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The sofa is a staple of your home and typically a centerpiece in your living room. Choosing a sofa that fits your decor, the size of the room, while at the same time being comfortable and durable can be quite a task.
You can find just about any size, style, fabric, color, and more, but that doesn’t always mean they are right. And at Watson’s, we never want you to settle with anything that doesn’t meet all your needs and wants.
One way to assure you have exactly the piece you want that checks all your boxes is to go the route of designing a custom sofa. While it may seem daunting or unattainable, there are many affordable options and the process is simpler than you may think.
If you’re interested in designing a custom sofa, take into consideration these important steps.
Define Your Budget
It tends to surprise people when we share that a custom sofa does not have to be expensive. Custom sofas can have a wide price tag range, but you also need to remember that price and quality do have a direct correlation when it comes to the materials available and used and the durability of the sofa.
To prevent heartache or disappointment, it’s best to identify your budget first and understand the options available at that price point. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to have a little wiggle room just in case!
Decide Your Size
In addition to the design and aesthetic of your custom sofa, one reason many people opt for custom is to be able to build their custom size to fit a room, space, or even large family.
You’ll want to decide both the depth and the length to fit your space and your needs. You’ll also want to identify the cushion configuration based on how many people you want to be able to seat. The typical sizes are a two, three, or four cushion option, but depending on the brand, you could also go larger or create a sectional. A deeper couch is a great option for those who are taller, adding more comfort.
Pick Your Style
A fun aspect of the custom sofa design process is selecting your frame design. Frames are available in a variety of styles ranging from traditional and mid-century to modern and contemporary. You’ll want to consider your room decor when designing your custom sofa so that it complements the room whether it’s a statement piece or not. We recommend sticking to your overall room style when selecting a frame and look for your custom sofa.
Consider the length of legs and type of trim you’ll want during this step as well to ensure a cohesive piece.
Fabulous Fabrics & Leathers
Probably the most fun you’ll have while designing your custom sofa is selecting the fabric or leathers you’ll want to cover it with.
This is one of the main reasons (apart from the frame style) that people opt to choose a custom sofa. To be able to select from literally hundreds (if not more) fabrics and leathers in every color, pattern, and treatment.
As with the frame, it’s important to keep your room decor, palette, and overall aesthetics in mind when selecting the color and fabric of your custom sofa. A more traditional room may be best suited with a darker leather while a more modern room may go for a lighter leather color or performance fabric.
If you’ve got kids and pets, you’ll want to consider which fabric and pattern will hold up the best for high-traffic and potential spills.
Final Touches
While they may seem like small details and are often overlooked, the trim and legs can make a big difference in the final design of your custom sofa. These details can elevate a sofa and take a custom sofa from bland to sophistication fast. It’s important to ask at the beginning of the process what trim and leg options are available so you know ahead of time. For trim, tufted and nailhead are common trim options used.
For legs, select an option that complements the rest of the sofa, sticking to your overall design. This isn’t the time to mix and match decor aesthetics, but rather to enhance them.
Once your custom sofa is complete, you can relax and enjoy that it’s completely your design. There’s a better way than spending hours and hours scouring sites and visiting stores to find your perfect sofa. You can design a custom sofa!
Custom order sofa options vary by Watson’s location and are not be available at all stores. If you’re interested or want to learn more about designing your custom sofa or other pieces for your home, contact one of our Watson’s design experts. They’ll walk you through the whole process and provide expert advice and tips when making selections.
