Choosing the right sofa can be a daunting task. One must juggle comfort, style and cost all at the same time. Most design experts recommend going with a neutral fabric for your settee so it will outstand the flash of current fashion trends. Charcoal sofas add the right balance of impact with practicality. The color mixes well with most anything!
I pulled photos of my three favorite neutral sofas to share with you. I would say my top pick goes to the Bailey’s Studio Sofa by Baileys home store. The chaise mixes modern style with casual coloring. Baileys published two lovely books if you need a little extra inspiration for your space.
My next choice goes to the Battersea Sofette in Fog Linen. This small sofa fits two and is to die for. The new charcoal color accompanies the leather and cream versions as well.
Last but not least, I am in love with the Chesterfield sofa from Canvas. The linen fabric pictured has a slight green tint to it, but the company offers many shades of grey also. This sofa is made in the USA and constructed out of sustainably harvested wood frames.
Images as linked above




Sheex Bedding
Ouh, I just bought a Lee Industries sofa in charcoal. It seems to be a perfect color... so many options! But I struggled with the leg finish color... you most often see dark finishes. Anyone want to offer an opinion about a Weathered Grey Oak finish? It was either that or black walnut.
http://www.leeindustries.com/FinishShowThumbs.asp
Love this color and the one in #1 is beautiful!
I like them all. Wish I had the money.
Love them all but especially the first one, the Baileys.
The Baileys sofa is gorgeous!
I recently came to the conclusion that i HATE sofas with cushions- and have been wondering.. is there is an actual term for sofas with an upholstered seat rather than cushions? So far my google-fu has been lacking :(
Where can I find affordable lights like the ones in the first example photo: http://g-cdn.apartmenttherapy.com/2645177/Baileys_sofa__rect540.jpg
Anyone have an idea?
If I lived in Seattle the last thing I'd want is more gray in my life!
Here's a similar light I saw on the CB2 website: http://www.cb2.com/top-rated/accessories/beacon-floor-lamp/f5597
@oralee
I was actually thinking one of the first three would be nice, but it probably depends on your floors (or rug)....
Quick Google search for "studio lighting" reveled this... http://www.elemental.uk.com/lighting/studio_spot_lamps/group
British, but there must be something here in the US.
@lepidoptery
Thanks... the photo of the third one looks more like the actual wood sample I have. I think it'll work out well. We're temporarily in a rental so I'm trying not to base decisions on the space. And I'm currently shopping for a rug. Hopefully one with a simple lattice pattern but trying to do it on the cheap as the sofa was an investment. Thanks again!
I'm groovin' on the wall behind the sofa in the first photo. Makes me wanna run right out and buy 6 shades of beige and gray American Clay and have at it.
i love the poufs/footrest in number photo one. ive seen similar, but i really like the jute fabric look... any thoughts?
@oralea
With cooler grays (assuming your charcoal is one) I personally think the whole piece being more monochrome (rather than actually brown/reddish wood) is more attractive (I don't especially like the feet of the second sofa), so I suggested the whiter/grayer finishes. And if there's any detail in the feet, the lighter color could highlight it, whereas it would possibly disappear with ebony. Of course, having samples in person works much better....
I also don't make my furniture purchases based on the space I'm in (beyond the obvious "will it fit?"), since at this point in my life apartments come and go, but I want pieces I like enough to take with me, so good for you!
Also, re: lattice rug, you mean something like this? That would be neat... if you pull of a diy, maybe you should submit it? XD
who makes the ottomans?
Dear Lord that third sofa is stunning. I'm loving this gray trend, it truly is an amazingly versatile neutral.
Also wondering where those ottomans in the first picture are from...so pretty.
I'm seconding Aninhas on that third sofa... I don't think I've ever been more in love with a piece of furtniture....
When we remodel our kitchen/living room, this is the sofa we're going to get from Room & Board in Smoke.
Can't wait!