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Sofa Table

What is the Difference Between a Sofa Table, Console Table, & Coffee Table?

By Furniture

Modern Sofa Table and Traditional Sofa | How to Combine Traditional & Modern Furniture When shopping for furniture, certain pieces are often difficult to differentiate. While the difference between a bed frame and a nightstand is easily discernible, the contrast between a sofa and a couch may be much more challenging. Our modern furniture experts are often asked about the differences between a sofa table, console table & coffee table, so we thought we should shed some light on the subject. What is a sofa table? Is it different from a console table? What makes a coffee table such? Keep reading to find out!

What is a Sofa Table?

Sofa table with natural wood finish and mid century modern style legs

Sofa Table

As the name suggests, a sofa table is designed to be placed against the back of the sofa in a living room. Not only does a sofa table turn dead space into something useful, but it often ties an entire living room together, making it look planned & intentional. According to our designers, sofa table décor should vary in size, accentuating the table without making it over-the-top. A modern sofa table should be tall enough to stand out in the space but should still be low enough to sit behind the sofa. Our experts recommend finding a sofa table approximately one inch below the sofa’s frame.

What is a Console Table?

Unique Modern Console table for entry from San Francisco Design

A console table is generally considered “standard size” at around 34 inches tall. Console tables are often used in entryways and hallways due to their narrow shape. Our designers love to pair console tables with large mirrors and paintings for an artistic style. Note: Console tables and buffet tables are often confused with each other. While they may look similar and serve similar purposes, a modern buffet table is designed with built-in storage.

What is a Coffee Table?

Expandable Modern Coffee Table imported from Italy

A coffee table is meant to stand at the center of the living room, in front of the sofa. Both functional and appealing, coffee tables serve many purposes, from soothing aesthetics to convenient tabletop.

What are the Differences?

Sofa Table vs. Coffee Table - Differences between coffee table & sofa table side by side comparison

Sofa Table vs. Coffee Table

So, how are coffee tables, sofa tables, & console tables different? Does it even matter? The answers may surprise you. Console tables and sofa tables share more things in common than differences. At first glance, a console and sofa table may look nearly the same side-by-side. With similar shapes and sizes, they are easily confused. The subtle difference between the two is their size, as a sofa table should be a few inches shorter than a console table. In contrast, coffee tables and sofa tables are vastly different. A coffee table belongs in front of a sofa, while a sofa table lies behind the sofa. Coffee tables are also much shorter yet wider than sofa tables, and their designs are often much different. While usually less adorned than a sofa table or console table, coffee tables can still be the focal point of a space.

Should I Look for a High-Quality Sofa Table or Coffee Table?

High-Quality Sofa Table for modern home interior design style in Utah

Now that you know the difference between a sofa table, console table, and coffee table, the next reasonable question would be, “Which is best?”. Is it better to spend more money on a high-quality sofa table or a coffee table? According to our furniture experts, the best choice for the money is a sofa table, as there are more options for style and design. While a coffee table is often the centerpiece of a living room, the sofa table is the real showstopper. After all, its primary purpose is to display the homeowner’s unique flair with coordinating décor. Our designers love sofa tables for endless options for design. A coffee table can only be dressed up a few ways, but a sofa table has limitless possibilities. Of course, no coffee table, console table, or contemporary sofa table is complete without an actual sofa to accompany them. The wrong combination of sofa and table can make your living space look uncoordinated, disorganized, and even unattractive. Luckily, our Utah interior designers are here to help.

Modern & Contemporary Sofas at San Francisco Design

Contemporary navy blue sofa with mid century modern legs in Utah living room

Our expert designers recommend looking for sofas that are both stylish and timeless, able to withstand the test of time while still staying on trend. Modern and contemporary styles accomplish both of these goals. With sleek lines and stunning details, modern sofas are the perfect fusion between the world of fashion and furniture. Accentuate your coffee table or sofa table with a contemporary sofa from San Francisco Design. We specialize in the highest quality modern sofas on the market. Whether you need a small sofa for your formal living room or a large modern sectional for your family room, we have the styles for you. To start your search for a modern sofa, coffee table, or contemporary sofa table, shop our living room furniture today! You can also stop by one of our furniture stores in Park City or Salt Lake City to see our styles for yourself.

March 31, 2021
Throw Pillows for a Contemporary Sofa

How to Choose Throw Pillows for Your Modern Sofa

By Interior Design Tips

Throw Pillows for a Contemporary Sofa

Throw pillows are one of the most versatile items of interior design. Switching your old pillows for new ones can breathe life back into a tired space. It can even help upgrade a room from one style to another, whether you are taking your home to traditional, contemporary, modern, or other décor. 

