12 best sofas for style, comfort and affordability, tried and tested

Discover the best sofas for your living room – stylish, comfortable, and affordable, we've tried and tested bestselling sofas from John Lewis, Habitat, and many more, to compile the ultimate guide

The best sofa as tried and tested by Ideal Home on a blue background
(Image credit: Future)

Finding the best sofa for your home can be a difficult decision. After all, a sofa needs to fulfil a lot of criteria, including suiting your decor, budget, and, most importantly, providing a place to relax and get comfortable. And with even the most affordable sofas still proving a hefty investment, it's a purchase we all want to get right.

Whilst nothing can beat going to test out a sofa for yourself – after all, one person's 'too soft' can be another person's 'just right' – you can easily lose multiple weekends traipsing around the shops sitting on sofa after sofa. That's why Ideal Home's experts are here to help.

Our review team has walked multiple miles around multiple sofa showrooms to test out hundreds of sofas in person, toning our glutes with sit-test after sit-test to find the most comfortable sofas from John Lewis, Habitat, Sofa.com, and many more. We've also read multiple reviews from existing owners to assess each sofa's longevity, grilled furniture experts on build quality, and considered upholstery choice, lead times, and, of course, pricing, to reach a verdict on which are the best sofas to invest in.

So whether you're looking for a two or three-seater sofa, a chaise for putting your feet up, a multifunctional sofa bed that enables you to offer guests overnight sleeping space (find more of those in our guide to the best sofa beds), a modular sofa that comes in sections so you can configure your own seating layout, or a spacious corner sofa, we've rounded up the best options below.

The quick list

For in-depth buying advice just keep on scrolling, but if you're ready to start shopping now then you'll find our edit of the best sofas available right now – in terms of style, price, and budget – listed directly below.

Best sofas 2024 – our tried and tested top picks

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Best sofa overall

John Lewis & Partners Draper high back sofa in greyproduct badge

(Image credit: John Lewis & Partners)

1. John Lewis & Partners Draper Sofa

A comfortable sofa with good back support and a recliner option

Specifications

Sizes available: W156 / W202 / W222cm / chaise
Seat height: 43cm
Seat depth: 59cm
Seat cushions: foam and fibre
Back cushions: foam
Upholstery options: 90+
Matching furniture: armchair

Reasons to buy

+
Comfortable with a good mix of squish and support
+
Hybrid fibre-wrapped foam seat cushions offer low-maintenance comfort with reduced plumping
+
High-legged design makes a smaller room feel more spacious
+
Available with recliner footrest
+
Wide range of upholstery options
+
Matching furniture available

Reasons to avoid

-
May be too upright for some

According to online reviews, the Draper sofa has some of the best owner satisfaction levels of all John Lewis & Partners' sofa designs, and, after visiting several branches to test out the brand's full seating collection, we're inclined to agree that it's one of the brand's top picks.

Comfort-wise the sofa frame offers that rare combination of a high-backed design that will suit those who prefer to sit upright paired with a deep seat that offers space for those who prefer to curl up and lounge. The foam and fibre seat cushion adds some welcome squish-factor whilst maintaining its shape well, plus, opting for the single bench-style cushion design means the larger widths can happily seat three people without anyone getting left sitting in the gap.

If you want to get even more comfortable, then this model is also available with an unobtrusive and easy-to-operate footrest so you can really recline in style.

The modern design has a nod to a classic Chesterfield with its buttoned cushion detail and will blend easily into a broad range of interiors helped by the 90+ upholstery options. It's also available in a good range of sizes, including a two, three and four-seater, plus a chaise sofa option, and with prices starting from £1449, plus delivery in just a week if you opt for a more restricted upholstery choice, the design manages to tick a lot of boxes at a good price.

Best budget sofa

A modern grey sofaproduct badge

(Image credit: Habitat)

2. Habitat Julien Sofa

A good all-rounder at a very affordable price point

Specifications

Sizes available: W180 / W220cm
Seat height: 40cm
Seat depth: 62cm
Seat cushions: foam and fibre
Back cushions: foam
Upholstery options: 6
Matching furniture: Armchair

Reasons to buy

+
One of the most affordable sofas we've come across at this level of style and comfort
+
Velvet upholstery options feel good quality and offer rich colours
+
Great seat depth, perfect for sitting or lounging, with good comfort levels

Reasons to avoid

-
Limited size options
-
Limited upholstery options
-
Low seat may not be for everyone
-
Pretty deep, so not ideal for a small space

Comfortable and stylish, there's a lot to like about Habitat's Julien sofa, and at just £595 for the 180cm wide two-seater or £695 for the 220cm wide three-seater, if you're looking for an affordable contemporary sofa then this option ranks high in our books.

