When it comes to creating a harmonious blend of sophistication, relaxation, and coastal charm, Hamptons style home interiors reign supreme. Inspired by the coastal homes in the affluent seaside communities of the Hamptons, New York, this interior design style has gained immense popularity worldwide. In this article, we will explore the origins and key features of Hamptons style, delve into its distinctive color scheme, examine the patterns and elements that define it, compare it with coastal style interiors, and discover furniture, lighting, homeware, and rug designs that perfectly suit this timeless aesthetic.

Origin & Features

The Hamptons style draws its inspiration from the luxurious vacation homes along the eastern coast of Long Island, renowned for their elegant and relaxed atmosphere. This style embodies the essence of beachside living while embracing classic and refined design elements. Key features of Hamptons style interiors include:

1. Light and airy spaces: Hamptons interiors emphasize an abundance of natural light, achieved through large windows and open floor plans. This creates an inviting and breezy ambiance.

2. Neutral color palette: Crisp whites, cool grays, and soft beiges form the foundation of Hamptons style interiors. These colors are reminiscent of the coastal environment and allow for a serene and timeless backdrop.

3. Natural materials: Incorporating natural materials such as timber, wicker, and rattan is essential to achieving the Hamptons aesthetic. These elements bring warmth and texture to the space, further enhancing the coastal feel.

Colours, Patterns & Elements

The color scheme of Hamptons style interiors is characterized by a combination of soothing neutrals and coastal tones. The primary colours include crisp white, soft shades of blue, sandy beige, and gray. These hues create a sense of tranquility and provide a perfect canvas for incorporating other design elements.

Hamptons style is known for its elegant use of patterns and elements that evoke a relaxed coastal atmosphere. Some commonly used patterns include stripes, checks, and simple floral prints. Nautical motifs like anchors and sailboats are also popular, adding a touch of maritime charm to the space. Incorporating these patterns through soft furnishings, such as cushions, curtains, and upholstery, can instantly transform a room into a Hamptons haven.

Hamptons vs. Coastal

While Hamptons style and coastal style interiors share a love for a relaxed and beach-inspired ambiance, they have some distinct differences. Coastal style tends to lean towards a more casual and eclectic look, often incorporating brighter colours like aqua, coral, and seafoam green. Hamptons style, on the other hand, leans towards a more refined and sophisticated aesthetic, with a focus on neutral tones and classic design elements. Both styles celebrate the coastal lifestyle but with different interpretations.

How to create a Hamptons style atmosphere

To complete the Hamptons look, select furniture, lighting, homeware, and rugs that reflect the style's elegant and timeless appeal. Here are some design ideas to consider:

Furniture: Opt for classic and well-crafted pieces with clean lines. Think plush sofas and armchairs upholstered in linen or cotton fabrics. Incorporate natural materials like wicker or rattan, seen in coffee tables, dining chairs, and bed frames.

Lighting: Choose light fixtures that exude understated elegance. Pendant lights with clear glass shades or chandeliers with linen or rattan accents are excellent choices. Incorporate table lamps with ceramic or glass bases to add a touch of sophistication.

Decors: Accessorize your space with carefully curated homeware. Display items such as seashells, coastal artwork, and woven baskets to bring a coastal touch. Incorporate white or pastel-colored ceramics, glassware, and vases for a refined look.

Rugs: Select rugs that are light in color and texture to enhance the airy ambiance. Natural fibers like jute or sisal work well, or opt for a classic striped rug to add a touch of nautical charm.

Conclusion

Hamptons style home interiors offer a perfect blend of elegance, relaxation, and coastal charm. Drawing inspiration from the prestigious Hamptons coastline, this style showcases light and airy spaces, a soothing color palette, and an array of timeless design elements. By carefully selecting furniture, lighting, homeware, and rugs that reflect this aesthetic, you can create a haven of coastal sophistication within your own home. So why not embrace the beauty of the Hamptons and transform your living space into a serene coastal retreat?

