Trying to figure out which is the best colour for a sofa can be challenging.

Each new year introduces a different colour trend, making it hard to decide on a shade that will stand the test of time.

Whilst neutrals are always a safe bet, don’t be afraid to play with bold hues by following a few simple rules. This guide will help you decide on a palette and give you tips on how to style it like a pro.

1. Different colours and their meanings

A room’s colour scheme has the ability to impact our emotions and state of mind. As such, understanding what mood different shades convey is imperative to your sofa selection.

Grey
One of the most common sofa colours, grey is a timeless and versatile colour, making it a great foundation for almost any space. In interior design, grey is often used to create an attractive and contemporary feel.

Blue
With a calming and pleasing tone, a blue sofa like the Monterey Savona Midnight Blue Velvet Sofa blends gracefully into its surroundings which is why it functions almost exactly like a neutral colour.

Beige
It’s impossible to make beige look bad. This colour brings warmth to a room and is guaranteed to make any space look inviting and respectable.

White
It doesn’t get more neutral than white. A white sofa brings a fancy, ritzy element to a living room. You can class up a space with white, and best of all, it will blend in with most palettes.

Green
Green is a relaxing colour and it has become a popular choice because it is bold without being offensive. It has more depth and personality than the other bright colours allowing you to make a strong statement in a living room.

2. How to choose the right colour for your sofa

The first step to picking a sofa colour is to decide whether you want the sofa to take on an accent role, or blend in with your living room décor.

Secondly, you will need to choose between a light or dark shade. If you have a small room, a light hue or a colour that matches the wall paint will make your space feel bigger.

You should also consider your flooring. A dark sofa on a dark floor will disappear into the room. In such a case, you could add metallic legs to create visual space between the sofa and the floor.

Most people don't want to match their sofa to their wall colour as the room will appear bland. Choosing a bold hue will draw attention, so if that's not your intention, a neutral shade will work best.

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3. Colours to avoid when choosing a sofa

Any colour can look stunning if it is complimented with the right textures and shades. Avoid colours that do not speak to your personality and those that you are uncomfortable working with.

A colour that does not fit into your current lifestyle is a bad choice. Choosing a sofa in a rich dark shade when you have white pets will unforgivingly show off your pet hair. Similarly, a neutral fabric will not stand well against stains and spills that often occur in a busy home with children.

You also want to stay away from colours that go against your style statement. If you have created a calm atmosphere in your living room, the sudden appearance of a bright sofa would be amiss. The same goes for bringing white seating to an otherwise eclectic colourful space.

Particularly important for compact homes, avoid colours that will shrink your space further. A dark sofa will fill out the room, so it is best to gravitate towards lighter shades to open up the space.

If you are planning on buying a sofa that introduces contrast to your living room, we recommend looking at the colour wheel and picking shades at opposite ends to your current décor.

4. Tips for decorating with coloured sofas

Apart from a discerning eye, decorating with coloured sofas involves knowing which palette to choose and the right decorative pieces to surround it with, to bring the entire picture together.

The easiest way to complement your sofa is to counterbalance the bold colour with neutrals. White walls will allow for the eye to move back and forth in the room. It also creates great contrast, allowing you room to add interesting decorative elements.

To tie your sofa into the rest of the space, shop for accessories that are in a palette that goes with it. A rug, cushions or throws in interesting patterns and textures will balance out the room perfectly.

Lastly, don’t rush the process. Play around with arrangements until you find the one that lets your personality shine through. Time allows us to see things through different lenses.

5. Examples of different colour combinations for sofas

With over 35 years of selling sofas and designing luxury interiors in the UK, we recommend these colour combinations for a well-matched colour palette. 

• Blue sofa - shades of White, Green, Yellow and even lighter shades of Blue, as seen with the Reflex Sofa by Silvano Luxury.
• Red sofa - Black, White, Cream, Brown and other lighter tones like Baby Pink, Pale Yellow.
• Yellow sofa - Dark Blue, Lemon-Yellow, Turquoise or Grey.
• White sofa - neutrals will create a peaceful environment full of positivity. For a more energetic room, pair it with darker colours, like Maroon and Teal.
• Grey - pair a warm grey with colours like Mustard Yellow, Blush Pink, Coral, or Gold. For a cooler shade of grey, look to hues such as Teal, Navy Blue, Mint or Hunter Green.
• Green - White, Beige, Tan and Grey. If you prefer a more colourful look, choose a cool-toned shade like Blue or another variation of Green.

In Conclusion

Ready to pick the right colour for your sofa? Browse our wide range of sofas with a style to suit every taste.

If you are undecided on the design you want, our expert team can offer advice to help you find the perfect piece for your home.

Let our catalogue inspire you then head to our showroom to see our furniture in person. Get in touch today to find out more about our customisation options and about purchasing a sofa from our excellent collection.