Of course, at this price point you can't expect everything, so there are some compromises to be made. Mainly the limited upholstery options (you're going to need to like velvet), plus the shortage of width options compared to other sofa models on this list. The fixed seat cushions also mean you can't just flip over a cushion if a spillage occurs, and the low-to-the-ground frame with 40cm seat height may not be for everyone. 

So why does the Julien still score so highly with us? Well, for the price, this is one comfortable sofa. The fixed fibre-wrapped foam seats are on the slightly firmer side but the model we tested still had a good amount of squish, and we loved the seat depth, which with the foam-filled seat cushions offering good comfort and support was perfect for sitting or curling up on. Plus the low armrests are well-padded and the perfect head height for naps.

And, although the upholstery options are limited, the velvets are amongst some of the nicest we've sampled, with a lustre that feels a lot more luxe than most sofas of this price-point can muster and deep rich shades in some great colourways. Plus, although the coordinating range isn't extensive (there's no matching ottoman available to turn this sofa into a chaise sadly), the matching armchair is a great buy too.

Best quick delivery sofa

Swyft modular sofa in greyproduct badge

(Image credit: Swyft)

3. Swyft Model 03 Sofa

A versatile modular sofa with a super short lead time

Specifications

Sizes available: modular units from W70cm
Seat height: 45cm
Seat depth: 69cm
Seat cushions: foam and fibre
Back cushions: foam and fibre
Upholstery options: 8
Matching furniture: footstool

Reasons to buy

+
Modular units mean unlimited configuration options
+
Super fast delivery options
+
Sofa-in-a-box flatpack design useful for rooms with tricky access
+
Can be easily dismantled and rebuilt if you move home

Reasons to avoid

-
An investment
-
Low seat and backrest
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Bulky with deep seats so not for small rooms
-
Limited upholstery options

A modular sofa is the ultimate versatile seating solution, with individual seating sections allowing you to configure a bespoke sofa layout to best suit your room. You can add, subtract or rearrange the modules if you want to transfer the sofa to a different room or move home, and invest in more sections as and when budget allows.

Swyft's Model 03 is a contemporary modular sofa-in-a box that also offers some jaw-dropping delivery times. Lead times are under one week, and can be as short as 24 hours dependent on stock – a rarity in the world of sofas where lead times can often run to several months.

The modular units don't come cheap, and you're going to need a modern home and quite a bit of space to suit this contemporary design, but we love its boxy shape. It works particularly well in an open-plan layout, where the low-to-the-ground design can be used to zone and anchor a spacious room. Upholstery options are also limited, but all are versatile and on-trend shades.

And, although the low seats and backrest won't be for everyone – you're going to need to prefer lounging to sitting upright to be comfortable on this design – if you're looking for a minimalist sofa with designer looks (without the matching price tag) then this quick-delivery, super-versatile sofa is a winner.

Best corner sofa

John Lewis & Partners Barbican corner sofa in greyproduct badge

(Image credit: John Lewis & Partners)

4. John Lewis & Partners Barbican Corner Sofa

A retro-inspired sofa that offers compact comfort

Specifications

Sizes available: W145 / W176 / W196 / W212cm / chaise / corner
Seat height: 45cm
Seat depth: 56cm
Seat cushions: fibre-wrapped foam
Back cushions: fibre
Upholstery options: 110+
Matching furniture: footstool, armchair, sofa bed

Reasons to buy

+
Comfortable with a good mix of squish and support
+
Hybrid fibre-wrapped foam seat cushions offer low-maintenance comfort with reduced plumping
+
High-legged design makes a smaller room feel more spacious
+
Wide range of sizes
+
Wide range of upholstery options
+
Matching furniture available

Reasons to avoid

-
Retro-inspired design won't be for everyone

The Barbican collection is one of John Lewis & Partners bestselling sofa ranges, and with its on-trend mid-Century-modern meets Scandinavian-cool good looks, it's easy to see why. 

Looks aside, sitting down on this sofa collection doesn't disappoint either with fibre-wrapped foam seat cushions delivering some welcome squish-factor and sink-in-ability combined with a low maintenance fill that keeps its shape and doesn't need plumping. The back cushions are a slightly firmer fibre construction that offers good support and a comfortable angle to recline.

