9 Best Sofas UK 2023 | Interior Designer Reviewed

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-fold sofa beds are the most common, where the cushions can be removed, and a mattress and supports are pulled out from within the base of the sofa. 

Fold-away style sofa beds are a cheaper alternative, where the mattress is a simple affair that folds away as the seat of the sofa when not in use - removing the metal or wooden supports and placing the mattress directly on the floor. 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.

Coming in a variety of sizes and styles, corner sofas also come in reclining options, and as sofa beds and even ottoman alternatives. If space is limited at home, consider one with a chaise longue for extra seats and leg room.

Wool, cotton, linen (natural fabrics), and polyester (synthetic fabric) are some of the most common fabrics used to upholster sofas. Wool is easy to dye, so it comes in a wide range of colours and
patterns.

It can also be blended with other synthetic fabrics to give them better qualities. Wool-synthetic blends can be made more resistant to pilling, soiling and fading. The only downside of wool is that it is expensive though long-lasting.

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 can be more flammable than other upholstery fabrics, but this isn't true for all types of velvet fabric. 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.