3 Tips for Choosing a Classic Sofa

Inevitably, over time, interior trends have evolved, with new ideas, aesthetics and colour palettes continuing to come to the forefront. But not everything has a ‘best before’ date and a classic sofa is one of them.

Offering timeless appeal, a classic sofa will display features such as scroll arms, buttoned back, hand-finished studding and polished raised castor legs – a Chesterfield sofa being a perfect example.

The beauty of these classic designs is that while they’ve maintained these traditional facets, they have been given a modern, contemporary twist, to ensure they can fit seamlessly into a contemporary environment.

Here are our 3 tips for choosing a classic sofa!

1.    Classic Sofa Styles

The word ‘traditional’ may lead you to think you’re limited to a two or three-seater sofa but as long as your sofa incorporates some of the classic features mentioned above, it opens the door to numerous different styles.

From deep seater sofas to modern corner sofas such as the Barnes Leather Range and designer sofa beds such as, the Canterbury, there is a fantastic range available, in several different materials including leather, fabric and velvet.

2.    Sofa Design

If you decide a classic sofa is for you, there are several different designs which immediately come to the forefront.

A truly iconic piece of furniture, no other sofa has stood the test of time as well as The Chesterfield. This British design classic, which is renowned for its luxury leather, deep buttoning, low back and high arms, has been in play since the 1800s and its star shows no sign of abating.

A Victorian sofa is recognised by its ornate carvings, rolling arms, dark woods and luxurious fabrics. The Victorian era heralded a real change in chair design, embracing a more feminine, delicate style, which is still present in Victorian sofas today.

Refined and stylish, the Camelback sofa is as popular today as it was from the 18th to the mid-19th century. Known for its graceful arched back that rises to a higher point in the middle, it usually has rolled arms and an exposed wooden frame. Perfect for those looking to add a touch of elegance to their space.

3.    Living Space  

A classic sofa can be a real showstopper and is often the focal point of your living space.

When choosing either a fabric or leather Chesterfield sofa, it opens a wealth of design possibilities, such a mid-century modern interior, an industrial look or even a gentleman’s club style.

A Victorian sofa works beautifully in a more traditionally styled environment – if you choose a more opulent patterned textile for your sofa, then think plain surrounds.

Don’t be afraid to mix modern with classic though, as the right blend can be a winning combination.

Given its upright back, which is ideal for those who like to sit up straight, a Camelback sofa works best in a more formal environment, or in a more contemporary styled room, it would be a great addition to a minimalistic theme.

Classic sofas have been around for a long time and if you choose one for your living room, you can be safe in the knowledge that it won’t go out of fashion any time soon.