Are you thinking about buying a new couch or replacing your existing one? The couch is undoubtedly one of the most important pieces of furniture in any home. It is the place where we relax, read, enjoy family time, entertain visitors, watch TV and even doze off occasionally, so it only makes sense to take your time in getting the best one for your needs.
Apart from being trendy and comfortable, couches need to be durable. Given the wide variety of functions they are required to fulfill for the whole family, it is important that the coach you choose is sturdy and long-lasting.
But before you buy a couch, there are several other complementary pieces you are going to have to invest in. The couch is often the focal point of a living room and everything else must complement it. Therefore, we have compiled a list of five items you will have to buy before buying a couch:
- Wall Paint or Wallpaper
Wall color is at the heart of any color scheme you decide to pick for your living room and hence, it is important to decide on it first before you go on to purchase the furniture. Your furniture needs to complement the wall color, instead of getting camouflaged into it.
If there is not enough natural light in your living room, make sure to go for a lighter shade for the walls to brighten up the room. This doesn’t mean you should just go for white; there are plenty of other options out there. A light shade of gray is neutral and works well in any space – you can opt for a navy blue couch or an off-white one to match. Pink makes another great choice; it is calm and relaxing and complements blue and green furniture.
- Lights
Lights do not just illuminate the room, but also affect its overall ambiance. They have the power to make your living room look so much trendier if selected wisely. Centralized lights are the main source of light in a room and ceiling lights do that for us. In most living rooms, there has to be one major light fixture in the center that acts as the main source of light and then additional lights to brighten up other spaces or objects in the room.
Table lamps and floor lamps make beautiful decorative pieces. You can place them in the corner next to your couch for a warm, cozy feel while you relax in your lounge. Accent lights in the ceiling or shelves are another great way to highlights certain areas of your living room.
- Tables
Many of us like to place end tables next to the couch, which works great for large living rooms as it fills up space. However, it’s not always the best idea if you have limited space. The interior of your house needs space to breath and overloading it with unnecessary items will only make it look small and cramped.
If you are looking for something different, consider placing a wooden block table behind your couch and placing frames, souvenirs, and other decorative items on it. It instantly makes your living room look elegant and chic if done right. Moreover, if you don’t want your couch to be placed directly against the wall, slender wall-running sofa tables are a useful option to consider.
- Carpet or Rug
Carpet or rug designs are so versatile that you can easily find one that matches your couch and the overall look of your living room. Size, color, style, and comfort should be your main considerations when buying a carpet or rug.
Since the main rug is usually placed in front of the couch in the center of the living room, it is important to go for the right size to make your living room look neat and organized. As a general rule, there should be 5-10 inches of bare space along all sides of the rug.
If your living room has a lot going on already in terms of color and pattern, a solid, neutral-colored rug is the best choice in bringing everything together. However, if you have minimalistic walls and furniture, a vibrant patterned rug can be an effective way to brighten things up.
- Frames And Decorative Items
No matter how amazing your couch and furniture is if the walls are empty your living room will look incomplete. The wall behind any couch is likely to get significant attention from visitors so it is important to decorate it.
A large oversized mirror is an option that fills up space and makes your room appear bigger and brighter. Alternatively, a group of paintings or picture frames of the same size or different sizes will also make the wall visually attractive. If you are looking for something traditional, an oversized clock display is a timeless decoration option.
Additional Items To Buy
- Floor cushions: Floor cushions are not just accessories for your living room; they can be used as a seating option when you have many people in the house. Decorative pillows with different patterns also make your space feel cozy.
- Chairs and footstools: Placing chairs and footstools alongside the couch looks lovely and makes very practical additions to the house.
- Books: You can fix a bookshelf or just buy a stack of books and place them on the center table. Magazines are also a trendy addition to your living space.
Conclusion
The couch is the centerpiece of any living room so it is important to ensure the size, design, color, and fabric will meet your requirements and complement the other items in the living room. Make sure to think about the other elements of your living room before you make the purchase to avoid any regrets later on. Good luck!
