The Complete Sofa Buying Guide

Your sofa is the main piece of furniture in your living room, so it needs to be the right size, a nice colour, and most of all, comfortable. With our sofa buying guide, you can be sure you're investing in a quality piece of furniture that suits your family and home perfectly.

Whether you've never bought a brand-new sofa before and want to understand all the options available, or you have more requirements for a comfortable sofa due to reduced mobility, our comprehensive guide will help you understand the options available to you to find your ideal sofa.

Watch our detailed video guide below, or read on for more information and expert sofa recommendations.

What’s In Our Guide:

Here’s what you can find in our guide to all things sofa. Read through to get a full rundown, or click the links below to skip to the parts relevant to you:

• Sofa Types Explained: Which Style is Right for You?
• Sofa Upholstery Guide: Fabric vs. Leather Sofas
• Recliner Vs Static Sofas: What's Best for Comfort?
• Seat Size & Depth: Comfort Over Looks
• Sofa Design & Colour Choices
• What's Inside Your Sofa: Springs, Fibre Interiors, & Frames
• Choosing the Right Sofa That Fits Your Life

Sofa Types Explained: Which Style is Right for You?

The first thing to think about when buying a new sofa is the type that you're looking for. This is often the most important consideration next to comfort. There are a variety of sofa types available, each with its own unique features and benefits.

Common sofa types include:

1. Corner Sofas

Corner sofas are a great way to maximise seating while keeping your space stylish and functional. They’re designed to fit snugly into the corner of a room, making them a smart choice if you’re trying to make the most of your floor space.

Whether you prefer hardwearing, family-friendly synthetic fabrics or luxury, premium leather, there’s a corner sofa out there to match your style and lifestyle.

These sofas are perfect for larger families or anyone who loves hosting guests, thanks to their roomy seating. They’re also a great fit for open-plan spaces or bigger living rooms, helping to define different areas in a natural way.

Here are our top corner sofa recommendations:

2. Modular/Sectional Sofas

Modular or sectional sofas are the ultimate flexible furniture. Unlike regular sofas, these come in separate pieces you can arrange however you like.

The modular nature of these sofas makes them great for awkward or unusual living room layouts, allowing you to pretty much design your own sofa to fit your space perfectly.

If your household is likely to grow in the future, either with children or grandchildren, modular sofas are easy to modify by adding extra sections when it's time to expand.

Whether you’re after a cosy corner setup or a big, comfy sofa for everyone to sprawl out on, modular sofas are made to adapt to your space and your lifestyle.

3. 2, 3, & 4-Seaters

When it comes to 2, 3, or 4-seater sofas, you really can’t go wrong. These classic designs offer comfortable and cosy seating that’s perfect for the whole family, whether it’s movie nights, relaxing with a book, or catching up with friends.

They’re often available in a wide choice of fabrics, so you can pick a style that complements your decor effortlessly.

Many models also come with recliner options, adding an extra layer of comfort and functionality to suit your needs.

Explore our top sofa recommendations for families of all sizes:

4. Sofa Beds

Sofa beds are an excellent choice for smaller homes, allowing you to maximise your living space by combining style, comfort, and practicality.

They transform your living room into a multifunctional area, giving you the flexibility to easily accommodate guests without the need for a dedicated guest room.

Gone are the days of uncomfortable sofa beds. Modern designs are thoughtfully engineered with comfort in mind, offering supportive mattresses and sturdy mechanisms.

This makes them a fantastic option that shouldn’t be overlooked when planning your guest spaces, ensuring your visitors have a restful and relaxing stay.

Here are our favourite sofa bed models:

5. Chaise-End Sofas

Chaise-end sofas are an excellent choice for those seeking versatile seating or lounging options.

Unlike corner sofas, which are designed to fit snugly into a corner and maximise seating across multiple angles, chaise-end sofas feature an extended section at one end.

This unique design provides a perfect spot to stretch out and relax, making it ideal for unwinding after a long day.

The extended chaise can also serve as extra space for guests, children, or even pets to chill out and spend quality time together.

Discover our top chaise end sofa recommendations:

6. Love Seats or Cuddle Chairs

Love seats or cuddler chairs are a fantastic choice for smaller spaces, making them perfect for first homes or compact living areas.

Their smaller size allows them to fit comfortably into tighter spaces without overwhelming the room, while still providing ample seating for one or two people. This makes them an excellent option for couples or single occupants looking to maximise comfort and functionality in their homes.

Love seats are also often more affordable than larger sofas, offering a stylish and practical solution for those decorating on a budget.

Check out our loveseat vs sofa comparison to help you choose the right furniture for your living room.

Here are our favourite cuddle chairs:

Sofa Upholstery Guide: Fabric vs. Leather Sofas

Once you've decided on the type of sofa you want, you'll next need to think about the upholstery that suits your aesthetic and can withstand the wear and tear of your family home.

Popular Sofa Fabric Types in the UK

When it comes to choosing between upholstery materials, leather and fabric are by far the most popular options for sofas in the UK.