The Barbican comes in a whole host of sofa sizes along with a range of coordinating footstools and armchairs, including small and medium-sized two-seater, three-seater, four-seater and a variety of relatively affordable chaise and corner configurations. All are useful options for a small to mid-sized living room as the sofa's curved frame, slim armrests and high legs mean it looks and feels a lot more compact than many comparable options. That means spacious seating without adding visual 'bulk' to the room or taking up excess floorspace.

There are also over 100 upholstery options on offer, including a good range of leathers, plus, a choice of either light oak or dark wood leg finish to tailor the overall look to your tastes.

Best large sofa

An orange velvet sofa from Habitatproduct badge

(Image credit: Habitat)

5. Habitat Hendricks Sofa

An affordable large sofa with plenty of room to stretch out

Specifications

Sizes available: W180 / W200 / W240 / chaise / corner
Seat height: 37cm
Seat depth: 65cm
Seat cushions: feather and fibre filling
Back cushions: feather and fibre filling
Upholstery options: 12
Matching furniture: armchair

Reasons to buy

+
One of the most affordable large sofas we've come across at this level of style and comfort
+
Velvet upholstery options feel good quality and offer rich colours
+
Great seat depth, perfect for sitting or lounging
+
Comfortable seat and back cushions with a good amount of squish for the price
+
Padded armrests are perfect for a nap

Reasons to avoid

-
Limited upholstery options
-
Low seat may not be for everyone
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Pretty deep, so not ideal for a small space
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Seat cushions non-reversible
-
Chaise section non-reversible

If you have the space to work with then you're unlikely to regret opting for more sofa to stretch out on, especially if you have multiple housemates, family, or friends to seat comfortably. A large sofa generally means (a lot) more expense though, which is probably why the great value Kendrick sofa is one of Habitat's most popular designs, offering spacious seating at a very affordable price point compared to other sofas of this size.

There are generously proportioned two, three, and four-seater sofa options, plus a three or four-seater chaise and two corner sofa configurations to choose from, all in Habitat's luxe-look velvet upholstery. And while the colour choices may be limited, all are great shades that lend statement style to this contemporary design. 

What's more, we loved the comfort levels on all the models we tested. The seat is deep, especially if you're on the shorter side, but we found it very comfortable for sitting or lounging, with comfortable seat cushions that have a nice amount of sink, and soft yet supportive back cushions. The padded armrests are also super comfortable, with the low arms a great height for resting your head for a nap.

Although the back may be a little low in height for some, this low profile design also works especially well in an open plan room where it won't interrupt the flow from one zone to another, delivering a designer look without the designer price tag.

Best classic sofa

The Lounge Co. Bronwyn sofa in green velvetproduct badge

(Image credit: The Lounge Co.)

6. The Lounge Co. Bronwyn Sofa

A classic yet comfortable sofa that's perfect for a period property

Specifications

Sizes available: W186 / W205 / W235cm
Seat height: 51cm
Seat depth: 64cm
Seat cushions: fibre or foam
Back cushions: feather and fibre
Upholstery options: 16
Matching furniture: footstool, armchair, snuggler

Reasons to buy

+
Comfortable with plenty of squish-factor
+
Great seat depth for curling up or relaxed lounging
+
Choice of foam or fibre seat cushions
+
Choice of scatter or classic-style back cushions
+
Matching furniture available

Reasons to avoid

-
Limited upholstery options

Elegant scroll arms, turned wooden feet, and generous seat and back cushions upholstered in some luxe-look velvets give the Bronwyn sofa a classic and opulent feel – without the luxe price tag.

And while the upholstery options may be somewhat limited compared to other options, with just 16 fabrics to choose from, this sofa offers some great alternative ways to tailor the seating to your tastes.

You can style the settee with multiple scatter back cushions or classic flat-backed cushions, and you have the option to tailor the sitting experience by opting for foam or fibre-filled seat cushions. The foam padding offers a firmer sit but will hold its shape well for a smarter look, whilst fibre delivers a more squishy sink-in feel, but one that will require a little more plumping to keep its shape. On top of that, there are three leg colours to choose from, and the option of a two, three, or four-seater frame width.

If you're after a more traditional sofa shape for a period property, or want to add some classic character to a new build, then we think this is a great option to consider.

