum to clean up the couch. Use a lint roller. All the fur and dander is sitting right on the surface so a lint roller will easily pick it up.
So it’s possible that when I am out running errands, my leather sofa is thinking of a plan to undermine me? You make it sound scary. Like you’re half Interpol Director; half wise seer, advising me on my next mission. Anyway, thanks for the heads-up. I’ll sleep with one eye open on my leather sofa. 5:57
Id also recommend checking out your city for furniture makers! I live in Texas and found a couch maker/wholesaler to create the perfect design for my home. They gave me the ability to choose everything from the shape, size down to the inch, fabric, color, cushion softness all for the same price (or cheaper) of a Article or CB2.
Love this! Super helpful since I am in the market for a couch. It would be so interesting to see a article for difficult rooms and how to design them and find a functional layout. For example my living room is a long rectangle shape. One short wall is a fireplace with library shelves, one long wall has a very large window that’s almost ceiling to floor and take up most of that wall space, the other long wall has the 2 openings for the kitchen and the dining room so it’s a partial wall to work with, and the other short wall are the stairs (quad level home, one set of stairs goes down, one set goes up). It’s proving difficult to position furniture! I really appreciate your articles! Keep em coming!
Thank you. I suggest another important tip: structure. The form and proportions matter a lot, not just seat height & depth, etc but also the main features. For example I realized all the sofas I liked had legs, lifting the seat base as far way from the floor as possible (without compromising quality), and I hated all those “heavy” blocks that seem to sit on the floor, or those skirted ones that could hide a nightmare instead of letting some air flow.
There are some basic comfort things to watch for as well, like depth of couch front to back – shorter people would probably feel more comfortable with a less deep sofa so that their back is on the backrest and the front edge of the sofa roughly lines up with the backs of their knees. A tall household might not enjoy all their furniture having low backrests, etc etc.
My top criteria: 1) firm cushions (that stays firm) 2) let’s me stretch out on it. Lay down, sideways, frontways, backways, all the ways. Which is why I love sectionals with a chaise. 3) supports my back to sit straight comfortably. Seats can’t be too deep or else it’s awkward for my knees or my back. 4) this is obvious for everyone, but I better like the way it looks. Small sectionals that has the same foot print as a couch and a loveseat is a real winner for someone who lives alone like me.
maybe ad in some information about: – Choice of fabric and practicalities (dirt, touch to the skin, etc.) – Choice of foam inside the sofa (durability, dints, etc.) – Use it to actively sit or to lounge – Hight of couches (e.g. related to a window and indowsill that might be behind it) – Space between the seating area and the floor (in terms of making the room look more pacious or not and vaccuum cleaning). – Horizontal and vertical lines in a sofa. I have seen sofa’s that are quite wide and have low arm rests, but the pillows of the back are long and high. So the vertical and horizontal are a bit conflicting.
One sofa you didn’t review was a “cat-proof” one!!! Fur, snags, crushed cushions etc. If you find anything in this category, please let me know!!!!! Love your articles; really helpful (and entertaining!) And, the performance velvet doesn’t stain when the beasts toss their hair balls on the couch!! No water marks from cleaning. This stuff must be made by NASA!!!!
I found my new sofas by accident. I was showing my sister that you have to try all the sofas to feel the difference in comfort. It’s not one that I would have picked. I went back a few months later and ordered them. So so comfortable. Nick, you didn’t talk about height, back support and leg space. Those things become important too, as we teach “middle age”. Lol.
This was so helpful. I have kids and pets, so I ‘can’t have anything nice’ right now, lol. But instead of buying a low quality couch so I won’t have to spend a lot and then be upset when it may take some damage, I’m going to use your advice here and see if I can spend less getting a quality couch second hand off Facebook marketplace.
I have the Ceni sofa and it’s SO comfortable with removable covers. Article is definitely a solid brand offering well-made furniture. Thank you for not mentioning West Elm! Originally had one of their ‘contract grade’ $ectional$ that was poorly made with unraveling stitching and cheap cushions. Any company that doesn’t show their customer ratings isn’t trustworthy. Appreciate your other recommendations too like CB2 👌🏽
Great article Nick – just like all of your articles! Keep up with the honesty I, for one, LOVE that about your articles. I also hope you soon get some sponsorships. You DO deserve them! I know that Transitional style is not really your personal thing, but I am really grateful to you for including the Gather couch in your list. Please continue to remember those of us with Transitional style we want your ongoing guidance! 😃
The measuring tip at 2:30, making sure the sofa will work well in the space that you have, is good advice…I would also add: make sure it will fit through your doorway 🙂 Edit: “Don’t go in that description down below and start clicking on those links and be like oh I love that couch”. …He reads my mind !!!