Leather sofas can effortlessly add a touch of luxury to any living space and are especially well-suited to modern or minimalist interiors.

On the other hand, fabric sofas can match any design aesthetic and often provide a cosy and inviting atmosphere.

Both options have their unique advantages, so your choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and lifestyle needs.

Durability of Sofa Upholsteries

Cleaning & Maintenance of Fabric vs. Leather Sofa Upholsteries

Leather sofas require regular cleaning to maintain their supple surface, appearance, and durability.

Cleaning a few times a year may suffice for items that are not used frequently or are not exposed to much wear. However, for leather products subjected to heavy use, such as chairs, bags, or jackets, this level of maintenance might not be enough.

Consistent care, including wiping down, conditioning, and deep cleaning as needed, helps prevent dirt build-up, cracks, and wear, ensuring the leather retains its quality over time.

Avoid harsh cleaning products and stick to those made specifically for leather care.

Fabric upholstery also needs regular upkeep. Vacuuming and spot-cleaning are important to remove dirt and spills before they settle.

Many come with removable cushion covers that can often be machine-washed, but always check the care label first.

Stains on fabric may need special treatments, which can make maintaining fabric sofas more time-consuming.

Recliner vs. Static Sofas: What's Best for Comfort?

So, style and upholstery are decided, what about the functions of the sofa? Your two main options are recliner or static sofas, both of which offer different benefits and comfort levels.

Differences Between Recliner & Static Sofas

Recliner sofas are built for comfort, offering adjustable features that let you change your seating position with ease.

They typically include a manual or powered mechanism to extend the footrest and tilt the backrest, creating a relaxed position perfect for unwinding or napping.

Some models even come with extras like massage functions or USB charging ports for added convenience.

Static sofas, on the other hand, have a fixed structure and provide a more traditional seating option. While they don’t have adjustable parts, their simple and sleek designs make them a great fit for many interior styles.

They’re also durable and require less maintenance, making them a practical choice for those who prefer a no-frills option.

Choosing between a recliner and a static sofa ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and how you plan to use it.

Manual vs. Power Recliners

Manual and power recliners are two different types of chairs, each with its own benefits.

Manual recliners use a lever or push-back mechanism to adjust the chair's position. They are usually more affordable and don’t need electricity (so you can stay comfortable even in a power cut!), making them budget-friendly and easy to place anywhere.

They’re also lighter and easier to move. However, they offer fewer adjustment options and require more physical effort to recline, which might not suit everyone.

Power recliners, on the other hand, use an electric motor to adjust positions with the press of a button.

Many models include extra features like adjustable headrests, lumbar support, and USB ports. They are easier to use and great for people with mobility issues or those who want extra comfort.

However, they are more expensive, need an outlet or battery pack, and require occasional motor maintenance.

When choosing between the two, think about your budget, physical needs, and how much convenience you want to find the right option for you.

Space & Wall Clearance Considerations for Recliners

For some recliner sofas, wall clearance remains a significant consideration as traditional designs require the sofa to be positioned away from the wall to allow for proper reclining.

This can be a limitation, particularly in smaller spaces where maximising room layout is key.

However, most modern recliner models now incorporate innovative "wall-hugger" or "zero-clearance" mechanisms.

These designs allow the sofa to recline fully even when positioned just a few inches away from the wall, making them an ideal choice for compact areas without compromising on functionality or comfort.

Read the 9 common mistakes when buying a sofa to avoid spacing issues!

Sofa Seat Size & Depth: Comfort Over Looks

Something that people tend to overlook when it comes to shopping for sofas — especially when shopping online — is the size and depth of the seats on the sofa.

This might sound like something that deserves to be an afterthought, but it can have a huge impact on the overall comfort of the furniture, which is no small detail.

Standard UK Sofa Seat Dimensions

When it comes to sofa seat dimensions in the UK, there are some typical measurements to consider to ensure both comfort and practicality:

• Seat Height: The standard seat height ranges between 45cm to 50cm. This measurement ensures ease of sitting and standing for most people.
• Seat Depth: The seat depth typically varies between 50cm to 60cm. Shallower seats are ideal for more formal sitting, while deeper seats provide a more relaxed, lounging experience.
• Seat Width: For individual seating spaces, the standard width per person is usually between 50cm to 60cm, offering enough room without feeling overly confined.

These standard dimensions serve as a guideline, but personal preferences and specific living space requirements should also dictate the ideal choice.

Deep Lounge-Style Seats vs. Upright Seating

Deep lounge seats are great for relaxing. They let you stretch out, making them popular for casual, laid-back settings. However, because of their low and reclined design, they can be hard for people with mobility issues to get in and out of.

More upright seats offer better support for your back and joints. These are better for ergonomics or for those who need easier mobility. They also promote good posture and are good for formal spaces or for people who want comfort and ease of use.

Sofa Design & Colour Choices

When choosing a sofa, focus on its design and colour to match your living room decor. Make sure the style fits the room’s overall look, whether it’s modern, traditional, or eclectic.

