We all know the importance of that perfect sofa. After a busy day, many of us look forward to vegging out to our favourite series or snuggling up to our cats, dogs, or loved ones. Sofas are a big financial investment, so it's important to think about things like the size and dimensions of the room it will be in and what you would like it to feel and look like - because hopefully, you will be spending a lot of time on it.
There are many different types of sofas in a varied price range, so it can feel a little overwhelming to choose one. Would you prefer sleek leather, classic velvet, or simple fabric? Are you looking for a sofa bed, chaise or corner sofa? Fear not! Our handy buying guide and top ten recommendations include all the information you need to find the perfect place to lounge from high-quality brands at online stores such as Amazon, John Lewis and eBay.
For those after a quick look, here is our Top 5:
For a more in-depth look at the comprehensive top 10 selection, make sure to read on to learn more about the different types of sofas available and understand how our ranking was determined.
Image | 1 ![]() John Lewis | 2 ![]() West Elm | 3 ![]() John Lewis & Partners + Swoon | 4 ![]() Swoon | 5 ![]() John Lewis | 6 ![]() John Lewis & Partners | 7 ![]() Halo | 8 ![]() John Lewis & Partners | 9 ![]() Duresta | 10 ![]() Homescapes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | Swoon Latimer Large 3 Seater Chaise End Sofa | Newport LHF Chaise End Sofa, Performance Linen Dark Putty | Lyon Medium 2 Seater Sofa | Latimer Large 3 Seater Chaise End Leather Sofa | Cromwell Chesterfield Large 3 Seater | Swoon Lyon RHF Chaise End Sofa | Groucho Small 2 Seater Leather Sofa | Java II Large 3 Seater Sofa | Vaughan II Grand 4 Seater Sofa | Velvet Sofa Bed |
Features | An Extra-Deep and Comfortable Sofa | Bring a Touch of 60's Seaside Glamour to Your Home | A Collaboration Made in Heaven | A Laidback Choice Made From Beautiful Materials | The Ideal Statement Piece That's Doesn't Skip on Comfort | A Delightfully Modern End Sofa | A Fantastically Modernist Piece of Furniture | Beautifully Designed and Customisable in Over 200 Fabrics | A Quintessentially British Sofa Handmade in the UK | A Reasonably Priced Minimalist Sofa Bed for the Spare Room |
Price | £1,499.00 | £3,098.00 | £1,199.00 | £3,399.00 | £1,799.00 | £1,999.00 | £1,149.00 | £1,799.00 | £2,675.00 | £229.00 |
Seats | 4 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
Dimensions | 229 x 107 x 81 cm | 281 x 171 x 93 cm | 179 x 89 x 86 cm | H63 x W243 x D150cm | 181 x 97 x 78 cm | 255 x 102 x 80 cm | 184 x 93 x 72 cm | 210 x 104 x 86 cm | H94 x W229 x D97cm | 175 x 83 x 76 cm |
Type/Style | Traditional sofa | Chaise end sofa | Traditional sofa | Corner sofa | Chesterfield traditional sofa | Chaise end sofa | Traditional sofa | Traditional sofa | Traditional sofa | Sofa bed |
Materials | Velvet, birch, OSB | Linen, ash, pine | Velvet, birch, OSB | Leather, birch, OSB | Leather, hardwood | Fabric, birch, OSB | Leather, hardwood, plywood | Fabric, beech, birch | Velvet, beech, plywood, brass | Velvet, wood |
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The requirements of a person living alone compared to a family of five with a dog are quite different, and this will be reflected in your choice of sofa. It's very important to keep in mind the importance of the dimensions that suit you. Not all 2 or 3 seaters (or corner sofas) are the same size and some have larger arms/sides as well so take up more room.
Keep in mind things such as how the arms and size of the back of the sofa might look stylish, but they do tend to lack support when compared with those you can rest your head and neck on. And consider how much you really want sides high enough to rest, or lean on.
Larger traditional sofas are great for two people who want to spread out or seat more people. This type can be great for shared houses or communal working spaces. In terms of design, traditional sofas are often a good choice if you have a small or unusually shaped space, a lower budget or simply like the look of a more compact settee.
We all know what a chaise longue is but chaise sofas, or chaise end sofas, are very popular. They look similar to a corner sofa but are an L shape, with one seat longer than the rest to stretch out or lounge. Always an elegant option, although you may end up fighting over who gets the end seat!
