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.
Grazia's Best Sofas, At A Glance
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.'
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 look for when shopping. Keep scrolling to shop our picks below.
SHOP: The Best Sofas For Every Home
Editor's Choice
john lewisSwyft's Model 02 3-seater sofa has entered the chat. Boasting a mid-century design with a pulled seam and piped detailing, the model 02 is everything we wanted and more. It's available in velvet or linen fabrics in a range of shades, including this gorgeous vine green, as well as teal, brick, charcoal and more.
Pros
- Fabrics are all stain-resistant
- Reviews praise its high back for comfy lounging
- Quick and easy to assemble
Cons
- Velvet can be trickier to clean
| Dimensions: | H82 x W205 x D85cm |
Best budget sofa
If you're looking to buy an L-sofa but don't have the luxury of space, Habitat's Joshua couch is a great choice. Featuring a simplistic Scandi design, and soft-touch fabric, this is the best option for everyday seating. It's available in light grey, charcoal and blue to suit every home and style.
Pros
- You can pair it with the Joshua two-seater sofa
- L shape means it's space-saving
- Reviews rave about its fast delivery time and helpful delivery drivers
Cons
- Self-assembly
| Dimensions: | H88, longer width 187.5, shorter width 136 |
Best sofa bed
John LewisIf you're frequently hosting friends after a dinner party or simply enjoy the occasional sleepover, a sofa bed might be the best move. You can sit, recline and sleep in the John Lewis 2-seater Sofa, making it the most versatile option in this list. Available in this natural boucle, as well as dark boucle, it is also available in dark blue, twist granite, and dusty coral.
Pros
- Wide range of colours available
- Easy to assemble into a bed, meaning a faster bedtime
- Reviews praise the John Lewis delivery crew
Cons
- May not be suitable for sleeping on for long periods of time
| Dimensions: | H63 x W200 x D96cm |
Best budget sofa bed
john lewisNews flash: sofas don't have to cost a fortune, and this JL sofa is living proof. Created as part of the brand's ANYDAY range, all about offering everyday essentials at a value price, the Clapton Fixed Back sofa operates with a clic-clac mechanism that is easy to set up. It's firm yet comfy and super compact, making it a fabulous addition to your space.
Pros
- A great budget price at under £300
- Compact at under 200 cm width
- Reviews state it's straightforward to change to bed from sofa
Cons
- A bit of a squeeze for two adults to sleep in
| Dimensions: | H76 x W182 x D90cm |
Best loveseat
duskdusk.com
Dusk has a range of sofas that are classy but comfortable, like this classic Hampshire Loveseat that just calls for snuggling up on. Grab the range of a matching two-seater and three-seater or even the Hampshire pouffe to rest your legs on. The new summer colourways include light creams, blues, pinks and this gorgeous burnt orange.
Pros
- Chic, muted colourways make for a trendy furniture piece
- Reviews praise how comfortable it is, and how the upholstery is "full and plump"
- Budget price at under £500
Cons
- Some reviews say sunlight can cause fading over time
| Dimensions: | H85.5cm x W121cm x D93.5cm |
Best boucle sofa
soho homewww.sohohome.com
Inspired by the sleek interiors of 180 House, Soho's Home Olivier Sofa is our favourite bouclé sofa on the market. Combining soft bouclé and veneered burl wood, this sofa balances style and practicality with its round bolster armrests and feather-wrapped cushions. Don't forget to style it with some accent cushions for extra added style.
Pros
- A high-end statement sofa that'll catch people's eyes
- The feather-wrapped cushions means luxurious seating
- Boucle fabric is super on trend
Cons
- It can only be cleaned professionally
| Dimensions: | H85 x W221 x D91cm |
Best velvet sofa
habitatwww.habitat.co.uk
There's nothing more off-putting than a sofa that lacks space. Luckily, you won't be experiencing that with Habitat's Julien Velvet Sofa. With generous depth and length, you can bundle the whole family onto this generously sized three-seater without having to debate over who is taking up more room. The foam-filled cushions are as comfy as ever, accommodating you long after your three-hour Netflix binge.
Pros
- Five colours to choose from, from navy to bright yellow
- Reviews state it can fit three adults comfortably
- There are matching armchairs available
Cons
- It can only be cleaned professionally as it is velvet
| Dimensions: | H83 x W220 x D97cm |
Best corner sofa
dunelmwww.dunelm.com
Featuring soft velvet upholstery, piped edging and tufted seats, the Zoe Velvet Left-Hand Corner Sofa combines vintage and contemporary styling flawlessly. The corner shape makes it easy to put your feet up after a long day and enjoy the softness of the foam-filled cushions. Also available in navy and bottle green.
Pros
- Three colours to choose from, in a beautiful velvet texture
- It's just the right size without overpowering the room, at under 250 cm width
- It's corner design means it saves space
Cons
- Review say it is not as plush/comfortable as other options
| Dimensions: | H89 x W234cm D 93-167cm |
Best leather sofa
No one does sofas quite like Heal's. The heritage British brand offers up the Heal's Matera sofa: a contemporary three-seater with clean lines and expert upholstery. Inspired by Italian furniture with astute attention to detail, the Matera Three-Seater is a masterclass in merging style with comfort. Plus, you can choose from a leather, boucle, velvet or wool finish, as well as a wide range of colours.
Pros
- It has a compact and sleek design
- Made from high-quality materials, inspired by Italian furniture
- It doesn't have to be leather - you can choose from other fabrics too
Cons
- Reviews say the solid, high arms aren't the most comfortable
| Dimensions: | H82 x W200 x D200cm |
Best Chesterfield sofa
habitatwww.habitat.co.uk
Inspired by the classic Chesterfield sofas, with a buttoned back and pleated scroll arms, this Habitat Chesterfield Three-Seater Sofa is the epitome of elegance. The foam-filled seats offer unparalleled comfort, catering to your lazy days while also being the ultimate statement piece. Plus, we're loving the velvet for that extra touch of luxury.
Pros
- It can't be disputed that the Chesterfield is a timeless design
- There are four colours to choose from
- Customers say the velvet is plush and high-quality
Cons
- The cushions are quite firm
| Dimensions: | H77 x W220 x D90cm |
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 as good as new every time.'
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 before 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.
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.
How Long Should A Sofa Last?
With proper maintenance, a high-quality sofa should last anywhere between seven and 15 years.
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.