Advice
August 17, 2026
By: Zara Sahota
Choosing the right sofa is about more than finding a design you love. As one of the most used pieces of furniture in your home, it needs to suit your space, lifestyle and preferred level of comfort.
From sofa size and seat depth to upholstery, configuration and care, this guide covers the key things to consider before you buy.
Explore the collection and shop sofas & lounges to find a design made for the way you live.
Before choosing a sofa, measure the room carefully. Note the available width and depth, along with doors, windows, fireplaces, power points and existing furniture.
Your sofa should feel generous without overwhelming the room or interrupting natural walkways.
A few things to check:
Measure the width and depth of the available space.
Leave enough room for coffee tables, side tables and walkways.
Mark the sofa footprint on the floor with painter’s tape if helpful.
Measure doors, hallways, staircases and lifts for delivery access.
Consider visual bulk as well as dimensions.
In a smaller room, streamlined arms or raised legs can help create a lighter look. Larger spaces may comfortably accommodate a chaise, corner design or modular sofa.
The right sofa type depends on your room size, household and how you use the space.
|
Sofa type |
Best suited to |
Consider |
|---|---|---|
|
2-seater |
Apartments and small rooms |
More compact but limited seating |
|
3-seater |
Everyday living rooms |
Requires more wall space |
|
Chaise sofa |
Lounging and TV rooms |
Check left/right orientation |
|
Corner sofa |
Families and larger rooms |
Needs sufficient floor space |
|
Modular sofa |
Flexible and open-plan spaces |
Check individual module sizes |
|
Sofa bed |
Guest or multipurpose rooms |
Allow room when fully extended |
A 2-seater can work beautifully in compact spaces, while a 3-seater offers more everyday seating. Chaise and corner sofas are ideal for stretching out, while modular sofas provide flexibility for larger or open-plan rooms.
The aim is not to fit in the biggest sofa possible. Choose a configuration that gives you enough seating while allowing the room space to breathe.
Your everyday habits should play a major role in your decision.
Families with children: Consider regular use, upholstery care, colour and cushion maintenance.
Pets: Think about pet hair visibility, snagging, scratching and how easily the upholstery can be cleaned. Always follow the manufacturer’s specific care guidance.
TV and movie rooms: A deeper seat, softer cushions, supportive back and chaise configuration may be more comfortable for long periods of lounging.
Formal living rooms: A more upright seat and structured silhouette may suit spaces used primarily for conversation and entertaining.
Small apartments: Pay particular attention to overall depth, arm width, access, raised legs and visual bulk.
Sofa measurements can dramatically affect comfort, and overall sofa depth is not the same as seat depth.
Seat depth is the usable sitting area from the front edge of the seat cushion to the back cushion or backrest.
A deeper seat generally creates a more relaxed feel, while a shallower seat supports a more upright sitting position.
Overall sofa depth measures the entire sofa from front to back.
Seat depth measures only the area you actually sit on.
A sofa may look deep overall but have a relatively shallow seat if it has thick back cushions or a substantial backrest.
A deeper sofa may suit you if you like to:
Curl your legs up
Recline or lounge
Watch TV for long periods
A shallower sofa may suit you if you prefer:
Sitting upright
Keeping your feet comfortably on the floor
A more formal sitting position
Your height matters too. Shorter people may find very deep sofas harder to sit back into while keeping their feet on the floor, whereas taller people may prefer greater seat depth.
Lower sofas can create a relaxed, contemporary look, but they may be harder to get in and out of.
A higher seat can feel easier for people who prefer upright seating.
Back height matters as well. Low backs create a streamlined silhouette, while higher backs may offer more shoulder, neck and upper-back support.
Where possible, sit on a sofa before buying and consider seat depth, seat height, back support and how easy it feels to stand up again.
Comfort begins beneath the upholstery.
Frame: The sofa should feel stable and well constructed, without noticeable twisting or wobbling.
Suspension: Springs, webbing or other support systems sit beneath the cushions and help distribute weight.
