Light colours create a feeling of space and openness in rooms. They can work wonders in small or dark rooms and help to provide a feeling of extra space.
What sounds like an ice cream at a beach café is actually our inspiration for sofa colours. At international fairs and in all those glossy interior design magazines, you see them a lot these days: sofas in light colours. What do our experts say when it comes to sofas and their colour? And what does our own heart say?
Undoubtedly, the sofa is the centrepiece in the living room. Whether it's cosy or rather formal, it's a dominant element of interior design. Well, so far so good.
Its “inner qualities” — the quality of the upholstery and of the frame — must of course be appropriate to the purpose of the sofa. After all, it makes a big difference if the sofa is intended to be a show-piece or a lounge area (and playground) for the whole family.
There are clear criteria for the choice of the size and positioning, which are likewise determined by the intensity and frequency of use and by the given environment. There is some flexibility here, but it is limited.
The shape of the sofa — talking less of the composition of single elements in sofa layouts and more of the dimensional design in the room — has much more to do with personal preferences. The options are many and varied, and the decision is of course a tough one.
The colour of the sofa, its pattern and the fabric quality are open to endless debate. It's all a question of taste. True or not? We discuss the pros and cons of light-coloured and dark-coloured sofas. Both options have their pros and cons, to be carefully weighed up.
Light-coloured sofas:
Stylish, but high-maintenance
Light-coloured sofas look effortless and elegant and provide an airy atmosphere, making it fairly easy to integrate them into an interior design colour scheme.
They also go well with almost all interior styles - from chalet style to cool contemporary. So what does it mean when you opt for a light-coloured sofa?
Visual expanse
PRO #1
Flexibility
PRO #2
It's easy to combine a light-coloured sofa with other colours. Whether it's cushions, blankets or rugs - the design possibilities are endless. Depending on the choice of living accessories, the ambience can be Mediterranean for a few months and then maybe radiate Scandi chic later in the year.
Elegance
PRO #3
Light-coloured sofas are elegant and stylish. Understatement in interior design means that calm colour surfaces are used in especially beautiful qualities. Focus is placed in particular on the quality of the materials, which may not be visible at first glance.
Difficult Maintenance
CONTRA #1
There's no doubt about it: when you think of a light-coloured sofa, you also think of stains and soiling, which can quickly spoil the pleasure of having this beautiful piece. Even small accidents, such as spilt coffee or a crumb of chocolate, quickly become visible. This requires significantly more maintenance.
High susceptability
CONTRA #2
What you mightnot think of is that white, cream, light grey or light blue sofas may be stained by clothing. Sunlight changes all colours, but light colours can hardly be restored to their original state.
Dark-coloured sofas:
Timeless and easy to clean
Most people opt for sofas in medium or dark colours. A sofa in dark brown or grey is attractive thanks to its cosy look. Of course, dark-coloured sofas — provided the material is suitable — are generally less care-intensive. What are the advantages and disadvantages of dark-coloured sofas?
Less susceptible to stains
PRO #1
Dark colours can hide dirt and stains better, especially if they are not a solid colour. Small patterns or shabby chic colours are best. These types of sofas are particularly suitable for families with children or pets.
Durability
PRO #2
Dark-coloured upholstery fabrics are less prone to fading in sunlight. They can retain their colour intensity for longer.
Classic elegance
PRO #3
A dark grey, brown or black sofa is timeless and elegant. It can create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Visual weight
CONTRA #1
In small or poorly lit rooms, dark sofas can have a suffocating effect. They visually shrink the room, even if their dimensions fit the space. A dark sofa can completely dominate the room, taking centre stage, making itself the focus of attention and overshadowing other elements of the design.
Less flexibility
CONTRA #2
Dark colours require a lot of know-how when it comes to combining them with other colour accents. It can be a challenge to revamp the space around the sofa and change the ambience according to the seasons, for example. A heavy, dark grey sofa will always speak of autumn and winter, yellow and green cushions alone won't help.
Making the right choice
Whether you opt for a light or dark-coloured sofa depends on various factors. If you want to visually upgrade a small, gloomy room, a light-coloured sofa could be a good choice. If, on the other hand, you are looking for a robust and easy to care for companion, you could consider a dark-coloured sofa.
Practical aspects are one thing. Personal taste and individual style are quite another — and they should definitely show in the interior design of private rooms. After all, sofas are far more than just a piece of furniture, they must be able to fulfil many tasks. Above all, they need to be a place to relax and socialise.
Images: home INTERIOR, Pexels