Sofa Inspiration | The Oak Furniture Land Blog - Style and Inspiration for your Home Style and Inspiration Thu, 24 Jul 2025 09:02:44 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://www.oakfurnitureland.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/cropped-OFL_Leaf_Stem_RGB_Green-32x32.png Sofa Inspiration | The Oak Furniture Land Blog - Style and Inspiration for your Home 32 32 What’s the difference between a loveseat and a sofa? https://www.oakfurnitureland.co.uk/blog/general/whats-difference-sofa-loveseat/ Tue, 11 Feb 2025 11:00:33 +0000 https://www.oakfurnitureland.co.uk/blog/?p=16459 Whether you’re a sofa snuggler, a loveseat lounger, a couch potato, or a settee surfer, there’s nothing like sitting back, relaxing and putting your feet up at the end of…

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Whether you’re a sofa snuggler, a loveseat lounger, a couch potato, or a settee surfer, there’s nothing like sitting back, relaxing and putting your feet up at the end of a long day. We’ve gathered some handy hints to help you learn how to tell your sofa from your loveseat.

Discover the similarities

Evie loveseat

When it comes to living room seating, all our sizes feature the same high-quality details. We use hardwood in the frame and feet to provide a solid foundation for our sofas and loveseats.

We offer styles to suit any home, all made from durable and cosy fabrics or quality leather. Many of our loveseats and sofas also include scatter cushions for added style and comfort.

So, what’s the difference?

Cream Oak Furnitureland sofa close up of the corner featuring a mustard scatter cushion and a houseplant in the background.

Malvern sofa | @pretty_poplar

The only technical difference between a sofa and a loveseat is the size. Both a 2 seater sofa and a loveseat are designed for two people but are proportioned slightly differently. Loveseats tend to be smaller, with ours ranging from 117cm to 162cm in width, while our 2-seater sofas start from 155cm for our most compact styles and go up to 195cm. The best way to choose between them is to look at the measurements of your room and select the size that works best.

Styling your furniture

Dewsbury loveseat | Burleigh side table | Burleigh sideboard

While offering space for two people to curl up together, loveseats also make an ideal cosy spot for one. Add tactile throws and textured cushions to maximise the comfort factor.

Place yours in the corner of a room to create a spacious reading nook, and pair it with a nest of tables or a side table as a handy perch for drinks and snacks.

Thornley 2 seater sofa | Thornley footstool | Durham nest of tables | Durham tallboy | Clouds metallic rug

Our 2 seater sofas are ideal for smaller multipurpose spaces such as playrooms, kitchen diners, or home offices. Alternatively, pair your sofa with a coordinating piece from the same range to create a complete living room suite.

Discover our complete range of loveseats and browse our selection of sofas to find the perfect fit for your home, whatever your needs, budget, or taste. We’d love to see how you style your sofas and loveseats. Tag us at #OakFurnitureland #GrowYourHome on Instagram to share your latest photos.

Lead image credit: @barn_owls_and_butterflies

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How to choose the right colours to pair with your sofa https://www.oakfurnitureland.co.uk/blog/general/how-to-choose-the-right-colours-to-pair-with-your-sofa/ Fri, 16 Apr 2021 11:03:22 +0000 https://www.oakfurnitureland.co.uk/blog/?p=21874 Greys, browns, blues, whites… There’s myriad sofa colours on the market, but what is the best colour sofa to buy? When it comes to your living room, your sofa is…

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Greys, browns, blues, whites… There’s myriad sofa colours on the market, but what is the best colour sofa to buy? When it comes to your living room, your sofa is often the focal piece of furniture and the rest of the room’s design tends to reflect this is based around in some form, be it the sofa’s physical shape or the shade of its upholstery. Do you want your sofa to blend in beautifully with its surroundings or act as a statement piece? We’ve run down the best colour options to help you make your mind up.

What colours go with a brown leather sofa?

If you’re looking for the best colours to pair with a brown leather sofa, then you’ll want to opt for an earth tone colour palette. Brown has a reputation for being a dull, monochromatic colour, but we couldn’t disagree more! There’s such a rich selection of brown shades: tan, honey, chocolate, the list goes on.

Here are the brown leather sofa colour schemes we’re loving at the moment:

  • Beckon in the sunshine with sand-inspired whites and yellows
  • Go for the urban feel with modern blacks and off-whites
  • Add feeling with textural browns, think exposed brick and natural or rustic oak furniture
  • Soak up earthy terracotta and/or deep fuchsia to add an understated warmth

Need a bit more inspiration? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at our brown leather sofa guide.

Oak Furnitureland brown leather Turin armchair in a green room.

