Top 10 Best Sofas in the UK 2021

In this section, we'll break down the crucial things to consider when you're in the market for a new sofa. Read on for our top tips on how to choose the best one for you, whether a chaise, a chesterfield or a handy sofa bed.

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. For a single person or a couple, a two-seater could be perfect, but three-seaters are the most popular because many people have guests, pets or just like to be able to starfish!

Larger sofas are an excellent option for big families or houses containing several room-mates as they often double up as ready-made beds for guests. It's also extremely wise to measure the sofa's dimensions against your space before buying to make sure the sofa's shape and orientation fits and makes sense within the room.

There are some main sofa types which include most of the popular styles in the UK, like the traditional sofa, the chaise, or the corner sofa. Here we will cover their specifications to assist you in choosing which would best suit your lifestyle.

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! 

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.

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.

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.

From fabrics like cotton and linen to statement-making materials like velvet and leather, the material you choose for your sofa is very important. Have a read through our descriptions to help decide which one is really 'you'.

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. These qualities can make it 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!

As the saying goes, your home is your castle, so follow the links below for more related products to transform yours into a hygge haven. From cosy blankets to soft, glowing mood lighting, these buys are sure to add a little more ambience to your special place.

Finding the right sofa for you shouldn't be too tricky now you've considered all of the most important points. It's time to kick back and decompress, hopefully on the divan of your dreams!

Author: Melanie McPhail