Choosing the Best Colour for Your Sofa

For those of us with a creative streak, deciding on the best colour for a new recliner chair or sofa can be the most enjoyable part of the process. If it coincides with a move or redecorating project, you can choose a statement colour and style the rest of the room around it – but most likely, it will have to be chosen with the existing decor and furniture in mind.

While it can be fun to look at current trends and what colours are most popular for sofas, you should also consider what you like and don’t like, as your preferences probably won’t change as much or as often as the fashions. A good chair or sofa should last a long time, so make sure you choose a colour or pattern that isn’t going to look tired or dated in a few years’ time.

Matching your existing room

The first thing to decide is whether or not you want your new piece to blend into the existing style of the room. Matching your chair or sofa to the floor or wall colour can make the room look larger, or if it’s already a large room then a slightly lighter shade can add structure.

You may prefer to match the colour with the existing furniture to balance the room – however, with this option you should look at a different hue rather than an exact match, as it is very difficult to find an exact shade match by different manufacturers.

Choosing a statement piece

If you want the piece to stand out, then it’s even more important to consider what colours are already there. If you have hints of colour around the room such as in your wallpaper, rug or lamp shade, you could pick up on one of these for your chair. If the room is fairly neutral then it’s safer to mix up your furniture, so try experimenting with complementary colours.

Another way to stand out is with a pattern, which can really transform a room in need of a colourful pick-me-up. A floral design will look timeless in a cottage-style room, while an eye-catching geometric pattern can inject a hit of pizzazz to a modern or minimalist space. Patterns pair well with solid colours but are better in smaller doses, so would suit a riser recliner chair more than a riser recliner sofa.

The benefits of neutral colours

Sometimes the best sofa colour is a neutral one, especially if you already have a lot going on in your room, or if you simply aren’t sure what to choose. If you’re worried about the room feeling dull or boring, you can always brighten things up with throws, cushions, or even a vibrant rug.

There are several neutral shades to choose from: light greys match well with soft pastel colours and look good in blue or cool themed rooms, while dark greys like charcoal are great with bright colours and patterns. Creams suit warmer rooms with yellow and red tones, and brown, traditionally the colour of leather, is perhaps the most timeless sofa colour of all.

Matching your lifestyle

Considering your lifestyle may help narrow down your colour choice. Neutral shades make sense if you like to redecorate or move house a lot, and if you have a pet, you may prefer a lighter or darker colour to match their hair, so it won’t show up as easily. Darker colours also hide stains more effectively, and printed patterns are good at camouflaging dirt – although that may not matter if you’ve chosen an easy-cleaning fabric.

Colours to match your mood

Many people find that the colour of a room can have a significant effect on their mood, and this can also apply to furniture. With this in mind, consider what you will use you chair for – such as reading, napping or socialising – and what time of day you’re most likely to use it.

• Blue: the colour of serenity and calm. Light and pastel shades make a room feel cooler and brighter, while warmer blues like ultramarine encourage a cosy feeling, perfect for night owls.
• Red: an intense and motivating colour known for boosting energy levels, and therefore great during the day.
• Yellow and orange: positive and uplifting without the intensity of red, they’re perfect for bedrooms or for all day use. Cheerful and inviting, especially in the morning light – well-suited to early risers.
• Green: the colour of nature, greens are naturally refreshing and a great mood balancer. Goes with almost anything.
• Purple: a mixture of blue and red, purples can be calming or energising depending on the shade. Lighter variations such as lilac or lavender have a comforting effect, while darker tones such as plum or burgundy can lower energy levels, so they’re better for evenings snuggled up with a good book or the television.

The Bottom Line

There are so many options when it comes to choosing colours for a new recliner chair or sofa. Remember, you don’t have to decide straight away. Ask for some fabric samples to take home, flick through some magazines or get some advice from your manufacturer.

Perhaps, if you’ve been feeling like a change, this could be the time to go for a bright colour or pattern. Or, if you’re not sure, pick a neutral colour and style it with accessories that you can change with your mood or the seasons. Either way, you should pick something you like, as you’re the one who will be sitting in it.