Living Room Sets Buying Guide

The living room is an essential space in the rhythm and flow of a home. It can serve many functions, from play to reading to gathering with family and friends or resting at the end of a long day. Your style and lifestyle define the way you use the space and your specific needs for the type of furniture you fill it with. So, before shopping for a living room set, you want to examine the style of your home and the personality of those using the space, your lifestyle, and budget.

A living room set is usually sold in 3 to 4 pieces: a sofa, loveseat, an armchair and sometimes an ottoman.. There are also 5 piece living room sets sold that include a coffee table and end table that complement the sofas and chair. This takes the guesswork out of finding the right accessories, but in turn, takes some of the fun and creativity out of the selection. Depending on your budget, buying a 5 piece set might save you money in the long run.

In addition to deciding on the right style for your home, there are choices to make about the construction of the sofa itself. For example, do you want two or three cushions for the seating and do you want the back cushions attached or loose? Loose pillows and throw pillows offer more flexibility in the design and utility of the sofa. Loose pillows are nice in a casual setting where they might be used on the floor. Even the filling of the cushions can make a difference—most often they are filled with upholstery foam, but some higher-end sets are filled with down. The down pillows are high maintenance and probably not the right choice for a high traffic area. The style of the arm might be rolled—a more traditional look, or flat and straight—usually seen in modern design. The legs of a sofa are either skirted or open. Skirted legs offer a more casual or traditional look, while open legs are modern or formal.

The construction of the sofa frame is a key factor especially if your goal is to have the living room set last for a long time. If your budget is tight and you don't mind replacing the set in a few years, then lower-quality construction might be the route you choose. But remember that the frame construction affects the overall comfort of the sofa. Kiln-dried hardwoods offer the sturdiest build, while soft pine is less dependable. The way in which pieces are joined together is also important. Tightly screwed pieces are the best, while stapled ones are less secure.

Traditional

A traditional room is conservative in its lines and is filled with warm and inviting colors. A classic choice, the style will stand the test of time. Straight lines, soft curves, and comfortable cushions are used to describe traditional furniture. Some pieces may be oversized and the details are simple. Textured fabric in neutral colors is used and punches of color and interest are seen in the accessories; like floral or striped pillows. Natural materials like wood and stone highlight the design and finish off the space.

Modern

Dating back to the 1930’s modern design has held its own and will continue to be a mainstay in many homes. Like a traditional space, modern style is filled with neutral tones. Modern design relies on the shape of the furniture and accessories to carry the style. Geometric and angular, the clean lines of the furniture define the look. Bright, fun colors are added with pillows, throws, and art—all with asymmetric lines. Polished chrome, concrete floors, and stainless appliances are finishes found in modern spaces.

Casual

An old family quilt or an antique chest are the type of accessories seen in a casual living space. Furniture is large and comfortable with easily maintained fabrics or slipcovers. The lines are horizontal or slightly asymmetric and nothing is too polished or perfect. Both light and dark tones are found in solids and patterns. Solids offer a more conventional casual look, while a plaid lends itself to a casual cottage style. A casual home can truly showcase its personality with family photos, child art, and memorabilia.

Formal

A formal living room can be just as comfortable and inviting as a casual one, but it’s presented with a bit more elegance. Formal spaces are sometimes filled with expensive antiques, but using reproductions can help keep the cost down. Carved, rich-toned woods and textured fabric with attractive details will define the sofa and its accessories. Lines are symmetric and the living room set is often centered on an architectural focal point like a fireplace. Exquisite rugs, brass fixtures, and chandeliers are a few of the details that complete a formal living space.

A family of four and a single individual or couple all use their living rooms in different ways. If the living room is used for entertaining and quiet gatherings, a comfortable, but formal set is nice. A fine leather, chenille or baroque fabric will add that extra touch and flair for this type of use. If your children are building forts, drinking juice, and being a normally active family, a microfiber fabric that is water and stain proof is a great choice. In regard to the lifespan of the set, you can look at it two different ways--you can buy in the lower price range knowing you won't have the set for a long time, or you can step up to a higher range for high-quality construction that can take the hard use.

Another consideration is the size of the space. There are oversized, full-sized, and mid-sized sofas. Casual and traditional are often on a larger scale than modern and formal, but regardless; if the pieces are too large for the space, you’ll end up with an overcrowded and unmanageable living area. Make sure you take measurements of the space where the living room set will be and select appropriate sizes based upon those dimensions.

You can spend $1000 to over $5000 on a living room set. The price can be based on the fabric and quality of the construction or it can depend on the number of pieces in the set. Having an idea of what your budget is beforehand is extremely important; with all the choices you have, knowing your price limits will help keep you focused.

You can find a great living room set in the $1000 - $2500 price range. The styles tend to be more casual or traditional and the construction a lower quality. Be sure to review what’s important to look for in construction prior to buying. If you like to change styles often or you have an active family that will be rough with the furniture, this price range may be perfect for frequent turnaround.

Buying a set in the $2500 - $5000 price range is either going to result in better quality or it will include additional pieces like a coffee table and end table. There are fabulous traditional, modern, casual, and formal sets in this price range. It’s really a matter of style and lifestyle that will determine what you choose.

If you’re buying in the $5000 plus price range, you are interested in high-quality construction with a design and style that has longevity. You will find living room sets in a whole range of styles and fabrics. Like the Antoinette Collection in a warm mocha brown chenille—the ornate and rich wood making it perfect for a formal space. Or the Corbu set which has three sensational leather pieces perfect for any modern space.

Belamar
Hayden
Match