Grey scandi sofa suite with wooden legs and neutral rug.

Unveiling Your Design Personality: How Traditional, Contemporary, and Scandi Sofa Styles Reflect Your Taste

Your home reflects your personality. It gives a direct insight into your individual sense of taste and style, and just like our contrasting preferences in clothes, hairstyles, and fashion choices, our furniture says a lot about who we are. Perhaps famous interior designer, Marie Kondo, put it best when she said, ‘the question of what you want to own is actually the question of how you want to live your life.’

As the sofa takes centre stage in any room, it provides you with the perfect opportunity to showcase your individual taste, and whether your preference is traditional, contemporary, classical, or minimalist, you will be sure to find one that expresses your unique design personality. You will spend many years sitting, chatting, socialising, and lounging on your dream sofa, so it should be comfortable, functional, and fit in with the overall look and feel of your home.

From the paint you select, to the features and soft furnishings you choose, you will be presenting a version of yourself to the world through the personal design choices that you make. In this blog we will discuss three contrasting sofa styles: traditional, contemporary, and scandi sofas, and we will take a closer look at the characteristics of each one, so that we can help you match your personality to your ideal sofa style.

Traditional sofa style—exceptional elegance

If you are drawn to a tailored look with classic décor and luxurious interiors, then the traditional sofa style may be the perfect couch choice for you. Known for their meticulous finishes and elegant features, the traditional sofa will work well in homes that like high-quality, elaborate details and accent pieces.

The traditional sofa style includes sofa designs inspired by early eras, such as Victorian sofas, English roll arm sofas, and the classic tufted Chesterfield sofas, to name a few. They are renowned for their refined and classic details, such as ornate craftsmanship, detailed woodwork, decorative fabric upholstery, plush cushions, and a distinctive classic shape.

Traditional grey fabric sofa suite and armchair with cream rug.

Here’s how the traditional sofa style can reflect your design personality:

  • History and craftsmanship: Being drawn to the traditional sofa style indicates your appreciation of history and craftsmanship. Equally, if you like attention to detail, then this could be the sofa style for you. A traditional sofa features expert design, skilled workmanship, and high-quality materials, which will showcase your penchant for quality and artistry in design.
  • A love of the finer things in life: If you are a homeowner looking for a high-end, classic look for your space, then the luxurious traditional sofa style is an excellent choice. Traditional sofas come in a wide variety of options and feature high-end materials such as silk, velvet, leather, and lavish upholstery options. This makes it the ideal selection when looking to add a touch of grandeur to your living space.
  • Appreciation of timeless beauty: If you are looking for a timeless interior that you won’t have to change frequently to keep up with ever-changing design trends, then the traditional sofa style may be the one for you. Known for its aesthetic beauty as well as its durability, this sofa will reflect your love for classic pieces that will stand the test of time- and -never go out of style.

Contemporary sofa style—modern showcasing

If your style is modern and minimalist and you love keeping on top of current design trends, then a contemporary sofa will be the perfect addition to your space. Whether you choose a full-sized sofa, a loveseat, or a modular seating option, you will have plenty of choice when shopping for your perfect one.

Characterised by clean lines, the use of innovative materials, and minimalist shapes, the contemporary sofa is a popular choice for today’s modern living spaces, and for those looking for both comfort and functionality.

Contemporary velvet teal three piece sofa with matching ottoman and cream rug.

Here’s how the contemporary sofa style can reflect your design personality:

  • Staying on trend: A contemporary sofa showcases your preference for the latest design trends and reflects your desire to stay current. They represent the cutting edge of furniture design and will make a significant impact in any room.
  • Going back to basics: Perhaps one of the most recognisable features of the contemporary sofa is the simplicity of the design. These sofas are functional, stylish, and extremely comfortable. If you are practical and believe in the ethos that ‘less is more’ then the contemporary sofa will fit right in with your design personality.
  • Striking features: The coveted contemporary sofa features many vibrant colours and patterns, making it a striking design feature in any room. They work well in a variety of fabrics, colours, textures, patterns, and materials, and they are ideal for the design personality who loves to make a statement.

Scandi sofas—cosy and comfortable

Scandinavian or Scandi sofas are the ultimate in pared-back design. They are elegant, laid-back, cosy, and comfortable, and they stand out for their relaxed simplicity, light colour palettes, and durable structure. If you are attracted to softer silhouettes and want to create a more relaxed vibe, then the scandi sofa will not disappoint.

Characterised by clean lines, quality craftsmanship, and sleek silhouettes, a scandi sofa will help transform your home into an oasis of calm, understated luxury.

Grey Scandi sofa suites.

Here’s how the scandi sofa style can reflect your design personality:

  • Bring ‘hygge’ to your home: Scandi design embraces the concept of ‘hygge’, which is all about spending quality time with family and friends in a comfortable and relaxed setting. If you are looking to enjoy laid-back luxury at its very best, then the scandi sofa is definitely a great choice for you.
  • Natural elements: If you like a bright, open, and clean look, then the scandi sofa will definitely reflect your taste. Known for their sustainable approach to design, scandi sofas typically use pale wood, light colours, and cosy textiles. They also consciously use mainly natural materials, such as cotton, wood, linen, glass, and porcelain. If your design personality includes a relaxed vibe, with the heart of an eco-warrior, then look no further than the trusty scandi sofa.
  • Subtle sophistication: Scandi sofas make a subtle statement without overpowering the room, and their flexibility is one of the many reasons they are such a popular choice with a variety of homeowners. Understated, elegant, powerful, and peaceful, the scandi sofa will work to elevate any space it graces, and it reflects a design personality that likes luxurious subtlety above all else.

By taking a close look at the characteristics of the traditional, contemporary, and scandi styles, you can get a feel for which sofa is most suited to your individual décor style. Your personal tastes, preferences, style, and values will be reflected in your design personality, so make sure to take time to find the ideal sofa style that best represents you. To explore the sofa buying process in detail, make sure to check out our in depth sofa buying guide.

Ready to find that perfect piece that speaks to your style? We invite you to dive into our broad collection of sofas. Each piece in our collection is more than just a furniture item – it’s a reflection of personality and lifestyle. Start browsing our sofa selection now and discover a sofa that perfectly encapsulates your unique design personality.

Nicola O'Sullivan

Nicola O’Sullivan

Nicola O’Sullivan holds the position of PR Manager and Interior Design Writer at Corcoran’s Furniture, where she applies her sharp eye for interior design. She is in the process of earning a diploma from the globally recognised Interior Design Institute, further enhancing her expertise in the field.

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