12 Sofa Colors That Won't Box You In
With any of these colors as a base, you can change your decor as often as you change your mind
Judith Taylor
December 3, 2013
Buying a sofa is a big investment — daunting if you don’t have a designer with an inspiration board at hand and all the textiles beautifully coordinated. Don’t lose heart. If you can pick the color, you’re almost there. But even that’s a challenge. My recommendation is to go with something that doesn’t leave you boxed in.
Your investment piece should be versatile enough to go with a new house or a new decor scheme. After all, I love changing my interiors seasonally. Any of the following color options will ground your space but will also give you the freedom to change accessories and accent colors on a whim.
Your investment piece should be versatile enough to go with a new house or a new decor scheme. After all, I love changing my interiors seasonally. Any of the following color options will ground your space but will also give you the freedom to change accessories and accent colors on a whim.
White. A white sofa is timeless. Plus, you can add whatever accessories suit your mood. This is one look I will never fall out of love with.
When selecting white for upholstery, check the stain-resistance rating of the fabric and choose fabrics that can easily be cleaned and bleached if needed.
When selecting white for upholstery, check the stain-resistance rating of the fabric and choose fabrics that can easily be cleaned and bleached if needed.
Cream. This textured and warm cream-colored sectional is another great option that offers flexibility. It’s a classic color to pair with black but also an interesting partner with navy, red or gray.
Biscuit, tan or camel. These warm neutrals play especially well with blues, black and fall colors. They’re also great with black and white houndstooth, red and black plaid, or tartan.
Brown. Browns have been out of favor since gray became such a popular color. But brown is still a great neutral building block in design. It’s classic and always in style.
Shop brown sofas for your home
Shop brown sofas for your home
Stone or light gray. A very light gray will go beautifully with warm wood tones and chalky walls. Stone is a great backdrop for items with a flare of color. (It also hides dirt really well.)
True gray. This pairs well with jewel tones, black and white. Because gray has many personalities, the color is still going incredibly strong in design.
True gray. This pairs well with jewel tones, black and white. Because gray has many personalities, the color is still going incredibly strong in design.
Muted colors. When picking a color, stay with soft, muted (neutralized) shades. (A neutralized color has some of its complementary color added; for example, a neutralized blue has a little bit of orange.)
If you want to stay clear of a pronounced color but are bored with neutrals, choose a shade that is a slightly off color. This sofa is not clearly green or yellow, but a neutralized version of both.
For colorphobes, this can be a great way to ease yourself gently out of your comfort zone and still allow you to accessorize to suit your mood.
Work with an interior designer to choose the right sofa color
If you want to stay clear of a pronounced color but are bored with neutrals, choose a shade that is a slightly off color. This sofa is not clearly green or yellow, but a neutralized version of both.
For colorphobes, this can be a great way to ease yourself gently out of your comfort zone and still allow you to accessorize to suit your mood.
Work with an interior designer to choose the right sofa color
Nature inspired. Soft, muted, watery blues and greens work well as neutral bases.
Natural linen. Although technically not a color, this material has a distinguishing look that identifies it instantly. It’s as versatile as black; I can’t think of anything that wouldn’t look great with it.
Subtle patterns. Subtle will always be more versatile than dramatic when it comes to pattern. The classic pattern here is so small that it reads as texture.
Leather. Colors that might otherwise be limiting are more versatile in leather. This may be a controversial view, but stay with me here. In fashion a contrasting leather pump doesn’t have to match the dress, nor does a sofa have to match the room it’s in.
Find the perfect leather sofa on Houzz
If you like to change your look often, stay away from hot colors such as red and ocher for the big pieces. These pigments are too specific and can easily clash. You may also tire of these strong colors quickly; save them for accents.
More: Things You Need to Know About Buying a Sofa
Find the perfect leather sofa on Houzz
If you like to change your look often, stay away from hot colors such as red and ocher for the big pieces. These pigments are too specific and can easily clash. You may also tire of these strong colors quickly; save them for accents.
More: Things You Need to Know About Buying a Sofa
What are you working on?
Related Products
Our philosophy at Kitchen Kraft is to make home remodeling convenient. We are your one-stop shop for kitchen... Read More
Related Stories
Living Rooms
How to Decorate a Small Living Room
Arrange your compact living room to get the comfort, seating and style you need
Full Story
Decorating Guides
How to Get Your Furniture Arrangement Right
By Fred Albert
Follow these 10 basic layout rules for a polished, pulled-together look in any room
Full Story
Events
20 Furniture Trends to Watch for 2024
See subtle refreshes of enduring trends — plus fun design details — that stood out at the fall 2023 High Point Market
Full Story
Events
10 Fresh Furniture and Decor Trends for 2023
Greens and blues, art and artisanship, and mixed eras and textures fill the spring 2023 collections at High Point Market
Full Story
Living Rooms
How to Buy a Quality Sofa That Will Last
By Fred Albert
Learn about foam versus feathers, seat depth, springs, fabric and more for a couch that will work for years to come
Full Story
Kitchen Islands
6 Bar Stool Styles That Work in (Almost) Every Kitchen
Stick to these materials for your island seating and you won’t go wrong
Full Story
Decorating Guides
Your Essential Sofa Buying Guide
By Susan Redman
Here’s what to consider when looking for a quality sofa that will last
Full Story
Decorating Guides
8 Pieces of Furniture You’ll Keep Forever
By tidgboutique
If you’re just starting out in a new place, consider these furniture options you can take with you to any new home
Full Story
Decorating Guides
Should You Go Custom? Home Professionals Weigh In
Pros share 10 things to consider before deciding between tailor-made and ready-made features and furnishings
Full Story
Events
Scandinavian Modern Classics at Denmark’s 3 Days of Design
Midcentury modern furniture and lighting, and circular design, were showcased at the 2022 festival
Full Story
Some designers say you should choose your sofa(s) in your favorite color(s), and you’ll never tire of it. That has certainly been the case with me. I have an almost 30 year old blue sofa upstairs in the loft, and I’ve decorated with/around it in many ways over the years. It is looking tired, and if I were to replace it, I would go with blue again! Don’t be afraid of color!
I agree don't be afraid of color, I purchased a beautiful sage green sofa and I absolutely Love it. It makes me so happy when I enter my home. Buy what speaks to you when decorating your space.