Turin armchair | Romsey console table

If you love earthy hues and Mediterranean-inspired shades, we think you’ll love our Turin sofa range. The round shape of the cushions and armrests beckon relaxation, while the brown leather complements warm colour palettes, demonstrating just how vibrant a sofa of its kind can be in the right living room.

Dexter Brown fabric sofa
Dexter 2-seater sofaDexter storage footstoolOriginal Rustic console table

If maybe you’d love a brown sofa but leather isn’t your thing, then these shades will also pair well with a fabric version. Take inspiration from our Dexter range of sofas that exhibit traditional design features, which makes any of these pieces perfect for classic living room interiors – think modern manor house with layers of neutral blues and greys. As brown is such a touchstone of colour when it comes to room design, with Dexter, the devil is in the details such as the button stitching, tartan accenting and ornate, hardwood feet.

What colours go with a grey sofa?

Want to know the best colours to pair with a grey sofa? Then you’re in luck! We struggled to find any colours that don’t go with a grey sofa. That’s because grey living room colour schemes are oh-so on-trend thanks to their versatility and elegance.

But here are the ones that make our favourites list:

  • Prettify your interiors with pastels such as lilacs, baby blues, soft pinks
  • Citric colours, like lime, tangerine, lemon, will add a zest of life
  • Blacks and off-whites carry on the neutral theme
  • Get inspired by natural eco-systems, like the jungle or seaside

Texas grey fabric corner sofa
Texas left-hand corner sofa

The silver fabric upholstery of our Texas sofas has an ever-so-slight violet tinge which gives it a super soft edge. Our painted furniture ranges would be ideal with a Texas sofa, as would modern-retro style collections like Romsey with its sunny natural oak disposition.

Zociac leather corner sofa

Zodiac 5-seater modular corner sofa

On the other hand, slate grey is having its time in the spotlight, so you may be tempted by the contemporary cool of our modular Zodiac sofas. Ideal for large living rooms with loads of natural light, pair with jewel tones like jade or opal to inject some rich pops of colour that will complement the sleek upholstery.

Bramble grey floral sofa

Bramble 2-seater sofa

See, we told you grey was versatile! Make a loud and proud statement with a printed grey fabric, like you’ll find here in our Bramble sofa. As we value the individuality of every home, Bramble comes in a variety of plain and patterned body fabrics as well as 10 different colour combinations. Patterned greys are a really great option for a neutral living room that doesn’t want to stick to monochromatic or grayscale shades.

What colours go with a black sofa?

If you’re opting for a black sofa in your living room colour scheme, much like with dark grey, we would recommend black is paired with either light colours across the walls and floors, or with lots of natural lighting so your room feels less shadowy (unless the gothic look is what you’re striving for!).

There are a few palette options available to help bring out the best in a black sofa:

  • Block-like monochrome, especially when it’s art deco-inspired
  • Keep it understated and add soft tones like ivory, pastel blue or light matte grey
  • Add splashes of amber and daring reds for a bold contrast
  • Choosing gold/ metallic accenting or mustard hues will add warmth
  • Adding inky navy tones will create an eclectic feel

What colours go with a blue sofa?

Blue is the statement, characterful colour choice. Whether you’re opting for a cooling powder blue, blue and white stripes or an electric pop of velvet blue, this colour will always make an impact. But it’s how you style it that will determine how bold you want your statement to be.

Whether you go for luxurious blue walls and floors, or white and wood to soften your blue sofa, there are lots of different design schemes that makes a blue sofa a winning choice, some you might be surprised at:

  • Seaglass shades to add an element of serenity and interest
  • Burnt orange feels like an opposing colour, but it’s actually a show-stopping combo!
  • Retro beach colours (think whites, reds and sandy yellows) are a friendly, welcoming interior scheme
  • Metallic hues, particularly silver, copper or brass, add edge and depth

Oak Furnitureland blue velvet Montgomery sofa and armchair in living room with green walls.
Montgomery 2-seater sofa and armchair | @rachelducker

If opulence tickles your fancy, you’ll be sure to fall in love with the sumptuous style, shape and touch of our Montgomery sofa range. Designed to pay homage to the iconic Chesterfield style, the velvet upholstery is a contemporary twisteffect that makes room for Montgomery in the modern living room.

What colours go with a beige sofa?

Your living room doesn’t always have to be bold to be beautiful, nor does beige need to be boring. A neutral beige sofa fabric can span the shades of taupe, grey and cream and is truly chameleonic when it comes to home design, but remains attractive without shouting look at me!

Here are some beige sofa colour scheme ideas:

  • Cottagecore, florals, forest greens, natural and rustic oak, is one of the biggest interior design trends at the moment
  • Scandi neutrals are a cool, contemporary look
  • Incorporating stone adds contrast
  • Prints and patterns such as peacock or polka dots allow you to express your personality

Malvern Modular beige two seater sofa
Malvern modular 2-seater sofa

Our Malvern modular sofa range is effortless, it’s lovely and laid-back thanks to its trendy shape and boho-inspired upholstery. With a crisp sofa like Malvern, you can tactfully embrace splashes of colour while maintaining a truly palliative tranquil ambience that will never go out of style.

