Design Your Own Sofa

We love designing furniture, but when it comes to your home, there’s only one true expert: You. It’s you who knows what you like, what you need, and what will work for your one-of-a-kind space.

This is precisely why we offer an ever-expanding custom furniture program. With 126 shapes, 11 fabrics, 152 colors, and countless finishing touches, it ensures that your ideal piece is only a few quick clicks away.

As easy as our custom process is, there are a few tips to keep in mind – especially if you’re designing a sofa. This is one of the biggest furniture investments you'll make, after all, so it should be perfectly suited to your liking and lifestyle, from cushions to casters. “Sofas can be tricky,” says previous Anthropologie Home Stylist Anne White. “You want something that complements your home’s style, of course, but it also has to serve your day-to-day lifestyle.”

Luckily, Anne has helped design hundreds of custom couches, from compact settees to room-for-everyone sectionals. (It’s just one of the many complimentary services our home styling team offers.) Here, she walks us through the five steps to sofa success.

Before you even begin to browse, spend some quality time with your space. Take precise measurements of doorways you’ll need to get your couch through, and be realistic about what size sofa the room can comfortably accommodate – just because you can technically fit a three-seat Chesterfield doesn’t mean you should.

“Be mindful of the room,” says Anne. “You want to be careful not to overpower your space with a large sofa. Also, some silhouettes need more room to breathe. You never want to squeeze a serpentine sofa in a corner – it needs a little extra space to sprawl out and make its statement.”

At the same time, be careful not to underestimate your space. A petite sofa can get lost in a larger, more open floor plan, cautions Anne.

Once you know the size of your ideal sofa, you can begin narrowing down silhouettes. Keep in mind the aesthetic of the room, as well as how you use the space. “Is it a formal living room, or a more casual space?” asks Anne. “If you want something to lounge on, consider a sectional with a chaise, like the Denver – something you can sink into and that has space for plenty of throw pillows. You might also prefer a deeper seat if you really want to sit back and relax.”

Be mindful of your silhouette’s arms, as well, adds Anne. Sofas with higher statement arms can make cross-room conversation awkward. If you plan to read on your couch, an armless design probably won’t serve you best.

We’re firm believers that your furniture should fit your lifestyle, which is why we created a custom fabric line-up with something for everyone. “Be realistic about how much wear your sofa will see,” says Anne. “For a formal room, you can simply choose a beautiful fabric that catches your eye. But if you have children or pets on the sofa, you’ll probably want something more durable. Function is key here.”

Breezy beach house? We have a linen for that. Cozy den? Sounds like a job for our premium leathers. Sticky hands, dirty paws, and a chance of grape juice? Meet our easy-to-clean performance velvet.

From peach to pomegranate, neutral to navy, cool mint to rich emerald, we offer a rainbow of color options. So, how do you narrow things down? Unless you’re planning to overhaul your entire room, choose something that works well with your existing décor and design sensibility. “Consider how much you’re ready to change your space,” says Anne. “Think about how the color will work in this particular area, and the general aesthetic of your home, as well – you want there to be a flow from room to room.”

Don’t play it too safe, however. If your room is mostly neutral, a white couch may leave things looking one-note. This could be your opportunity to introduce a refreshing pop of color.

The last step? Customizing your legs, studs, casters, and more. The details are what makes a piece distinctly yours, so take some time to finesse the finishing touches. “Think of this as the jewelry on your furniture,” says Anne. “You really can’t go wrong here. You can match stains and finishes to your room, or you can change it up and have a little fun.”

For a modern look, Anne suggests mixing a new metallic into your space. “Don’t forget, metallics are neutrals, so they naturally work well together.”