How To Choose
A Sofa Colour
Choosing the right sofa colour is an important decision that can transform your living room, influencing the ambience and style of your living room, while setting the tone for your entire home decor!
With over 5000 different fabrics to choose from here at Oliver Matthews, we have more than enough colours to ensure you choose the bespoke sofa colour that’s right for your living room. Whether you're looking to create a bold statement or a subtle, cohesive look, understanding how to select the perfect hue is essential.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most popular sofa colours, and delve into the psychology behind colour choices, offering practical tips for matching your sofa colour with your existing décor.
What Are the Most Popular Sofa Colours?
Let’s start by looking at some of the most popular colours and contemporary tones, each bringing its own unique vibe to your home:
Classic Neutrals
Shades like beige, taupe, and grey continue to be popular for their adaptability and timeless charm. These hues offer a superb foundation for diverse décor styles, making it easy to refresh your space with new cushions and throws. Neutral colours cultivate a harmonious and tranquil atmosphere, perfect for any living room.
Natural Earth Tones
Colours such as terracotta, olive green, and warm browns are increasingly favoured for their natural inspiration. These tones bring a comforting and cosy vibe to your home, making it feel welcoming and rooted. Earthy hues complement natural materials beautifully, ideal for a cohesive, nature-themed interior.
Luxurious Jewel Tones
Deep jewel shades like emerald green, sapphire blue, and amethyst purple are on trend for their opulent and dramatic effect. These vibrant colours can serve as the centrepiece of your living room, infusing it with elegance and vivacity. Jewel-toned sofas are perfect for making a striking design statement.
Subtle Pastels
Gentle pastel shades such as blush pink, lavender, and light blue create a peaceful and refined atmosphere. These colours are flexible, suiting both classic and modern interiors. Pastel hues add a delicate charm to your living space, making it feel bright and airy.
Vibrant Greens
From moss to olive, green shades are celebrated for their soothing qualities and natural appeal. Green sofas can foster a serene and invigorating environment, effectively bringing a touch of nature indoors. This colour harmonises well with both contemporary and traditional décor.
Retro Mustard Yellow
Mustard yellow is seeing a resurgence, bringing a warm, nostalgic flair to living rooms. This bold hue injects a burst of brightness and pairs well with a variety of other colours to create a vibrant, energetic space. It's ideal for those who enjoy a lively and cheerful home atmosphere.
Rich and Warm Reds
Red shades, ranging from deep burgundy to lively terracotta, are gaining popularity for sofas. These hues inject energy and passion into the living room, making them perfect for bold design statements. Red sofas provide warmth and can become the focal point of your interior design.
Sleek Dark Tones
Black and charcoal grey sofas are highly sought after for their sophisticated and contemporary appeal. These dark shades add a touch of elegance and create a dramatic contrast in your living room. Ideal for minimalist and modern designs, black and grey sofas offer a refined base for your décor.
Matching Your Living Room’s Existing Colour Scheme
When choosing a sofa, it's essential to consider your living room's existing colour scheme (or the new colour scheme, if you’re planning to redecorate) to ensure a harmonious and cohesive look. A well-coordinated colour palette can enhance the overall aesthetic of your space and create a balanced and inviting atmosphere.
Start by taking note of the dominant colours in your living room, including wall paint, flooring, and your living room furniture. Your sofa should either complement these existing colours or provide a pleasing contrast. For instance, if your walls are painted in a neutral shade like beige or grey, a vibrant sofa in a bold colour such as teal or mustard can add a striking focal point to the room. Consider the undertones of your colours as well. Warm tones like red, orange, and yellow pair well with other warm shades, creating a cosy and inviting ambience. Conversely, cool tones like blue, green, and purple blend seamlessly with other cool hues, fostering a calming and serene environment.
Don’t forget to incorporate accent colours from your décor, such as cushions, rugs, and artwork, to tie the look together. These smaller elements can echo the sofa's colour, ensuring a unified design.
Opting For a Light Or Dark Shade of Sofa
Choosing between a light or dark sofa depends on several factors, including the size of your space, the amount of natural light, and the overall vibe you want to create.
Light Sofas
Light-coloured sofas, such as those in shades of white, beige, or light grey, can make a room feel more spacious and airy. They are particularly effective in smaller rooms or spaces with limited natural light, as they reflect light and help to brighten the area. Light sofas also exude a clean, modern, and minimalist look, which can be very appealing in contemporary settings. However, they tend to show stains and wear more easily, so they might require more maintenance, especially in households with children or pets.