I bought an old traditional wood shingle house on the sea in the maritimes with the old 70s furniture left in it. This includes frankly hiddeous but well constructed solid wood pieces. I’m going for a fun 50’s retro look but can’t afford to replace everything. I bought the largest possible size of natural canvas painter’s dropcloth and used it to cover the sofa. Big success. I highly recommend this method. Now how can I transform the matchy matchy heavy dark solid wood 70’s colonial style bedroom furniture or is it just nor salvageable??
I bought a sofa from a company called Highland House. I bought the sofa and loveseat. In addition to that, I cleaned an office and two restrooms for TWO YEARS to pay for these pieces. I want to say that it was around $5,800 for the two pieces and that’s a whole hell of a lot of money for my salary range, YET, IT WAS WORTH ITS WEIGHT IN GOLD!! This company and product was amazing. I had trouble with one core (cushion) losing its shape about six years into owning. I called the company to inquire about purchasing the inside (core) and they sent me the one at no charge. TEN years I owned that sofa, and would buy from them again any day. This is a true story.
Hey Nick! First of all, LOVE your articles! Could you chime in on the “2/3 rule” for coffee tables in relation to couches or just how to choose a coffee table in general? My husband and I are in the midst of getting new furniture (your vids are a GODSEND) and any Google search I do mentions the “2/3 Rule” for coffee tables. How true is that and what other tips do you have? We really value your opinion so would really love to hear what you have to say about it! 😍
Hey Nick! I just wanted to stop by and congratulate you on this brilliant website. I’ve only just met you and I am marathoning your articles. I love that you are so direct and straight to the point, whilst also giving us lots of details and supporting your tips with such deep knowledge about interior design concepts, decor styles, materials, etc. You are also very authentic, your personality is all over your articles and that is surely one of the reasons why your website is growing so fast. Thank you for the great content and I hope you get the sponsorships from brands that you love.
7:50 I have a very similar couch and my home style is Scandinavian so I guess I did it right. 😁 I’m very happy when I see that I’m doing something right. Thank you for all the articles, I love the 2021 trends and really everything, I want to get to know all styles and the timeless pieces from them so if some day I decide to change everything I have a bit more knowledge than just googling. 😁
Hey Nick, I’m actually sofa shopping right now, so thanks for the tips and recommendations! Also, would love to see a article about Grandmillennial design and antiques. I know you don’t care for traditional design trends generally, but you have such a fun perspective and I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Your mom was practicing social distancing before we knew what that was! I feel like I’m pretty good at picking the aesthetic of a couch, but have trouble finding one that won’t get destroyed yet by a pet. I realize this isn’t the point of this article, but if you have any suggestions on companies that do pet friendly well, please let us know!
My partner and I bought a couch almost two years ago. There are a lot of things wrong with it! but the primary reason I dont like is that the seat is narrow therefore not comfortable at all. What Ive learned is that a.you need to sit on the couch before purchasing and b.that the couch has to be comfortable.. Design is beautiful but comfort comes first xD Loved the Gather couch in this article. Any ideas for EU sofa companies?
You mention a number of decorating styles, but I haven’t heard anything about French Country. I’m a Renaissance kind of lady and would love to design in an Old European kind of style ala Jane Austen. Would you do a article exploring that type of decor or is it just too passe?I should add that I like the dark green, browns, and golds of the French Country style.
Hey Nick- Thank you for this article! I have been struggling with this for over a year (balancing price and GOOD quality). I personally would rather pay more for a piece that will last forever. I wanted to ask you about your opinions on Arhaus furniture. There is an Arhaus: The Loft near me which provides their quality pieces at low costs but as a professional, what are your opinions on their products?
I love the final sofa. It reminds me of the sofa (in the study??) at Eltham Palace in London. It was a medieval palace extended and refurbished in 1920s Art Deco style. It’s an English Heritage property so I’m sure there’s pictures out there. In our (generally) smaller British homes we have to have our furniture pushed back to the walls, otherwise we’d be knocking knees! Having said that the styles you showed didn’t seem as big as the marshmallow type, so an ideal article and choice for us. Ta!
