A Guide to the Modern Sofa

When we moved in, buying a sofa was a big deal.  Like a “the-only-chair-we-own-is-the-floor” big deal.  But being the analytical person I am, I researched and compared the heck out of all the couches before making a decision.  Sure, it took some time, and we may have spent months watching TV from lawn chairs, but the wait was worth it. And we did find some great options along the way!

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We scoured online stores, local shops, and big box retailers on a mission.

Our sofa had to be:

  • stylish (a couch can be sexy, right?)
  • durable (we are basically professional loungers)
  • comfortable (husband’s priority)
  • affordable (we are young and just bought a house – you get the picture)
  • neutral (we can’t buy a new couch every time I change my mind on pillows/rug/etc. – I can’t help myself)

There were A LOT of contenders, and after our couch purchase, we were left with a long list of great modern sofas that would have been equally as awesome in our space.  So instead of letting our leg work go to waste, I want to share our top modern, neutral sofa picks with you fine people!

Top 5 Modern Sofa Picks at Left & Level

 

Sources:

1 | West Elm – Crosby Sectional ($1,998)

2 | Interior Define – Ainsley Sofa ($2,300)

3 | Crate and Barrel – Gia Sofa ($1,999)

4 | West Elm – Monroe Mid-Century Sectional($1,609 0n sale!)

 5 | Urban Outfitters – Atomic Sofa ($1,398)

And our final choice?  We wandered into a local BoConcept store where we spotted this pretty little thing, the Osaka sofa.  It was sleek, mid-century, and small enough to fit our space.  The husband liked the comfort, and I loved the structured cushions that looked worthy of holding their shape through many movie nights and afternoon naps.

The best part?  We got nerdy with the store owner and virtually built our sectional – choosing the exact measurements, arm style, leg finish and height, and fabric from the giant wall-o-swatches that I could physically touch.  The nice part of this process was seeing and feeling the sofa in person.  There are so many online options out there that I’m sure are terrific, but when the penny pinching is extra tight, we are a little hesitant to pull the trigger on such a big purchase without seeing and feeling it in person.

Let's Talk Sofa: See a list of the best sofas we found for our living room renovation!

Overall, we are extremely happy with our decision.   The sofa is still very comfortable, holds it’s shape, and the fabric looks polished and sophisticated.  I love the modern juxtaposition with the rest of our eclectic decor.

What I wish I had known before purchasing our sofa?  When sitting down, the couch wobbles a bit due to the mid-century pencil legs (which may be normal for this style of furniture?).  I also wish the legs had a more natural/dark wood stain, but it’s not a deal breaker.  The chaise attachment was agreed to without question, but now I’m realizing it may throw off the balance of the room when we bring in a coffee table, and the chaise is quickly becoming the favorite seat in the house which means more wear and tear and eventually a sunken “pit of despair” in one corner.

But at the end of the day, I feel that (maybe with bias) we chose the best sofa in the land, and it’s a comforting, stylish place to plant our behinds after a long, hard day of work.  Top 5 Modern Sofa Picks @ Left & Level

What do you look for in a sofa?  I’d love to hear!

6 Comments

  1. Reply

    Venetia

    10.14.2016

    Hi – do like your rug ! Where from please ? 🙂

    • Reply

      K

      10.16.2016

      Hi Venetia! I’m so glad you like it – our rug is from Loloi Rugs. Thanks for stopping by!

  2. Reply

    kim-in-the-cove

    12.02.2016

    I think you did great! Found your blog today via Instagram — love love love your style!!!

    • Reply

      K

      12.04.2016

      Aw thank you so much, Kim!! I’m so glad you stopped by! ❤️

  3. Reply

    J

    01.10.2017

    I just bought those pillows for our grey couch! Looks great. Also, were did you purchase your natural blinds? I’ve been searching for a light wood tone and have had issues finding something that looks right. Your’s may just do the trick Thank you!

    • Reply

      K

      01.10.2017

      Hi J! Whoop! I’m so glad you found the pillows! Our shades are from blinds.com. They were custom made to our window dimensions, and I was able to order a ton of swatches before making a decision which was great. Hope that helps! -K

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Hi, I'm Kelsey - Sharing design inspiration and renovation projects as we make our house into a home we love

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