Best small sofa

A small grey 2-seater sofaproduct badge

(Image credit: Sofa.com)

7. Sofa.com Holly Sofa

A compact sofa that's perfect for small spaces

Specifications

Sizes available: W155 / W185 / W215 / W288cm / chaise / corner
Seat height: 50cm
Seat depth: 54cm
Seat cushions: reversible feather-wrapped foam
Back cushions: reversible feather fill
Upholstery options: 70+
Matching furniture: amchair & footstool

Reasons to buy

+
Great value
+
Compact, high-legged design will make a small room feel more spacious
+
Wide range of sofa widths and configurations, including some useful compact options
+
Comfortable with just the right mix of squish and support
+
Good range of upholstery options
+
Matching furniture available

Reasons to avoid

-
Armrests may be a little high and thin for some
-
The feathers will rule it out for some

If you're looking to furnish a small living room, then the Holly sofa is well worth having on your radar. The compact design is available in a versatile range of size options including the smallest 155cm width two-seater, and a very useful two-and-a-half-seater option. There's also a space-saving extra-small corner sofa configuration that will add extra seating whilst maintaining a small footprint. 

In fact, everything about the Holly design has small-scale living in mind, from the stylish high-legged design that lifts the sofa frame clear of the floor to add visual spaciousness, to the space-saving thinner armrests and not-too-deep-or-too-shallow seat depth. Although, if sofa size isn't an issue, then there are also plenty of larger options to choose from; from four-seater through to multiple chaise and corner configurations. There's also a matching armchair and upholstered footstool.

Space-saving tricks aside, this is also both a stylish and comfortable sofa at a great price point. There are 70+ upholstery options on offer, including some brilliant shades of velvet, feather-wrapped foam seat cushions, feather back cushions, and a high-backed frame that delivers just the right mix of squish and support.

In our opinion, this sofa also offers just the right mix of squish and support. The feather-wrapped foam seat cushions are just deep enough to curl up on, and if you prefer to sit upright then the soft-yet-firm back cushions have your back. And it's not just the cushions doing the support work either, the high frame means you can lean back securely without the cushions gradually deflating like many models. We also like the high armrests which means there is back support if you like to sit sideways with your feet up too (although the armrest height does make reaching for the coffee table a little harder). 

Best sofa bed

Darlings of Chelsea Bromley loveseat chair bed in greyproduct badge

(Image credit: Darlings of Chelsea)

8. Darlings of Chelsea Bromley Sofa Bed

A multifunctional sofa bed that's comfortable enough for everyday use in the living room

Specifications

Type of sofa bed: pull-out mattress
Sizes available: W150 / W170 / W190 / W210cm
Extended length: 220cm
Sleeping area dimensions: 83 x 190 / 116 x 190 / 137 x 190 / 158 x 190cm
Mattress depth: 12cm
Mattress type: pocket spring or memory foam
Upholstery options: 175+

Reasons to buy

+
Comfortable enough for everyday use as the main seating
+
Easy to transform into a bed with single action roll out and no need to store seat cushions
+
Four sofa widths available
+
Extra-long 12cm deep pocket spring or memory foam mattresses
+
Can be delivered flat-packed and assembled in situ if you have awkward access
+
Wide range of upholstery options

Reasons to avoid

-
An investment, although look out for fairly regular sales
-
No matching furniture

If you want a multifunctional sofa that can provide extra sleeping space for hosting guests, then, although it's an investment, this sofa bed achieves the rare mix of being comfortable enough to use as your everyday seating as well as providing overnight guests with a decent night's sleep.

There are four sofa widths available, each of which feature a single roll-out action mechanism that makes the transformation from sofa to pull-out bed a simple affair. The roll-out action also means this sofa bed is able to offer a longer mattress than most, with a 190cm length sleeping area. And, at 12cm deep, the mattress is one of the deepest we've come across with the option of pocket spring or memory foam construction for your preferred comfort. 

You can also tailor the construction of the seat cushions, with options of fibre-wrapped foam or feather-wrapped foam for low-maintenance squish-factor. And, there are a fantastic 175+ upholstery options to choose from.

Plus, if a narrow hallway, tight corners, or tricky stairs are an issue, this sofa bed can be delivered flat-packed and built by the delivery team in situ; a real boon for those with awkward access.

Best Chesterfield sofa

A contemporary Chesterfield sofa upholstered in olive green velvetproduct badge

(Image credit: Furniture Village)

9. Furniture Village Rene Sofa

A contemporary Chesterfield sofa

Specifications

RRP: from £1295
Sizes available: W175/ W196 / W226cm
Seat height: 44cm
Seat depth: 64cm
Seat cushions: fibre
Back cushions: foam
Upholstery options: 22
Matching furniture: armchair, snuggler, footstool

Reasons to buy

+
Comfortable with a good mix of squish and support (a rarity when it comes to Chesterfield sofas!)
+
Relatively affordable with frequent discounts
+
Matching furniture available

Reasons to avoid

-
Limited upholstery options

A Chesterfield sofa, with that distinctive button-back detailing, is a classic sofa design that dates back hundreds of years, and it can make a great choice for a period property or a more modern room where you want to inject a little character. However, based on our testing, finding a Chesterfield sofa that's comfortable enough for anything other than a five minute sit down, and one that doesn't break the bank, seems to be a tall order. 

