The Best Sofas For Every Home And Budget

If you're in the process of buying a new sofa, it's time to take a deep breath. As the centrepiece of your living room and the place of rest, contemplation - and a lot of Netflix - choosing the best sofa is integral. We struggle to think of a piece of furniture that will have as much impact on your home as a sofa, so it's important to shop wisely.

Before diving into the world of sofas, there are a few things to consider. We recommend that you start by setting a budget and creating a mood board with exactly what you're looking for. Will it be a cream bouclé sofa or dark velvet? Are you looking for a comfy L-couch or a mid-century modern one? The options are truly endless, so we recommend having a rough idea of what you're looking for before jumping in head first. It may also be worth scouring your favourite retailers for the best sofa deals to see if you can save some cash.

Last chance Black Friday deals on sofas:

We interrupt your scrolling to let you know that although Black Friday is over, there are still loads of retailers offering up sofa deals for your perusal. Here are the best retailers to shop for savings, or keep scrolling for our full buyer's guide.

40% off: Denver Left-Hand Sofa, WAS £4,039 - NOW £3,229

£100 off: Amalfi Left Hand Standard Back Fabric Corner Chaise Sofa, WAS £919 - NOW £809

John Lewis: Sofa and armchair deals

Heal's: 15% off everything

Dusk: Biggest ever Black Friday sale, plus an extra 20% off everything

Habitat: 20% off selected furniture

Wayfair: last chance Black Friday offers

Argos: Savings on home and furniture

While choosing an aesthetically pleasing that suits your taste sofa is important, selecting a piece of furniture that is functional is also key. Martin Waller, founder of Andrew Martin sofas, says: 'The sofa is the biggest piece of furniture in the room, so it is central to the scheme. [But] comfort has become the ultimate quality. While people are spending more time on their sofas, the aesthetic of the sofa is not enough.'

Best sofas shortlist:

Editor's Choice: Swyft Model 02 Large 3-Seater Sofa, £1695 on John Lewis

Best budget sofa: Habitat Joshua Self Assembly Corner Sofa, £520 on Argos

Best sofa bed: John Lewis Liner Medium Two-Seater Sofa, £649 on John Lewis

At the end of the day (often quite literally), sofas are a place for gathering with friends and family, so choosing a piece of furniture reflective of your personality and home should be a fun, albeit stressful, project to pour your heart into. Get the opinions of your friends and loved ones, and don't settle for anything less than perfect.

We've rounded up the best sofas currently on the market, as well as the criteria to be looking into when shopping. Keep scrolling to shop our picks below.

SHOP: The Best Sofas For Every Home

What to look for when buying a sofa:

Fabric: The fabric of your sofa will play the biggest role in setting the tone for your living room. If you're investing in a piece for everyday use, it might be worth looking into stain-resistant fabrics or fabrics that are easy to clean. Leather and microfibre sofas would be the best options for practicality, especially if you have young children or pets.

Size: We can't stress this enough: a tape measure is your best friend. Measure once, measure twice and then measure a third for good measure because there's nothing more frustrating than buying a sofa that's too big for your space.

Fill: According to Dani Burroughs, head of product at sofa company Snug, the fill you choose is all personal preference: 'For plush and pump opt for foam filling, it's great at keeping its shape and ensuring years of blissful 'ahhh' moments. If you're on the hunt for something with a little bounce, try pocket sprung. The individual pockets spring back into place after every use, meaning your sofa will look good as new every time.'

FAQs

What should I consider before buying a sofa?

The main considerations before buying a sofa should be size, budget, comfort and fabric quality. If possible, we suggest visiting the shop to try a sofa in person prior to ordering it online. Alternatively, many retailers allow you to order free fabric swatches to your home to ensure the quality and style are aligned with your preferences. Also, don't forget there are tonnes of garden sofas and outdoor chairs that can also make the outside cosy, just like Aldi's garden furniture or choices from classic furniture retailers.

How can you tell if a sofa is good quality?

The sofa's upholstery, frame, and fill will provide insight into its quality. We recommend opting for sofa frames made from hardwood with frame joints that have been glued, dowelled and screwed properly. In terms of fill, high-quality foam or feather is the best way to go for a comfy feel. Finally, fabrics such as cotton, linen and will are the most durable options.

How long should a sofa last?

With proper maintenance, a high-quality sofa should last anywhere between seven and 15 years.

Best sofa retailers:

Here's exactly where you should be shopping for the best sofas to snap up and make your home really feel like a home. From loveseats to L-sofas, there's something for everyone.

John Lewis

Marks & Spencer

Heal's

Soho Home

Swyft

DUSK

Barker And Stonehouse

Habitat

Wayfair

Dunelm

Marina Avraam is the Deputy Commercial Content Editor for Grazia. Hobbies include (but not limited to) finding the best designer dupes, buying every iteration of the Adidas gazelles and listening to celeb podcasts every hour of every day.