They’re gorgeous, but pricey and I’d even venture to say impractical. Anyone with chronic pain in their joints, muscles, and skin knows how important high backs, recliners, and plushness are. Of course I can’t judge couches I haven’t seen myself in person, but I’m almost sure I can say that most of these couches would not be a good fit for those with disabilities and pain issues. Which. Pains me to say because they’re honestly works of art. Maybe someone with these couches can explain their experiences with the low backs and lack of cushion?
Hey Nick! Reacting to your first comment re not having a big empty space in the middle of living room… due to pandemic, my living room IS my dance studio, gym and yoga space (at least once a day). I’m forever pushing furniture aside and rolling up the rug. How would you recommend designing for a mixed use space like that?!
Great article!!! Thanks for the awesome content. I wish all furniture online retailers had an filter option for “seat depth” instead of me having to individually look for the specs for each item listing. It seems like especially since quarantine life, a couch that has deep seats is something a ton of people are searching for. I’m debating getting the cloud couch literally ONLY because I want a deep couch and that’s my only guaranteed way to know I’m getting a deep couch! 😂 Do you have any other suggestions for super deep couches?
My dilemma is how to create any sort of grouping/seating arrangement in my single story townhouse which has the front door open into the living/dining. The room itself is 12 feet wide and we need space for passing through the room. There’s a fireplace with windows flanking both sides that are visible upon entry from the front door. Only place to put tv in on a 8’ wall perpendicular to the fp or on a long wall opposite the fp. Confused for years and this place never feels like home.
A friend of mine, who had a bit of a designer sensibility, said the best sofa was no sofa at all—she always bought two loveseats instead and might have them facing each other. Her logic? No one wanted to sit in the middle place(s) on a sofa. With loveseats, everyone got an armrest. One big deal about sofas for me is that a lot of them are just too deep (from the edge of the seat to the cushions) to sit comfortably (and I’m a completely average 5’8½” for a male, not too short). That’s actually the first thing I check in a sofa (after the overall measurements for the space).
Nick…where are the sofas for families and giant spouses? 😂 My husband is 6’4 and these look like doll house couches. Plus I just can’t see my family curling up on these curved oddly shaped sofas and perusal a movie. I think a great idea for a article would be decorating a living room for living in. I still want gorgeous style but I also need it to be functional. Some of these homes are beautiful but I can tell they don’t have a toddler chasing a dog living in them. I am willing to spend the money on some beautiful, comfortable, and high end pieces if they’re functional. I definitely don’t want a beanbag in my living room but I also don’t want an ugly uncomfortable wood accent chair either. Give me something in between! Help us mommas out!
@Nick Lewis – YOU got off SOOOOO lucky with the dusty rose carpeting. We moved frequently when I was growing up, and in EVERY house we ever lived in, my father INSISTED on cheap wall to wall bright RED shag carpeting. In one house my parents decorated with bright turquoise blue and gold fuzzy wall paper in the entry way, bright red shag in the living room and dining room, the same fuzzy wall paper only in red and gold in the dining room. Furniture was hideously uncomfortable, heavy dark brown and the couch pattern was some kind of cheap industrial material that left a rash if I was wearing shorts and slid on it. Ohhhh…and the pièce de resistance was the GIANT resin purple, red and green bunch of grapes chandelier that we inherited from my dead grandmother. There was one painting of a pine tree and a guy staring at it, however, as the years went by, the plastic picture frame started to warp (as did the picture), the paint faded leaving the skin of the guy a putrid shade of green. As a teenager, I waited until my parents went out of town, then I went to the paint store, and, painted my florescent fuchsia bedroom a lovely shade of light gray. I got knocked around when my parents discovered that I’d “destroyed” my bedroom, but I didn’t care. The rest of the house could look like a whore house, but my room was soothing. PS – this is absolutely no exaggeration in any of this. Every word is true.