Furniture Village's Rene sofa is therefore a sight for sore eyes and weary legs. A design that blends a contemporary frame with that classic buttoned detail, both sizes of two-seater and the generous three-seater option are reasonable price points and, even better, often reduced in Furniture Village's regular sales.

Upholstery options are a little limited, with four velvet options and a larger selection of contemporary leathers, but the those velvets are impressive in the flesh, and look more expensive than their price tag might suggest with a subtle sheen that highlights the sculptural buttoned detailing.

And, the Rene is comfortable to sit on, with a mix of pocket springs and fibre padding to add both bounce and comfort to the seat, and foam back and arm rests for support. Whilst the nature of the design means a Chesterfield sofa is going to be a more upright seating expereince, this is definitely the most comfortable version we've come across, and the generous seat depth also means there's room for a few scatter cushions if you wish – something of a rarity with most Chesterfield sofas that tend to have quite narrow seat depths.

Best Scandi sofa

SCS x Ideal Home Fraser sofa in blue upholsteryproduct badge

(Image credit: SCS)

10. SCS x Ideal Home Fraser Sofa

An affordable sofa that works in a modern or retro interior

Specifications

Sizes available: W166 / W191 / W221cm
Seat height: 48cm
Seat depth: 57cm
Seat cushions: foam
Back cushions: foam
Upholstery options: 6
Matching furniture: armchair, swivel chair, twister chair, love seat & footstool

Reasons to buy

+
Affordable
+
Modern retro-inspired design
+
High-legged design makes a smaller room feel more spacious
+
Matching furniture available

Reasons to avoid

-
Foam cushions make for a less squishy seat than feather or fibre mixes
-
Limited upholstery options
-
No corner option

We may be slightly biased, but it's hard not to be impressed by this affordable sofa that was designed by the Ideal Home team in collaboration with ScS. 

Mixing retro design with modern styling, the contemporary sofa is available in two-seater, three-seater, and four-seater options, with a matching armchair, twister, and swivel chair, plus coordinating footstools available. 

The high-legged frame is designed to make a smaller room feel more spacious, whilst those flared, lozenge-shaped arms will create a focal point in either a modern Scandi or mid-Century modern-inspired interior.

In line with its affordable price tag, the Fraser sofa's seat and back cushions are filled with foam – that means a little less squish than a feather or fibre mix, but still a supportive sit – and upholstery options are more limited, but the six carefully chosen shades offer three great shades of grey, plus forest green, amber, and teal blue for injecting a pop of colour into your living room.

Designed to offer style on a budget, we think this sofa strikes a great balance between good looks and good price – especially if you can time your purchase with one of ScS's regular sales.

Best modular sofa

The modular IKEA Soderhamn sofa in beige upholsteryproduct badge

(Image credit: IKEA)

11. IKEA Soderhamn Sofa

An affordable modular sofa that offers spacious seating for less

Specifications

Sizes available: Pretty much unlimited
Seat height: 39cm
Seat depth: 70cm
Seat cushions: Fixed fibre
Back cushions: Reversible fibre
Upholstery options: 8
Matching furniture: No

Reasons to buy

+
Very affordable, especially for a chaise or corner configuration
+
Modular design enables a variety of configurations
+
Short lead times
+
Flatpack design useful for rooms with tricky access
+
Lots of room for extra cushions

Reasons to avoid

-
Limited upholstery options as standard
-
Low seat may not be for everyone
-
Very deep, so not ideal for a small space
-
Not much back support
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Seat cushions are fixed in place, so no flipping one over if you have a spill
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You'll need to build it yourself, including adding the seat covers

IKEA's Soderhamn sofa is all over Instagram for a reason, and that's because it delivers a cool and contemporary look at a very affordable price point. 

The modular flat-packed design is also brilliant for homes that have awkward access as it can be built in situ, and the sectional units offer a wide scope to create the configuration that works best for your home, plus it can easily be reconfigured to suit a new interior if you move home.

We were also far more impressed by its comfort levels than we expected to be from its admittedly pretty thin seat cushions, mainly due to the mesh seat frame that allows for a little sink and makes the sitting experience gentler than expected. Those seats are deep, and very low though, so the style won't be for everyone, but if you don't mind your feet not touching the floor then the loose lumbar cushions make for a relaxed yet comfortable reclining position.