Rug Choices, Where To Begin? When it comes to rugs, there are so many options. The style, material, colour and size plays an important role, as does the rug placement. Always consider how the rug material is to be cared for and cleaned prior to placement to ensure that this will meet the needs of your floor space and intentions of room use

Dining Room

Of course the look is important but let's consider functionality for a moment. In the dining room, food and drinks are sure to spill from time to time. A short pile or flat weave rug is great for an easy clean. You do not want something too heavily textured or thick that will catch on the dining chair legs when moving in and out, or that  makes a quick vacuum difficult. 

Stay clear of shag style rugs for the dining room, as they can take captive those falling crumbs and dust. Turning to a synthetic and durable rug is a smart choice for under the dining table and is easy to care for. Go large for your dining room rug. You will need a rug that stretches out well past the dining chairs so that when these are pulled out, the chairs don't catch on the edges of the rug, easy to glide over is key.

Bedroom

The bedroom is a space highly unlikely to have drinks and food in it, so it's here that you can go for those gorgeous natural and lush underfoot rugs without worrying about high traffic and spillage. You may even want to consider a hide rug to add character to the decor of your bedroom (these also look fabulous in a home office).

If your room is already carpeted, you can still incorporate a rug. A rug over carpet can help anchor the bed and give balance to your bedroom interior. If you have timber floors, a rug will add warmth and bring comfort to your feet in the cooler months. Floor rug runners in turn also do the same when placing these at the foot of the bed. Just make sure they run the length of the footend so it doesn't throw the room scale off. 

Living Room

Living rooms can be the hub of the home. Families often gather here to relax, sit to have a chat, entertain, socialise or simply decompress in front of the TV. You may want to consider how noisy this room can be.

Incorporating a thick or high pile rug can soften the sound of a living room and bring a touch of warmth. The downside to a thick rug is that it can capture debris. If you know that in your living room spillage and mess may be of concern, opt for a stain resistant rug that can be easily cleaned. Low pile rugs are excellent if you have smaller children, elderly or pets around your living space. These rugs avoid a trip hazard when walking from the current floor surface into the living room to sit down. If your living room has a neutral pallet and you long for colour or a change, a floor rug is sure to bring this space liveliness without having to paint a wall or change the furniture.

If you're having trouble deciding on a colour choice for your living room rug and you don't want to go too bold, a simple trick is to secure a colour that's visually different from the existing floor surface. In doing this you will effectively create a contrast and subtly add interest to the style of your interior.

Open Plan Living

If you have an open floor plan, incorporating rugs into your styling plan is vital as rugs help define different living spaces. They also ensure that these larger areas still feel cozy and break up the main floor surface visually.

Now You're In The know

Factor in the above functionality and placement points when selecting rugs for each room and you're sure to find your best suited rug for the intended area of your interior

While functionality for furniture is usually paramount, some pieces exist purely to look good — enter the accent chair! A staple statement piece for many homes, accent chairs can be used to add colour, height or texture to any landscape in your home. From the living room to the bedroom, a well-placed accent chair can take a space from simple to stunning. Selecting and styling such an out-there piece of furniture can seem like a daunting task, but we’re here to help you through the process. 

armchair

What’s it all for?

Before you even start looking for your accent chair, it’s important to define its purpose in your home. Are you going to have it in the bedroom as a place to pop your outfit options, or perhaps you want an extra place to perch in the living room? Maybe you’re buying it strictly as an ornamental piece, in which case comfort won’t factor into the equation. Whatever you choose, having a base idea of your chair’s location and purpose can help inform your decision. 

Stay true to your taste

The clue is in the name — an accent chair should work with your existing decor as opposed to sticking out like a sore thumb. Abandoning your taste for one piece will make your space look confused. Don’t try to reverse-engineer your decorating scheme based on the chair — if you’re not sure which direction you want to go in for a room, work on a theme first and pick your chair later. 

occasional chairs

Consider your colours

This is where reading the room comes in handy! Take a look at the overall tonal scheme of the space where you want to place the chair. Is it full of warm, golden tones or cooler hues? Do you favour pastels or primary colours? Once you’ve figured out your vibe, use a colour wheel to play with potential clashing combinations for your accent chair. By getting a quick visual snapshot of how tones work together, you can have a better idea of what colour family to focus on when shopping for your chair. Remember not to count out neutrals — an opulent leather chair can make a great accent. 

