Designer FAQs: Custom Sofas & Couches
How do I know what size my custom sofa or couch should be?
Your ideal custom sofa size depends on the size of your room and the mood you want to create.
- For an approximate view of one of our sofas or couches in your room, download the EA inHome® app.
- For more detailed information on sofa measurements, check out our living room seating buying guide.
Loveseats and smaller sofas are great for cozy conversation and smaller rooms or apartments, or as a perpendicular complement to a sofa on the shorter side of an area rug. They are also well suited to sitting in front of windows or visually separating an open-concept living space.
Large sofas are a classic option that offer enough room for a family or a group of friends. Grand sofas make a statement in large rooms and provide enough space for everyone. Any of these sofas look great against a large wall, parallel to a television or fireplace.
Should my sofa and loveseat or accent chairs match?
They can, but they don’t have to! You can get ideas for complementary fabrics by looking at our fabric collections.
Your new sofa can either make a statement in your living room (or bedroom, or anywhere!) or seamlessly blend in for a visually harmonious look.
- We love solid-color sofas with additional seating in either a complementary color or a striking print.
- You can also upholster your sofa in a bold pattern or color if you're feeling more dramatic.
- You could even mix and match fabric and leather seating by blending moody fabric shades and textures with rich leather hues.
Your living room seating should all have a similar style: Modern sofas pair best with modern loveseats and accent chairs, for example.
What is a sofa vs. a loveseat? Aren’t they all couches?
Sofa and couch are two words that mean the same thing; Ethan Allen calls both sofas. Loveseats are the sofa's little sibling, also sometimes called small sofas or apartment sofas. The only difference between the two is their size.
At Ethan Allen, sofas come in three size ranges:
- Small: 70 to 79 inches long
- Large: 80 to 89 inches long
- Grand: More than 90 inches long
Ethan Allen loveseats range between 50 and 68 inches in length.
Ethan Allen also offers sleeper sofas—sofas with a pullout mattress for overnight guests—in a range of sizes.
How much does a custom sofa or couch cost?
Have you ever heard a sofa creak when you sit down? Had sofa cushions that don’t hold their shape? Your sofa gets so much use every day that it’s worth investing in something that’s of high quality.
When we say high quality, we mean sofas built with hardwood frames that are stapled, glued, and/or nailed by hand, and joined with features that won’t wear out over time, such as durable mortise-and-tenon joinery. The best cushions utilize high-quality CertiPUR-US® certified foams that retain their shape over time.
Quality is not only limited to the inside of your sofa. We source our fabrics and leathers from around the globe and test them against our rigorous standards for colorfastness, pilling, and more. Our leathers are all crafted by hand from complete hides. The fabric or leather you choose is custom-tailored to fit your sofa's frame, ensuring a beautiful aesthetic and construction that will last.
Does a custom sofa come with throw pillows?
Most of our fabric sofas come with pillows, but make sure to check the product details on your sofa to be sure. Our leather sofas usually do not include throw pillows. For more decorative pillow options, you can do either of the following:
- Shop our throw pillows collection online; if you need ideas, check out our sofa pillow arrangements for inspiration.
- Visit a Design Center to ask about having custom pillows made from any of our fabrics.
How do I hide the back of my sofa if I’m not putting it against a wall?
If you have a large space behind your sofa or just don’t want to look at it, a few clever design choices include a console table (which you can further decorate with plants, sculptures, storage, or other accents), a cabinet or chest for more storage, or even a garden of indoor plants.
Does white sofa fabric stay clean?
White fabric is a natural choice for a clean, airy living room, but it may require a little extra care. If you're worried about accidents, ask your Ethan Allen designer about our furniture protection plans.
How do I design my room around my new custom sofa?
- Complement your sofa with matching accent chairs and a coffee table for a space designed for gathering and conversation.
- Add the perfect media cabinet for the ultimate entertainment space for one, two, or ten people.
- Complete your room in a way that accentuates your unique style. Consider a rug that grounds the room, artwork that complements your sofa’s color, and creative lighting on your accent tables or ceiling.
If you want to see how your new sofa will look in your space—and choose other furniture that makes your room feel like you—check out our 3D room planner.
Do you have more questions? Click the Designer Chat icon, or contact your local Design Center—we’re happy to help!