Dark Sofas
Dark-coloured sofas, including shades like navy, charcoal, or deep green, can add a sense of depth and sophistication to your living room. They are excellent for creating a cosy and intimate atmosphere, which can be perfect for larger spaces or rooms with plenty of natural light. Dark sofas are also practical, as they tend to hide stains and wear better than lighter options. However, it is important to consider that they can make a small room feel even smaller if not balanced with lighter accents and sufficient lighting.
Making the Choice
To determine which option is best for your space, consider your room’s size and lighting. If your goal is to create an open, bright feel, opt for a lighter sofa. If you prefer a warm, cosy vibe, a darker sofa might be the right choice. You should also think about your lifestyle and how much upkeep you’re willing to manage. Balancing these factors will help you make an informed decision that enhances your living space.
Lifestyle: Choosing The Right Fabric
Maintaining the pristine look of your luxury sofa is crucial for ensuring it remains in top condition. When selecting a fabric, it’s important to consider how it will integrate with your lifestyle and household needs.
If you have pets, particularly those with white fur, choosing a darker fabric might not be the best option as it will prominently display pet hair, leading to a less clean appearance. Conversely, a lighter fabric might better camouflage pet hair, helping maintain a tidy look.
For households with young children, where spillages are more frequent, the choice between leather and fabric becomes significant. Leather sofas offer the advantage of being easily wiped clean, which is ideal for managing unexpected spills and maintaining a neat appearance. Leather is also highly durable and can withstand heavy use, making it a practical choice for busy families.
If your sofa is going to be heavily used, opting for durable and easy-to-clean fabrics is essential. Fabrics such as microfiber, offer excellent durability and are resistant to stains, making them a great alternative to leather. Velvets are another great choice, as they are incredibly durable and many have an inherent easy-care finish, making them ideal for families. These materials not only withstand daily wear and tear but also simplify maintenance, ensuring your sofa looks fresh and new for longer.
Matching Your Sofa with Flooring
Ensuring your sofa complements your flooring is essential for creating a harmonious and visually appealing living space. Here are some tips to help you achieve a balanced look:
Consider Colour Coordination
When matching your sofa with your flooring, start by considering the colour palette. If you have dark flooring, such as deep hardwood or dark tiles, a lighter sofa can create a striking contrast that prevents the room from feeling too heavy. Conversely, if your flooring is light, such as pale wood or neutral carpets, a darker sofa can add depth and anchor the space.
Texture & Material Harmony
The texture and material of your flooring and sofa should complement each other. For instance, a plush, fabric sofa pairs well with soft carpeted floors, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere. On the other hand, a leather sofa can add a sleek and sophisticated touch to rooms with smooth, hard flooring like polished wood or tiles. Consider using rugs to bridge the gap between different textures and add an extra layer of cohesion.
Style Consistency
Your sofa and flooring should reflect a consistent style. For a modern, minimalist look, pair sleek, contemporary sofas with equally modern flooring materials like concrete or polished wood. For a more traditional or rustic feel, opt for a classic sofa design that complements natural wood floors or vintage tiles.
Learn How to Make a Statement With Your Living RoomSeasonal Colour Updates
Updating your sofa’s colour with the seasons is an excellent way to keep your living space fresh and in tune with the changing times of the year. By switching out accessories and introducing new colour accents, you can create a dynamic and inviting atmosphere that reflects the current season.
Spring
Embrace fresh and vibrant colours to reflect the renewal of spring. Consider adding cushions and throws in soft pastels such as mint green, blush pink, and lavender. These light and airy colours can instantly brighten up your space.
Summer
Opt for bright and bold colours to capture the lively essence of summer. Think of adding accessories in shades of coral, turquoise, and sunny yellow. Lightweight fabrics like cotton and linen can also enhance the breezy feel.
Autumn
Transition to warm and earthy tones to mirror the changing leaves. Incorporate rich hues like burnt orange, deep reds, and golden yellows through cushions, throws, and even slipcovers. These colours add warmth and cosiness.
Winter
Introduce deep, cosy colours to create a snug atmosphere. Dark greens, navy blues, and charcoal greys work well. Adding textures such as velvet and wool through throws and pillows can enhance the warmth and comfort of your sofa.
Learn How to Create a Cosy Living Room this WinterDesign Your Perfect Bespoke Sofa Today!
Choosing the perfect sofa colour involves considering your living room's existing decor, the mood you want to create, and the practicality of different fabrics and shades. By thoughtfully selecting and updating your sofa’s colour and fabric, you can transform your living space into a stylish and inviting haven.
Explore our bespoke sofa options at Oliver Matthews to find the ideal piece for your home. Browse our
bespoke sofa gallery for inspiration and start
designing your dream sofa.
