How to Choose the Best Sofa
How do you choose a sofa that ticks all the boxes? There are a couple of design elements to consider that go beyond the obvious ‘is it comfortable?’ first question. So whilst the sofa you choose should be comfortable (buying a sofa online is fraught with issues because you really can’t answer the first question of comfort from behind a screen) it is just as important to get the style of the sofa right - for you and your interiors.
Given that buying a sofa is a large purchase (both in terms of cost but also in terms of the physical size of the piece) it pays to do your research first to understand which style of sofa is right for your space, and what kind of design features should you look for when buying a sofa. This guide breaks down key considerations, including how to evaluate sofa shape and style to complement your home. Whether you are looking for something traditional or sleek and modern, we have you covered.
TRADITIONAL SOFAS
What Works:
This sofa has great proportions with the back of the sofa and arm height beautifully balanced for comfort. The arms, whilst slim in profile, are just high enough to work with a lumbar cushion at either end for lounging. The profile of this sofa feels refined and elegant but it is contemporary enough to work within a variety of looks.
What to Watch Out for:
When choosing a sofa with a single seat cushion pay particular attention to the construction. You will want a good dense foam that will spring back and not sag. And depending on your preferred ‘sink into the sofa’ feel, you may wish to find one that is foam wrapped in feather for a soft squidgy seat experience.
This sofa will look best in a mid-heavy weight linen blend that is robust enough to hold its shape and not wrinkle.
What Works:
This sofa has a slightly feminine feel due the subtle curve of the back and arm rests. The two long lumbar cushions will provide lovely support and should retain their shape decently well, as long as they are not filled with feather. The continuous loose fitted cover (a bit of an oxymoron, but you know what I mean!) gives it a sleek finish that feels less fussy.
What to Watch Out for:
With a loose cover that can be removed for washing (always a great feature) be aware that you might have to contend with shrinkage and as a result ripping might occur along the seams when you place the cover back on. As this sofa has just one continuous cover, fitting it back on after washing may take some effort. Look for lumbar back cushions that are foam wrapped in feather so that they keep their shape while providing soft comfort.
What Works:
This sofa is distinctly traditional with its castor feet and low - to non-existent- gathered arms. And has a slightly more feminine profile. The seat design of two cushions will ensure that the sofa seat retains its shape and the fixed cushioned back won’t need endless plumping.
What to Watch Out for:
This sofa has a more formal feel - it’s low arm height means you can’t sit at the end of the sofa and use the arm rest. Nor is it suitable for lying down so make sure this style suits how you wish to use your sofa.
In keeping with its English look, it will work best in a rich velvet or patterned heavy weight cotton blend. Given its distinct design and rounded shape, I would not style this sofa with scatter cushions.
The low arm height and refined design will suit a smaller room.
CONTEMPORARY SOFAS
What Works:
This sofa has a heavy solid contemporary profile and as such, it will suit a room with plenty of space. By dividing the back and seat into two cushions, this sofa will retain its shape and always look smart.
What to Watch Out for:
The wide arms take up a lot of non-seat space so consider this when choosing a sofa in this style. The lumbar cushions should ideally be foam wrapped in feather so that they are soft but don’t collapse and need constant fluffing. Given the scale of this sofa, consider using it in a larger room.
Go for lighter fabrics to stop this sofa from feeling too dominant - think linen blends in oatmeal or a soft greige.
Consider pairing it with a round coffee or side tables to soften the blocky design.
What Works:
This is a very standard sofa with minimal design features and as such, it feels like a safe option. The seat back and arm rest height are nicely proportioned for comfort and the small feet give the sofa a lighter form.
What to Watch Out for:
Despite being a contemporary sofa shape, the lack of design makes this sofa feel a little dated. The high back cushions will mean the sofa feels quite upright so style it in a room with other seating that has a similar height profile (otherwise your occasional chairs will look strangely squat). The square profile would benefit from some rounder scatter cushions to soften the look.
Choose a high-end linen blend fabric to elevate the sofa from meh to something a little nicer.
What Works:
This is a good possible sofa choice for a small space. The high sofa feet ensures there is plenty of clearance under the sofa to view the floor - which helps to make the sofa feel lighter and less dominant when space is at a premium. The low profile of the sofa is maintained from the back to the sides which gives it a sleeker more contemporary look.
What to Watch Out for:
Given the slim profile of the sofa shell and elevated lighter form, consider pairing it with a heavier perhaps slightly curved occasional chair. I would also consider pairing it with a more solid coffee table.
This sofa will look best without scatter cushions and kept simple.
Go for natural fabrics like cotton or linen blends to match in with the oak feet.
What Works:
With the seat and back design of this sofa split into three even cushions, you can be sure that the sofa overall will retain its shape no matter how much it is used. The leather will also help to stop the sofa from becoming baggy and misshapen. The low profile of the back and arms of the sofa are nicely proportioned and feel sympathetic with the width of the arms as well. The low clearance under the sofa gives it a slightly less bulky look and the bolster cushions add a softness that is needed.
What to Watch Out for:
This sofa sits somewhere between contemporary and traditional and chocolate brown leather can feel very dated. The colour of the leather makes the sofa feel quite masculine so think carefully about what you style this sofa with.
The chocolate brown colour also ensures that it will dominate the space. I would consider using this material and colour in a room that is intentionally dark and moody rather than shoe horning into a light and bright space. Lean into the masculinity of the piece and leave it free of any fussy scatter cushions.
For a stylish take on living with a chocolate brown sofa, consider pairing it with a classic Calacutta marble coffee table in a round shape and place a natural sisal rug underneath to provide texture and lightness.
MODERN SOFAS
What Works:
This sofa would work in a small living room or when you need to keep the feeling of a living room open and flexible. The curved profile helps to provide a softer more feminine element to a living room. In a continuous colour (especially in a textured cream) means this sofa will feel light and modern.
What to Watch Out for:
Curves in interior design have been trending for a couple of years already and are no doubt on their way out, so think carefully about whether you really like the shape of a curved sofa vs. being influenced by it’s current trending status. Given the cost of a sofa, the purchase needs to see you through a decade or more so be careful when choosing a shape that is on trend.
What Works:
The subtle soft lozenge curved cushions give this sofa a lovely soft look whilst maintaining a modern look. The low level of the back and arms add to the modern profile along with the wrapped frame and matching lumbar side cushions. This is a sleek option that ticks the modern look whilst looking comfortable.
What to Watch Out for:
Given the low height of the back and arms, pair this sofa with similarly low slung armchairs otherwise it will make the sofa look strangely squat. Velvet is a lovely textural fabric but will take care to ensure it stays looking beautiful. This is not a sofa for kids.
What Works:
This is an unapologetically modern sofa - boxy in shape and taking up considerable visual space with its wide square arms and deep square seat cushion. This sofa will work best in a larger space and paired with similarly boxy shaped arm chairs.
What to Watch Out for:
Given the strong modern profile of this sofa it doesn’t lend itself to a mix and match interior style. Consider this sofa if you love all things modern so that you can work in this option within your home. Look for performance fabrics that can be protected from spills as this sofa doesn’t have the option for removable covers.