brown accent chair

Know when to restrain yourself

There’s a fine line between a piece of furniture being complementary or overpowering — so be mindful not to cross it. If a loud print is what your heart desires, you can go for it. However, something like a subtle floral or a sporadic polka-dot print gives a nod to prints without becoming too much to handle. Opting for a bold block colour will make it easier to work your accent chair into your existing decorating scheme. 

colourful accent chairs

Co-ordinating can be cool

You may think contrast is the only way to roll with an accent chair, but that’s not true. While picking tones from the opposite ends of the colour wheel can indeed have a striking effect, playing within your existing palette can make it pop even further. If you’re already working with a quirky and colourful interior, pulling a shade from one of your favourite pieces and picking a chair to match can create a striking effect. 

Create a nook

Got an empty corner? That’s an opportunity for a nook! An accent chair or two can transform a bare spot into its own unique space. If you want to use the corner as a reading nook, you can incorporate a bookcase or a floor lamp for extra light. Just be sure to factor comfort into the equation — if you’re going to be spending some quality time in the corner, you want something like a recliner chair with plenty of cushioning that you can sink into. A rocking chair can also add some relaxing and old-world charm to the space. 

styling accent chair

Add accessories

When it comes to making your accent chair really tie in with the rest of your decor, the right accessories are key. Using cushions or throws that connect with the colour scheme of your sofa can make the overall look more cohesive. Another benefit of throw pillows is being able to swap out the covers to change looks according to your whims — you can play with colours, textures and even comfort levels if your chair is serving a more practical purpose.

Don’t be afraid

An accent chair is an opportunity to get outside of your comfort zone, so don’t be afraid to make a splash! You can use your chair to add some colour to a more muted space or even further saturate a bright landscape. That being said, it’s wise to keep tones throughout the room matching — deeper neutrals and richer colours make a beautiful match, while lighter neutrals play well with softer pastel tones. Shapes are also a fun way to add interest without going overboard on colour — something like a tub chair, swivel armchair or wingback chair can make a real statement. 

Nothing brings people together like plonking down in front of the TV. Whether you’re a solo dweller who watches The Great British Bake-Off to unwind, part of a family who fights over the remote or even one half of a couple who has to sync up your shows with your partner — most of us spend a bit of time in front of the screen. That being said, if your TV unit takes pride of place in your living room, it deserves to shine like the star it is. 

If you’re looking for TV unit decor ideas that will take your living space to the next level, you’ve come to the right place.

Mount it

The first step on your TV decor journey is a suggestion that will maximise your space — wall mounting your TV. From a design perspective, this frees up your TV unit to hold more items without looking cluttered or competing for space with a big, black square. Popping your TV on the wall also means no unsightly cords peeking out. Mounting your TV also makes the room look larger overall, creating the illusion of more space. It’s a win-win!

Your own private gallery

Why not turn your TV wall into a work of art? Curate a collection of framed pieces to place around your wall-mounted TV and watch as it melts into the background. The trick to pulling this off is to stick with the same (or similar) coloured frames for cohesion — sticking with black will help you telly blend in even more. With the right spacing and placement, as well as a monochromatic approach to the art and frames, your wall will look chic and modern. 

tv unit

Big on balance

Embracing symmetry in your TV unit decor can create a truly striking visual effect. Choose a handful of feature items for your TV unit and then focus your attention to the sides of the display. Things like immaculately placed wall art or even two tall, slim bookshelves flanking your TV unit can add a sense of formality, structure and sophistication to your living area. If it seems too rigid, you can tone it down by adding some softness to the space — think stacks of books or whimsical floral arrangements on the TV unit itself. 

tv unit design ideas

Left of centre

In the complete opposite vein to symmetry, trying an off-centre look is also an option for your TV unit decor. Placing the unit to the left or right of the TV gives you ample space to get playful with your decor. Use the extra room to highlight sculptural items that create a bold presence — varying sized book piles, chunky candlesticks, statement vases and accent table lamps are all fabulous options. 

