The Complete Fairway Furniture 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?

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: