How to buy upholstered furniture

Use our expert tips to find the right upholstered furniture for you

Before you commit to buying chairs or sofas, consider these important points:

* Always consider the proportions of a chair or sofa; a large piece may dwarf other furniture in the room, whilst something too small will look odd and feel uncomfortable.

 * To avoid this, take full measurements home and check the available space or, alternatively, use the dimensions to make a template so you can see exactly how much room it will take up.

* Consider the right seating configuration to suit your needs. A three-seater sofa makes a great focal point, but a pair of two-seater sofas might be a more sociable option. 

* Finally, before you buy, you should always check that the piece will fit through your doors, especially if your home has a narrow hall or angled corridor.

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The Essential Guide to Upholstered Furniture