Break from tradition

Who says you have to be restricted to TV units for your living room space? Using a sideboard or buffet as a stylish substitute is a fantastic out-of-the-box option, especially if you can’t find any TV units that tickle your fancy. Sideboards and buffets offer a range of different dimensions, as well as additional storage and display options. If you select a lower-lying sideboard or buffet, it can give you the space and freedom to create a display with varying heights. 

sideboard as tv unit

A splash of green

Offset the tech-heavy vibes of your TV with a splash of nature — we’re talking plants! Turning your TV unit into a lush oasis will add a sense of calm and colour to your living space. You can experiment with plants of different heights and textures to create points of visual interest without distracting from the TV. Snake plants, spider plants, rubber plants, peace lilies and ferns all do well indoors, not to mention they’ll help purify the air in your living space.

Make it moody

Going for a soft, moody vibe for your TV unit decor can help to offset the harsh lines and brightness of the actual television. Items with rounded edges like bowls, vases and candles make perfect decorations for TV units — play with muted colour schemes and natural textures to add an even more down-to-earth feel to the space. A table lamp is also an excellent option for creating atmosphere and showcasing the softness of your decor. 

entertainment unit decor ideas

Play with texture

If you’ve opted to keep your TV free-standing on your TV unit, embracing texture and layers will make the decor pop. Adorning the wall behind the TV with tactile elements and contrasting shapes helps break up the empty space — think clocks, wall hangings, art or maybe even wallpaper for an extra accent. Choosing a colour scheme and carrying that through to your TV unit decor will tie it all together — pick up some matching vases, glassware, books or candles to create a calming tableau. 

Timeless, opulent and beautiful - what’s not to love about leather? With these qualities in mind, it’s no wonder that leather couches and sofas have remained a popular choice since their inception into the interior design pantheon. Like most quality fabrics, leather requires a degree of care and maintenance to keep it looking (and feeling) its best. Nobody wants to park their bum on crumbly, cracking leather - we want that smooth and buttery finish!

We’ve assembled some top tips on how to clean a leather couch, so you can keep your seating soft and supple long into its lifespan.

Suck it up

The first step on your leather-cleaning journey is to bust out the vacuum. Before you run the vacuum over, make sure to remove any throws or pillows, and check down the back and sides of the cushions for any loose items - we all know how much coins and candy love to make themselves at home in couch crevices!

Pop your brush attachment onto your vacuum head to avoid scratching your leather upholstery, then use slow, gentle strokes to clean the surface of your couch. When all surfaces are taken care of, use the crevice or nozzle attachment to get into all the nooks and crannies that your fingers can’t reach. 

Wipe-out

Once you’ve given your sofa a careful once-over with a hoover, it’s time to wipe it down. Before you so much as dampen a cloth, it’s best to check the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific furniture - you never know what will and won’t agree with your couch’s upholstery. Most leather can be cleaned with distilled water and mild eco-friendly soap, but stick to the golden adage of less is more. Never take to your couch with a fully wet cloth - this can cause water stains. Use a fresh microfibre cloth that has been slightly dampened with distilled water to wipe any stubborn spots clean.

Going top shelf

There are occasions in life where you can skimp, but caring for your leather couch is not one of them. Spending some money on specialist leather care products to extend the life of your couch will make all the difference. Using quality leather cleaner and a leather protector applied with a soft sponge is the key to effective couch maintenance. Do your research and find products with good reviews.

Mint condition

Much like the stuff we use for our hair, leather conditioner is a product designed to promote strength and softness. Using leather conditioner on a new couch can extend its longevity, while treating a well-loved leather couch to some decent product will help soften and moisturise it. Just be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging and resist all temptations to scrub - this can do more harm than good!

Call in the pros

In the words of Kenny Rogers, “You’ve gotta know when to fold ‘em.” In other words, sometimes your best efforts aren’t enough and only an expert’s touch will do. Because leather is such a temperamental material to work with, engaging a professional cleaner can ensure that no accidents happen. When it comes to maintaining your leather sofa, investing a little bit of extra money can add years to its life and general condition.

When looking for upholstery cleaning companies, be sure to do your research and check any reviews. Proper leather cleaning and maintenance is a specialist practise, so it pays to find someone with the right experience and tools to do the job - especially if you have concerns like cracking or holes that you want to address.

