Page 139 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2025

There are three basic types of sofas: traditional, sectional and sleeper. Sectional sofas offer versatility and can encourage interaction among your guests by creating a cozy space for conversation. Sleeper sofas are a real plus if you have more guests than you can accommodate in beds. Bedding on today’s sleepers is much more comfortable than it used to be, with a variety of mattress options. Remember the days of thin padding and feeling the bar of the bed mechanism in your back? A quality sleeper sofa will offer your guests a much better night’s sleep.
Beyond the basic types, there’s a tremendous number of fabric and upholstery options. Leathers and performance fabrics offer a lot of durability and come in stylish colors, textures and patterns. A fabric designated as a performance fabric is designed to
last longer, resist dirt, be easier to clean and wear better than traditional options. Either way, a performance fabric will extend the life of your furniture. We recommend using one in high-traffic areas or where children and pets will be enjoying the furniture. Also, read the content labels on any fabric if someone in your household has sensitivities that need
to be considered.
Other personal style considerations
include arm style, cushion details and skirting. Current trends lean toward neutral fabrics; tuxedo or sloped arms (where the arms are the same height as the back or begin at the same height);
a single bench cushion or at most two cushions; and no skirt. But don’t make decisions based solely on trends. Trends are just the latest ideas—they’re a good starting point for thinking about what you like. Look at pictures and talk to an experienced designer to help figure out what you really want and what you hope to achieve with a new sofa. Shopping online for an important piece like this can be risky, since photos often distort scale and quality. A sofa isn’t a purchase you make often, so make sure you’re happy with your choice.
A beautiful, well-made sofa will elevate your home’s style. One that’s truly comfortable will become the heart of your living space. It will be the gathering spot for family and guests, the place where you enjoy a little quiet time to relax or read, and the perfect spot to lie down and rest your eyes on a sweltering summer day.
And if you fall asleep? Even better.
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living | www.smliving.net
August 2025 | 139