I studied computer science in Germany and we had a room for the students that was also managed by students. And hey put a 6-seater (!!!) IKEA couch in there, it was a giant 5 meter long sofa. You didn’t sit together you just set next to each other, it was so difficult having a conversation together. I fought for 3 years to get a u-shape or at least an L-shape but nobody seemed to care except me. I graduated a little over a year ago so I don’t care anymore either haha. I think people will be over the rounded sofas pretty quickly and then it won’t look as nice anymore and the resell value will be low. I think with an expensive item like a couch „fast-fashion” is not a smart Choice. But maybe curves are here to stay and I don’t know what I‘m talking about.
I get the appeal of being trendy… but I don’t LIKE mid-century modern. My husband and I like traditional or transitional. We’ve been looking to replace our secondhand couch for years, but we can’t find anything we like in our budget. How long will this trend last? It feels like secondhand and custom are the only options to get a nice sectional.
Hi, Nick! It’s been years and it is FINALLY time for a new sofa. I’m starting to research. Love the look of the couches from Article you’ve shared. We must have a leather-like surface for dogs hair. We’ve purchased used leather couches in the past. However, I’m trying to look into “vegan” leather options to be more sustainable with my purchases. Do you happen to have any insight on this? Is anyone making couches from this material that doesn’t feel gross or look cheap? If it’s done well, I’m willing to pay the cost. Thanks a bunch!
Um, so…I can’t afford anything from the sites you recommended, lol! But I’m happy you’ve replied to comments about doing a article on cheaper alternatives! On that note, just today, I happened to stumble upon a site I’ve never heard of called GDF Studios. In browsing sofas there, they have a wide array of styles (especially if you want to be different and add some unique color to your home) and they’re priced at what I personally can afford. When I move this year, I’m getting rid of the furniture my family has had for ages, and I can’t justify $3000 on, say, just a three-seater sofa, lol. That’s about my budget for the entire apartment furnishing (I’m looking to get a one bedroom loft). Because I’m just discovering it, I can’t attest personally to their value so anyone who goes will be rolling the dice, but what reviews I’ve seen look to be good. And I didn’t set out searching their site for a sofa, their website came up as I searched for a large, fur beanbag chair for a reading corner! But in looking at the site, I’m loving the cheaper prices for styles that otherwise would cost me three or four months of wages. I’m single, I don’t have kids, and I don’t have pets, so I don’t need anything extremely industrial that will need to take a beating. So yeah, I have GDF Studios bookmarked because I really love what I’m seeing and will very likely be making a purchase in the near future 🙂
I bought a JoyBird sofa in part based on your recommendation and it is cheap and sloppy looking. I ordered the Preston sofa and ottoman. The tailoring is really horrible with crooked piping and saggy spots where there is either too much fabric or not enough foam. The stuffing is so cheap and lumpy. We’ll see how customer service handles this.
Question about the placement of a couch when a room has a sliding glass door to a backyard. The room is L-shaped where the bottom of the L is an open style small family space with one wall occupying a fireplace and the other wall occupying a sliding glass door. I don’t know how to decorate the space since the larger part of the room is an open kitchen too. The house is a 1960 ranch. Ideas?
I like everything but the curved couch – it looks like it won’t age well. Unfortunately I’m stuck with a huge marshmallow sectional that barely fits into the room because my husband is very tall, and he couldn’t find anything else that would fit against his back with enough height to be comfortable for him. It’s at least a nice color, good material and solidly framed…
My husband and I just built a new home, ranch on a full basement that’s kind of modern farmhouse/ craftsman. Huge covered front porch with maple porch bead ceilings, huge beams, e.t.c. I have learned SO MUCH from your website! I have a complimentary color scheme of teals, aquas, rusts and oranges… lots of natural materials, and furniture that combines unique chunky antiques with newer MSM pieces. Im loving it!! Thanks for all your tips! The knowledge I’ve gained has really given me confidence in my choices. Thank you, so much!!
Sitting here wondering if we grew up in same house (furniture scared of center of floor hugging the wall 😝) but regarding price/quality.. ok here’s my thoughts.. while yes we always wanna have great quality pieces who doesn’t? .. but since styles/fashion trends change so much why should we purchase very expensive? For instance I don’t think the curve couch will be a good piece for any type of transition when your styles/taste change btw the crate n barrel recliner sofa is a bit of a surprise!
Yes! Do not waste your money on marshmallow couches. They are so comfortable, but just an eyesore. I am stuck with my light grey microfiber recliner couches for a while because I spent $1,800 on them only a few years back. They aren’t the super puffy looking ones, but still bulky. Definitely regret it.
