The Complete Living Room Furniture Buying Guide
The living room is the lively hub of the home, so having a comfortable space that can accommodate everyone is a necessity. Whether you're starting from scratch or need to keep up with a growing family, our living room furniture buying guide will help you choose pieces that'll last for years.
From replacing your old, worn out sofa, to furnishing your first family home, we've got all the expert tips and tricks to help you create a functional, stylish, and comfortable living room that allows you to create lasting memories for years to come.
You can watch our detailed video guide to living room furniture below, or read on to get more indepth information and our expert living room furniture recommendations.
What We Cover In This Guide:
Here’s a quick look at what we’re going to cover. Read all our tips or click through to topics you need:
- Core Living Room Furniture Pieces You Need
- Choosing The Right Materials For Everyday Use
- Space & Size: Getting the Proportions Right
- Storage Savvy Solutions: Making the Most of Your Space
- Beyond Aesthetics: Practical Features That Really Matter
- Fairway Furniture: Find Quality Lounge Furniture Online & In Store
Core Living Room Furniture Pieces You Need
Although your living room should be designed to fit your households unique needs, there are some core pieces of furniture you need to create that classic cosy living room feel and make the space functional for living, spending quality time, or relaxing.
1. Sofas & Sofa Beds
The sofa is often the most important piece of furniture in a living room. It's usually the first item people buy to make their space feel cosy and inviting.
When choosing a sofa, consider these common types based on your needs and room layout:
- Corner sofas are great for maximising seating in larger rooms.
- Modular sofas offer flexibility, allowing you to rearrange sections.
- Static sofas are a classic choice for a timeless look.
- Recliner sofas provide extra comfort with adjustable positions.
- Sofa beds are versatile, working as both seating and an extra bed for guests.
There's a sofa type for every preference and requirement, and at Fairway Furniture, we stock a wide range of sofas in different styles from some of the top brands, including G Plan, Parker Knoll, and many more, both in-store and online!
Depending on the size of your household, you can also opt for a loveseat over a sofa to maximise space.
2. Armchairs & Accent Chairs
Armchairs and accent chairs are perfect for making your living room feel extra cosy while ensuring there's enough seating for everyone without overcrowding the space.
These versatile pieces not only provide additional seating but also serve as stylish focal points, allowing you to add a touch of personality and charm to your room.
With a wide range of materials, colours, and designs available, you can choose the perfect armchair or accent chair to complement your existing décor and create a warm, inviting atmosphere
3. Coffee Tables
Of course, your living room furniture isn't just about seating. For your living space to be functional, you also need some occasional pieces of furniture, and one of the most popular pieces is a classic coffee table.
When it comes to coffee tables, there is an incredible variety to choose from, ensuring that every living room has a perfect match.
From sleek glass coffee tables, like the Selena, that add a modern touch, to practical storage coffee tables that help keep your space tidy, and even versatile laptop tables designed for working comfortably from your sofa, the options are endless.
A coffee table is an essential piece of furniture for any living room, not only serving as a central point for relaxation and socialising but also providing a functional surface for drinks, snacks, or decorative items.
Its versatility and practicality make it a staple in creating a well-rounded and inviting living space.
4. TV & Entertainment Units
TV or entertainment units are a must-have addition to any modern living room. Even if your TV is mounted directly on the wall, an entertainment unit serves as a practical and stylish storage solution.
It offers space to neatly store game consoles, TV boxes, and other living room essentials, keeping them out of sight and helping to maintain a clutter-free environment.
Read our complete guide to TV unit sizes to get your living room proportions right.
By organising these items, an entertainment unit contributes to creating a relaxing and harmonious space where you can truly unwind.
Find out how to create an entertaining space at home with our handy guide.
5. Side Tables
While a coffee table provides ample surface space to place snacks, drinks, and remotes, it's not always accessible from all seating in your living room, and it's not the ideal place for a lamp! That's where side or lamp tables come into play.
Side tables are perfect for positioning table lamps to create cosy mood lighting in the evenings, transforming your living room into a warm and inviting retreat. They also keep drinks, snacks, and remotes within easy reach, offering both convenience and functionality.
For smaller spaces, side tables can serve as an excellent alternative to a full coffee table, providing surface space without overwhelming the room or sacrificing style.
6. Storage Units
Storage is often overlooked when designing a living room, but it plays a crucial role in keeping the space tidy, organised, and welcoming. Having smart storage solutions ensures that everything you need is close at hand without creating clutter.
Bookcases provide a stylish way to store and display your favourite reads, decorative items, or treasured keepsakes.
Display units offer a versatile option for showcasing ornaments, photos, and other personal touches, while keeping the room visually appealing.
Sideboards, on the other hand, are perfect for stashing away items like tableware, board games, or miscellaneous belongings, helping you maintain a homely yet organised living area.
With the right storage pieces, your living room can remain both functional and beautifully curated.
Choosing The Right Materials For Everyday Use
Of course, it's not just about the furniture pieces you put in your living room; the materials they're made from are super important to consider to make sure your furniture not only looks good, but is also durable and comfortable.
Fabric Vs Leather Upholstery
Aesthetics
Fabric upholstery offers a wide range of colours, patterns, and textures, making it ideal for personalising your living room with unique or bold designs. It often provides a cosy, inviting aesthetic that suits casual or traditional interiors.
On the other hand, leather upholstery exudes a sleek, luxurious look that pairs well with modern and minimalist spaces, adding an element of sophistication.
Durability
Leather is known for its exceptional durability and is naturally resistant to wear and tear, making it a great long-term investment. It can withstand frequent use without showing signs of ageing as quickly as fabric might.
Fabric upholstery, while generally less durable, can vary in quality and resistance depending on the material, with higher-grade fabrics offering enhanced toughness.
Ease of Cleaning
When it comes to cleaning, leather upholstery is fairly low-maintenance. Spills can often be wiped away easily with a damp cloth, and its non-absorbent surface doesn’t trap dust or allergens.
Fabric, however, can be more challenging to maintain, as it tends to absorb spills, stains, and dust. Many modern fabrics, though, are treated to be stain-resistant, making them more practical for busy households.
Comfort
Fabric upholstery is often softer and warmer to the touch compared to leather, making it particularly comfortable and cosy, especially during colder seasons.
Leather seating, while stylish, can feel cold in winter and sticky in warmer weather, though this can be mitigated with proper treatments or by adding throws and cushions.
Cost
Generally, fabric upholstery is more budget-friendly than leather, making it a popular option for those working with tighter budgets.
Leather, being a premium material, tends to come with a higher price point, but the cost often reflects its longevity and timeless appeal.
Real Wood Vs Veneer
When it comes to durability, real wood is often the preferred choice as it is solid, robust, and built to withstand everyday wear and tear.
Coffee tables, bookcases, and sideboards made from solid wood can last for decades with proper care, as the material is resistant to scratches and minor impacts.
However, real wood is susceptible to changes in humidity and temperature, which can cause warping or cracking over time.
Regular maintenance, such as polishing and protecting surfaces from moisture, is essential to preserve its beauty and functionality.
Wood veneer, on the other hand, consists of a thin layer of real wood applied over a base material such as MDF or plywood.
It's less prone to warping or cracking due to environmental changes but is more vulnerable to surface damage, such as peeling or chipping, particularly along edges.
Overall, veneer offers a cost-effective and visually appealing alternative to solid wood.
Glass or Metal Accents
Glass and metal accents can be the perfect way to add a touch of luxury and glamour to your living room.
Glass elements, such as coffee tables, shelving, or decorative panels, bring a sense of openness and light, enhancing the overall ambiance of the space.
Metal accents, like brass or chrome fixtures, lend a modern and sleek appearance, complementing various design styles.
When paired together, these materials create a balanced combination of elegance and sophistication, elevating the aesthetic appeal of the room effortlessly.
Space & Size: Getting the Proportions Right
The most limiting factor when it comes to kitting out your living room (apart from cost) is the amount of floor space available.
No matter how much furniture you're adding to the room, measuring the space and furniture correctly is a must to ensure everything fits and you can still move around freely.
How to Measure Your Space Correctly
Follow these few easy steps to measure your living room correctly:
- Start by noting the room’s dimensions.
- Use a tape measure to record the length and width of the floor, and measure the height of the walls if you’re planning to add tall furniture or shelving.
- Don’t forget to account for fixed features like doors, windows, radiators, and fireplaces, as these will affect the layout.
