Is it too safe a choice for a living room, great room, or den? And are they even practical where pets and children gather? We all have our opinions and experience with such “living with white” matters, and the answer is always “it depends.” Plenty of performance fabrics these days will stand up to muddy paws. And we’re all different about daily habits and use/abuse of furniture. Our family kept food in the kitchen and dining areas only so upholstery mishaps were the occasional spilled drink during a party. Personally, I have never had trouble spot treating stains. So as an ambassador of white, this White Sofa Inspiration will hopefully yield some help if you’re in the market.
![Miramar Sofa with Fringe Skirt, Serena & Lily](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/image-55-1440x1800.png)
Pretty White Sofa Ideas to Inspire
Our current living room sofa has been with us for more than a dozen years. It’s a Belgian Track Arm Sofa from RH (Belgian Linen in the color sand). Although considered “classic depth” at 37″, it is quite deep! If I bought another, I would likely opt for a more petite depth.
![Belgian linen sofa in our living room at the Georgian. Walls painted SW Repose Gray. Abstract on wood by Michele, Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/january-2023-hello-lovely-studio-living-room.jpg)
Here’s the same sofa in our former home:
![European farmhouse style in my living room with Belgian linen - Hello Lovely Studio. Come see 20 Beautiful White Sofas to Ignite Your Imagination!](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/00001-hellolovely-hello-lovely-studio-fixer-upper-living-room-51-1440x1062.jpg)
![European farmhouse style in my living room with Belgian linen - Hello Lovely Studio. Come see 20 Beautiful White Sofas to Ignite Your Imagination!](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/00001-hellolovely-hello-lovely-studio-fixer-upper-living-room-53.jpg)
And in the home before that!
![Michele in pointe shoes in her Belgian style living room - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/001-benjamin-moore-white-sand-french-country-living-room-michele-1440x959.jpg)
Neutral Sofas Work Across Design Styles
Investing in a neutral color sofa for your space means you have tons of wiggle room for living with color, tone on tone, and even design evolution down the road.
![Charming rustic modern family room with beamed ceiling, stone wall, and Willow modern slipcovered sofa - Crate & Barrel. #modernrustic #familyroom #slipcoveredsofas](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/willow-modern-slipcovered-sofa-crate-and-barrel-black-white-rustic-stone-wall.jpg)
Since sofas can be dressed up or down and tweaked with pillows and throws…
![Willow Sofa, Crate & Barrel](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/image-59.png)
call it “safe,” but I prefer “savvy.”
![Myla Sofa, Lulu & Georgia](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/image-60-1440x1061.png)
When I consider how our neutral linen sofa has worked with multiple paint colors, that sofa was a great investment!
![Beautiful casual classic and natural family room with white Everleigh sofa - McGee & Co. #whitesofas #familyroom #casualclassicstyle](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/everleigh-white-sofa-mcgeeandco.jpg)
You could paint the room above a light blue-grey for an entirely different feel without changing the furniture or upholstery.
So don’t buy into that pressure to go bold for a sofa if it doesn’t feel right in your gut.
Psst. I have always crushed on sofa designs like the one above and below with the wood base rather than a skirt. Seems so clean and light.
If you’re looking for white interior inspiration, Leanna Ford knows her way around it!
![Leanne Ford designed modern rustic interior design with white sofa, white walls and black accents.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/leanne-ford-warm-minimal-interior-design-cow-hide-white-sofa-josh-franer.jpg)
And Rachel Ashwell always has the most romantic white rooms to woo us.
![Shabby chic living room designed by Rachel Ashwell.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/shabby-chic-living-room-rachel-ashwell-2.jpg)
Is it Practical to Live With Light Colors?
If I only had a dollar for every skeptic who asks if I’m serious about the ease of living with white!
![European farmhouse style in my living room with Belgian linen - Hello Lovely Studio. Come see 20 Beautiful White Sofas to Ignite Your Imagination!](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/bemz-sofa-linen-slipcover-hello-lovely-studio8.jpg)
We have not owned shedding pets so not sure if that’s better or worse with white. I don’t fret about white fabric because even if the worst happens?
![European farmhouse style in my living room with Belgian linen - Hello Lovely Studio. Come see 20 Beautiful White Sofas to Ignite Your Imagination!](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/hello-lovely-studio-arizona-living-room-017.jpg)
White comes clean with a little dish soap, and even red wine spills haven’t ruined our Belgian linen upholstered pieces. I don’t feel we have made sacrifices living with white, and it’s such a mood booster every single day.
![European farmhouse style in my living room with Belgian linen - Hello Lovely Studio. Come see 20 Beautiful White Sofas to Ignite Your Imagination!](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/bemz-sofa-linen-slipcover-hello-lovely-studio21c.jpg)
White imparts the calm and gentleness for which I long. It’s a balm to undo the not-so-calm of chaos and bustle beyond home.
