Whether you like to lounge for hours, or prefer a more formal sitting arrangement, choosing the right sofa plays a major part in the enjoyment of your home.
Comfort is an individual matter, so test out plenty of sofas before considering looks and finish. Online retailers will usually have a showroom to visit, or offer a no quibbles return policy. Guarantees, ranging from 15 years up to a lifetime, are a good indicator that your sofa will still be a good buy in the long term.
As we get more conscious with our spending, many sofa retailers are offering products with organic coverings, sustainable wood frames or the potential to recycle fully at the end of use.
1. Arlo & Jacob Pembroke Sofa: From £1,545, Arlo & Jacob
Comfort is king with the slouchy Pembroke sofa that’s available in a range of sizes. It’s wide enough for the whole family to sink into and has extra deep seats. It can be upholstered in leather as well as a wide range of fabrics. Handmade in Long Eaton, all Arlo & Jacob sofas have wooden frames, custom made coil springs and come with a lifetime guarantee.
2. Swoon Editions Mimi Three-Seater Sofa: £699, Swoon Editions
There are many takes on the classic Poet sofa, design by Finn Juhl in 1941. Buying an original can cost over £6,000 but if you’re not fussy, this sofa from Swoon Editions makes a good homage. It has a longer shape and more rounded arms but still features the tapered wood legs and buttoned back that exude mid-century style. It’s available in powder blue, grey and plum.
3. DFS Venice Sofa: £998, DFS
This three-seater sofa has traditional British style and plump foam-filled seat cushions that are perfect for sinking into. The finish is 100 per cent leather (impressive given the price) available in tan, dark brown or grey. Two accent cushions come free, you can choose from light or dark feet, and the frame and springs have a 15-year guarantee. It’s a good classic sofa to style as you wish.
4. Neptune George Sofa: From £1,730, Neptune
The quality of this classic sofa is all in the detail. Chestnut oak legs, antique brass castors and pulled stitching all add up to a very elegant piece that makes a good investment. The deep seat cushions are comfortable, and matching scatter cushions can be used to fine tune the back support. There’s a wide range of upholstery options, including linen, velvet, wool and prints.
5. Another Country Series One Sofa: From £3,590, Clippings
Another Country is dedicated to British craft and sustainability. This modern sofa from the brand seats two to three people, and doubles up as an occasional bed. The base and sides are made in solid oak, hand finished with oil and wax to prevent wear and tear. The loose cushions are made from wool and feather-filled. It’s pricey, but this sofa’s bespoke qualities make it something to treasure for life.
6. West Elm Beckham Sofa: £999, West Elm
The deep and low dimensions of the Beckham sofa give it a laid-back style. At 194cm wide it seats two, and comes in a textured teal fabric. Broad arms and two lumbar cushions improve the comfort factor of this otherwise boxy sofa. Slim removable legs contrast well and are finished in burnished bronze, giving the sofa a clean and modern look.
7. Hay Hackney Two-Seater Sofa: From £2,109, Clippings
The clever thing about Hay’s Hackney sofa is its foldable upholstered frame – moving it around is far less painful, and small homes that are hard to access aren’t excluded. It has a wooden frame with cushions made from a comfortable foam and feather mix. Clippings offers it in various fabrics that fall in five price categories. A three-seater version is also available.
8. Maisons Du Monde Roma Eco-Design Sofa: £629, Maisons Du Monde
This basic French-made sofa ticks a lot of environmentally-friendly boxes. The frame is made of pine from certified forests, and it is upholstered in organic cotton. Comfort hasn’t been spared: there are four soft back cushions and plush seat cushions. All the upholstery is removable and can be machine-washed. At 225cm wide, this practical sofa is a good price for the size too.
9. Sofa Workshop Grande Dame Sofa: £2,419, Sofa Workshop
Sofa Workshop’s Grande Dame makes a real impact when upholstered in luxurious velvet, but its classic form looks good in brushed cotton or linen too. The scrolling arms and deep-buttoned back give it a traditional feel, but the overall profile has been thinned down for modern tastes. The sofa is made by hand in the UK and the frame is guaranteed for 25 years.
10. Habitat Naoko Sofa: £795, Habitat
For something a bit different, Habitat’s Naoko sofa has an informal, Japanese style. You can choose either right or left arm versions, depending on your space. The seat has a pine frame with foam cushion. A metal frame supports the two back cushions, although they are designed to look like they are standing freely. Coverings are polyester.
The Verdict: Sofas
Best for families is the Pembroke sofa by Arlo & Jacob. It comes with a wide range of upholstery options to make it your own, and you can relax knowing it has a lifetime guarantee. More structured is the classic George sofa from Neptune. It comes at a price, but quality is important when it comes to such a key feature of the living room.
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