Living rooms tend to be a busy space in family homes, serving a multitude of purposes from playtime and entertaining and relaxing in front of the TV. At the center of all the action is the equally multifunctional couch, acting as a place to spend quality time together.
The humble couch is arguably the most important piece of furniture in any living room. As an item that you’ll likely own for many years, it’s worth investing in one that balances comfort, style and enough durability to stand up to the rigors of everyday life.
For busy families, aesthetics might not sound like a top priority, especially for those with rambunctious kids and furry friends. Whether it’s being used for watching TV, making a cozy blanket fort or as the perfect napping spot for your pet, you can find a couch that balances form with function.
Styles
Just as families come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so do couches. The basic shape you choose will depend on factors such as the proportions of your room as well as the people using it.
Added seat depth offers more room to curl up (and extra legroom for taller family members), while taller couch styles provide extra back support. Beyond basic shapes, there are a number of couch styles that work especially well for families.
Sectional Couches
Sectional couches offer versatility and style, with many featuring a chaise section that can be positioned to the left or right, while modular styles can be adjusted to create the perfect couch configuration (the range from Kasala has some great examples). Many styles also come with built-in storage to make tidying a breeze.
Classic Style
Comfy cushions, padded armrests, deep seats and just the right amount of support all combine to make the timeless traditional couch. A standard-size, three-seater sofa measures around 34 inches high, 90 inches wide and 38 inches deep – but you can go larger (or smaller) depending on both the size of the room and your family.
Sleeper Sofas
For sleepovers and occasional overnight visits from friends and family, sleeper sofas are a great option, especially in homes without space for a guest room.
Some sectional sofas feature a hidden compartment which can be pulled out to create a bed, while classic sleeper sofas come with a spring or memory foam mattress that can be pulled out to create a comfy bed within moments.
Structure
Look for a quality couch that will stand up to years of repeated use, investing in a good frame is key. Where possible, opt for kiln-dried hardwood, rather than metal or particleboard, which tends to deteriorate faster over time – and check for quality joinery.
It can also help to regularly check the frame of your couch, tightening any screws that might have come loose. Should you need to reposition it, place felt pads under the feet and move from the base (preferably with assistance!), rather than dragging it by the arms.
Fabrics
Certain fabrics such as suede and leather might be off the menu for families dealing with muddy paws and small children prone to drawing on everything (including the furniture), but this doesn’t mean having to sacrifice on style.
High-weave, heavyweight performance fabrics featuring a blend of natural and synthetic materials are also a great choice, providing an easy-care solution that looks good and wears well. If you have family members with allergies, microfiber offers an alternative that’s also easy to maintain.
Color And Pattern
Darker colors are often seen as the go-to option for families, although they’re not always the best, especially if you have pets with light-colored fur. In this case, neutrals such as taupe or camel can be very forgiving.
Alternatively, patterns can also be effective at hiding stains; the more intricate the better. When choosing the fabric for your couch, ask your retailer for a handful of swatches so you can get an idea of which particular texture, color or design would work best in your living room.
Comfort
Looks aren’t everything, which is especially true when it comes to purchasing a new couch. While it can be convenient to browse through different styles online, it’s a good idea to head to a local showroom and try out a number of different styles for yourself before deciding on your purchase.
A combination of feather and foam provides the optimal combination of support and softness, allowing the seat cushions to retain their shape. When testing a couch, remember to check the quality of the frame in addition to any external features.
Room Proportions
The size of your couch not only depends on the people using it, but also the size of the available space. For example, if you have a smaller living room you may want to opt for a smaller couch and a couple of armchairs over a single large item of furniture dominating the space.
While purchasing your couch, keep a note of the measurements of your living room. Mapping the floor space out using masking tape or newspaper can also help to give you a visual of how well the room can accommodate various sizes of furniture.
Couch Care
Muddy paws and sticky fingers are all part of family life, but if they get on your couch, there’s no need to reach for the dreaded (and slippery) plastic covers. One option is to invest in a set of washable, removable slipcovers.
Not only do these allow for easy cleaning – they also enable you to change the look of your sofa to match the decor of your room.
Stain protectants can be used, but try to opt for an eco-friendly, non-toxic formula, as opposed to traditional sprays, which can be harmful to the environment as well as humans and animals.
Otherwise, most couches can be spot-cleaned using a solution of mild detergent and warm water, with regular vacuuming and brushing to remove crumbs and particles. With regular care and maintenance, your couch will stay in great condition for many years.