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Resources for Sofa Ideas!
Slipcovered Sofa With Bench Seat
Here’s a very similar style to the RH styles from Pottery Barn!
![York Square Arm Grand Sofa with Bench Cushion Slipcover, Washed Linen-Cotton Ivory](https://i.pinimg.com/564x/9d/bc/ab/9dbcab4bcf0dd962d4461572a7255b3b.jpg)
![Tricia Hersey quote about rest and productivity on Hello Lovely Studio - @thenapministry. #triciahersey](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/001-tricia-hersey-quote-tweet-thenapministry-about-productivity-rest-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
Cozy Belgian Style With Chaise
This style works so well in a den or media area.
![York Slope Arm Deep Seat Slipcovered Chaise Sofa Sectional](https://assets.pbimgs.com/pbimgs/ab/images/dp/wcm/202017/0082/york-slope-arm-deep-seat-slipcovered-chaise-sofa-sectional-o.jpg)
![Tricia Hersey quote about rest and productivity on Hello Lovely Studio - @thenapministry. #triciahersey](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/001-tricia-hersey-quote-about-productivity-rest-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
Beachy White With a Flirty Skirt
Sometimes it’s a beachy, casual, coastal look you’re after.
![Coral Gables Slipcovered Sofa](https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/84712769/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/7024/70244090/Coral+Gables+Slipcovered+Sofa.jpg)
![Tricia Hersey quote about rest and productivity on Hello Lovely Studio - @thenapministry. #triciahersey](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/001-tricia-hersey-quote-tweet-thenapministry-about-productivity-BODIES-rest-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
Slipcovered With Slope Arms
Make sure you try out as many sofas as possible and notice your preference for arm style.
That will help you narrow down the possibilities.
![Tricia Hersey quote about rest and productivity on Hello Lovely Studio - @thenapministry. #triciahersey](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/001-tricia-hersey-quote-rest-shame-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
Textured Linen & Clean Lines
As you can see, it’s a very different and non-traditional look when you opt for narrow arms:
Luxurious & Slipcovered
Also, if you’re planning to invest in a slipcovered sofa, you should decide whether you’re okay with a style that must be drycleaned rather than thrown in a machine. Plenty of designs may have “slipcover” in the name even if the covers are not washable.
![Tricia Hersey quote about rest and productivity on Hello Lovely Studio - @thenapministry. #triciahersey](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/001-tricia-hersey-quote-about-rest-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
English Country Charmer
Sometimes a sofa design involves very low arms that influence the seat cushions:
![PB English Arm Upholstered Sofa](https://assets.pbimgs.com/pbimgs/ab/images/dp/wcm/202024/0196/img14o.jpg)
![Mary Oliver quote on Hello Lovely. #maryoliver #inspirationalquote #blessingquote #naturequotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/farrow-and-ball-pavilion-gray-quote-mary-oliver.jpg)
Seen in Sarah Richardson’s Farmhouse
This is a sofa style I have always admired since it has a curved back yet narrow arms.
![Fairchild Slipcovered Standard Sofa](https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/80770984/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/3328/33288713/Fairchild+Slipcovered+Standard+Sofa.jpg)
Keep in mind, you can always pile on throw pillows if you’re not sold on the back cushions that come with your sofa.
![Fairchild Slipcovered Standard Sofa](https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/51824270/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/1822/18226220/Fairchild+Slipcovered+Standard+Sofa.jpg)
I have even seen creative homeowners use those sofa back cushions on beds and for other uses after adding pillows to tweak the look.
Hard to Beat Price & Comfort
We bought Ikea Ektorp sofas thinking they would be temporary, but we are still enjoying them in our family room where we watch TV or read.
Whether you order custom slipcovers or use those from Ikea, they can be so practical if you live with pets. I have washed Ikea slipcovers multiple times and been pleased with the wear.
![Whimsical quote about not pleasing everyone on Hello Lovely. #champagnequotes #whimsicalquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/farrow-and-ball-pavilion-gray-quote-champagne.jpg)
Classic & Elegant
Sometimes a sofa will have a number of design elements combined in one piece. Nailhead trim, linen, and vintage little legs?
![Tallulah Upholstered Sofa](https://assets.pbimgs.com/pbimgs/ab/images/dp/wcm/202016/0037/tallulah-upholstered-sofa-o.jpg)
![Anxiety quote from Brené Brown about gathering data and staying calm - on Hello Lovely Studio. #BreneBrownquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Brene-Brown-quote-calm-people-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
Transitional Style
To minimize surprises, make sure you get all of the measurements and maybe even use painters tape to mark the size in your space before ordering.
Laid Back Lovely
Make sure you notice details like the sofa’s feet. I’m not crazy about how the scale of the feet on this sofa below work with the rest of it.
