The living room is the room everyone uses, so the furniture in it takes the most wear. A set that fits the room and the people in it will last years. One that does not will annoy you every day. Here is how to choose.
Measure before you shop
Three measurements save most of the trouble.
- The wall. How long is the wall the sofa will sit against, and how far can the sofa come into the room?
- The way in. How wide is your front door? Is there a hallway, a staircase or a tight turn before the living room?
- The walkway. Leave about three feet to walk past the sofa.
Write them down and bring them with you. A tape measure in the showroom settles arguments quickly.
Sectional, or sofa and loveseat?
A sectional seats the most people for the floor it uses. It suits a family that watches TV together, and it fills a corner that would otherwise be wasted. Check which side the chaise is on: a left-facing chaise is on your left when you stand in front of the sofa looking at it.
A sofa and loveseat are two pieces that match. They fit rooms where a sectional would block a door, and you can face them toward each other for talking. If you move often, two smaller pieces are easier to carry and to fit into the next place.
A reclining set needs room behind and in front. Ask how far from the wall it has to sit. Power recliners need an outlet nearby.
Pick a cover for the life you have
- Kids or pets: a tightly woven fabric or a leather-look cover wipes clean and hides wear. Mid-tone colors hide the most.
- Light colors look good in a showroom and show everything at home.
- Loose back cushions are comfortable and need plumping. Attached cushions stay neat.
Sit on it
Sit the way you sit at home. Put your feet up if you put your feet up. Check that your feet reach the floor, that your back is supported, and that you can get up without a struggle. Ten minutes on a sofa in a store tells you more than any photo.
Finish the room
A cocktail set, which is a coffee table and two end tables sold together, saves hunting for tables that match. Leave about 18 inches between the sofa and the coffee table so you can reach a drink and still walk through.
See them in Baton Rouge
Our living room sets are set up on the floor at 2121 N Foster Dr. See living room sets and sectionals, then come sit on a few. What's on the floor changes, so call (225) 356-0068 to ask what is in today.