No matter which interior design style you prefer, accessorizing with throw pillows will enhance the aesthetic of any space. The challenge for many homeowners is knowing how to design their space with throw pillows the right way.

There are a lot of ways to mix and match throw pillows, especially in modern styling. It can take some practice choosing patterns and styles that compliment your sofa. To capture the perfect look, here are a few basic tips that you can follow.

Take a look at the formula our interior designers use when choosing throw pillows for modern sofas.

The Guide To Perfect Throw Pillows for Modern Sofas

Brown leather sofa with colored throw pillows

Choose a Color Palette

The first factor you should consider when picking throw pillows for your modern sofa is your color palette. To bring your room’s design together, pull different colors from other sources in the space, such as the curtains, the wall color, rugs, or bedding. By focusing on a complementary color scheme, you will create more of an impact. 

Color theory can also guide your choice of throw pillows. There are twelve main shades on the color wheel broken down into primary, secondary, and tertiary colors.

  • Primary Colors

The primary colors are red, yellow, and blue. They are the parent colors that cannot be made by mixing other colors.

  • Secondary Colors

These colors are formed by combining any of the three primary colors. These include orange, purple, and green. These are also known as the color’s pure form or hue. 

  • Tertiary Colors

You create tertiary colors by mixing a primary color with its secondary color. For example, the secondary color of red is purple. If you combine the two, you make magenta, which is a tertiary color.

These basic color combinations will help you narrow down your choices of the primary shade of your room As you consider various hues, shades, tints, and tones, realize that color also has a “temperature.” Bright, vibrant colors such as red and orange are considered ‘warm’ while blues and greens are considered ‘cool.’ The temperature of the colors you choose can affect the mood of the space you’re decorating. 

Once you choose your primary shade and the temperature of the space that you’re going for, then you can decorate your room with throw pillows that fit your color scheme, whether you choose a simple complementary, a split-complementary, analogous, triadic, tetradic, or square color scheme.

By following some of the basic concepts of color theory when selecting throw pillows, you will implement a color scheme that has a professional touch.

Find Symmetry

White Modern Leather Sofa for a Contemporary Living Room

One of the main characteristics of modern design is simplicity. Professional interior designers will use symmetrical throw pillow arrangements to create a minimalistic look. You can create this symmetrical look by mirroring the look on both sides of your sofa.

Get started by choosing throw pillows in a set of two. Then, you can arrange the pillows symmetrically in the exact proportions on both sides of the couch.

Blend Patterns

Another factor you will need to consider is patterns. Finding a combination of different throw pillows gets complicated when working with different prints. A basic formula that professional interior designers use when styling modern sofas is combining one small print, one big print, and one solid.

These throw pillows shouldn’t be the same size, either. Instead, your largest pillow should include either the largest print or a solid color. The large print will set the tone for your arrangement, so take care when finding one that matches the style you are hoping to accomplish.

Arrange Large to Small

Modern Leather with small to large throw pillows

Speaking of size, when it comes time to arrange your throw pillows, arrange them from the largest to smallest. Placing your largest pillows on the far corners and the smaller pillows on the inside creates an optical illusion that draws the eye towards the middle of the couch. It also entices you to sit on the sofa.

Along with the visual appeal, this arrangement also increases comfort. Larger 22 or 24″ throw pillows won’t get in the way, and small 12×20″ pillows won’t take up too much space. It is the ideal arrangement for any couch dweller.

Mix Textures

Using different patterns and colors is important, but so is texture. Play with the contrast of different textures. Think of smooth and rough, soft, and fuzzy fabrics when selecting throw pillows, such as faux fur, velvet, linen, knit wools, and tasseled accents. These textures will draw visual interest, as well as stimulate tactile senses.

Emphasize Comfort

Modern Sectional Sofa with Throw Pillows Interior DesignAlthough throw pillows add visual appeal to any interior space, they should also add comfort. It can be easy to go overboard with too many throw pillows, making it more of a hassle than it is worth. This is not the arrangement you want to place on your living room furniture.

Simplicity is key. Pick six to nine pillows for your modern sofa, depending on its size. Remember that if you have to ask yourself if you have too many, you probably do.

Modern Interior Design at San Francisco Design

how to clean a modern sofa by San Francisco Design

Now that you understand the basics of throw pillow arrangements, it is time to select a set of throw pillows! The interior designers at San Francisco Design will help you find the perfect arrangement of modern throw pillows for your sofa. Together, we will create a design that compliments your space. Contact us or visit one of our Utah locations to get started.

