Exploring the perfect sofa set to add to your interiors is a significant practice that requires comprehensive knowledge about all sofa components. In this blog, Fixit Carpentry has come up with complete details of customization about sofa types and styling. In addition, we’ve also elaborated on the pros and cons of each upholstery fabric and material.
Sofa Types & Styling | Comprehensive Insights
Usually, we classify the sofas by considering multiple crucial factors such as type of frame, size of sofa, fabric material, upholstery material, backrest, arm style, design, and pattern. With that said, we have enlisted all the sofa styles, fabrics, and materials for your convenience to choose the best one for your interior. This way, you can customize your sofas in any desired manner as you will have the complete knowledge of sofa materials and styling.
Sofa Types And Styles
Sectional Sofas
These sofas are crafted in multiple high-quality sections and you can modify their sections according to your needs and interior layout. These sofas also come in multiple seating options for users such as three-seaters and two-seaters. The most common designs of these sofas are L-shaped and U-shaped.
Chesterfield Sofas
These are the most elegant and iconic sofa sets with a deep button tufting feature. With a high backrest, these sofas have a durable and fine build quality. The backrest and rolled arms often have the same height. These sofas come in a variety of sizes, colors, and upholstery options.
Mid-century Modern Sofas
These simple sofas are crafted with clean, straight lines which make a sleek surface. They come with minimal designs and upholstery options and have a simple and unique structure. These sofa sets usually have low-tapered legs with convertible options.
Contemporary Sofas
These sofas come in straight, clean lines with diverse neutral or monochromatic colors. These sofa sets are crafted with mixed materials such as a combination of wood, metal, glass, etc. The upholstery material can be customized with various geometric shapes and patterns. These sofas give an open and spacious feel and are the best choice for large rooms and interiors.
Traditional Sofas
Traditional sofas are usually characterized by their ornate and intricate options, rolled arms, and tufted backs. These sofas also offer skirted bases and a wide variety of upholstery options. These sofas are an excellent choice to enjoy the grace and charm of the vintage decor.
Loveseats Sofas
These cozy sofas are usually smaller than all other types of sofas due to their compact frame. These sofas can accommodate only two persons and come in a variety of designs and colors. These sofas can be placed anywhere due to their placement-friendly and space-saving feature.
Convertible Sofas
These sofas can be easily converted and come with a broad range of functions. You can place them anywhere according to your needs. These sofas also offer mattress and storage options for users. Furthermore, these sofas come in a variety of leg and arm styles, designs, and colors.
Camelback Sofas
As the name indicates, this sofa is manufactured with camel hump-like outgrowth on its back. These sofas are traditionally designed with slender rolled-arm styling but come in a variety of designs, upholstery fabrics, and leg options.
Tuxedo Sofas
These simple sofas are characterized by their clean rectangular frame with the same height of back and arms. Tuxedo sofas also offer a wide variety of colors, cushions, and upholstery options. Furthermore, these sofas give an elegant and sophisticated look to your interior due to their minimal orientation.
Upholstery Fabric Materials
Leather
In this modern era, leather is mostly used to create a modern and elegant look and it can be both natural and faux.
Pros of Leather
- High durability
- Affordability
- UV-resistance
Cons of Leather
- Environmentally harmful
- Has a Synthetic odor
Cotton
Cotto is the most commonly used upholstery fabric material for sofa sets. Cotton offers cozy seating with softness, a variety of colors, and designs.
Pros of Cotton
- Cotton fabric is allergen-free and protects users from irritation
- Has high breathability
Cons of Cotton
- Requires high maintenance
- Has high absorbency
Polyester
Polyester is a synthetic fiber that can be used as upholstery material. Polyester also has its own pros and cons.
Pros of Polyester
- Pets-friendly
- Hypoallergenic
- Soft material to touch
- Stain-resistant material
Cons of Polyester
- Heat sensitive fabric
- Highly stretchable
Linen
If you are looking for highly durable fabric material for sofas, you can opt for linen. You can customize linen according to your desired colors and designs.
Pros of Linen
- Can be easily cleaned
- Cooling effect
- Discoloration-resistance
Cons of Linen
- Easily damaged
- Can easily shrinkage
Wool
Wool is another most commonly used natural upholstery fabric material. Sheep and goat hairs are used to make wool. If you are looking for a warm upholstery fabric for your sofas, wool is an excellent choice
Pros of Wool
- Stain resistant
- Highly durable
Cons of Wool
- Heavyweight
- Expensive
- High absorbency
Velvet
If you are exploring a soft, classy, and sophisticated fabric material for your upholstery, velvet is the best choice. Its double-woven crafting gives it a cozy and stylish look.
Pros of velvet
- Provides comfort
- Highly durable
- Offers Elegance & aesthetics
Cons of velvet
- Expensive fabric
- Requires high maintenance
- Prone to wear
Chenille
Chenille is another super-soft naturally obtained fabric material that can be used for sofa upholstery. Due to its high stretchable feature, this material is a suitable option for children’s sofa upholstery.
Pros of Chenille
- Colors diversity
- Soft & durable
- Easy to clean
Cons of Chenille
- Non pet-friendly
- Dust and debris-catching
Nylon
Nylon is another synthetic fabric option that can be a perfect choice for sofa upholstering.
Pros of Nylon
- Wear and tear-resistant
- A vast variety of colors and designs
Cons of Nylon
- Prone to heat
- Less breathable fabric
- Electricity static
Sofa Frame Materials
Wood, metal, vinyl and various other materials are used for crafting the structural frame or body of sofas. We have mentioned the pros and cons of each non-fabric material.
Wood
Pros of Wood
- Great strength
- Provide dignity and charm
- High versatility
Cons of Wood
- Prone to fungus and pests
- Flammable material
Metal
Pros of metal
- High durability
- Climate resistance
- Eco-friendly
- Non-flammable
- Pest and fungus-resistant
Cons of metal
- Heavyweight
- Heat sensitive
- Floor scratching
Vinyl
Pros of vinyl
- Highly affordable
- Easy to clean
- High durability
Cons of vinyl
- Uncomfortable
- Fragile
Sofa Arms Styling
- Slope arm
- Pillow arm
- Roll arm
- Track arm
Sofa Legs Styling
- Arrow foot
- Block foot
- Bracket foot
- Bun foot
- Cabriole foot
- Club foot
- Paw foot
- Platform base
- Saber leg
- Sled base
Conclusion
In conclusion, opting for an appropriate sofa for your interior space is an artistic decision. We have made it easy for you to select the best and most luxurious sofa set to elevate your interior space. If you want to customize the sofas, we have also provided insights about the pros and cons of all upholstery fabric and non-fabric material.