Traditional Sofas for a Family Room

Styles

• For a sophisticated family room, opt for the classic lines of a tuxedo sofa. They feature squared, track arms that sit at the same level or slightly lower than the sofa back. Generous back and seat cushions make the tuxedo an inviting sofa for the family.

  With its signature curved back, the camelback sofa has been a favorite since its debut in 18th century England. Its traditional characteristics include a tight back and rounded or rolled arms for a formal, yet tailored look.

  The substantial Chesterfield sofa looks right at home in a family room. Its low, rolled arms and back are of uniform height. Chesterfield sofas include decorative signature tufting on the cushion and arms.

  The Lawson sofa, a casual design, has a high back with low rolled or square arms. The overstuffed back and seat cushions make for comfortable napping in a family room.

  Mid-century modern sofas work in minimal, contemporary family rooms. This sofa style, with its angular lines and low profile, typically rests on tapered metal or wooden legs.

Designs

• The advent of open living spaces created a market for sofas that offered greater seating potential with customized configurations. Sectional, or modular, sofas offer a mix of traditional styles. Sectionals create extended lounging and entertainment seating, eliminating the need for additional chairs.

  Sleeper sofas serve two distinct purposes. During the day, they provide conventional sofa seating. At night, sleeper sofas convert the family room into a guest room for overnight visitors. Simply remove the cushions, and pull the bed unit up and out. The next morning, fold the bed up and push it back down into the sofa frame.

  Loveseats, a cross between a full size sofa and a chair, comfortably seat up to two adults. They provide sofa-like seating on a smaller scale. For larger family rooms, purchase a matching sofa and loveseat set. In a room with limited space, use a loveseat and occasional chairs in place of a full size sofa.

Upholstery

• Choose from a variety of attractive and durable fabrics to cover a traditional sofa. Cotton canvas and twill resist wear, fading and spills. For easy cleaning, look for sofas with a washable slipcover that can be removed for laundering. Microfiber upholstery offers both softness and durability. It resists stains and spot cleans easily. Long-lasting leather, available in vibrant colors and natural or distressed finishes make it a versatile upholstery option for the family room sofa.

Construction

• Ask about construction techniques when shopping for a traditional sofa. Frames built from solid, kiln-dried hardwoods will stand up to years of regular use. Look for frame joinery consisting of wood screws, dowels, wooden blocks and glue. While more expensive than other coil systems, eight-way, hand-tied springs offer superior comfort and support.