English-style sofas: features, varieties and choices

The English style is quite distinctive, it cannot be confused with anything. It is a very discreet, elegant, practical style. One of its most striking features is conservatism. All this makes furniture in the English style luxurious, but laconic, sophisticated and unpretentious. In addition, a sine qua non is high quality materials and workmanship.

The sophistication of the English nature is reflected in many things, including upholstered furniture. Traditionally, English-style furniture is passed down from generation to generation, so it must be of very high quality. Sofas in this style are conservative and austere, but at the same time luxurious. Let's highlight the main distinguishing features of furniture in this style.

• Frames are made only made of natural materials, no synthetics are allowed. Most often oak is used, as this species is both strong, dense and durable.
• Assembly technology does not accept nails and metal fittings. Used glue, wood spikes, grooves.
• Sofas are rarely alone. The English style is an abundance of furniture, so most often these are sets with armchairs. Everything is located pretty close to each other.
• Models are usually overall, massive, smooth lines, many elements of the carved type. Wooden carved armrests and legs, other decorative elements with frescoes are welcome.
• Expensive natural-type fabrics are used as upholstery. Soft leather, tapestry can be used. The color scheme is warm, pleasant, unpretentious.Unobtrusive print - goose foot, strip, rib.
• Upholstered furniture has removable covers in almost every version. The backs of these sofas are comfortable, high, and follow the shape of the body.

There are quite a few options for sofas in the style of English classics; furniture can be selected for almost any room. All of them are comfortable, it is pleasant to relax and unwind on them. Almost all models are deep and voluminous, they look luxurious and expensive. Very often you can find specimens with aged decor of wooden details. The upholstery can be either plain or patterned.

Consider the most famous varieties of English sofas.

• Chesterfield. The most popular sofa models. They feature a quilted design with buttons.

• "Skirts". These are models with rounded shapes, puffy in shape, with a skirt decor. They are distinguished by their softness and size; several people can comfortably sit on such sofas. Textured upholstery, most often with a complex pattern.

• Carved... Another hit of the English style. A sofa decorated with curved carved legs or in the shape of a half-drop. Openwork carving is an indispensable attribute.

The design of the sofas is extremely comfortable. The most popular types in shape:

• straight;
• angular.

The first type is more compact and traditional, the second is more overall and modern... Also, sofas are divided according to the type of folding mechanism. The most common sofas are the book and the eurobook. They unfold quite simply, they do not scratch the floor.

Upholstery textiles are chosen very carefully. It should have notes of aristocracy, respectability, sophistication. The following materials are most often used in upholstery:

• velvet and velor fabrics;
• damask and chintz;
• tapestry;
• soft genuine leather.

As for the color scheme, the following shades are most often used:

• Bordeaux;
• brown in all variations;
• Gray;
• dark green;
• snow-white;
• sand and cream;
• chocolate and ocher;
• golden.

The variety of the palette is impressive, the main feature of the upholstery is that it is predominantly dark in color. Be sure to keep in mind when choosing upholstery material that cool shades are best suited for rooms facing south. If there is not too much natural light in the room, it is better to rely on warm colors. Light upholstery of sofas is extremely rare in the English style. Most often these are shades of gray, cream, sand. And all of them are included in the organic print: stripes, houndstooth, check or others.

First, decide which room the English-style sofa will be in. There are features that need to be considered based on the purpose of the room and the sofa.

• In the bedroom, choose cozy, not too dark furniture. If you regularly sleep on the couch, the folding mechanism and the mattress are important.
• There should also be chairs in the living room.... A voluminous and representative sofa is selected for the ensemble, as a rule, in a dark range.
• In the nursery practical models are preferred, the upholstery of which is easy to clean and the dust does not attract. It is better to choose shades that are not gloomy, warm.
• To the dining room a compact sofa in a seating area or in a tea corner is suitable.
• Into the kitchen it is best to choose models upholstered with a fabric that does not absorb odors and is easy to clean.

The most important condition is that the style of the sofa should be in harmony with the overall composition of the room. You should not buy an English sofa just because you like it, but at the same time your apartment is decorated in Provence or high-tech style. The overall ensemble should look one, therefore, furniture in the English style is appropriate only in the interiors of the following styles:

• proper English style;
• classical;
• retro, vintage.

In addition to style, it is very important that the sofa is organically matched in color. Since most models of upholstered furniture have a dark shade, it is logical to place it in a lighter room, otherwise the room may turn out to be too gloomy. Although traditional English interiors are often darkish.

• "Chesterfield" in soft leather of a beautiful bronze-brown shade looks spectacular with a similar armchair and pouf.

• The sofa and chair do not have to be from the same set. See the striking composition of a white sofa, a light print armchair and an armchair upholstered in brown leather.

• Another good example of how different upholstery and shades can look harmonious and expressive.

• Carved decor is a stunning detail that gives the interior luxury and status.

• If you are dreaming of a Victorian living room, English furniture is indispensable.

For information on how to make a Chesterfield sofa with your own hands, see the next video.