Cushion fill: Foam generally creates a firmer, more structured feel, while fibre or feather-style fills can feel softer and more relaxed.
If you prefer a neat, supportive sofa, look towards firmer cushioning. If sinking into your sofa at the end of the day is more your style, a softer, more relaxed cushion may feel right at home. Softer cushions may require more regular plumping and reshaping, so check the recommended maintenance before purchasing.
Both fabric and leather can work beautifully for everyday living. The best choice depends on your household, desired look and preferred level of maintenance.
Fabric sofas offer a wide choice of colours, textures and finishes. When comparing fabrics, consider cleaning requirements, colour and how heavily the sofa will be used.
Leather sofas bring natural character and an enduring finish to a room. Different leather types and finishes will wear differently, so always check the recommended care instructions.
Consider:
For further advice on caring for leather and PU furniture, explore our sofa care guide.
Your sofa occupies a large amount of visual space, so choose a style that feels considered within your home rather than driven entirely by a passing trend.
Neutral shades such as cream, beige, stone, grey and earthy tones offer versatility and can easily evolve with cushions, rugs and accessories. Deeper colours can create a stronger focal point.
Think about your walls, flooring, natural light and surrounding furniture. If your sofa and carpet are similar in colour, create contrast through texture, timber and tonal variation.
Most importantly, choose a design you will enjoy living with for years to come.
Once you have narrowed down your options, check the following details before making your decision:
Overall stability: The sofa should feel secure and well-constructed when you sit or move on it.
Comfort: Test the seat depth, cushion firmness, back height and arm position.
Upholstery: Look at the fabric or leather closely and consider whether its texture and finish suit your lifestyle.
Cushion construction: Understand the type of fill and how much ongoing plumping or maintenance may be required.
Seams and stitching: Look for a neat, considered finish across visible joins and edges.
Configuration: Confirm whether chaise, corner or modular pieces face the correct direction for your room.
Dimensions: Double-check the sofa measurements against both your room and access points.
Care requirements: Understand how your chosen upholstery should be cleaned and maintained.
Warranty information: Review the warranty and relevant terms before purchasing.
Avoid these common sofa-buying mistakes:
Before ordering, double-check the sofa dimensions and your delivery path, including doors, hallways, lifts, stairs and tight corners.
Review the relevant delivery information, warranty terms and care instructions before purchasing.
Once your sofa arrives, follow the recommended care advice. Depending on the design and upholstery, this may include:
Rotating or plumping cushions
Attending to spills promptly
Using suitable cleaning products
Protecting upholstery from excessive heat or sunlight where advised
Ready to find your new favourite place to unwind? Shop sofas & lounges and explore fabric, leather, chaise and modular designs for everyday living.
Both can be suitable for everyday living. Fabric sofas offer plenty of colour and texture options, while leather sofas provide natural character and their own care benefits. Choose according to your household, lifestyle and preferred maintenance.
The 2/3 rule suggests choosing a sofa that is approximately two-thirds the length of the wall behind it. It can help create visual balance, but should be treated as a guide rather than a strict rule.
The 2-2-1 rule generally refers to a living room arrangement featuring two sofas, two occasional chairs and one coffee table. It can create a balanced conversational layout in larger spaces.
Consider your room size, sofa dimensions, seat depth, seat height, back support, upholstery, cushion fill, configuration, colour and care requirements. You should also measure your delivery path before buying.
A sofa does not have to be lighter or darker than your carpet. What matters is having enough contrast in colour, tone or texture to give the room depth.
Start by measuring your room and deciding which size and configuration suit the space. Then consider how you like to sit, your preferred comfort level, upholstery, colour, care requirements and delivery access.
There is no single fabric that is easiest to maintain in every household. Check the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions, fabric composition and recommended care before choosing.
Mid-tone neutrals, earthy shades and textured finishes can be practical for busy family spaces as everyday marks may be less noticeable than on very light or very dark solid colours.
Consider pet hair visibility, scratching, snagging and cleaning requirements. The best option depends on your pet and the specific upholstery, so always check the manufacturer’s care guidance.
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