Why not really cosy on your new chaise longue with one of these weighted blankets here.
There are many different types of sofa beds, from very basic to the more expensive ones that double up as regular traditional or chaise sofas during the day. Two of the most common types of sofa beds are click-clack and metal action, which refers to the mechanism that transforms it from a sofa to a bed. Click-clack beds are the most popular. They're the most sturdy and feel just like any standard bed when they're up.
Some sofa beds are designed for daily use whilst others are a more occasional option, and they can vary in size. You might want to think about the purpose you are buying for and how much you want to spend, as there are many varied options to choose from.
If you're going for a sofa bed, don't forget your pillows. Here's a great run down of the best memory foam pillows.
Corner sofas have two sections, usually in an L shape or symmetrical formation, depending on their size and style. They are great for providing seating for large families and can save space as they tuck into corners of rooms.
However, you may want to take stock of the shape and size of your space if you are considering a corner sofa. They are best for bigger living spaces and are sold as LHF and RHF, which refers to whether it is left hand facing or right hand - this is crucial to getting a sofa to fit the right way round in your room.
Cotton, linen and polyester are some of the most common fabrics used to upholster sofas. Cotton is breathable and soft, being a natural fibre, and can create a relaxed feel. Linen is also a natural fibre, but it's slightly more hardy and durable than cotton, with a more lived-in look. Make sure to check the covers are removable and washable. This is an excellent option for those with children or pets.
Like organic cotton, linen is hypoallergenic, making it great for those with skin allergies. On the other hand, polyester is a synthetic fibre but is also super durable, making it another great option for families and pets. It's very widely used in furnishings and comes in a range of textures and styles.
Velvet is soft and luxurious, characterised by its dense pile of evenly cut fibres. Historically velvet was made from pure silk, which is extremely expensive, but today it's made from a combination of natural and synthetic fibres such as cotton and polyester.
Velvet sofas are a little more high maintenance than ones made from other materials and need a little TLC, but its grandiose style is guaranteed to make it a statement piece.
Leather sofas are easy to look after, durable and make any room look great. Leather is a natural material that gets better with age and can be treated in the production process to create different finishes.
A popular type used for sofas is full-grain or aniline leather with a soft feel that is characterised by natural marks creating an authentic look. Aniline leather is dyed but doesn't have a topcoat, making it more breathable - this type of leather ages beautifully over time.
Now that we've given you the lowdown on the important aspects of buying a sofa online in the UK let's take a look at our top picks to have you in a reclining position in no time!
£1,499.00
Seats | 4 |
---|---|
Dimensions | 229 x 107 x 81 cm |
Type/Style | Traditional sofa |
Materials | Velvet, birch, OSB |
£3,098.00
Seats | 3 |
---|---|
Dimensions | 281 x 171 x 93 cm |
Type/Style | Chaise end sofa |
Materials | Linen, ash, pine |
£1,199.00
Seats | 2 |
---|---|
Dimensions | 179 x 89 x 86 cm |
Type/Style | Traditional sofa |
Materials | Velvet, birch, OSB |
£3,399.00
Seats | 3 |
---|---|
Dimensions | H63 x W243 x D150cm |
Type/Style | Corner sofa |
Materials | Leather, birch, OSB |
£1,799.00
Seats | 2 |
---|---|
Dimensions | 181 x 97 x 78 cm |
Type/Style | Chesterfield traditional sofa |
Materials | Leather, hardwood |
£1,999.00
Seats | 3 |
---|---|
Dimensions | 255 x 102 x 80 cm |
Type/Style | Chaise end sofa |
Materials | Fabric, birch, OSB |
£1,149.00
Seats | 2 |
---|---|
Dimensions | 184 x 93 x 72 cm |
Type/Style | Traditional sofa |
Materials | Leather, hardwood, plywood |
£1,799.00
Size | 2 |
---|---|
Dimensions | 210 x 104 x 86 cm |
Type/Style | Traditional sofa |
Materials | Fabric, beech, birch |
£2,675.00
Size | 2 |
---|---|
Dimensions | H94 x W229 x D97cm |
Type/Style | Traditional sofa |
Materials | Velvet, beech, plywood, brass |
£229.00
Seats | 3 |
---|---|
Dimensions | 175 x 83 x 76 cm |
Type/Style | Sofa bed |
Materials | Velvet, wood |
Written and researched by Melanie McPhail
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