- Next, draw a simple floor plan of the space. You can sketch it by hand on graph paper, using a consistent scale (e.g., 1 square = 1 foot or 1 metre).
- Mark the location and dimensions of any fixed features as you build the plan.
For a more hands-on approach, use masking tape to outline the dimensions of potential furniture pieces directly on the floor. This helps you see how much space each item will take and ensures there’s enough room to move around.
Walk through the layout to check the flow and make adjustments as needed. These steps will help you make the most of your space and avoid common furniture placement mistakes.
Common Proportion Mistakes
One common mistake is choosing sofas that are too large for the room, overwhelming the space and limiting movement.
On the other hand, coffee tables that are too small can disrupt the balance and functionality of the layout.
Proportion errors like these can make a room feel cramped or awkward, so it’s important to measure carefully and consider scale when selecting furniture.
Storage Savvy Solutions: Making the Most of Your Space
We can't all live in 8,000 sq. ft. mansions, so we need to think about how we can add adequate storage to our living rooms without lining the walls with shelving units and sideboards.
Here are our top suggestions for adding savvy storage solutions to your living room:
Seating With Storage
Adding seating with storage, such as ottoman stools, to your living room provides both style and practicality. These clever pieces combine comfortable seating with hidden compartments, giving you an easy way to keep your space tidy and organised.
They’re perfect for storing items like blankets, magazines, or toys, helping to minimise clutter.
Seating with storage can also be moved easily and doubles as an extra surface for drinks or décor when needed, making it a versatile and functional solution for any living room.
Nests of Tables
Nests of tables are a fantastic choice for those who love to entertain but also value a tidy living space.
They provide ample surface space for placing drinks, snacks, or other essentials when hosting guests. Once the gathering is over, these tables can be effortlessly stacked together into a compact unit, conserving space and keeping your room organised.
This clever design makes them both practical and stylish, fitting seamlessly into any home décor.
Furniture With Drawers
When searching for coffee tables, entertainment units, side tables, or display shelves, it’s worth considering designs that include drawers.
These practical additions offer a discreet way to store remote controls, cables, magazines, or any other items that tend to clutter your living space. With drawers at your disposal, you can keep these small messes neatly tucked away, maintaining a clean and organised look in your home.
Opting for furniture with built-in storage not only enhances functionality but also contributes to a more serene and stylish environment
Beyond Aesthetics: Practical Features That Really Matter
While the aesthetics of your living room furniture are really important, there are other, more practical features you need to think about before making a purchase.
Ergonomic Seating Design
Ergonomic seating is essential for creating a comfortable space to unwind after a long day. Sofas and armchairs designed with ergonomic principles prioritise your posture, ensuring proper support for your back, neck, and legs.
When choosing supportive seating, look for features such as adjustable headrests and lumbar support to keep your spine aligned and reduce strain. Seats with adequate cushioning and high-quality foam or memory foam can provide extra comfort while preventing discomfort from prolonged use.
Additionally, consider the seat depth and height to ensure they suit your body proportions, allowing your feet to rest flat on the floor. Armrests positioned at the right height are also crucial to avoid tension in your shoulders and arms.
By prioritising ergonomics, you can enjoy a stylish and soothing retreat that cares for your body while you relax.
Ease of Cleaning, Modularity, & Durability
When it comes to living room furniture, ease of cleaning and durability are essential factors to consider. The living room is often one of the busiest spaces in a home, frequented by family members, guests, and even pets.
Spills, stains, and everyday wear are inevitable, so choosing furniture with materials that are easy to clean can save significant time and effort.
Additionally, durable furniture ensures that it can withstand the demands of daily use without showing signs of damage prematurely. Well-constructed pieces not only maintain their aesthetic appeal over time but also provide long-term value, making them a wise investment for a heavily used space like the living room.
Fairway Furniture: Find Quality Lounge Furniture Online & In Store
At Fairway Furniture, we offer a wide range of lounge furniture to help you create a cosy and welcoming space for your family. Whether you need comfortable sofas, stylish armchairs, or practical storage solutions, our collection has something for every home and lifestyle.
Our furniture is designed with comfort, durability, and timeless style in mind, making it perfect for everyday use. From modern minimalist designs to classic favourites, you’ll find pieces that match your taste and enhance your home.
Browse our extensive collection online today or visit one of our stores across the South West to explore our range in person and find the perfect furniture for your living room.
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