Over the course of a sofa’s life (which lasts, on average, 11 years) it will witness 1,236 arguments, 2,105 kissing couples, 3,135 films watched by families, and overhear 2,631 phone conversations, according to research for Furniture Village.
So, it’s all the more important then, to choose a sofa that doesn’t just look good and fit in, but can withstand all that activity and emotion. But it’s not easy to know how to choose a sofa style that suits you and your family.
Experts reveal their buying secrets to help you choose the best seat in the house.
How to choose a new sofa style
‘Big families should opt for a statement sofa’
“A sofa’s one of the most used and best-loved pieces of furniture in our home,” says Malcolm Walker, director of product at Furniture Village. “Far from just being a place to sit, it can be the centre of many pivotal moments in family life – whether it’s arguments and the subsequent making up, or a power nap after a long day.
“But the sheer amount of time that we spend on a sofa, along with the number of activities that we do while lounging on it can mean it needs to stand up to a lot of wear and tear – particularly if you have children.”
“As the seasons shift from summer to autumn, we have seen the re-emergence of earthy hues and tactile finishes. Worn leathers and raw materials pair together to create a rustic décor, perfect for those looking to achieve a sense of warmth and comfort,” says Malcolm.
“Velvet continues to enjoy a renaissance around this time of year, with jewel tones and brass finishes accompanying this textile, to introduce a sense of sophisticated luxury to any scheme.”
“The two key concepts to take into account when choosing a sofa are the space you are working with and your own personal style. A sofa will naturally become the focal point in any space, so ensuring that it captures the look you want is essential,” says Malcolm.
“If your home caters for a big family, then a statement sofa will work wonders. A large corner unit may be a good option to consider, as this offers flexible seating solutions, as well as adding structure to open-plan spaces.
“If you’re working with a more compact room, consider a raised sofa with smaller proportions and slender tapered legs, which will help create the illusion of space and light.”
Malcolm’s favourite sofa…
“The Nicoletti Movimento Recliner Corner Chaise is my top pick. Its deep, luxurious foam-filled seats and optional touch sensitive power recliner function make this a stylish and superbly comfortable choice,” says Malcolm.
‘Check the basics’
“We’re fans of sofas that are big enough to lounge around on, look good and most importantly are super-comfy,” says Charlie Marshall, founder of Loaf.
“People are becoming more adventurous with colour in their homes as sites like Pinterest are providing people with inspiration, making it easier for them to get bolder colours right.
We asked Charlie how to choose a sofa style: “Check a sofa has a solid beech frame, held together with screws and dowels, rather than glued and stapled chipboard versions, which aren’t as durable and break easily.
“If you have your very own team of ‘stain spreaders’ (young children and pets) removable covers are a good choice, as they can be easily whipped off for cleaning,” he advises.
“Always measure up before buying. Check a room is not only large enough for the size of the sofa, but also that its proportions are right. High-back sofas can be overpowering in a smaller room with a low ceiling. Fitting a new sofa through narrow doorways can be tricky – ask for access advice – bolt-on arms can be a great solution.”
Charlie’s favourite sofa…
“The Pudding Sofa is a fresh take on a classic design and it has a super-deep comfy seat. It looks great in our classic linens and neutral fabrics, as much as it does in our bolder choices, such as orange velvet.”
‘Green and orange are the hottest sofa colours right now’
“We’ve really seen craftsmanship trending in recent years – highlighted in detail on upholstery and frames. Raising furniture forms on plinths – another popular look – provides a sense of continuous space in a room, and is an advantage if you’re constrained for space,” said a DFS spokesperson.
“Forest green reflects our desire to bring the ‘outside in’ and orange is a complementary colour to green. Curved-back ‘cocooning’ furniture is increasingly popular, too.
“All cushions are not created equal – some people like a firm and supportive feel, while others want something soft and squishy to sink into. We have fibre filling for a soft feel; a foam core for balanced softness, and support and foam for a supportive, slightly springy feel. An extra set of loose covers are available to buy with our sofas, too.”
Best-selling sofas
Stuck for inspiration? Check out our list of best-selling Amazon products!
- UK Manufactured living room furniture - With memory foam-filled seating cushions and scatter back cushions to sit back and relax into.
- Upholstered in cord fabric and hardwood timber frames. Built to be the ideal sofa for your living room.
- Complies with all UK Fire and Safety Regulations. Includes 12 months manufacturing warranty.
- This sofa is upholstered in Polyester linen fabric
- Product Care: To clean the upholstery material, spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap
- This sofa will send in 2 parcels including 1 x sofa main frame, 1 pair of armrests
- 【Specifications】Colour: Black; Material: Polyester, Engineered Wood, Foam, Metal; Sofa (105° back angle): 167 cm W × 81.5 cm D × 75 cm H; Bed (180° back angle): 167 cm W × 94 cm D × 40 cm H;...
- 【User-oriented Functions】For ease of use, this convertible sofa has a drop-down table with 2 cup holders to hold drinks and snacks when you enjoy your leisure time on it. Two throw pillows offer...
- 【Understated & Versatile Style】The solid-hued fabric upholstery contrast with the glossy chromed legs for an understated appeal, while the buttonless-tufted details dot the seat and the back for a...
- Comfortable: The upholstered living room set is made of soft linen and padded with thick foam, providing your utmost sitting experience. The skin-friendly and breathable linen could quickly absorb...
- Durable And Sturdy: This living room set is constructed with a solid manufactured wood frame and the max load capacity is 340 kg / 750 lb. The durable linen fabric is easy to take care of. Once...
- Well Stuffed And Supporting: The living room set seat, armrest and backrest are well stuffed with soft and high-density foam. The seat is made of 5 inches thick cushion and high-gauge sinuous springs,...
- 【Versatile Seating Options】: Discover our beautifully crafted sofa sets designed to fit various spaces. Choose the spacious 3+2-Seater, the comfortable 3-Seater, or the cozy 2-Seater to perfectly...
- 【 Elevate Comfort and Style】: Indulge in modern elegance with our Sofa Selection Jumbo Cord Sofa Collection. Each piece, whether the 3+2-Seater, 3-Seater, or 2-Seater, seamlessly blends comfort...
- 【 Crafted for Every Space】: Enhance your living room's ambiance with the 2-Seater's compact design, offering a blend of sophistication and comfort. Its modern aesthetics make it a versatile...
Last update on 2024-04-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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