The standard upholstery options are limited, although IKEA's replacement covers are a brilliant option for families and anyone who wants to extend their sofas lifespan beyond the inevitable spillages. If you want to switch things up a little more, then Stockholm-based Bemz has built an entire brand offering covers to restyle IKEA's most popular sofa designs, with over 100 upholstery choices available for the Soderhamn, plus a great range of legs to swap out the default chrome the sofa comes with. 

Best leather sofa

John Lewis & Partners tan leather Groucho sofa with high legsproduct badge

(Image credit: John Lewis & Partners)

12. John Lewis & Partners Halo Groucho Leather Sofa

A comfortable leather sofa at a mid-range price point

Specifications

RRP: from £1749
Sizes available: W152 / W182 / W200cm / corner
Seat height: 45cm
Seat cushions: foam and fibre
Back cushions: fibre
Upholstery options: 3
Matching furniture: armchair, footstool

Reasons to buy

+
Good value for a leather sofa
+
Comfortable with a good mix of squish and support
+
High-legged design makes a smaller room feel more spacious
+
Matching furniture available

Reasons to avoid

-
Limited upholstery options

A leather sofa can be great a choice for busy homes, with the hardwearing nature of the upholstery particularly useful if you know your sofa is going to get a lot of wear and tear from kids or pets. However, a high quality leather sofa is also a significant investment, with leather being one of the most expensive upholstery fabrics you can choose. A decent leather sofa can easily cost upwards of £3000, which is why we're so impressed by John Lewis' Halo Groucho leather sofa. It's not cheap, but it is reasonably priced.

There are only three colour options, but all are great muted shades that look and feel far more expensive than their mid-range price tag might suggest. There's none of the cheap and shiny-looking leather or harsh colourways that can plague leather sofas of a lower price point.

Another win is that the model we tested was extremely comfortable. As leather is such a thick material, a leather sofa will generally feel a lot firmer to sit on than a sofa upholstered in fabric, and many of the leather sofas we tested in this price bracket were very, very, firm indeed. In contrast, the Groucho's leather upholstery is supple and feels great to the touch. The seat cushions combine the sink-in squishy comfort of fibre mixed with the resilience of foam (meaning they don't constantly need plumping to keep their shape), and the fibre-filled back cushions allow you to lounge back and get comfy, as opposed to many leather sofas which are much more upright affairs where we felt like we were perching in a waiting room.

It's a shame the cushions are all fixed rather than being removable, and we did find the back cushions deflated a little under our weight so you end up reclining a bit, plus the backrest may be a bit low for some. However, if you're a lounger, you'll likely love the feel. Plus, the cushioned armrests are super comfy and mean you can also sit sideways with your feet up.

Its 5-star reviews suggest most customers are happy with their purchase, although some do note its longevity doesn't compare to a leather sofa twice its price. However, if you're looking for an entry-level leather sofa we think it's an option well worth considering. If you have more budget to invest, then Heal's Matera leather sofa would be our alternative choice.

How to choose the perfect sofa

The best sofa for your home will depend on a range of factors, not least the size of your living room, your lifestyle, and of course, your budget. So what are the key things to consider when shopping for your dream couch?

A yellow sofa with high legs in front of a double height living room window

(Image credit: Sofa.com)

Consider sofa size and room layout

It may sound obvious, but size is one of the most important aspects to consider before falling in love with your dream couch. 

Generally speaking, you're going to want the most spacious settee your room and budget will allow, but it's also important to make sure you measure carefully to ensure your sofa is going to work in your space.

It's easy to fall in love with a roomy chaise longue in a spacious sofa showroom, but back home that family-friendly corner sofa might make your living room feel cramped and cluttered. 

A top tip is to measure out where the sofa will go in your room using masking tape to mark out all dimensions. As well as width, make sure to consider the height of the sofa – especially if you want to place it under a window sill or beneath existing architecture - and its depth to ensure there is plenty of space to walk around it comfortably. 

And don't just measure the room where your sofa will (hopefully) end up - unless you want a stressful few hours come delivery day! Ensure your chosen sofa will fit through doorways, around bending hallways, or up flights of stairs. Most retailers list packaging dimensions on their sites, so ensure these match the access you have. 

And if your access is tricky? Don't think that means you have to plump for the smallest two-seater you can find. Modular sofas that are delivered in sections are great options for adding a large amount of seating to difficult rooms, and both flatpack options and selected models from specialist furniture retailers, like Sofa.com, provide the advantage of being able to have your sofa constructed within the final destination room.