Can you mix sofa colors?

We certainly advocate mixing sofa colours because sofas are a long-term investment. If you love shaking up your home style, your sofa needs to be flexible and versatile as you swap out new prints, pillows and throws each season. Mixing and matching sofas with accent chairs and armchairs is also a fantastic way to express yourself and your eclectic tastes. Shop our full range of sofas online today.sofa

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How do I choose a sofa for my living room? https://www.oakfurnitureland.co.uk/blog/general/how-do-i-choose-a-sofa-for-my-living-room/ Tue, 16 Feb 2021 15:00:42 +0000 https://www.oakfurnitureland.co.uk/blog/?p=21770 Buying a sofa can be a big investment and is often the statement piece for your living room. You want to find something that is comfortable enough for lounging and…

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Buying a sofa can be a big investment and is often the statement piece for your living room. You want to find something that is comfortable enough for lounging and reading, yet maybe also big enough to entertain family and friends. That’s why getting it right is worth a little extra time and research to find the perfect one.

When selecting a sofa, there are a number of things to consider: the size, shape, style and colour will all factor into your decision. All the choices can seem overwhelming, but we’ve put together the following expert advice to make it easier for you to curl up in comfort.

  • Measuring up your space
  • Ensuring ultimate comfort and quality
  • Selecting your sofa style
  • Mixing and matching with your living room furniture

Measuring up your space

Brighton corner sofa, trend accent chair, bridnle side table, brindle large sideboard in large blue living room

Brighton corner sofaBrindle side tableBrindle large sideboard

The size and scale of your room should be what motivates your choice. For example, do you have enough space for a sprawling corner sofa or would a loveseat and footstool work better? Don’t forget to consider the architectural layout of your home, such as bends, windowsill height and any declining ceilings.

How do I choose a sofa size?

  1. Before you even begin to browse the market, decide the appropriate place for your sofa to live and measure this space carefully. Having a ready set of dimensions means you can choose a sofa length, depth and height that is fit for purpose.
  2. Think about the other furniture that’s already in your living room or that you plan to put there during the redesign process. As well as being able to move around the room, you’ll also need to be able to open sideboard drawers, access the bookcase or manoeuvre around other pieces of furniture or accessories in the space. Measuring up your living space can be a bit tricky, so head over to our sofa sizing guide for more detail or alternatively, for general living room measurement guidance, we’ve highlighted key things to consider here.
  3. A really important measurement that some people can overlook is the doorway height and width. Can you even fit your sofa through the hallway? The diagonal depth of your sofa will help you work out if your sofa will fit through the door. You can turn yours on its side or twist it into the doorway, else split sofas can make delivery easier.

For more on sofa shapes, see our guides to corner sofas and sofas and loveseats.

Ensuring ultimate comfort and quality

Jensen sofa | @hollypmcgowan

It should be a given that relaxation is optimised by quality and comfort. Not only do you want a beloved space to cosy up in the evening, but you want the furniture you invest in to stand the test of time, taking everything that life – especially in a busy family – throws at it.

How can you tell if a sofa is good quality?

  1. Make sure to check the frame and joinery
    Cheaper frames tend to be made from plastic, metal or pine which can warp after a few years, meaning your sofa will become worn and old much quicker than you might hope.
    If the frame wobbles or twists when you move it from side to side, or it seems lighter than expected, it’s unlikely to be made from a durable hardwood frame such. Alternatively if you’re unable to go into store, check the item description for details about the materials.
    At Oak Furnitureland, all our sofa frames are made from hardwood, so that you can love it for years to come.
  2. Check the sofa seat construction
    When shopping, ask the experts about seat construction. Rather than using fabric webbing that can stretch and sag, look for seat cushions that are supported by heavy gauge serpentine springs. Supporting seat cushions in this way will help with shape retention and overall comfort.
  3. Check the quality of the fabric
    With laid-back lounging, you shouldn’t have to worry that putting your feet up will damage your sofa. Choosing genuine leather upholstery or a high quality fabric will mean your sofa looks as good as it feels, day after day.
  4. Types of sofa fillings
    The best type of sofa filling depends on preference and aesthetic. Most sofas are made from either foam, feather, fibre or are a mixture of fillings.
    Foam provides firm support and keeps its shape for longer and if you have some mobility issues, you might find a foam sofa easier to get up from.
    If you’re after that ‘sink in’ feeling, then fibre might be your preferred option. It can require a bit more upkeep to keep the fibre preserved but will certainly be nice and comfy. Plus if you have certain allergies or sensitivities, this might be a good option.Feather filled is by far the softest option as it moulds to your shape and creates an incredibly plush and relaxing sofa experience. Much like fibre, feather requires regular plumping and some may find a predominantly feather sofa doesn’t provide enough support. Often you’ll find a combination of foam and fibre filling as it provides support from the foam but give a layer of softness from the fibre too.