You’re articles are great–thank you! I’m struggling with a very colorful oriental rug (rich red, gold, blue, green, ivory). Hubby has a black leather/cherry Amish recliner that he recently placed in the room, and I’d like to keep our camel leather ottoman. But, we need a new sofa. Having two pieces of leather on the oriental is a LOT to work around especially because I’d like to lighten things up. Would it be feasible to use light to mid-tone a couch and side chair in the same fabric? Or, is that a faux pas? How about a article on how to design a room around oriental rugs:-) It seems easy, but it’s a challenge given two people with different taste.
Okay, I’m going to attempt to to defend your mother LOL. People had smaller houses, without dedicated playrooms for our children. So the living room often had to double as the playroom, especially since older houses had tiny tiny bedrooms. It wasn’t that we loved our living rooms like that, it was that it empowered our children to have a place to play while we could sit comfortably in the same room as them and make sure they didn’t swallow Lego hats or bash each other with the Lincoln Logs can. I’m sort of joking, but not entirely.. 😀😀. I did draw the line at the plastic couch cover things! Definitely enjoying being older and exploring furniture arranging that can be more creative and expressive of myself than simply practical for raising four children. Love your website!!
Unfortunately very few retailers list that their sofas are made from crap materials. They will say solid hard wood and you open up the bottom and the wood frame is just stapled together. Obviously retailers are not going allow you to open up and look at the construction on the sales floor. You need to be investigator. Read reviews, see if the website have articles on contrution. I ended up with a Lovesac sectional. I love the ability to rearrange my room. Love the washable and changeable covers. I also can attest that these are constructed of hard wood and super strong features. Plus they have a warranty.
I love love love your articles and your taste! Thank you for doing this! 👏 If you ever start offering that service you mentioned in one of the articles (something in the middle that’s not a full scale design project? A paid one hour Zoom consultation with a just couple of specific questions maybe it is?), I’d love an opportunity to sign up. 🙂
Thanks so much for the article. We are needing to purchase several new couches. I agree with a lot of the other comments…I would love a part 2 or even 3. Lol. Definitely, recommendations for kids and maybe some more couch choices that still have a nod to the traditional or transitional but still modern and fresh design but not mid century modern and not a low back please 😄
Thanks for finding such fitting name, ‘marshmallow couch’! That’s exactly what I would call them except i couldn’t think of that word when i saw them (they are everywhere in this town i live in!). Wondering if you have had any experience with EQ3 or Gusmodern furnitures? Trying to decide between the two as I really like their design. Interested to hear your thoughts on their quality.
Hi Nick, I have a question. I want to buy a sectional for my new space. It’s all open concept in a long narrow room. The sectional would sit in the middle of the room against the wall. My question is how do I know which side to have the chaise on? Is there a rule when to use a right facing sectional versus a left facing sectional?
I really really love that I found your website- I think I found it a little too late, can you do a article as to how to fix our design mistakes?? Like I have a small living room with big couches or too many mismatched themes. How can I correct my mistakes in a money conscious way or simple easy fixes? Grad student living on minimal means
I got a little nervous at the start of the article, wondering if our new sofa that is being delivered soon, would meet your guidelines, and then you gave the Article Timber sofa in the tan leather a thumbs up – woo-hoo! You’re making me feel pretty good on style and quality selection. I can’t wait to watch your articles while lounging on it!
Questions to ask about a couch: how long will look clean? Can a senior citizen get out of it? Is it comfortable to sit in it and read? Can I stretch sideways and have the kitty on my lap? The first part of a couch to wear out is the arms – what can we do about that? Is the frame strong? Can I clean under it?
I’ve lived with recliners for most of my life, and I feel they reduce the amount of places people choose to sit. That is, they choose to sit where there is a reclineing option. This could be viewed as a good thing, but I see it as forcing a portion of the furniture being overused, effectivly reducing the life span of the furniture.
I decided to use a Joybird bumper chaise instead of a normal sofa. I have an older house, which means a smaller living room, and none of the four walls are ideal for a couch: one has the fireplace, one has the staircase, one has a big window and the front door, and one has the opening to the dining room. The chaise sits in the middle of the room, facing the fireplace, with two Poang chairs to the side of the fireplace (yeah, I know you said you are over the Poang but I love mine). Because the chaise is open on one side and part of the back, it doesn’t dominate or overpower the room.