![Mary Oliver quote poem about beauty. #beautyquotes #maryoliverquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/MARY-OLIVER-quote-poem-beauty-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
Tasteful & Transitional
Are you more of a skirted sofa person?
![Spruce Street Sofa, Serena & Lily #slipcoveredsofas](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/spruce-street-sofa-serena-lily.jpg)
![Modern country cottage furniture and decorating resources on Hello Lovely Studio. #moderncountrystyle #getthelook #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/modern-country-cottage-get-the-look-hello-lovely-studio-banner.jpg)
Dreamy With Fringe
What a difference a little fringe can make!
Cost Conscious & Coastal
![Wright Sofa](https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/89602025/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/6725/67253159/Wright+Sofa.jpg)
![White sofa - Heritage Wright](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/image-1.png)
![Whimsical and inspirational quote about summer - the sunshine and the magic - hello lovely studio! #hellolovelystudio #summerquotes #quotes #inspirationalquote #whimsicalquote #junequotes #julyquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/summer-quote-hello-lovely-studio-colorful-afternoon-henry-james.jpg)
Shabby Chic Signature
Beautiful white sofa options HERE.
In Case You Need a Pillow!
![Coastal living furniture and decorating ideas on Hello Lovely.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/coastal-living-room-shop-the-look-banner-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
Thanks for shopping RIGHT HERE to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!
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This was fun to read. I have your identical RH sofa including the sand color. We love it until we decide to move it because it is the heaviest sofa we have ever owned!! I also have an Ikea white slipcovered sectional in the den. I as well do not have any issues keeping it clean. I use clear dish soap and I also use hydrogen peroxide (with a white cloth etc). I have a friend who is a Nurse and she told me that is what they use to get the blood stains out of their uniforms. Have a lovely day and I truly look forward to your blog every day. Such a pleasant way to start the day ❤️
Author
How fun that we are living with the same pieces as kindred. Love that! Oh the weight of that sofa – you’re so right, and I believe ours has found its resting place! With this recent move, we decided if we move again that we’ll start fresh with furnishings. The thought helped us push through this local move which we handled ourselves. I’m told there are alternative methods to get toned thighs and a six pack. 🙂
ALWAYS A THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS AND QUOTES! OVER THE YEARS, WE HAVE PURCHASED OUR SOFAS FROM CRATE AND BARREL OR POTTERY BARN BECAUSE OF THEIR DESIGN OR COMFORT … BUT! THE FEATHERS ALWAYS WORK THEMSELVES OUT OR INTO OUR SKIN. DO YOUR SOFAS/CHAISES/CHAIRS/PILLOWS HAVE SOMETHING OTHER THAN FEATHERS? — I CAN UNDERSTAND HOW BEING TAR AND FEATHERED WAS A MEANS OF TORTURE … PERSON WHO CAME UP WITH THIS TORTURE MUST HAVE HAD FEATHERS IN THEIR BED/SOFA. AYE!
Author
I’m so grateful for you here – so happy to have you in the fold! All I can say is AMEN and YES the literal feathering of our nests is also real here. The RH pieces throughout our home are down, and while we don’t have feathers escaping from the chairs, the sofa has its confetti moments when I adjust the cushions or if my husband plops down dramatically. I have attributed this to use and age, and how can I be mad at something because it is aging naturally? Hahahaha. What great imagery, yes?
Oh the fun of living with down cushions… while watching “Ridley” on PBS Sunday night, a scene startled and I felt a shooting pain in my heel, checked when the pain didn’t stop, and found a quill stuck in my skin! Had to pause the show as I was laughing so hard about being attacked by my own furniture during a dramatic moment. Down is so worth it, though isn’t it?!
Author
Hahahaha – hilarious. I’m hopeless and now get injured while doing nothing at all. Cut my finger deep enough for stitches the other day on the foil covering of the yogurt container. What? Is my skin thinning and vulnerable now like my hair? As far as the down fallout, I did inspect our sofa’s seat cushion carefully and found a worn spot on the underside which we stitched close. And I get so much satisfaction from using things that become threadbare! Plenty of folks will never understand that joy. 🙂
Patina is the essence of French and English style- usage creates charm and comfort, enhances beauty, doesn’t it?! So we develop patina, too, by this time in our lives! Our skin thins and foil injuries are real! At 70, I ended up at the chiropractor this week… she asked as I lay face down, if I had been ironing or doing laundry. We giggled about how laundry injuries are real. And I admitted to doing 3 loads of laundry and ironing a stack of clothes the day before. Aging is fun fun fun 😉
Author
Great point about developing patina! Yes. Ironing injuries. Bedtime injuries – like I reached to turn off the lamp, and now I can’t use that arm for a few days. Hahahaha. Aging is not fun, but it is humbling and of course that is a sort of win. 🙂