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Three of the best Sofas

I wish I needed a new sofa.

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modern leather chesterfield from westelm

Well that’s not entirely true as I don’t wish to be spending vast sums of money. I DO need a new hob and I’m not looking forward to spending the money on that at all as it will be expensive, and the one I want, the one that is really, really handsome, is several thousand pounds so it won’t be living in my house any time soon.

But that’s not really the point. The point is that hobs are boring, sofas are beautiful. Buying a new sofa opens the door to a whole new living room. It’s like getting a new hair cut or having dramatically different highlights.

Yes, you can buy the sensible one in the neutral shade or you can be a little bit daring. If it’s a colour you love now, you will probably love it for ever. Check your wardrobe to see if there’s any in there if you’re not sure.

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classic with a twist: the leather chesterfield from westelm

So why not start with the sofa? Build a scheme around that. It’s not like you won’t find a colour for the walls now is it? So here are my current three fantasy sofas.

Now, to be honest the first isn’t really that out there. It’s just a gorgeous leather sofa, but a) we’re starting gently and b) there is a lot of terrible leather seating out there. I was asked to advise on a navy blue leather sofa the other day, and while I love navy blue, and leather, there was something about this particular piece that actually made me wince. Like seeing a man with his toupee on crooked. Or someone with their lipstick smudged. Or your French teacher turning up to lessons with one eye beautifully made up and the other completely bare. At the time we were cruel and didn’t understand that she had small children and that, frankly, it was a miracle she was wearing matching shoes as she probably hadn’t slept for a week and had then been distracted during the one, the single, the prized, five-minute window when a woman should be allowed to be alone with her thoughts and her mascara wand. Mrs Pickett, wherever you are, I apologise.

Enough of that sofa though. It doesn’t deserve the oxygen of publicity. If you want leather have a look at that top one above.

This would go in any colour scheme. Seen here against white walls but imagine it against dark grey. The monochrome rug is perfect. Complement with  a navy blue velvet (not leather) armchair and keep the accessories either brass or dark silver. This is a sofa for life not for a trend.

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the hatfield from sweet pea and willow

Now what about this? It’s quite a traditional shape but soak up that colour. And doesn’t it look comfy? Imagine that against a dark wall with the brass accessories just bringing out the studwork and her delicate feet. This is a modern take on a Regency sofa and I think you’d be surprised how much it would go with. Start with a monochrome palette of black and white, or charcoal and ivory which is a little less harsh. Or bring in more jewel colours – aubergine, turquoise, orange and teal. A modern rug with a hint of emerald or a simple black and white Beni Ourani.  Add a leather armchair or a patterned linen one and suddenly this sitting room has wow factor.

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the velvet three seater from rose and grey

Now we come to the point. This grey sofa above gorgeous. It’s probably the one I would buy. Wouldn’t you? A model of restrained good taste that will never go out of fashion, you can dress it up with cushions and throws and it will be a very respectable addition to the family. I should know. I own a dark grey velvet one.

But, in the same way you are always pleased to see your Great Aunt at weddings, isn’t it more fun when your cousin turns up? A flying visit from wherever she’s been backpacking or temping recently. Full of interesting stories, a hip flask of vodka in her ballgown and lots of ideas for how to make the party more interesting.

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gold velvet sofa from rose and grey

Meet the gold velvet sofa. Just as comfortable, just as elegant but way, way more fun. Still gorgeous against the dark walls – think navy or charcoal – perfectly happy setting off a classic chalky white. But doesn’t the grey one look just a little bit dull beside it?

As I said, I wish I needed a new sofa. I currently have the Great Aunt. I’d like to invite the cousin.

 

Kate Watson-Smyth

The author Kate Watson-Smyth

I’m a journalist who writes about interiors mainly for The Financial Times but I have also written regularly for The Independent and The Daily Mail. My house has been in Living Etc, HeartHome and featured in The Wall Street Journal & Corriere della Sera. I also run an interior styling consultancy Mad About Your House. Welcome to my Mad House.

8 Comments

  1. If I was given a chance to pick a sofa from the three, I would go with the golden one. The golden color will a boost to my living room. What more you want than sitting on a velvet couch, watching TV?

    Kate Watson Smyth, I loved the way you framed up this article. It’s a good read for those who are still doubtful about which to choose from the vast array of colored sofas.

  2. I like them all and it’s funny because I was looking for a sofa just a couple of months ago and was deciding between a leather sofa (just like the first one) and a velvet sofa to go with the one I already have.
    At the end I got a blue velvet sofa with a mid century look. It goes perfect with the gold one I have (very similar to the one you posted).
    I know it sounds like a lot of color but in reality it looks great… Or at least I think so!

    About your book, I ordered in UK and first they said it will be delivered at the end of March but they actually sent it last week!!! I’ll get it soon and I’m looking forward to it!

  3. There’s something very lovely about sitting on velvet, it’s like receiving a warm and comforting embrace and velvet ages beautifully. I’m VERY drawn to the gold sofa (I”m already imagining how lovely it will look in my little sitting room with a fuchsia pink cushion with clashing piping, against grey walls) but I’m also considering a grass green velvet sofa. Green looks lovely with grey walls. There are too many lovely things on this blog. First I need to decide what colour grey to paint the room. At the moment it’s Farrow & Ball Matchstick and it looks fine but dull. It’s panelled and has a horrid engineered oak floor that’s a bit orange (ugh) but I can’t change that at the moment, it is substantially covered by rugs. The room gets very little natural light and is quite narrow. Why did I have it painted Matchstick? Dare I paint it very dark grey?

  4. Love Love Love the grey velvet, but tempted by the cousin visiting!! Wooden flooring is next on the need/wish/want list so I will have to ogle the sofa instead 🙂

  5. The first two are lovely but wouldn’t stay the course with me.
    My heart goes straight to the grey velvet sofa, it ignores the gold one entirely! I have learned to love what naturally pulls me rather than questioning whether it might be too dull or ordinary. ABSOLUTELY. LOVE. IT.

  6. My heart says the gold velvet sofa but my head says the grey velvet sofa. Goes with everything – you can dress it up or down. Perfect for the 10 years that I would expect a good sofa to last.

  7. Hilarious post ! very much enjoyed it. I don’t know, sometimes the cousin can wear a bit thin after an evening or too! Lovely choices especially that green in the Hatfield but my favourite is still Great Aunt – you don’t need to ‘deal’ with her just curl up and have a cuppa : )

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