Nick…. Your articles are good, but there were some mistakes in here. 1) There is very little difference between solid hardwood, like alder or ash from CA companies or Oak/hickory from southeast companies so long as the manufacturer is at least moderately competent (and most are). Both would qualify as “heirloom grade” Don’t believe me? The sofas that people ALREADY consider to be heirlooms, that are sitting in their living room or with their parents…. Manufactured by companies like: CR. Laine, Lee, Thayer Coggins, Hancock and Moore, Taylor King, A Rudin, Theodore Alexander (Ralph Lauren), Hickory Chair…. All of those companies use MOSTLY engineered hardwood Heading over to Europe, the same is true for recognizable flashy European brands: Poliform, Minotti…. Even Roche Bobois openly admits to using “pine plywood and engineered composite plywood” (which means OSB/chip board) 2) Article products are all imported. At least, all of the upholstered items are I’m not saying there is an inherent problem with this. However, it does at minimum mean a lesser quality of foam throughout. Even US-sourced 1.8 non-HR grade foam from Legett and Platt (Elite), Carpenter (qualux), Barnhardt (NCFI), Innocor/FXI, etc. exceeds the performance of Chinese and Indian manufactured foams. Chinese foaming companies struggle to produce bunstock above 2.8 lb/ft, whereas Carpenter and others routinely go well into the 3 and 4.0 range.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 marshmallow couches and chairs🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣….sorry, but I totally agree with you, especially how uncomfortable they become after about 2 years of sitting and wear and tear…they just breakdown (I have been going through this with my husband’s favorite chair..a marshmallow BarcaLounger…it’s literally falling apart and dangerous, but he loves it)..I finally tossed a really big quilt on top to hide it as much as possible…hopefully I haven’t offended anyone…jmho🙏🏻🌹
Nick! just in time — I am looking for a new sofa/chair! Could you go over “types of cushions” and how to find the firm, but not boat cushion firm? I currently have something with internal/centered springs — NEVER AGAIN! But I do prefer FIRM seating. Side note — love love love the mid-century modern styles you mentioned.
I got a grand Charleston sofa from Pottery Barn years ago. Changed out the slipcovers once and I still LOVE it- so comfortable (I have twice had living rooms about 23’ x 12’ So plenty of room) Arranged perpendicular to the fireplace, with two chairs facing it, antique coffee table i between and a game space behind tue couch
I want to replace my couch so bad, but am waiting til we buy a place. My current couch was an upgrade from my (admittedly comfy) Big Lots couch. But it was in that $400-600 range. The cushions have held up great, BUT… it’s incredibly hard to clean, and our cats have destroyed it. I’m constantly on a hunt for a couch that can hold up to cat claws and vomit (so, easy to clean and stain-proof) while still being well-designed and comfortable. (And I’d also like it to be higher up from the floor so I can clean under it easily instead of pretending there aren’t dust bunnies made of cat hair under there.) Edit: oh my god I love love love that Sherwood couch
Thanks for this article (and all the others)! You are very generous with sharing your hard-earned knowledge. By the way, one format which I think is popular on YouTube now is commentary/reaction-videos. Perhaps you could watch and comment on publicly available youtube articles (like one of those celebrity home walk-throughs “xx questions with (Name)- Vogue” or even real estate sales articles) and talk about what works and what doesn’t work.
We bought a soft dreamy real butter leather sofa from Klingmans about 1800 miles away last July. Due to Covid delay it arrived right before Christmas 2020. Well, that $9,000 sofa is now in a spare room with a box, 2 blankets and miscellaneous on it. We don’t like the modern couch in our already perfect and cozy living room. So dumb.
