How to Decorate with a Brown Sofa

Interior trends come and go but over the last few years, one thing has remained constant – an ongoing recognition of the impact our interiors can have on our overall health and wellbeing. Worldwide, people have spent more time within their own four walls than ever before, which has led to a real change in focus – especially with a lot more people now working from home.

There has been a seismic shift towards biophilic design and bringing the outdoors in – using a natural colour palette, plants and woody scents – which in turn has seen the popularity of brown sofas rise once more. If you like the idea of introducing a brown sofa into your living space but are looking for inspiration, here’s our handy guide on how to decorate with a brown sofa.

Brown Leather Sofas

One of the best things about a brown leather sofa is the versatility it brings to your living space. If you’re not sure what colours go with a brown leather sofa, the good news is that most colours do! It works beautifully with a neutral palette, helping to create a Scandi or contemporary aesthetic but is equally at home with bright, bold colours, with the brown leather bringing a real warmth to the look.

With a range of different brown leathers available, you can choose a look to suit. From light brown leather sofas for a real contemporary look to dark brown leather sofas which work well in urban/city interiors, there is a style that will complement every interior.

Depending on the size you go for, you could look to team a 2-seater brown leather sofa such as the Sloane with a bright accent chair or love seat, creating a stylish contrast that ties into the colours you’ve incorporated around your room. If you want your sofa to be the main attraction, consider a brown leather corner sofa such as the Whinfell, which will ooze style and give you plenty of room to sink back and relax after a busy day.

If you need a sofa that offers that extra level of functionality, a brown leather sofa bed such as the Hayes ticks all the boxes. No longer restricted by size or style, there is a range of brown leather sofa beds which don’t just look good, they offer a great night’s sleep at the same time.

What Colour Cushions Go with a Brown Leather Sofa?

Once again, the beauty of a brown leather sofa is that it provides you with a wealth of options when it comes to accessories. From neutral cream cushions to vibrant teal or mustard, a brown leather sofa works with both warm and cooler colours – giving you the choice to be playful or tone it down with your choice of cushion colour.

Brown Fabric Sofas

While sofas such as the brown leather Chesterfield sofa have been popular for decades, the choices don’t stop with there – there are plenty of alternative options if the leather isn’t for you.  If you’re creating a traditional aesthetic, a brown fabric sofa may be the right option. From tweed sofa to wool and chenille to linen, choose a fabric that works for you and then look at the different shades available. From light tan Harris tweeds to chocolate browns and dark espressos, there is a multitude of shades, it’s just a case of deciding which one works best with the rest of your furniture and colour palette.

While brown velvet sofas may traditionally be associated with a retro vibe, velvet is very much back in fashion and the material of choice for many. Whether you want to create a mid-century modern ‘Mad Men’ kind of look or want to bring some texture to a contemporary space, a brown velvet sofa may be just what you’re looking for.

What Colour Carpets Go with a Brown Sofa?

Whether you choose a brown leather sofa or a brown fabric sofa, the colour of the carpet may depend on the shade of brown you’ve chosen. If you’ve gone for a dark brown sofa, a dark carpet may see the two start to blend – a lighter, neutral shade such as a cream or fawn may be a better choice.

Rather than carpets, why not consider a wooden floor? Two different shades and textures of brown can work beautifully together and provide you with the option to add different layers, such as a sheepskin rug for a neutral palette, or maybe a Moroccan print to bring some colour to your space.

What is the Most Popular Type of Sofa?

The thing about sofas is that there is no one size fits all when it comes to style – whereas some may prefer the idea of a cosy brown loveseat, others may like a brown leather 3-seater sofa bed or corner sofa. It’s all down to which sofa is right for your space and what kind of look you’re trying to create. You should also consider your lifestyle and which upholstery may be most suited to it – a busy family life may lend itself to a brown leather sofa. Not only are they durable, but they’re also easy to keep clean, whereas if it’s an occasion chair, perhaps for a study or spare room, a brown fabric sofa such as a velvet sofa or linen sofa may appeal.

What Does a Brown Sofa Go with?

Whether you like the idea of wooden floors and furniture or have your heart set on chrome fixings and glass featuring in your interior, a brown sofa will work with both. A brown sofa will fit seamlessly into both Scandi and Japandi styles, which emphasise neutral palettes and natural textures, and traditional interiors, which can incorporate different patterns and colours such as reds and heritage blues.

If you’re unsure whether your chosen interior will work with a brown sofa, spend some time researching – there is a wealth of information and imagery available online, which can not only provide inspiration, but it can also reassure you that your ideas will look the part.