How to Choose the Right Sofa

oc fashion blogger

Christian and I have been wanting to upgrade our living room sofa for a few years and we’ve been dragging our feet because we couldn’t seem to agree and commit on the same one.  A nice sofa is a big investment (easily the most expensive piece of furniture in our home), so I knew I couldn’t pull the trigger unless it was a piece I wanted in our home for years to come. This meant it needed to be comfortable, attractive and versatile.

SO, when the opportunity came along to work with Gatehouse Home to finally select the sofa we had in mind, I knew this was our chance!  I wanted to share with you guys not only the finished product, but also my recommendations if any of you are looking to make a similar purchase.

Know your non-negotiables.  For us, this meant machine washable.  We have a dog and a cat, and I know we will always have pets because we are both big animal lovers.  This means I need to be able to throw a cushion cover in the wash when someone puts their dirty paws on the sofa or drops a piece of pizza.  Who am I kidding – I’ve spilled half a glass of wine on a sofa before.  But guess what? I washed the cover and it was good as new. #smallvictories

Keep it neutral.  This may seem like a no brainer, but I can’t preach enough to invest in neutrals for your big pieces.  I always add color with art, flowers, throw pillows, blankets, picture frames, the list goes on. Don’t get me wrong – I love the beauty of a statement sofa (like this one), but I know myself, and I know I would tire of it. Before I committed to a fabric, I brought two large swatches home and put them on my current sofa arm.  I wanted to see what the color and texture looked like during all hours of the day, as well as against my current living room layout.  Doing this showed me that one swatch actually looked much darker than I had anticipated, but had I not taken them home for two weeks, I wouldn’t have known!

Test it out.  I knew I’d found our new sofa when I sat on it.  Gatehouse carries Lee Industries sofas, and when I sat on the down-blend cushions, I was all, “welcome home.”  Christian lays on the couch more than he sits on it, so it was a match made in heaven.  You sink into it just enough, and I wanted the seating area to be just deep enough to be comfortable, but not so deep that it affects your posture.  We’re both tall, so 40″ deep was perfect.

Check the warranty.  When making an investment purchase, check the warranty.  Lee Industries offers lifetime warranty which is a huge bonus.  They also keep all the measurements of their furniture designs, so even if this particular slipcovered sofa was to no longer be available, I could still contact them about ordering a new slipcover down the road.  This kind of service makes the price tag sting a little less!

the perfect slipcovered sofa styling pink roses slipcovered furniture tufted ottoman white tray table styling orange county blogger palm leaf throw pillow styling a coffee table

 

throw blanket c/o | palm leaf pillow | similar potted pillow | monogram pillow | leopard pillow | denim c/o | vest c/o, also love this one and this one | shirt c/o, similar here | earrings c/o | cup & saucer | acrylic tray | coffee table | fur throw | watch c/o | gold cuff c/o | gold cuff 1, 2 c/o | ring c/o | painting – Karen Williams (my mom!)

Have you made a big furniture purchase recently? Have any advice? I’d love to hear it!  And if any of you are in the Orange County area, I can’t recommend enough popping in Gatehouse Home in Costa Mesa.  The store is so beautiful (and inspiring for any décor lovers!) and the team is so friendly.

Thanks so much for reading, and you can see our full home tour here. Stay tuned for a reveal of our home office and guest bedroom! XO –

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19 thoughts on “How to Choose the Right Sofa”

  2. Love your couch and the painting behind it! I’m sure this is so awkward in the furniture store, but you have to lay on it! We have a couch that looks great and is great to sit on, but it is SO uncomfortable to lay on!

    Alyssa | Glitter and Grey

    1. I think when you’re making a big purchase like that you can do whatever the heck you want! Good for you for taking a prelim nap. #YOLO

    1. You know, I’ve never put roses in this vase but it was so easy – I think I’m into it! Thanks so much for the kind words! XO

  4. It sounds so grandma, but we keep neutral king sized fitted sheets on our off white couches when it’s just us at home. It makes weekly washing to remove dark short-hair dog hair a snap, and I don’t have to worry about wearing out the cushion fabric. I keep a giant lint roller near by in case any hair made it through the sheet.

    1. It doesn’t sound grandma – I have big pets – I totally understand! And girl – I keep a lint roller in every room of the house. Literally. EVERY ROOM.

  11. LOVE your end tables!! Could you share where they’re from? Your home is absolutely beautiful.

  12. Hey Kathleen,
    Where did you get your end tables? I’ve been trying to hunt for the perfect end tables and these may be it. I love pieces that aren’t of the norm and add a little structure and unique qualities to rooms.
    Best,
    JonnaBellsCorner

    1. Hi Jonna! These are old from several years ago, a collection Country Living actually did for KMart briefly. I haven’t been able to find them anywhere successfully – I’m sorry I don’t have a better answer!!

  13. Hi ~ I’ve been on a two year search for the perfect slipcovered sofa. We’re animal people too and so it must be washable, light neutral (no more brown sofas!) and made by Lee. Your sofa looks just perfect to me. Do you still like it? I’d be so appreciative if you could tell me the model name of your sofa and the color of your slipcover.

      1. I do love it! I’m not sure of the exact name of the sofa, as I bought it through Gatehouse and not online – but on Lee Industries site they list all of their slipcovered sofa options!

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