There's also layout to consider. A sofa can be a really useful zoning tool in an open-plan layout, helping to create designated areas for dining or relaxing within a larger space. 

Chaise sofas, corner sofas or modular sofas in an L-shaped or U-shaped layout can be particularly useful here, or - if you have the space - you might want to switch up the usual layout of the sofa facing the fire or TV, and have two similar-sized sofas facing each other to create a space that works better for socialising and entertaining. 

You'll find more top tips for planning your living space in our round-up of the best living room and small living room ideas.

A blue corner sofa in a modern living room

(Image credit: Sofa.com)

How to find the most comfortable sofa

Just like finding the best mattress for you, finding the most comfortable sofa for you will depend a lot on personal preference, and there is nothing that can quite replace going into the showroom and sit-testing a few of your favourite styles. We've rounded up the most important things to look out for when considering comfort.

Cushions
Sofa cushions come in a range of materials and constructions, but the two most commonly found are foam and feathers. 

A foam cushion is more generally used at the budget end of the market and offers a fairly firm sit depending on the type used. The benefit of foam is that it's quick to spring back into shape after being depressed, although over time you may find a depression in your favourite sitting spot. 

At the other end of the scale are feather cushions. These are generally more expensive but provide a more plumptious seat, although the feathers can gradually shift so you'll need to do more plumping. 

Generally speaking, the happy place is with the best of both worlds, and many sofa manufacturers now offer foam cushion cores that are wrapped in a layer of soft feathers - providing comfort and retaining the sofa shape.

Height
If you're using a sofa to zone a room, then a low-to-the-ground model can offer a great way to create dedicated areas without breaking up the space too much, but, the flipside is that (once past a certain age perhaps) low seating can be harder to get up from and can encourage you to sprawl more than sit.

Ergonomically, the recommended seating position is to have your thigh bones parallel to the floor, which for most of us means sofa seating that's a roundabout knee height when standing.

Backrest
Whilst some love the look of a low-profile sofa, if you're lounging for long then adequate back support is going to make sitting more comfortable. 

Look for models that have a dedicated backrest, rather than sofas that offer a low back and then rely on taller cushions to provide support.

A grey chaise sofa in a living room with bare plaster walls

(Image credit: Raft)

How to choose a sofa style you'll love

Upholstery
Once you've chosen your favourite sofa shape, then it's time to choose colour and fabric. Most sofa retailers offer models in a range of fabrics, generally including more affordable polyester and cotton mixes (which often have better stain resistance so are useful for homes with young families), and more expensive linens, velvets, and leathers. Take advantage of fabric samples to view colours and textures in your own home, as lighting can often look very different to that in showrooms or online representations, and bear in mind that the more luxurious fabrics are also likely to increase the sofa price quite considerably. As much as you might love pale colours, for family living a darker or marl shade is likely to prove more stress-free, helping to disguise any mishaps!

Lead times If you're choosing from made-to-order upholstery options, then it's important to bear in mind that there's likely to be a lead time whilst your sofa is built. This can be anywhere from 6 - 14 weeks and will differ by retailer and the time of year you're ordering. October and November are generally when sofa demand is highest ahead of the festive entertaining season, but you'll find some top tips for shopping at this time of year in our guide to where to buy a sofa before Christmas.

Legs
A sofa's legs can transform the look quite dramatically. Tall legs will lift the bulk of the sofa away from the floor and can be a good option for smaller rooms where being able to see more of the floor gives a feeling of spaciousness. A sofa that sits directly onto the floor can feel bulkier so is best for larger rooms - although this style also has the bonus of stopping dust-balls and toys from rolling under it! Shapely, curved legs add a classic touch, whereas straighter clean-lined legs give a more modern feel. Some sofa models may offer a choice of leg finish as well as upholstery - if you already have wooden furniture in your living room, try to tie in any wooden leg finishes to keep tones coordinating.

A classic sofa with castor feet and blue linen upholstery in a period home

(Image credit: Sofa.com)

FAQs

How can you tell if a sofa is good quality?

We asked multiple furniture maker’s how you can tell if a sofa is good quality, and their answers were unanimous; it’s all about the frame first and foremost. 

Kelly Collins, interior designer and head of creative at sofa brand Swyft, says, ‘Always ask the sofa manufacturer about the frame guarantee and how long the frame will last. If it’s a good quality sofa the frame will be made from solid wood (or metal) and it will come with a long guarantee. For example, Swyft’s frame guarantee is 15 years because the frames are built from quality, solid wood’. 