You can also shop our collection of modern sofas that go with any throw pillows online at San Francisco Design.

January 13, 2021
How to clean a sofa with multiple fabric & leather types

How to Clean a Sofa: A Guide from the Modern Furniture Experts at SFD

By Furniture

Family enjoying a modern sofa and leather accent chairs

Every homeowner knows that the most exciting room to furnish is the living room. After all, the living room is the heart of the home, where family gathers and memories are made. The centerpiece of any living room is the sofa. Chances are that you thoughtfully selected the sofa for your home, choosing one to match your space’s aesthetic & stand out at the same time.

Finding the right modern sofa for your living room is simple enough — maintaining its integrity can be another story. Between kids, pets, and even adults, the average sofa sees small blemishes and minor damage on a regular basis. Normal wear & tear is unavoidable, but you don’t have to live with stains & smudges.

Maintaining your fabric or leather sofa is simpler than you think! Our modern furniture experts have developed a guide to help you with the entire process. Keep reading to learn how to clean your sofa.

How to Clean a Leather & Fabric Sofa

 

Before You Begin

sofa vs couch modern living room furniture San Francisco DesignSofas are like snowflakes: no two styles are exactly alike. As such, the correct way to clean one varies from sofa to sofa. Before you get right into beautifying your own sofa, there are a few things to do first.

Review tips from the manufacturer. This isn’t just a recommendation. Failing to check the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions may void the product warranty, or worse — it may ruin your sofa altogether.

Take a look at the furniture tags. No Manufacturer Instructions? No problem! Nearly every sofa has tags on the cushions that detail cleaning instructions, have answers to questions about the fabric, or tips for treating the leather. If you have a fabric sofa, the tags should indicate whether the material is water soluble or not.

Note: Make sure to follow the instructions and recommendations on your furniture tags when you go to freshen it up. Don’t risk ruining your furnishings.

 

How to Clean a Leather Sofa

Karl Modern Brown Italian Leather Sofa With Storage Compartment

Leather sofas are some of the most popular around, often due to their relatively easy cleanup and maintenance. Keep in mind that leather is supposed to look lived in. If you take proper care of your couch, it will only get better with age. With that being said, here’s how to preserve your leather sofa.

Use soap and water to treat small stains. Many mild stains can be cleaned simply with dish soap and warm water on a dishrag. Spot test the leather in a small section of the furniture that is not visible before you tackle the stain, like the underside of the frame. Note: If you notice any faded colors or water rings, stop and call a professional before you proceed.

Allow leather to fully dry. Use a clean cloth to dry the stained area quicker and leave it overnight for best results.

Moisturize the sofa. After your furniture has the chance to dry thoroughly, apply a leather cream or conditioner to restore it to its former glory.

 

 

How to Clean a Fabric Sofa

Teal fabric modern sectional from Italy

Fabric sofas are chic & comfortable, perfect for any space. However, they can also be prone to stains that stick. But with the right upkeep, you can help your sofa stay good as new. Here’s how you can clean your sofa.

Note: These instructions are for sofas that can be cleaned with water or a solvent-based solution.

Vacuum first. Ensure that you don’t rub dirt into the fibers of the sofa by vacuuming the cushions and pillows before you start.

Use a cleaning solution. Create one with distilled water and dish soap or use a high-quality premade cleaning solution. As with leather furniture, be sure to test your cleaner on a non-visible part of the sofa. Once you’ve determined that the solution is safe to use, carefully blot it onto the stained area of your sofa without scrubbing.

Rinse the soap. Grab a new cloth and pat distilled water only onto the stain to remove any solution or soap residue.

Allow your sofa to dry. Pat the area dry with a clean rag and let it dry overnight for best results.

 

Maintenance & General Tips

  • Moisturize your leather furniture regularly, but keep in mind that less is more!
  • Regardless of the fabric, always spot test your treatment before you begin. If it alters the appearance of your sofa, stop there and reach out to an expert.
  • Keep pets off fabric and leather furniture. It may seem like a good idea to have your furry friends on your new sofa, but many pets have the tendency to turn new furniture into very luxurious, very pricy scratching posts.
  • When in doubt, call a professional. Don’t risk voiding the manufacturer’s warranty or damaging your beautiful sofa. Hire a professional cleaning company to tackle any big stains and keep your furniture looking fresh and new.

 

Modern Sofas from San Francisco Design

how to clean a modern sofa by San Francisco DesignGet the most from your fabric or leather sofa by learning from the experts at San Francisco Design. Not only do we have the finest assortment of contemporary & modern sofas in the United States, we have a team of furniture experts who can help you choose a sofa that’s simple to maintain. Shop our selection or contact us today to learn more about our easy-to-clean modern furniture!

