We know that when it comes to designing your interior space – an influx of questions come to mind. So that’s why we have started the Ask the Expert Series. In this series, you will get insider advice on all things interiors, which will hopefully guide you into making the best choices for designing your own space.

We've asked our in-house Interior Designer here at CA Design, Emma Rossiter, for her expert advice on choosing the right sofa for your space & all the considerations that come with that such as colour, sizing, space planning, fabrics & useful tips.

1. What do you look for when picking a sofa for a client?

Some if these points may seem obvious, I know. But there are other considerations that are far less obvious. 

The style of your sofa comes first. Depending on the project type, I would see what kind of style the clients home is and then choose a sofa that’ll fit in with that theme. 

I would take into consideration how the client and I would like the space to feel. Do we want the space to feel calm and muted such as a specific theme such as “Mid Century”. 

Moving onto another key consideration, functionality. I would discuss with client on how they would like the sofa to be used. This is really important for functionality. For example will this sofa be used in a formal setting over drinks or as a lounge TV space sofa. 

The size of the sofa is hugely important when choosing a sofa. If you do not measure, I guarantee the sofa will either look lost in the space or it will dominate the space. The height is also important. If the sofa is cutting across the space, then a low back sofa is ideal. This helps the eye to glide across. Choosing a high back sofa here would be a mistake. 

Finally, I would advise choosing a sofa where the cushions flip over. Especially, if you have children or pets! I would not recommend a sofa with seat cushions that are attached to the base. It makes cleaning spills and messes too difficult. 

2. When picking the right colour sofa for your space, what do you look for?

Choosing the right colour sofa all depends on the project. If the space is a blank canvas and you are starting from scratch, the sofa can be chosen first. Choosing an upholstered sofa in a vibrant luxury fabric, or covered in a colourful print is a great way of creating a focal point of the room. 

If I am chasing a sofa for an existing space. The colour is hugely important here. Choosing the sofa for an existing palette means I will either go for a neutral colour with a texture to the fabric or if the sofa will take an accent role. 

As a note, from working with clients, I do feel the neutral sofa works the best. The neutral colour usually compliments the existing design of the space. The neutral sofa usually blends in with the existing pieces. Also a neutral sofa is a great base for laying colourful soft furnishings. 

3. When opting for 2 seaters, 3 seater or other style sofas? How do you know which one to go for? 

The key to this is to grab my tape and measure! It really comes down to the size of the clients space. For example, a three seater sofa may look lost in a space or it may dominate a space. 

Some popular configurations I use for a large spaces are as follows 1x 3-seater, 1x 2-seater and an armchair or 2x 2-seater and two armchairs. 

I also find the modular sofa pieces are great in both small and large spaces. Such as the Ethnciraft N701 sofa sets. The modular pieces work particularly well in open place apartments. 

4. What brands do you like in particular when shopping for sofas? Do you have one you go to often when designing a client’s living room? 

I particularly like the Bolia sofa ranges, a Scandinavian brand. These sofas are a perfect example of refined earthy tones with style, ergonomic shapes and comfort all in one! I particularly like their fabric ranges and colour choices.


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For more topics & questions that you would like to be covered in this series please mail this address; fiona@cadesign.ie