Handy hints, dos and don’ts

There are a couple of home-remedy cleaning tips you might have heard for leather, so we’re here to separate fact from fiction. You can use white vinegar to spot clean most leather couches - you just need equal parts vinegar and distilled water plus your trusty microfibre cloth. Be sure to test the solution in an inconspicuous area first, just in case your particular couch doesn’t take kindly to the formula. In the same vein, you can also use mild dish soap to clean your leather couch. In both instances, it’s crucial to stick to some basic rules - don’t soak the cloth, take it slowly, work the solution in gently and never rub too hard.

Including the time it takes trying to fall asleep, the average person spends about 33 years in bed. With that in mind, it makes sense to treat choosing a mattress like entering into a serious relationship. Is it going to support you? Is it going to make you feel good? Is it going to go the distance? A good quality mattress should last 7-10 years, so it’s quite the commitment. We’re here to help ease the analysis paralysis with our ultimate guide on how to choose the perfect mattress. Sweet dreams!

You’re just my type

What your mattress is made of will have an effect on the cost, feel and overall support that it offers you. Let’s go through the types of mattresses available. 

Innerspring

If you’re over a certain age, spring or coil mattresses are probably what you know best and grew up with. These mattresses remain a classic and popular choice, as they are a reliable and affordable choice. The shape and patterns of the springs will determine the feel of your mattress. 

Memory foam

As the name suggests, memory foam conforms to the contours of your body over time. This soft, cushiony material makes them more plush than innerspring mattresses, but they don’t offer as much support. 

Latex

Like memory foam, latex has a soft and squishy feel. Latex tends to be more expensive though, as it is dust-resistant and has more cooling properties — ideal for allergy sufferers or sweaty sleepers.

Hybrid

If you like the best of both worlds, a hybrid mattress is for you. Hybrids are a combination of two styles, usually an innerspring base with a memory foam or latex top. More materials generally means a higher cost, but hybrids are great if you crave support with cushioning and cooling

Adjustable

If you suffer from serious sleep disturbances or pain problems, an adjustable mattress could be your ticket to relief. While they don’t come cheap, being able to adjust the angle and position of your mattress can help with a host of conditions like sleep apnoea and heartburn. 

mattress

Size matters

There are a bunch of factors to consider when pondering the right size mattress for you. Your sleeping position (starfish or foetal?), whether you have a partner, plus your height and body type can all play a role in the decision. If you’re dealing with a smaller floor space, it’s important to be realistic about what will fit. We’ve popped in the standard Australian mattress sizing chart below for your reference.

Cot Mattress 69 cm x 130 cm
Single92 cm x 188 cm
Long Single92 cm x 203 cm
King Single 107 cm x 203 cm
Double 138 cm x 188 cm
Queen 153 cm x 203 cm
King183 cm x 203 cm
Super King203 cm x 203 cm

Once more with feeling

Soft or firm? When choosing the feeling of your mattress, comfort isn’t the only thing to consider. For example, a firmer mattress provides more spinal support — so if you suffer from back pain or poor posture, this is a more sensible choice for you. Mattress firmness is measured on a scale of 1-10, 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. It’s rare to find mattresses on either extreme, with most falling between 3-8 — this middle ground generally provides the ideal mixture of comfort and support.

mattress guide

What’s your position? 

Your preferred sleeping position can play a big part in matching you to your perfect mattress. 

Back sleepers

Good news for those who sleep on their backs — this position means your weight is fairly evenly distributed across your mattress, so you don’t have to worry about too much pressure falling on one body part. For a supportive snooze, a firm to medium-firm mattress will do wonders for you

Front sleepers

Prefer to sleep front-on? This position can put pressure on your pelvis, so having a decent degree of firmness will help prevent your hips from sinking in. If your hips dip into a cushy mattress, your spine may be forced into an uncomfortable position. Those with larger breasts should also consider memory foam, as it can take some of the pressure off your chest. 

