'You can transform your sofa by layering in new cushions – it's the ultimate easy update,' says Sarah Keady, House Beautiful's style director. 'Mix different texture and fabrics together with accessories to add interest to your sofa and keep it all super tactile.
1/ lighting, install small reading lamps on the wall behind the sofa with warmer tones. Find some funny/fancy lamps that you like to put in the corners of the room or on each side of the sofa. Maybe colored lights if you're into that, I personally find that some orange brings a lot of warmth.
The golden ratio rule essentially says that your living room furniture arrangement should follow a 2:3 ratio. This means that between your couches, chairs, area rugs, and coffee tables, proportions should generally be a two-thirds proportion.
To lighten up the sofa, start with a light-colored throw or blanket. Fold it lengthwise and place it down the middle of the sofa, tucking it into the sofa cushion in the middle. Next, add a pair of light-colored solid pillows -- one on either end of the sofa. Finally, add a patterned pillow to liven things up.
Slipcovers are perfect for hiding each and every aspect of an ugly couch. Because they cover the entire sofa, your guests will be none the wiser of the ugliness that lies underneath. Slipcovers are made from many types of fabrics and come in a plethora of patterns to go with almost any decor theme.
As a general rule, you don't want to place a sofa in front of a door because you don't want to block it, and you don't want people to walk into the back of the sofa.
What is the rule of thumb for rug size? The rule of thumb is to choose a rug that's large enough to fit under all furniture legs in a seating area, or at minimum, the front legs of major pieces.
And that's where the “3-5-7 Rule” comes into play, which essentially means styling with odd numbers to create an asymmetric but still visually pleasing arrangement of things.
Opt for chunky knit or faux fur blankets to add a thick layer between you and the firmer parts of your sofa, such as the armrests or back. The soft layer provides a bit more cushion and visual appeal to create a cozier sofa.
Choose a rug with a unique pattern, shape, or color so that it draws the eye. Add cool pillows to your bed or couch. You may be able to find pillows with interesting quotes, pictures, designs, and textures to add to your room. Shop at furniture stores, thrift stores, and online stores.
Cover the sofa with a drop cloth
Drop cloths are a common way to cover your sofa. These typically lay over both the sofa framework, and the cushions with a more relaxed, loose style. You can buy drop cloths from textile stores, DIY shops and craft markets in a variety of colours.
Embrace a more laid-back approach and layer up cushions, rugs and blankets in a variety of shapes and colours. The key to this look is confidence: don't be timid – pile 'em high, so the overall look is deliberately eclectic.
Other suggestions include putting the cushions on the floor and rolling on them (much like we suggest for breaking in new mattresses), or walking on the cushions. Just make sure if you take the walking route, you do so shoeless, barefoot, or with clean socks.
Some couch manufacturers install zippers to access the stuffing in the couch, but some apply the external couch cover onto the couch in one single piece.
Before you decide to get rid of the piece, know that your wooden furniture can easily be restored with a simple mixture of oil and vinegar. First, you will want to clean your furniture of dust and dirt so that your solution can be in direct contact with the wood surface.
Mix 1 cup of olive oil with 1/4 cup white vinegar. Pour it on a soft cloth and work it into the wood, wiping with the grain. Buff till shiny.