Selecting your sofa style

Grey sofa with yellow throw and patterned cushions

Jensen 2-seater sofaHove nest of tables | @laurie-homeandgarden

You may be drawn to clean lines and its associated schools of design (Scandi or mid-century, for example), or you have a desire to sink back into a more traditional high-back sofa. Else, the needs of your home might require a versatile, modular pillow-back. While personal taste is, of course, a key factor in your decision making, don’t forget to consider your practical needs and lifestyle choices.

So, what should you think about when choosing your sofa’s style?

1. Choosing a sofa for your sizing needs

Brighton corner sofa in a neutral living room.

Brighton corner sofa | @lockdown_lifestyle

In cosier living rooms, you don’t want your sofa to swallow up your living space. At the same time, you don’t want to sacrifice style either – even if it’s just you and your partner enjoying a movie night, or you have a friend round for a glass of wine. All our sofa ranges come in a variety of sizes so if you’ve fallen in love with a particular three or four seater sofa but don’t have the room or need for it, there’s always a space-saving 2-seater sofa available for those who seek a more compact size.

Choosing a sofa for a family home? Accounting for the number of people in your household, as well as friends and extended members of the family who come to visit is particularly important. For a more customisable look, opt for sofa sets offering space for the whole family. If you love hosting and socialising, then a corner sofa could be for you. At Oak Furnitureland, we understand that every home is different and has its own unique requirements, which is why we also offer modular sofas so that you have the opportunity to personalise one of your home’s most important pieces of furniture.

2. Picking a sofa for your functional needs

When it comes to picking out your sofa, you’ll need to think about the most appropriate upholstery for your lifestyle needs. Whether you’re a parent who is forever mopping up spills, or you like to put your feet up at the end of the day, durable leather that can be easily cleaned may be for you. Quality fabric sofas may offer an alternative, particularly if you’re looking for something a bit more resistant to pets and their tendency to scratch upholstery!

For the host with the most, a sofa with dual-functionality – either in the living room or another location in the home such as the bedroom, spare room or office – may be your best choice. Traditionally an unstylish piece of furniture, our sofa beds are designed in-line with our bestselling sofa ranges, so never look out-of-place in your interior design scheme. They’re also equally designed with comfort in mind, providing a great night’s sleep for guests when they come to stay.

3. Selecting a shape for your style

Yellow sofa and grey armchair with colourful cushions

Evie 2-seater sofaEvie loveseat | @our_self_build_ni

If you lack the floorspace for a corner sofa or you wish to create a cohesive look without using just one sofa, a sofa set could be a brilliant option for your home. There are plenty of ways to mix and match living room seating such as by using different pieces from different ranges or different coloured fabric from the same range. Else, create a fully put together look with a selection of matching sofas and armchairs from the same collection. The possibilities are seemingly endless!

Beige sofa and footstool with grey cushions and throws
Gainsborough 3-seater sofa | @19_insidegemshouse

Stretching out head-to-toe on a corner sofa is an ultra-comfy option, but sometimes you want a little bit of help to put your feet up. For this, we have two options. The first is the ever-popular recliner sofa. Our electric recliners use the highest quality steel mechanisms and motors. Their space saving design, means the sofas and chairs can be used close to a wall with only a marginal gap needed for clearance. We also have a manual operation for layouts that aren’t close to a power socket.

Alternatively, your personal taste may sway more towards a stylish footstool to be a part of your sofa set. An ultra comfy place to kick back, many of our footstools also contain secret storage compartments to help you organise your space. Who doesn’t love a smart storage option!

Mixing and matching with your living room furniture

Selecting a sofa is a major life decision and you want it to look beautiful in the context of your home design. If you prefer subtle interiors, you may want to opt towards a neutrally coloured upholstery and furniture that matches – for example, grey fabric and a selection of pieces from one of our painted furniture ranges.

As the sofa is the centrepiece you might, however, want to make more of a splash. Statement-making options include richly coloured upholstery, printed geometrics in the soft furnishings and accessorising with accent chairs. Pairing your sofa with bold furniture from painted, hardwood or metal ranges is perfect for creating an on-trend contrast.

Ready to pick out your new sofa? Browse our wide range of sofas now to find the perfect fit for your home. And don’t forget to show us your new looks over on Instagram using #OakFurnitureland.

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