I hope you’re able to stay independent of (corp) sponsors for long as possible. They def offer added financial stability but always come w/ ‘terms’. Good to see a fellow Cdn doing well on YT. I’m a longtime Sarah Richardson fan and in past Steven and Chris. I cried when Chris died. Thx for info on sofas. Good timing. 👏🙏🇨🇦
I’m surprised you didn’t mention the BARRYMORE COMPANY when it comes to quality sofas? 12:21 When I got married I wanted a couch to be my first piece of furniture I went with the Barrymore company . it took me five years to find it and then I saw it on the fresh prince of Belair show all my co-workers came over to take photos with the couch,they only had it for maybe four shows before they changed it to the white couch I still have mine after all these years it’s has stood it’s time, booth the gorgeous cotton colourful pattern fabric and the coils, let’s just say” it’s not sagging any where, and I’m still in love with it since day 1, it’s so well made, I have it now for 38 years, well worth the $6,000.00, and I have moved a lot, the owner told me thelighter the couch the better it’s well made it is, and he was right! You can also buy it in the custom made department at the Bay, the Barrymore sofas
I’m waiting for my (first) house to be built and I’m driving my husband nuts talking about furniture all day err day. I’m looking at MaidenHome for my couch because of the quality and the amazing selection of performance fabrics (we will have a baby soon and two kitties, plus myself…there will be messes). I think it’s worth spending money on good furniture I absolutely love vs kinda a lot of money on furniture I don’t really love
The Le Courbusier 3 – seater sofa (really a loveseat) is perfectly proportioned in scale, gorgeous chrome frame, wear and stain-resistant leather, has earned it a place in the NY Museum of Modern Art. But find a true quality reproduction. Apartment-friendly. Timeless and beautiful to look at from all sides.
Also check that you can get it through the door. Having lower arm height, or less square arms will help. Big boxy arms do not always work. This may not be a problem if the couch does not arrive pre-assembled. I loved many of these couches but know from experience that I wouldn’t be able to get them into my apartment.
Waited for years to find the perfect sofa. Have a narrow space so I knew the size would be an issue. Was willing to spend $3000 for a quality sofa. Low and behold found a Stickley sofa in pristine condition for $125. The color and style were perfect. Had to remove the door to get it in the house because the back is high. Pays to wait.
Love your articles. However I am a bit confused. All designers say including yourself, don’t push the furniture up against the wall. However every couch that you’re showing in this article is pushed up against the wall, as well as the couch you are sitting on as you film this article. What’s up with that.😊
Nick, love your website. I have a question, I am looking for a couch for living room setting, so it will not be used a lot so, doesn’t need to be real expensive. However I don’t want cheap. I live in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and I recently drove to New Orleans to check out West Elm. Love their stuff. They have some great mid century choices. Everything looked good quailty. Recently saw some bad reviews on line about them. At lot of delivery problems, maybe not a problem for me since I live so close. Then I saw a heading that said shotty couches. Some did not have good things to say about the company. Do you have any input or knowlege of this line of furniture. Really liked some of the lines you suggested in this article. Thanks for your input, Rick
Nick, I have a friend who is desperately looking for a couch that’s 20 inches high, instead of, from what I understand the standard of 18 inches. Her doctor has said because of her bad knees, 18 inches would be hard on them and to get up from a couch easier, 20 inches would be best. The problem is that they aren’t easy to find. Any suggestions?
I agree my marshmallow couch is ugly and I plan on keeping it, I actually had the crate and barrel couch in the article and it was terribly uncomfortable and fell apart after a few years, after that awfulness and a couple surgeries I just couldn’t bring myself to pay thousands for another couch that I couldn’t recline on and be super comfy for hours while perusal articles of Nick roasting my couch. 😂
Thank you for No Marshmallow Sofas, I have never been a fan of those. I am wondering of you can do a How to choose a couch part 2. Can you help out the suburban moms out here who live in more traditional homes and have kids and we need sofas to stand up to children of all ages. Some live in HUGE McMansions but others live in smaller homes and are so glad to say goodbye to the large arms of 15-20 years ago. We need decorative but durable and functional. I am thinking of replacing my Flexsteel with more Flexsteel only because recovering it costs just about as much as new one but wow that sofa is as sturdy as the day I bought it 18 years ago and costs about what you post here!
2:05.. Looks great as long as nobody watches much TV in the room. Guy 1: What’s the score on the game? Guy 2: Let me get my telescope out and check.. oh wait, I can’t.. there’s a lampshade in the way. Lets go down to the basement where the wife lets me keep my ugly reclining sofa and a view of the TV.
