How to choose a sofa you will love living with
From seat depth to delivery access: the practical decisions that make a sofa feel right.
A sofa has to work on an ordinary Tuesday as well as look good in a photograph. Start with how you live, then consider the room, the feel and the finish.
Start with everyday life
Think about who uses the room most. Upright seats can suit conversation; a deeper seat may feel more relaxed, but shorter people may prefer extra support behind their back. A corner layout brings people together, while two smaller sofas can leave more ways to rearrange the room.
If this is also a guest room, look at the opened sleeping area as well as the closed sofa. Decide whether you need a chaise, recliner, slider or sofa bed. They are different functions, so check what the exact model does.
Measure the room and the route
Mark the full outside dimensions on the floor using paper or low-tack tape. Include arms, chaise depth and any space needed to open a bed or recliner. Walk around the outline and try opening doors and drawers.
Measure the narrowest doorways, stairs, lifts and turns on the delivery route. Ask for packaged dimensions and whether legs or sections are removable. A sofa fitting in a room does not guarantee it will get through the hallway.
Compare what affects comfort
| Detail | What to try |
|---|---|
| Seat depth | Your usual sitting position with your feet and back comfortably supported. |
| Seat height | Whether sitting down and standing up feel comfortable. |
| Back cushions | Supportive full backs compared with a more relaxed scatter arrangement. |
| Arms | The outside footprint as well as the usable seating width. |
A photograph cannot show how a cushion feels. Try the sofa where possible and ask about its construction. Cushion feel can soften with use; comfort is personal.
Choose the finish in your own light
View fabric samples beside your floor and curtains, in daylight and with your lamps on. A pale neutral can look warm or cool depending on its surroundings. Velvet can look lighter or darker as its pile changes direction.
Before paying, confirm the exact model, layout, fabric, colour, delivery service and estimated lead time. Keep the specification with your order details.
Are more colours available than the main photograph shows?
Some made-to-order ranges offer wider fabric and colour choices. Availability depends on the model, so check its options or ask us for suitable samples.