At the moment I'm deep in the thick of working with a client on her living room. The room features a raised concrete hearth in front of a brick fireplace--which itself makes up an entire wall--so we want to echo those long, wide surfaces in the furnishings. The repeated emphasis on broad horizontal planes will create a sense of harmony and will make the whole space feel lounge-y and ultra relaxed. So we're on the lookout for the perfect sofa; it must have clean, modern lines, sit low to the ground, and feel ever so slightly decadent.
At first I was worried that we wouldn't have enough options, but after a week of searching we're faced with the opposite problem! One and five are from a small Seattle-based company that Alek introduced me to, and I can't get over how incredibly stylish and affordable they are. Two has such elegant, understated presence. Four and six aren't much to look at here, but up close they feature some lovely detailing. Seven and eight seem especially ideal for a long night of watching movies and eating popcorn. And three--a design icon from Vitra--is totally out of budget but it's always nice to include a pie-in-the-sky piece. How will we ever decide?
Do you have a fave? What do you think of this style?
Image Credits: 1. Elle Decoration UK September 2008 2. Living Divani 3. Domino


no comment on the look, but I'm a real couch potato and have "how does it feel" requirements! Does your client want three separate cushions or one continuous? Are there cleaning or moving weight considerations? I live alone and my rule is I have to be able to move it myself! Anxious to see what you decide.
Posted by: Jo Simpson | November 12, 2009 at 08:50 AM
My faves are 2,5,6 and definitely 8 for movie watching! But they do have to feel comfy too!
Let us know what you choose. Have a great day!
Posted by: cathi | November 12, 2009 at 09:07 AM
I live #8..twice.
Double it up and change the cushion to the shabby chic ratio of 70% foam/30% down.
Posted by: TERI REES WANG | November 12, 2009 at 09:25 AM
I love the white one so much!
have a lovely day, xoxo
Posted by: Susan | November 12, 2009 at 09:49 AM
There's something so incredibly chic about long low sofas. And I think they're perfect for rooms with stunning views. I'm a big fan of the last one with the chaise. A good chaise goes a long way. Can't wait to see what you choose!
Posted by: Brandi | November 12, 2009 at 10:09 AM
I love this style! Just a hint of advice, (although you probably already know this, lol)... make sure the low back is comfortable! I like how mine is low to the ground but next time round i'll be getting one with a bit of a higher back so it's more comfortable... I love number 2 with the pillows!
Posted by: Daniella | November 12, 2009 at 10:19 AM
Love #1 :)
Posted by: Jaime | November 12, 2009 at 10:32 AM
I'm loving 2, 5, and 8.
Posted by: Kristy | November 12, 2009 at 10:47 AM
I like 5, which looks ever so inviting. How about these for simple stately modernity: http://www.montis.nl/index.php?spl=2&p=11&s=46&ss=54
Posted by: pretty far west | November 12, 2009 at 01:24 PM
There is a lot of choice there!
1 and 5 are actually the ones which first caught my eye - modern and stylish but actually quite classic. It's nice to know they are affordable!
I love the look of number 7 too.
Posted by: Sophie @ Century Finds | November 12, 2009 at 01:48 PM
love that style. i'm on the hunt myself. lovin' #8 in particular. looks more comfy/less stiff
Posted by: Christine Villacarlos | November 12, 2009 at 03:31 PM
I'm not a fan of the Vitra number. To be honest, so called 'design classics' are a little bit of a cliche these days, and they tend to congregate in the homes of people with money, but huge insecurities about their taste and status. Avoid!
Posted by: pippa | November 12, 2009 at 03:33 PM
I love number 8. I dunno what the budget is, but I've looked at the "Movie Sofa" at CB2, and it's quite comfortable, and looks pretty good. But it is linen, so depends on the style of the room.
Posted by: Lilah | November 12, 2009 at 06:22 PM
I like 1 but I would never buy a sofa I hadn't sat on first. I think sofa's are worth paying good money for - because they should be comfortable.
Posted by: Lynne | November 13, 2009 at 12:45 AM
I adore #5 look so cozy and clean!
Posted by: Taylor | November 13, 2009 at 08:40 AM
What about the piazza sofa from CB2? That's been a favorite of mine for a while...
Posted by: Erin @ SYL: Slipcover Your Life | November 13, 2009 at 01:07 PM
Love 2 and 8, both are nice and clean. I just did the couch shopping thing and wanted/bought something very similar to 2, and I love its nice clean lines.
http://thebusiestbee.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Cinnamon | November 13, 2009 at 04:11 PM
this reminds me...i would love a new couch. any of those would do.
Posted by: The Perfect Palette | November 15, 2009 at 07:22 AM
I have the Burton sofa by Thomas Obrien for Hickory chair. It's more of a traditional looking sofa, but it is very long and very low (and super comfortable!!)
Posted by: Beth | November 16, 2009 at 07:29 AM
I was just in Alchemy in Seattle this past week during my trip! I love #5! Good luck with the decision!
Posted by: Crystal @ Plush Palate | November 16, 2009 at 12:50 PM
1 and 5 caught my eye right away. (Maybe Alchemy is superior at product shots.) Unimpressed by the Vitra.
Posted by: Bromeliad | November 18, 2009 at 12:39 PM
I have #2 in my living room and I love it. It's slip-covered but you'd never know it, and it's as big as a twin so when we have overnight guests I can throw on sheets. My husband is so tall and he was against all low backed sofas until we realized that you don't want to sit, you want to lounge!
Posted by: Nanette | November 27, 2009 at 09:36 PM
Buying sofa and furniture is one of the toughest jobs and also hardest furniture that you will ever purchase. The reason for bringing home this type of furniture is not only its aesthetic value, but also for experiencing ultimate comfort.
Posted by: Palliser Leather Recliners | December 04, 2009 at 03:29 AM
Hi Guy's,
I like how mine is low to the ground but next time round i'll be getting one with a bit of a higher back so it's more comfortable.
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Posted by: Odom19LUCINDA | March 01, 2010 at 08:04 AM