A sofa for the living room

via

We've been looking around for that perfect sofa (or even sectional) for a long while now. You might even remember this post where I shared some of the priorities I'm looking for in that perfect sofa. I'd even mentioned that we were looking into having something custom built (but by the time I'd made a decision, the place we got a price quote from had closed. Maybe a sign to go buy retail?) Anyway, I do believe that before purchasing a major item that will be anchoring your whole room, it is ideal to look into all the options, and consider all the dilemmas.

Dilemmas: 

1. We have an oddly shaped room. I don't ike to stuff it up with furniture, and so the only place I can fit a 3 seater sofa or a sectional is in front ofone of the larger windows, where the radiator is also positioned. I'm not sure how wise it would be to block the heat coming from the radiator, and also if the heat would cause any damage to the sofa. 

2. To buy a sofa or a sectional? We're a family of four, and I know my kids would feel more comfortable with a sectional, with plenty of room to sit or lie down when watching TV. Our living room is actually more of a family room ( I like it that way) and having a formal sofa in there may make the room feel stuffy.

3. My husband likes leather. So do I, but I feel like I might change my mind only after a couple of months and wished I had gotten a velvet or linen sofa instead. 

4. What color should the sofa be? I have considered a white slipped covered sofa, but I'm not sure I'll be able to keep up with it, even though I've read on many blogs that it's so easy to clean...On the other hand, velvet is easy to surface clean (I've had velvet sofas before) and I think I would go with a grey or purple one, which would also blend in well with the color scheme I currently have. 

5. We're definitely on a budget. I can't (and don't want to) spend tons of money on a sofa, because I'm sure we'll be replacing it in 4 to 5 years considering we have two kids. And plus I like change, and unless the frame is good quality, which means I can reupholster it, I'd prefer to just buy a brand new sofa.

So, here are my options:

 Classic white slip covered Karlstad sofa.

 Same Karlstad sofa in grey linen, image via.

White slip covered Stockholm sofa,above, and in light grey, below.

White leather Karlsfors sofa, above, and sectional, below.

And besides IKEA, the other local options I have here are:

Linen sofa in off-white with solid wood trimming, above, from Tepehome.

Finally, the only two sofa/sectional that I found that was actually velvet, and the colors I want. The grey sofa also comes as a sectional, and has color options. The purple sofa with the tray section looks really comfy, but may be too overpowering in our living room, which is pretty big, but not huge. Both options also local, from Dogtas.

And since I found this lovely corner that may just solve my radiator/window problem I told you about, I just had to share it:

Now I may need to look for a long console to place behind the sofa, and also some accent lighting and accesories to decorate...I really don't mind though! Find this lovely home here.

Do you have priorities when it comes to buying a sofa? I'd love to hear how you've solved your purchasing dilemmas!

Enjoy your weekend!