Couch selection is the worst, I feel so stuck Love the look of some of these low profile and low back couches but want to kick back to watch TV, play games, etc Also had really good luck with Article. The only thing I don’t like is that a lot of their couches have loose cushions, backs, and sides. After having my LoveSac couch for a few years now this drives me crazy
Hi Nick, I have a design question as we are planning on renovating our living room which is 14’x14’ with a beautiful bay window and window seats, my question is I want the sofas close together as you said but the chandelier is in the middle of the room . In such cases how to design ie I have bay window seating which I cannot move and Chandelier which I cannot move. I would like the center table to be directly below the chandelier Any suggestions?? TIA
In the house I live in, I can count on one hand how many times I’ve actually had people over to just sit in my living room and chat – for the last 20 years. Hahaha. So, I don’t really need a sitting room sofa. I need a sofa to flop down on while I’m perusal Netflix on my day off. Because that’s basically all that ever happens in my living room, based on my actual lifestyle.
My biggest question is why are couches so low to the ground these days? In the early 1900’s they stood much taller and were far more comfortable. Now you basically find yourself laying back with your legs stuck out in front of you. I am average height. Why don’t they even attempt to make it so you can sit with your legs at a 90 degree angle and your back touching the back of the couch.?
I don’t know about your sofa, but the Sven by Article has huge problems. I love you & your website but I’m wondering if some of these sofas are getting such positive reviews in your article because you’d like to have them sponsor you in the future. I hate to suggest that, but one trip to the BBB on these sofas & well, you know.
Question So I’m looking at an apartment that has a one-wall kitchen at the back left side and the living area is straight across (open rectangular room). I’m looking to separate the two rooms with a tan leather sofa. I have 13 feet of room to fit my sofa side-to-side, and I still want room on both sides of the sofa to walk into the living area. The sofas I’m in love with (Article, I might add) are all around 7 to 7.5 feet long. Is 2.5 to 3 feet enough space for a walkway on each side of the sofa, or will it seem too cramped? I unfortunately wouldn’t have room for an end table or floor lamp on either side in this case. I’m also planning to place two accent chairs on the inside wall of the living area (L-shaped seating configuration since I have a balcony on the outside wall). I’m quite particular with my sofa choice since it will be the focal point, and I’m really wanting the sofa to face the TV with its back to the kitchen. I can’t seem to decide if this is a plausible sofa size for this configuration or if this is even the best configuration for the room. Any advice, or am I overthinking it as I tend to do?
I make a mistake with every furniture purchase. White sofa twice, Loose back cushions on an entire sectional once. Semi – marshmallow with very high back sofa I have now. Paisley recliners that match nothing. Barstool height dining room table and chairs forgetting it would have to go on carpeting, making it impossible to move them in under the table once you sat down. Etc.
Yes, these sofas are beautiful. Yes, the marchmellow sofas are ugly. But tell me, how can I rest my shoulders and head on these? On the picture frame behind? Why are almost all of them so low? My grandparents have such sofa and you should see the massive oily stripe above from resting their heads on the wall. Disgusting. These sofas can serve well for a 15 minute waiting before meeting a doctor, deffinitely not for spending the whole evening on them and get a proper relax. This is incredibly stupid trend and I really hope that something really elegant yet still properly comfy comes soon.
Although I agree bubble sofas are not attractive, no other sofa is more comfortable for a tall person. All the sofas on the market currently have quite low back support. For a tall person this means it reaches the mostly support up to half of their back. perusal TV on those sofas feels like punishment 😉. Point here being – you’re touching only one how they look (which i wholeheartedly agree), but neglecting their sole purpose to be used for slacking and couchpotating 😁
Thank you for this article!! I ordered a sectional from WayFair and it was the incorrect orientation and really too big for my room. Went to Article and ordered a couch, chair, ottoman,coffee table and two end tables. I think I will like much better. I used your link for the sofa. Hope you make a few cents!
New subscriber here I quite enjoy your articles, and yes barn doors are now too much, my sister and I actually had, what turned into, a semi-heated discussion regarding those damned kitchen signs. I was mentioning your comments and laughing (as they were hilarious) when I saw my loved one turn into a decor heathen and confess her adoration for what I now call home subtitles! The horror. Anyhow, in my opinion MCM is getting to the point of saturation for me. I get it that is simple and easy to replicate for less costly pieces, and that the FB marketplace is full of pieces that just need a coat of paint, but I find them too common and uninspired, Also my SO is brawny and too tall for them to the point that is uncomfortable . Can you please- pretty please suggest furniture stores for couches a really tall person can use without doing squats each time they sit on the couch?