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How to choose the right sofa for you
Start by choosing the type of sofa that will best fit your needs. There are five key types: two-seater, three-seater, corner, and modular sofas, plus sofa beds. The first two are self explanatory – they can sit two or three people. Corner sofas have an L-shaped design which is useful for families who need to squish extra people into a small space.
Modular sofas are designed in separate components that come together to make a whole sofa and can be rearranged to suit your space. They have been rapidly rising in popularity, according to the Telegraph’s design and interiors editor Jessica Doyle. “Barker & Stonehouse have seen an 83 per cent increase of sales in modular sofas over the past two years,” she says. “People are using them to create multifunctional living spaces and to divide open-plan rooms.” Doyle also recommends the Australian sofa brand King’s modular designs.
What is the best sofa shape?
“Rounded shapes are a huge trend,” says Doyle. “Curved backs and crescent-shaped sofas soften a room and are good for conversation.” This is echoed by Charlotte Thomason, a sofa buyer at John Lewis which is launching a new curved cream bouclé sofa as a result of rising interest.
If you’re looking for something more traditional, then it’s worth investing in a sofa that will last. “People are investing in a well-designed sofa that they’ll keep for years,” says Doyle, “rather than a five-year stopgap sofa that will end up in landfill.”
For an investment piece, Doyle recommends Lorfords, whose traditionally upholstered sofas are handmade in their Cotswolds studio. “You can choose the style, the exact dimensions, and the fabric you want. They’re expensive but built to last a lifetime.”
What is the best fabric for a sofa?
Durable, stain-resistant fabrics may be the best choice if your sofa is likely to get a lot of wear and tear from kids, pets or drink spillages. The common sofa fabrics that need less TLC are linen, leather or polyester. “Leather has always been a popular choice for those with families and pets; it’s easy to clean and really durable so will stand the test of time,” says Thomason. “Bouclé and more textured weaves are also growing in popularity with our customers.”
If you have more freedom, you could opt for velvet, wool or cotton, all of which need a little bit more care. “Velvet is still really popular,” says Doyle, “particularly in strong colours. Patterned fabrics are also on the up, especially stripes and florals. They’re more practical as they help to hide marks.”
How do you clean a sofa?
“Always check the fabric first,” says owner of Howson Design Interiors Katy Raywood. “Do a dab test somewhere on the sofa that’s hidden. Steam cleaning is the safest way to clean a sofa.” Katy also recommends hoovering your sofa regularly to keep crumbs and dust at bay. She also recommends spending a little extra on stain resistant materials, which will benefit you in the long run.
How do you arrange cushions on a sofa?
“A good rule is two-one-two: a large cushion in each corner, with a smaller in front and a rectangular or bolster in the centre,” says Katy. “Using cushions is a great way to show off your personality, it’s an accessory that can be easily interchangeable. Have fun with it and don’t over-think it.”