December 30, 2020
white modern luxury sofa with multi-colored living room furniture

Shopping for Modern Luxury Sofas? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

By Furniture

white modern luxury sofa with multi-colored living room furnitureWhen you’re shopping for high-end sofas, you likely have a myriad of questions. Which brands are genuinely high-quality? Should I visit a furniture store in person or order online? How can I make sure my sofa will match my home? Which styles are the most popular?

Fortunately for you, the experts at San Francisco Design have the answers to make your search for an upscale sofa a breeze! Shop with confidence by following these steps:

#1: Do Your Research

researching high end contemporary sofasThe simplest way to get acquainted with a high-end modern furniture brand is by visiting their website and getting familiar with what they offer. Doing your research beforehand allows you to make an informed purchase, avoiding the woes of buyer’s remorse down the road. We recommend discovering where their furniture is produced, the individual product’s materials and dimensions, and browsing through product images. Additionally, looking through the store’s Google reviews and reading customer assessments is a good idea.

#2: Find a Store that Specializes

modern brown sofa in a contemporary furniture storeAs you browse a store’s website or showroom, look for a specific style. If there’s no clear area of specialization, the store is likely not high-end. Upscale furniture stores offer a variety of products that can be defined as one design style. The employees will know the ins and outs of every piece in their showroom and which sofas will best complement a home’s interior. Even better, certain stores have in-house interior designers to help you find the perfect sofa for your living room.

#3: Plan Ahead

tan leather sofa with modern living room accentsYou know better than anyone that upscale sofas aren’t (and shouldn’t be) the cheapest option around. Luckily, your living room furniture is something you should feel free to splurge on, and price often correlates directly with quality. After all, a high-quality sofa can last for years longer than a cheap one, standing the test of time and looking undoubtedly chic.

#4: Ask About Customization

custom luxury furniture options with fabric and leather samplesIf you’re paying a lot for your sofa, it should be something you love. Luckily, some furniture stores today are experiencing an evolution. While few and far between, select high-end stores offer personalization, allowing you to bring your unique vision to life. That’s right, you can be the designer!

Custom furniture is crafted with care, is high-quality, and entirely unique for you. While mass-produced sofas are a dime a dozen, original pieces can be found nowhere else. If you can put your flare in a contemporary sofa, take it.

#5: Contact the Seller Directly

high end modern leather sofa with tan accent pillows

Feeling unsure about a particular sofa? You’re not alone. Purchasing upscale furniture based on an online listing alone can be challenging. Luckily, many of your questions can be answered with a quick call to the store! Ask about the sofa materials, customization options, price range, and shipping timelines to determine whether the piece is right for you. Since some stores offer custom, built-to-order furnishings, their website may not display the full range of products, so requesting additional photos of your item from the seller is a good idea.

#6: Visit the Brick-and-Mortar Location

upscale furniture showroom with modern living room & dining furnitureIn some cases, buying a modern sofa online might be your best option, particularly when proximity is an issue. However, we strongly recommend visiting a high-end furniture store in person (if possible) to help you decide. Strolling through a store’s showroom gives you an inside look at sofa styling ideas straight from the experts, and you may even find a few pieces that look stunning in person.

Visiting a store in person also allows you to “try before you buy”. Many furniture stores accurately depict their offerings online, but it’s always a good idea to test out your luxury sofa before purchasing. Feel the fabric, inspect the craftsmanship, and ensure it’s comfortable enough to become your living room’s centerpiece.

High-End Furniture at San Francisco Design

blue leather contemporary sofa with modern coffee tableWhen you purchase an upscale sofa, it’s no longer just a piece of furniture. Instead, it becomes an investment in your home’s aesthetic. The perfect contemporary sofa for you will turn an ordinary interior into absolute luxury, ideal for entertaining, lounging, or working from home.

Modern luxury sofas at San Francisco are second to none. Made from the finest materials and crafted to the smallest detail, San Fran sofas stand alone in the world of upscale furniture. To outfit your home with one of our contemporary masterpieces, browse our website, contact our store directly, or visit one of our showrooms today!

December 1, 2020
Modern Coffee Table With Glass and Ceramic Tabletops in Contemporary Living Room at SFD Salt Lake City furniture store

Unique Modern Furniture Found Only At Our Salt Lake Store

By Furniture, Salt Lake City

Shopping for furniture in Utah can be a difficult process. Not only is it tough to find furniture that’s high quality and fits your home, it’s even tougher to find pieces that are unique.