John Darling, founder of sofa manufacturer Darlings of Chelsea recommends looking for ‘hardwoods like beech or birch’ for the sofa frame, and agrees ‘a 10 year frame guarantee is a must-have’.

Mick Quinn, co-founder and co-director of Raft Furniture – which similarly offers a 10-year guarantee against defects in materials and workmanship on all its sofas – agrees, and says in order to check the quality of a sofa frame ‘First, you should sit on the arm. If it squeaks or feels weak (or the retailer recommends against it), the frame simply isn't engineered correctly. Especially when it comes to wide armed sofas, they should serve as an extra seat! Next, lift or push the sofa. If you can easily nudge it with your leg, it is likely too flimsy to stand the test of time. With the frame's integrity in mind, ask the retailer how their frames are made. If staples are used in the frame, your sofa will deteriorate and start to squeak over time’.

Mick also explains how a sofa’s upholstery is a useful indicator of its quality. If you’re able to view the sofa in person, he recommends that you ‘remove the back cushions from the sofa. The upholstery fabric should be running consistently across its back. If there is black cloth from halfway down, this is called platform cloth. This is a technique used by sofa manufacturers to save themselves money at the expense of the customer. If you ever wanted to remove your back cushion to use it as a headrest, for example, the whole aesthetic of your sofa would be ruined. This also goes for checking the back of your sofa. The fabric should run smoothly across its entire surface so you don't have to place it against a wall for it to look beautiful’. 

The same goes for sofa cushions themselves, flip them over to ensure there is upholstery front and back, as sometimes cheap sofa manufacturers will only upholster one side. Having your upholstery on both sides means you can turn seat and back cushions over so they wear evenly (and you get more opportunity to hide the odd spillage!) which will prolong the sofas lifespan.

A neutral upholstered sofa in a light-filled living room

(Image credit: Bridgman)

How much should you spend on a good sofa?

We asked the experts, and they were pretty unanimous in saying you should expect to spend around £1000-£2000 on a good sofa. There’s no denying that that’s a significant expense, and whilst it’s tempting to try to cut costs, we all know the old adage that if you buy cheap, you buy twice.

Kelly Collins, interior designer and head of creative Swyft explains more, ‘you should be spending at least £1,000 on a good 2-to-3-seater sofa. Spending more on the sofa means that it will not only last longer, resulting in less spending in the long run, but it’s better for the environment because it won’t need to be replaced in a couple of years’.

John Darling, founder of Darlings of Chelsea, agrees, saying ‘For a 3 seater it’s worth spending £1500 upwards to ensure you’ll get a quality design that will last’.

Francesca Hadland, styling expert for furniture retailer Bridgman, is of a similar opinion, stating ‘Although cheaper furniture may appear the same on the surface, cheaper pieces will show signs of wear and tear much faster and within just a couple of years, you’ll have the hassle of replacing the furniture and re-spending your money.”

Mick Quinn, co-founder and co-director of Raft Furniture puts that expense into perspective, saying ‘To get an idea of the cost, let's use a four seater sofa as an example. If a four seater sofa lasts you fifteen years, you should expect to spend £150 a year on it as this is where you'll spend 25% of that time sitting’. 

When you break it down like that, investing in a £2000 sofa suddenly seems like a bit more of a justifiable proposition.

How we chose the sofas included in this guide

You'll find full details of the Ideal Home review process on our how we test page.

To find the best sofas for all budgets our team of reviewers walked multiple miles around multiple sofa showrooms and sat down on the job to test out the comfort levels of hundreds of bestselling designs. 

We also grilled the Ideal Home team for their expert knowledge, along with their friends, and their friend’s friends, to find out how their sofa choices are holding up to the rigours of day to day life. We also take into account the wider views of those who own each product, whether that’s via online reviews or social media.

If there are any products that we haven't managed to test in person, or the product didn't achieve over 4 out of 5 stars, then they won't have an Ideal Home Approved badge. However, you can rest assured we've done thorough research on their technical specifications and read multiple happy – and not-so-happy – customer reviews to narrow down our suggestions to only the best-in-class.

Amy Lockwood
Ecommerce Editor

After studying Print Design at Winchester School of Art, Amy spent multiple years working in the interior industry, including styling and visual merchandising for many well-known brands. She’s now Ecommerce Editor at Ideal Home, offering expert advice on the best products for decorating your home and ensuring it functions smoothly. That includes sourcing stylish yet affordable furniture – from the best sofa beds for combining style, comfort, and function, to the best artificial Christmas trees for a stress-free festive season – helping our readers to find the best mattress for their sleep style, and testing top-rated dehumidifiers and air purifiers to narrow down the best-in-class.