Side sleepers

If you’re a fan of side sleeping, a softer mattress will help keep your shoulder and hip joints protected from pressure by conforming to your body. A soft-to-medium mattress will ensure your joints aren’t copping any undue stress

A bit of everything

We get it — sometimes you like to switch it up! If your sleeping position varies throughout the night, a medium or medium-to-firm mattress is your best bet at keeping your joints protected when you’re snoozing in more vulnerable positions. However, there is no hard and fast rule — you should also consider your personal comfort preferences and your weight

Dealing with pain

If you suffer from back pain, you no doubt know how tricky it can be to find relief. The right mattress can actually go a long way in helping to ease the stress on your back, so it pays to choose wisely. Using the tips above should help guide you, but also be aware that there are more specialised options available on the market for chronic pain sufferers

mattress

We all love rugs for their capability to simply change a room's look and feel. Here at LivingStyles, we have compiled some of our pro tips on how to best layer rugs within your own home to optimize on styling. Bring interest to your interior by merely just layering different textures, colours and sizes through rugs

Let's talk about layouts. Rug layering works a treat when the sizes are different. Use a more cumbersome rug with a smaller one on top for a dramatic effect. We love placing a neutral larger rug (plainer the better) on the bottom, then teaming this up with your more colourful or bolder patterned rug layer for the top. The top rug is where you can bring out your statement, a unique piece. Let the top rug shine!

You can use two rugs that are the same in size but we suggest not laying them on top of another in a centered fashion. Slightly overlap the rug edges to give a unique layout and cover a little more floor space.

Found a rug that is the perfect colour and texture and you've absolutely fallen in love with it only to find it isn't big enough for the space intended? Never fear! Layering allows you to still use that rug so go ahead and still make the purchase. The secret to make this still work is to lay a larger, unassuming rug on the bottom layer. This will make that loved rug pop on top. Problem solved.

A general sizing rule when layering is to keep your top rug 60 -180cm smaller in each direction than your bottom rug when having both centered, but this all does depend on the size of your space of course and any other pieces you may have in it. The smaller the base rug, the smaller the variation in size of the upper rug.

In the bedroom we have the flexibility to change things up. We would suggest having that smaller top rug sitting from halfway down the bed frame to just past the foot end of the bed. Visually you should be able to see the focus rug jutting out on each side and end.

Although we love you to really build on your own unique rug  layering, the layout should never affect the functionality of the room or furniture. Always work within the allocated floor area for an aesthetically pleasing and practical result. A perfect example is if you're wanting to layer the rugs under your dining table. Please allow there to be enough room for your dining chairs to glide in and out from under the dining table with no means to have to lift the legs  over the rugs edges when putting your chair back in after seating. Pile height is another key consideration. You do not want to introduce a tripping hazard. 

The art of layering rugs is an excellent way to accentuate an interior space and we hope you find this an enjoyable way to explore and experiment with your inner stylist.

Selecting the right couch or sofa for your living space is something of an artform. Whether it’s binge-watching our favourite shows, gathering for a gossip with pals or just hanging out with the family, most of us spend quite a bit of time with our bottoms parked on this central piece of furniture. So, it makes sense to put some thought and research into finding the perfect couch or sofa for your situation.

Feeling daunted? Don’t fret — we’re here to guide you through everything you should consider before making your next couch or sofa purchase.

The essentials

First things first — are you a solo dweller, an entertainer, a big family or one half of a couple? Taking into account how many people you’ll have to fit on your couch day to day, combined with how much space you have, are the first two crucial pieces of the puzzle. The next thing to address is your lifestyle and preferences. Those fond of a midday nap or long reading sessions might prioritise a plush seat, while people with kids or furry friends are likely to seek something easy to clean. 

Remember: you can love the look of a certain sofa, but that doesn’t make it right for your circumstances.

Getting deep

The depth of your sofa’s seats is different from its overall depth — the seat depth is essentially the space you take up when seated, and can be determined by measuring the distance between the front and back of your seat cushion. At a base level, you should be able to sit comfortably on your couch without any additional cushions, have ample support for your thighs and enough room for your knees to sit at about 90 degrees when your legs hang off. A more shallow or standard seat is ideal for those who sit up straight, while a deeper seat allows more room for lounging and getting cosy.

The long and short of it

From a practical standpoint, the length of your sofa is a key element to consider when planning your overall floorplan. For singles, couples or those lacking space, a 2-seater sofa or loveseat will do just nicely — you can even add an ottoman to your set-up so there’s an extra seating option for guests! A 3-seater couch is an ideal option in this scenario if you have the room, as it allows room to really spread out and relax. Speaking of relaxing, reclining sofas add another dimension of comfort to your living room, but can still work in a smaller space — you just need to make sure any coffee tables are out of the footrest zone.

For families and frequent entertainers with more room to spare, there are a bevy of other sofa and lounge options. Modular sofas, sectional sofas and chaises have the benefit of versatility on their size as well as being able to accommodate more bodies. These types of lounges give you the opportunity to play with different layouts and configurations, which is great for adding structure to open-plan spaces. 

High and mighty

The back height of your sofa (from the floor to the top of your seat cushions) plays a big role in both comfort and aesthetics. The softness of your cushions and the depth of the seat will also play in to your final sitting height — for example, squishy cushions will bring you closer to the ground, thus making it more of an effort to get up. Depending on your own height, a deep seat might mean your feet can’t touch the ground, which can also make for an uncomfortable arrangement. 

As far as looks go, couch with a super-tall seat that’s placed in the middle of a room may end up stunting the overall space. However, if your seat height is too short, you run the risk of not having enough neck and back support. Take into account your torso height, how you like to sit on your sofa and its overall position in your house before you make any decisions.

Celebrate your style

Now is the fun part — finding a sofa or couch that suits your style! Whether you want something clean and contemporary, mid-century inspired, charmingly retro or even Hamptons-esque, there are endless options to choose from. Just be mindful of your existing decor and any colour themes you’d like to stick to. Alternatively, you can throw the rulebook out the window and get a statement couch that can become the focal point of your living room!

What it’s made of 

The two main materials that sofas come in are fabric and leather. Each has its pros and cons, but your decision should always come back to your lifestyle first. Leather couches are like a fine wine — they get better with age and soften over time, cultivating a unique finish. They are also easy to wipe down in case of spills. Leather upholstery does still require care and maintenance, and can crack if left in direct sunlight long-term. On the other hand, fabric sofas are cost-effective, comfortable and versatile, but can be trickier to clean and prone to fading and thinning with age.

Wool, a material that is still a favorite till this day.  This diverse material is great in rugs for its durability, being environmentally friendly and very resilient.

When making a purchase it is important to stop and think for a moment about what you may need from your rug in regards to functionality. Will your rug be placed in a high traffic area? Is it intended to sit under where you eat the majority of your meals, hence spillage? Will you require your rug to have longevity? Sure, we need our rugs to look fabulous, but we also need to make sure the material meets the requirements.

Let's dive into why wool is a beneficial material choice for a rug.

Due to wool’s built in natural capabilities, it can last for many years looking fresh with little wear and tear if looked after correctly. Perfect for the more popular rooms in your home. Hand knotted wool rugs wear particularly well.

Wool rugs traditionally have even been handed down as heirlooms, that's the kind of longevity we are talking about. There is a coating of lanolin in wool that aids in resisting dirt and light stains so this takes the pressure off hard cleaning. Most of the time a regular vacuum will do the trick when maintaining the cleanliness of your woolen rug. It is important though to avoid wine spillage as wool will soak heavier liquids right up.

wool fibre structural advantages

Colour longevity is one of wool's hallmarks. If your woolen rug is dyed, the colouring is likely to last, due to the dye process. As a result of this, retailers will often have an extensive range of colours and patterns on offer, so you're sure to find something to suit your interior style. Keeping your woolen rug out of direct sunlight is also just as important to note as the colouring can fade.

Wool is a wonderful insulator. Woolen rugs are a terrific addition when it comes to winter as they prevent heat loss. They are also gorgeous underfoot, the wool fibers offer comfort and are soft.

Now a wool rug can be pricey, especially compared to the more synthetic options available but after reviewing the above benefits, this clearly outlines that a wool rug will be a smart investment. This cost effective choice will bring your home style, comfort, resilience and has health and environment interests. Woolen rugs have been around for the time they have as they do offer many rewards. We hope that this guide will aid in ensuring that a wool rug is the perfect match for your home.

Whether you’re a work-from-home stalwart or a die-hard gamer, anything that requires you to be in front of a screen for an extended period of time means your body needs proper support. According to osteopaths, sitting in the wrong chair can lead to a whole host of ongoing problems including pain in your back, neck, hips, wrists and (of course) your bum. So how do you know what chair is right for you? Is a gaming chair better for your health than an office chair? And what’s the difference between them anyway! Fear not, dear reader — we are here to guide you on the path to comfort with our breakdown of gaming chairs vs. office chairs. 

How is a gaming chair different from an office chair?

There are several key differences between gaming and office chairs. The first thing most people notice is aesthetics — gaming chairs tend to be big, bright and bold, while office chairs come in a variety of styles and colours that are designed to blend in with your interior landscape. These visual differences aren’t just a stylistic choice, however — the sloping edges, tall back and bucket-style seat of a gaming chair are all designed for optimal lumbar support. Other features include adjustable armrests, additional cushioning and advanced reclining capability.

gaming desk and chair

On the other hand, office chairs tend to be smaller and less flashy. Office chairs usually still have lumbar support built in, but favour a flatter seat and a wingless back. The chair backs are still able to tilt and move with your body, but don’t have a super steep recline. Office chair armrests typically only move up and down to adjust to your desired arm height, while gaming chair armrests are able to move at more angles.

Round one: comfort

Based on our assessment above, it’s pretty clear that gaming chairs are generally more comfy to sit in than standard office chairs. Gaming chairs are designed for comfort and durability, as most hardcore gamers spend long sessions in front of the screen. Even cheaper gaming chairs are equipped with memory foam padding on the seat and back, compared to the more rigid foam that is generally found in office chairs. Sure, you can get an office chair that’s decked out with more cushioning, but it will naturally cost more. 

While gaming chairs win on the padding and size front, some office chairs have a winning advantage at one comfort element — temperature control. The more open-back or mesh-back styles of office chairs allow for more airflow and regulated temperature. In contrast, the faux leather of some entry-level gaming chairs can become quite sweaty, not to mention it doesn’t last as long as the real deal.

Round two: ergonomics

While ergonomics sounds like a confusing science, it’s really just a fancy way of explaining how much your set-up can be adjusted to personally cater to your body type or chosen activity. Gaming chairs are built with customisability in mind — as we covered off earlier, you’re able to adjust the back, arm rests and neck rest far more than you can in a conventional office chair. While these features are standard in even entry-level gaming chairs, to find the same in an office chair will be reflected in the price. In short, if you want a super-supportive and ergonomically sound office chair, it’s going to cost more. That being said, the steep recline and raised lip of the seat on a gaming chair may not be ideal for office work — the straighter back and flatter seat of an office chair have been designed that way to promote a healthy sitting position

Round three: aesthetics

As we’ve previously mentioned, the visual differences between office and gaming chairs are immediately apparent. If your gaming chair is tucked away in a specific gaming room or study, you’re likely to be less bothered by it clashing with your existing decor. However, if your workspace is carefully curated to achieve a certain aesthetic that fits with the rest of your home, you are highly unlikely to find a gaming chair that will match. Their larger, bulkier and bolder design means they don’t really blend in with conventional furniture.

Round four: price

While gaming chairs overall are more expensive, some office chairs can creep into the thousand-dollar bracket. Extra support features and certain materials like genuine leather can mean a higher price tag for an office chair. Overall, quality gaming chairs tend to start retailing at around $500, while you can get an office chair starting at around $100.

Which one wins?

When it comes to choosing between a gaming chair and an office chair, it’s really a matter of personal preference. Can gaming chairs be used for office chairs? Absolutely. If you prioritise comfort and support, a gaming chair is your best bet as they have been specially designed for long stints in front of a screen. For those more concerned with finding furniture that’s easy on the eyes, an office chair is a better option — and while you won’t necessarily get the same level of ergonomic support that you would from a gaming chair, there are still office chairs with additional features for your comfort. If you combine your traditional office chair with a standing desk, you’ll even further decrease the strain on your body.