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Neutral Living Room Couch Ideas

Here we are at Week 7 of the One Room Challenge and this living room is finally coming together! For months (a year actually), we went without a couch in our living room. I agonized and went back and forth trying to find just the right couch. Some folks refer to a couch as a sofa, which isn’t common where I live but by all means let’s find the right one! I just needed something like the One Room Challenge to give me a deadline to make a decision. I’m thrilled with how the room turned out and am sharing all my living room couch ideas!

living room couch with throw pillows and neutral decor

What to look for in a living room couch:

  • Color: I always vote for neutral couches. Which doesn’t mean boring! I just be sure to look for pieces that aren’t cool neutrals (“frost” and “steel” grays are usually cool colors)
  • Contrast: Looking for ways to add contrast is one of my very favorite design tricks. I needed a sofa that would contrast with our wood floors, cream rug and newly black painted piano.
  • Sofa Legs: The base of couch often really signifies the decor style so choose wisely. Tapered legs are great for mid-century modern. Low profile leans towards traditional and block feels more transitional.
  • Material: I typically go with woven fabrics to add some depth so the couch doesn’t feel “flat.” Plus, it hides stains better, what can I say?
  • Shape: To keep things simple, I prefer minimal sofas and then liven them up with pillows and throw blankets
living room couch ideas

Although my couch is currently discontinued, but this Gray Tufted Sofa is similar and, I have a long list of other favorites!

  1. Jake Upholstered Sofa wit Wood Base by Pottery Barn, shown here in Oatmeal
  2. Lounge Sofa by Crate & Barrel, in Cement
  3. Hamilton Leather Sofa by West Elm – this shape is incredible!
  4. Versatile 3 Piece Couch – streamlined design by Burrow
  5. Henry Sofa in Twill Gravel from West Elm, classic best seller
  6. Marin Minimal Couch from West Elm in Pewter Deco Weave
modern living room sofa

Choosing a couch involved a lot of variables for me, which is why it took me a year to decide on one! Ultimately, I went with a very minimal light, neutral gray because it pretty much checked all the boxes.

I styled it with this black and cream pillow set and also with smaller lumbar pillows.

MORE: How to Arrange Living Room Furniture

gray living room couch with rug

This living room works well with both a rectangle or round coffee table and I’m trying out both. If you need more living room space, I have a post with more of my favorite Round Coffee Tables for more ideas & inspiration. And if you’re feeling inspired, check out my modern DIY Coffee Table that comes together in 20 minutes!

Also, if you’re looking for ideas on styling a sofa, check out my post on How to Layer Throw Pillows.