If you really want to differentiate yourself from your neighbors, we recommend shopping for modern furniture. Not only is the modern style unique, it fits into every home with breathtaking results.

At San Francisco Designs, we pride ourselves on our offerings of unique modern furniture. No matter what you’re looking for, we are sure that our Salt Lake City store has furniture that will set you apart and leave your guests awestruck. With that, here are 6 modern pieces from our Salt Lake showroom unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

Modern Pieces from our Salt Lake City Store You Can’t Find Anywhere Else

 

#1: The Madison Extensible Coffee Table

Modern Coffee Table With Glass and Ceramic Tabletops in Contemporary Living RoomIf you’re looking for a living room centerpiece that’s truly unforgettable, the Madison Coffee Table is your solution. Equipped with an innovative double-synchronized mechanism, this modern coffee table allows all 4 tops to be opened at once. With just a simple gesture, you can adjust the placement of the tabletops at any time.

That’s not all, however. Many aspects of the Madison can be specially crafted for your home. Whether you’d prefer 4 glass or ceramic tops, or supports in painted or chromed steel, we can customize the Madison Modern Coffee Table any way you’d like!

#2: The Stella Chandelier

Stella Modern Crystal Chandelier in Dining RoomThere’s nothing more dazzling than the Stella Modern Chandelier at San Francisco Design. Produced in Italy by Reflex, this chandelier is as unique as it gets. Its pendant stars are crafted from Pirex glass and internal bulbs, each light its own masterpiece.

The Stella isn’t just a one-size-fits all chandelier—it’s available with 5 to 150 stars. Not only is it the perfect chandelier for a modern dining room, it’s perfect for the hallway, bedroom, or anywhere in between. This beautiful piece of modern innovation can only be found at our Salt Lake City, Utah store.

#3 The Neolithic Modern Dining Table

Neolithic Glass Dining Table for a Contemporary Dining RoomA sophisticated dining table with a unique curved glass base, the Neolithic Dining Table at San Francisco Design is certainly one-of-a-kind. Whether you need a dining table with seating for 6 or an accent table for your entryway, the Neolitico is the perfect option for those looking for an awe-inspiring piece. Found only at our store in SLC, this look of sculptural grandeur is all you need to transform your home.

Not only is this contemporary dining table ultra-unique, it can be customized to fit your specific needs. With options to customize the base shape, base material, and glass thickness, you can make the Neolithic Modern Dining Table uniquely yours.

#4: The Atlantis Crystalart Contemporary Dining Table

Atlantis Artistic Modern Dining Table With Black Dining Room ChairsIf you’re looking for a modern dining table that shows your artistic flare, this is the table for you. The Atlantis is one of a kind, made with a titanium, bronze, graphite, or black embossed lacquered steel base and feet in black chrome. With artistic decorative printing in two different colors, this contemporary table is a true showstopper.

#5: The Karl Modern Italian Leather Sofa

Karl Modern Brown Italian Leather Sofa With Storage CompartmentAt San Francisco Design, we pride ourselves on offering furniture that fuses the world of fashion with modern sophistication. The Karl Sofa is no different. Designed with deep seats and wonderfully yielding backrests, this modern leather sofa isn’t just an eye-catcher—it’s comfortable beyond belief.

One of the standout hallmarks of this modern sofa is its armrest. Drawing inspiration from elegant handbags, the armrest of the Karl sofa has been sculpted to boost practicality with a fashionable compartment of the side of the sofa. Storage has never been so sleek!

A new “blade stand” base and the clever combination of silhouette, size and stitched details combine to create a stunning contemporary sofa. Learn more about the Karl Modern Italian Leather Sofa or customize your own at our Salt Lake City store today.

#6: The Quasar Extensible Dining Table

Modern Glass Extendable Dining Table With White Modern Dining ChairsYou’ve never seen a dining table quite like this one. A sleek and elegant statement piece for any modern dining area, the Quasar instantly transforms any home. This extendable glass dining table is equipped with a synchronized mechanism with lateral extensions for widening and central extension lifting.

The Quasar contemporary innovation can be customized with a glass or ceramic top, or it can be motorized for an additional charge. Further pricing and options for the Quasar Extensible Dining Table can be found on our website.

Modern Furniture at San Francisco Design

At San Francisco Design, we believe that every piece of furniture tells a story, as exceptional as the person who owns it. No matter your style, the furniture in your home should be uniquely yours. Tell your story through any of these modern pieces, available only at our Salt Lake City furniture store. Stop by our showroom today to get started!

October 1, 2020