The home of architecture and design in the Asia-Pacific

Get the latest design news direct to your inbox!

Design tricks that make recliners and sofas the star of your living room

Your main seating can be a stylish centrepiece, not just a functional chair.

Design tricks that make recliners and sofas the star of your living room

Every living room needs a hero piece, something your eyes are drawn to the moment you walk in. In many homes, the sofa or recliner chair naturally takes on that role because it’s usually the largest and most used piece in the room.

But how do you turn a functional piece of furniture into a real focal point? Here’s how you can make your main seating the centrepiece it deserves to be.

Focus on form and silhouette

If your room feels a bit flat, the right sofa silhouette can change that. Create a focal point by choosing a design with slimmer arms, elevated legs, or a taller, supportive back.

For a softer look, try checking out pieces within the sofa range that offer rounded lines or more cushioned shaping to bring in a relaxed feel. Pair it with a curved coffee table or a soft-edged ottoman. That way, the shapes work together and set up a more comfortable, welcoming space.

Choose a material that makes a statement

One of the easiest tricks to make your sofa a focal point is to use its material to introduce contrast. If your room already has lots of soft textures and natural tones, you can bring in a leather covering to give the sofa more definition.

Go for a textured covering if your space feels modern with sharper edges. This softens the look slightly and stops the room from feeling too rigid.

Give your recliner space to shine

Recliners usually have more depth than standard armchairs, so spacing plays a big role in whether they stand out. Leaving a bit of room behind or beside the chair shows off its shape.

This works especially well with taller backs or curved profiles. That little bit of breathing room acts like a frame, making the recliner look more settled and important in your space.

Master the art of styling

You know how some living rooms just feel pulled together, with a sofa that really commands attention? A lot of that comes down to styling that works with the piece and highlights the features that make it worth noticing.

To style a modern-looking sofa, use two larger cushions and set them at each end of the seat to frame the shape. If your sofa has a bulkier, more relaxed feel, go for one long cushion in the centre and drape a throw over one arm so it falls lightly onto the seat. This adds warmth while keeping the sofa’s outline easy to see.

Create your living room centrepiece

Creating a focal point in your living room is all about choosing a sofa or recliner that blends great design with comfort. It’s the piece that pulls the room together and makes it feel complete.

The best way to understand how a seating option can transform your space is to experience it yourself. Looking at the proportions, checking the materials, and testing the comfort gives you a clearer sense of what suits your layout. 
Our final tip is that choosing the right piece becomes effortless when you turn to brands with proven design credibility. The La-Z-Boy range and their 95-year legacy in comfort and innovation ensures your sofa or recliner is not only built to last but becomes the hero of your living room for years to come.

INDESIGN is on instagram

Follow @indesignlive


The Indesign Collection

A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers


Indesign Our Partners

Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!

Related Stories


While you were sleeping

The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed