How to choose a sofa
The living room sofa is probably one of the most-used pieces of furniture in your home. We entertain, relax, snooze and even eat on these living room essentials. When looking to buy a sofa it’s important the one you choose reflects your needs and lifestyle. Let us help you break down the details to find a sofa that’s made for you.
The different types of sofa to choose from
When it comes to choosing a sofa, there are lots of different types to choose from. From loveseats to chaise sofas, there’s a sofa for every home. Here’s our guide to which sofas are best for every type of space:
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If you have a smaller space but want the comfort of a sofa, a two-seater sofa will do the job. Often consisting of two seat cushions and two back cushions, a two-seater sofa has space for two people to sit comfortably. They’re also perfect when sitting alongside a second sofa in larger rooms.
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If you like to spread out when you’re watching tv or relaxing, then how about a three-seater sofa? They’re a great choice for couples and families alike, offering a more space than a two-seater sofa without being too large. They’re normally made up of three seat and back cushions.
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For homes with plenty of space and lots of people to seat, a four-seater sofa is the ideal sofa choice. Four-seater sofas are spacious enough to sit four people comfortably or create a place for two people to relax undisturbed. They normally have four seat and back cushions, but sometimes have two longer back cushions.
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A modular sofa is ideal for any sized home because they can be tailored to fit the space. Modular sofas are made up of individual sofa sections that can be combined to create endless configurations. So, whether you need a spacious u-shaped sofa or a small 2-seater, a modular sofa could be the perfect solution.
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Corner sofas are perfect for making the most of your space, as they offer plenty of seating while taking up relatively little space. Surprisingly compact, they’re great for slotting into corners or sitting in the centre of the room to make a statement. Corner sofas tend to be L-shaped, but you may see some that are U-shaped.
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For homes with plenty of space and lots of people to seat, a four-seater sofa is the ideal sofa choice. Four-seater sofas are spacious enough to sit four people comfortably or create a place for two people to relax undisturbed. They normally have four seat and back cushions, but sometimes have two longer back cushions.
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If your home is smaller but you’re after the comfort of a corner sofa, consider a chaise sofa instead. Chaises echo the shape of a corner sofa without a backrest on one side, offering a comfortable footrest without closing off a space. Chaises can be surprisingly compact and still offer plenty of seating space.
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Pint sized sofa? Oversized armchair? A loveseat sits somewhere in between the two and is the perfect size for cuddling up with a loved one or for stretching out on your own. They’re ideal for awkwardly sized spaces, like bay windows or areas that are slightly too big for an armchair.
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Enjoy having somewhere to rest your feet but don’t have room for a chaise sofa? Then your living room might be crying out for a footstool. Footstools come in all sorts of different shapes and sizes. Think smaller ones for compact spaces, or larger ones with integrated storage. Choose a footstool that can really work for your space.
How to measure for your sofa
It’s super important to measure your space before ordering your new sofa. After all, you wouldn’t want to wait weeks for your sofa to be made and delivered, just to find it doesn’t fit. Plus, this way you can be sure you’re making the most of your space too. Here’s how to measure your space best.
Top tip: Use masking tape or newspaper to lay out the size of your sofa. This will give you a good indication as to whether you are happy with how much space it takes up.
1. Clear the space where you’d like the sofa to sit.
2. Remember to take into account any architectural features, shelving or lighting.
3. Remember to consider side tables or floor lamps that change the available space.
4. Compare these dimensions to your shortlisted sofas and then make sure the chosen sofa will fit through your home on delivery by doing an access check You can find step-by-step instructions in our Access & Measurement Guide on the main Delivery information page.
What style sofa should I choose?
We suggest finding a sofa style that suits you and consider how it will fit in with your home. There are many different styles of sofa but here are some of the main ones.
Top tip: Trends may come and go but a sofa should last a lifetime. It’s important to choose furniture that’s true to your style, rather than a trend that disappears as quickly as it arrived.
If you like scroll arms, high backs and curved wooden legs then your style might be more classical. Think Chesterfield sofas and wingback chairs. A traditional sofa can be a great choice if you’re styling a period house but love modern design at heart. Today’s traditional sofas take on a much more modern aesthetic and there’s loads of contemporary upholstery fabrics to choose from.
Mid-century sofas are characterised by tapered legs, fuss-free design and a simple aesthetic. They’re designed to look good, but also be incredibly comfortable. Whilst you could invest in an original 1950s sofa, a modern mid-century sofa will combine the iconic style with contemporary comfort for even more practical seating.
Modern sofas
If you like scroll arms, high backs and curved wooden legs then your style might be more classical. Think Chesterfield sofas and wingback chairs. A traditional sofa can be a great choice if you’re styling a period house but love modern design at heart. Today’s traditional sofas take on a much more modern aesthetic and there’s loads of contemporary upholstery fabrics to choose from.
If you regularly host movie night with kids, pets and popcorn all on the sofa, then a family friendly sofa will be great choice. Choose a sofa that offers lots of comfort and as much space as your room allows. Easy to clean upholstery is essential, we recommend a smart fabric and removable covers.
What's the best fabric for a sofa?
Fabric is an important decision when you’re choosing a new sofa. After all, it needs to suit your lifestyle, tastes and home for years to come. Most brands are happy to offer fabric swatches so you can see the upholstery up close. We highly recommend getting a sample so you can see how it compares to your existing décor. That way you can be 100% sure what you’re getting.
When it comes to the upholstery fabric itself, there are some key things you should consider. For example, how often you’ll be using the sofa, if it’ll need washing regularly and if pets will be sitting on it. Read on to find out more about the most popular upholstery types and how durable they are…
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Perfect for: High use
Leather is a super durable fabric that’s perfect for sofa upholstery because it’s easy to clean and long lasting. Over the years, plenty of use will help it develop a patina that’s completely unique to you. We reckon it makes a great choice for homes with children and pets.
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Smart fabrics
Perfect for: High use
Made using synthetic fibres, smart fabrics are incredibly durable and long-lasting. They’re a really good choice for homes with families and pets. Plus, if the covers are removable then smart fabrics are often machine washable.
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Cotton
Perfect for: Medium use
Breathable and soft, cotton is a more expensive upholstery fabric. The natural fibre is a little higher maintenance than synthetic materials. Cotton upholstery can be suitable for homes with children, but remember it needs care to make sure it keeps its good looks.
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Wool
Perfect for: Medium use
Wool is another popular upholstery choice because it stays cool in summer and keeps warm in winter. It’s often blended with synthetic fibres to make it a little more durable, in which case it’s a great choice for busy homes.
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Linen
Perfect for: Medium-high use
More durable than cotton but with lots of the same qualities, linen upholstery is perfect for homes with children and pets. It’s incredibly breathable and helps keep you cool in summer. It may appear creased to begin with, but it softens over time to achieve a lived-in look.
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Perfect for: Low-medium use
Velvet is a really popular upholstery fabric, but it can be pretty high maintenance. Spillages are its worst enemy and cleaning it can be trickier than with other fabrics. It’s normally made using cotton or a synthetic fabric depending on the brand.
