The hallmark of our homes, sofas are where we spend much of our time lounging, watching the telly, and chatting to housemates.
Defined as a long, upholstered seat with a back and arms for more than two people, a sofa might seem simple, but there are a number of considerations like size, shape, comfort and materials, all playing a part in finding a couch or sofa bed that will work in your space and ensure longevity and style.
Below, browse a selection of shapely sofas for every living room, alongside a practical guide to buying a new sofa. We cover everything from choosing the best couch style and materials to measuring your space.
The best sofas, couches & lounge suites for every living room
- Two- and three- seater sofas (browse here)
- Modular sofas (browse here)
- L-shaped, corner and chaise sofas (browse here)
- Curved and statement sofas (browse here)
- Sofa beds (browse here)
1. Two- and three- seater sofas & couches
2. Modular and chaise sofas & couches
Modular sofa designs that can be customised are growing in popularity, allowing people to adapt their seating situation as they see fit. They’re ideal for large families or open-plan homes with multi-purpose areas.
3. L-shaped, corner and chaise sofas & couches
4. Curved and statement sofas & couches
Sculptural couches are taking the limelight with people increasingly choosing interiors that encourage relaxation. Low, deep silhouettes and sweeping curves are leading the way, turning ordinary seating into a plush oasis.
5. Sofa beds
Expecting visitors? Check out our selection of sofa beds your guests will actually want to sleep on.
1. What kind of couch will work in my space?
Considerations
Use and configuration
Customising sofas to meet our required size and parameters means we have a choice in how we use them.
If you primarily use your sofa for relaxing and casual conversations, choose a model with soft, deep cushions, especially if you sit on the sofa with your feet tucked up. A seat depth of 55cm-65cm or more should suffice, and for more formal seating, 50-55cm works well.
A couple of sofas placed opposite or in an L-configuration works well for socialising. Seats should face each other, with arrangements encouraging easy conversation. You don’t want to be straining your neck when sitting on the sofa, talking to people on nearby chairs.
For families, a modular sofa with a chaise to sprawl out on and reconfigure is a good bet. If you’re prone to afternoon naps, this calls for something deep, squishy, and at least a 3 seater.
Consider also who your sofa will cater for – a large family or a couple? How tall are you? Will deep seats be easy for you to get up out of?
Most sofas are stationary, but some designs incorporate motion mechanisms, such as swivelling, reclining, gliding or gentle rocking. Styles vary, too, from tight-, pillow‑ and loose‑back designs to track, rolled or pillow arms, as well as armless options, all of which influence how a sofa looks, feels and functions in a space.
Increasingly, sofas are also becoming part of smart home ecosystems, with features such as built‑in lighting and charging platforms that can be replaced when needed.
Space
Before buying, plan well to avoid any unpleasant surprises down the line. First, measure the space where you’ll put your sofa. A rule of thumb is to leave between 45cm-60cm around the sofa for easy circulation.
You should also measure your door frame, noting the door size the sofa needs to fit through. Jayne Tolley, from Trinity Interior Design, suggests mapping “out with newspaper the area your sofa will cover to get a good sense of its size in the space”.
Not only will these measurements help determine how it feels to walk around your sofa, but they’ll be handy to take with you when visiting furniture stores.
If your sofa has a low back, avoid surrounding it with tall furniture or decor to maintain a consistent scale.
How to make your couch work with your interior
Consider whether you want the sofa to be the hero of the room, contrasting it with the rest of the decor to make it a statement piece, or blend into the background.
“Think about what other decor you want in the room and what colours you already have,” Jayne says. “For instance, if you have a colourful statement rug you may not want as much colour in your sofa. Alternatively, you could have a neutral sofa with accent cushions that can be changed seasonally.”
Longevity in not just quality but style is in fashion too. Tanya Rechberger, design development manager at King, says people are keen on sofa aesthetics that won’t date quickly. “We are seeing a significant shift back to truly timeless designs, and away from trend-driven, short-term purchases.”
2. How to care for your sofa
To prolong your sofa’s life, vacuum clean it once a week to combat dust. Dust accumulates in cushion foam, degrading its quality. If you have a leather sofa, use a leather conditioner at least once every three months. In high-sun areas, close the blinds or curtains when you’re not at home, use a fabric conditioner, rotate cushions and the orientation of the sofa if it’s modular. If you get it professionally cleaned, patch-test it first.
While earthy, cream-toned sofas are a classic, but as you’ll know, they can easily get marked with food and drink spills and other sticky messes. Consider regular spot cleaning for a refresh, and our tip? If you can purchase a second set of covers, you’ll have a backup.
3. Are investment couches worth it?
You get what you pay for with a sofa, so a higher price point means more premium quality, with fabrics that won’t wear out quickly and a frame and inners that hold their weight and strength. This should also mean a longer lifespan – ideally, your sofa should last 10-15 years.
Sofa prices can start from the hundreds to thousands due to custom sizing and upholstery options. “If it’s your forever sofa, buy the best you can. Some good advice I once heard was it’s ‘best to buy a great sofa at a reduced price than investing in a quick-fix sofa that’s simply cheap.’ If you are going to be using the sofa every day the value will be obvious every time you sit down,” says Michelle Klopper, former Head of Furniture at Freedom.
4. Sofa & couch materials, frames and fillings explained
Upholstery materials
Leather
Best for: Allergy sufferers, those after an English stately home or ’70s pad look, depending on the style you choose.
Leather sofas are durable and can last years, decades even, if you look after them, getting better with age if you like a patina with your sofa. They’re easy to clean and resistant to dust mites. That said, Leather sofas are typically more expensive, feel cold in winter and sticky in summer.
Linen
Best for: Those after a relaxed, modern or coastal vibe.
Light, breathable and relaxed, linen sofas are an eco-friendly option. They can wear faster than more robust fabrics and are prone to staining.
Wool
Best for: Serious design aficionados or those who like to buy once, buy well.
Wool sofas are warm, durable, stain- and flame-resistant. However, they’re initially expensive and may need professional cleaning. Depending on the texture, some wool sofas may feel a little coarse.
Velvet
Best for: a formal drawing room look or adding drama to your room.
Luxurious, glamorous and dramatic, velvet sofas are also about plush comfort. They do show dust and pet hair, so it’s best to keep kitty off.
Sofa inners and cushion fillings
Inners range from standard polyester to more luxurious-feeling memory foam, chip and duck feather, with some manufacturers blending fillings.
If your inner is light,, it will clump and disintegrate, whereas a natural product, such as feathers or high-density foam, will have a longer lifespan.
Tanya says memory foam provides a similar downy-soft feel to feather-filled cushions and springs back into shape after use: “Feather cushions are a popular and luxurious style; however, they will require more maintenance to keep them in perfect shape.”
Frame construction
A solid timber frame is ideal, with metal support for added strength. It pays to ensure there are no large gaps between the internal elastic webbing or springs.
Warning signs of a low-quality frame include if the frame is light in weight and, when you sit down, it dips in the middle. High-end sofas tend to have an additional internal metal frame.
It’s always a good sign if your salesperson can inform you about its construction and inner materials.
“If a sofa is manufactured with a middle leg, it’s a sign of substandard construction, and the sofa isn’t strong enough to hold the weight of those sitting on it,” says Matt Smidt, owner of Forma.
“All joints should be glued and blocked for extra support and reinforcement.”
Read next:
- An interior designer’s guide to choosing the perfect rug
- Sofa beds your guests will actually want to sleep on
- Why a robot vacuum is the secret to better living