By selecting a sofa that aligns with your decor, you’ll enhance the room’s overall vibe.

Popular UK Sofa Colourways

In 2025, the most popular sofa colourways in the UK are cool-toned neutral shades. Colours such as light greys, pale browns, and soft taupes dominate, as they offer versatility and timeless appeal.

One of our most popular sofas this year has been the Orion Sofa Range from Ashwood, which many customers have ordered in our Homebase Natural display colour, which is a soft cream shade.

These hues seamlessly complement a wide range of interior styles, from minimalist to rustic, making them a top choice for homeowners looking to create a calm and cohesive living space.

Thanks to their neutral palette, these popular colours also perfectly complement the ‘in’ colours of 2025!

The subtle nature of these tones also ensures they remain in vogue for years, adding understated elegance to any decor.

Fabric Texture & Finish

When choosing fabric upholstery, there are plenty of textures and finishes to fit your style and needs.

For family homes or busy spaces, durable fabrics like tightly woven polyester or leather are great options. They’re tough, stain-resistant, and built to last.

If you’re looking for something softer and more luxurious, fabrics like velvet, chenille, or brushed cotton are ideal. These materials create a cosy, inviting feel, perfect for spaces focused on comfort and relaxation.

Tips for Choosing Timeless Sofa Style Over Trending Looks

Choosing a timeless style instead of following trends is a smart way to keep your living room looking inviting and relevant for years.

• Stick with neutral colour palettes like grey, beige, or soft white, which create a versatile backdrop and are less likely to feel outdated.
• Stick to furniture with clean lines and simple designs, avoiding overly ornate or ultra-modern pieces that can quickly go out of style.
• Invest in durable, high-quality materials and finishes to make your space last longer.
• Timeless décor also gives you flexibility. Simply swap out items like throw pillows, rugs, or artwork to refresh the room without needing a full makeover.

A timeless living room not only saves you time and money on frequent updates but also creates a warm, welcoming space for family and guests year after year.

What's Inside Your Sofa: Springs, Fibre Interiors, & Frames

While we don't often think about it, being aware of what's inside our sofas is super important! Here's a quick rundown of what you should be looking for:

Sofa Frame Materials to Look For

• Hardwood: Look for sofa frames made from kiln-dried hardwoods like oak, birch, or ash. These materials provide excellent durability and maintain their structure over time.
• Engineered Wood: High-quality engineered woods, such as plywood with multiple layers, can offer strength and stability when properly constructed. Avoid low-grade plywood with fewer layers.
• Metal: While less common, metal frames can be a sign of a sturdy and modern sofa, especially when crafted with robust materials like steel or aluminium.
• Joinery: Check for strong joinery techniques like dowels, screws, or corner blocks. Avoid sofas held together by staples or glue alone, as they may not last long.

Sofa Spring Systems Available

• Sinuous Springs: These are S-shaped springs that run from the front to the back of the sofa frame, providing consistent support and maintaining the sofa's shape over time. They are ideal for a sleek and firm seating experience.
• Coil Springs: Often found in higher-quality sofas, coil springs are made of individual springs that are hand-tied or machine-tied into place. They provide superior comfort and durability, adapting well to movement and weight distribution.
• Pocket Springs: These involve individual springs encased in fabric pockets, allowing each spring to move independently. This system offers targeted support and excellent pressure relief, making it ideal for premium sofas.
• Web Suspension: Instead of metal springs, this system uses interwoven elastic webbing. While less durable than metal-based systems, it provides a softer seat and is often used in minimalist or contemporary designs.

Sofa Cushion Fillings

• Foam: Foam is one of the most widely used cushion fillings due to its longevity and ability to retain shape. High-density foam provides firm support, while lower-density foam offers a softer feel. It's ideal for those seeking a structured look.
• Fibre: Fibre-filled cushions are soft and plush, offering a more casual and relaxed appearance. Although they may require regular plumping to maintain shape, they provide a cosy feel, perfect for lounging.
• Feather: Feather-filled cushions provide an exceptionally soft and luxurious feel, making them perfect for ultimate relaxation. However, they often require frequent fluffing to maintain their volume and support.
• Foam and Fibre Mix: Combining foam with fibre creates a balance between structured support and softness. This hybrid option provides the best of both worlds and reduces the need for constant maintenance.
• Memory Foam: Memory foam cushions conform to the shape of your body, offering excellent pressure relief and personalised comfort. They are a great choice for those looking for ergonomic support.

Choosing the Right Sofa That Fits Your Life

Choosing a new sofa is an important decision since it’s the centrepiece of your living room, affecting both its look and functionality. Considering the factors mentioned in this guide will help ensure your sofa meets your comfort needs, matches your décor, and lasts for years.

If you’re still unsure which sofa is best for you, visit any of our stores across the South West, where our experts are happy to help you find the perfect fit. Alternatively, go ahead and order your dream sofa online today.

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