Sofa Buying Guide – What To Look For In a Sofa

Measure up your space

You don’t want your sofa to dominate or be dwarfed by a room, so it’s important to measure it carefully before you buy. As well as fitting in the room, you need to have enough space to walk comfortably around a sofa. It also needs to sit well amongst your other furniture and not block any radiators, fireplaces and doors.

The dimensions of your space may impact the type of sofa you choose. For example, a modular design may be more appropriate for a medium-sized space than a corner sofa. If you aren’t sure if a sofa is the right size for your space, there’s a simple way to judge the size visually:

●Using newspaper, cut out the footprint (length and depth) of the sofa you’re considering and lay this down on the floor of the room where you plan to place it

●Alternatively, you can outline the sofa’s area using masking tape

●Alongside the floor space, measure the sofa height and consider if this obstructs any shelving or window sills 

To make sure your sofa isn’t damaged or unable to fit in your chosen room when delivered, you need to also check the packaged size. Measure the narrowest point of any stairs, corners, hallways or doors (including accessways like lifts) to ensure it can pass through. Also look for potential obstructions, such as built-in furniture or radiators.

Types of sofa

Looking at how many seats a sofa offers (usually between two and five) is a good starting point. However, it’s also important to consider whether a modular or fixed type of sofa will best suit your needs.

Fixed sofas

Fixed sofas have arms, backs and bodies that are permanently attached to each other. With a more formal look and a firmer feel, they come in a large range of styles to match any aesthetic. Although they aren’t flexible in their shape, they can be paired with additional pieces, such as footstools or armchairs, to create new looks.

Modular sofas

Modular sofas are made up of multiple different sections, including armless seats, adjustable backs and corner units. This means you can configure them to a range of spaces, ideal for an unusually shaped room. Another benefit is that you can add to them over time; useful if you move house or transfer the sofa into a larger setting.

A less formal and more adaptable style, you can compose any arrangement you desire. Whether you want an L-shaped corner sofa or U-shaped seating, a modular sofa allows you to create a bespoke arrangement.

Sofa styles

Of course, the sofa style you select will largely be down to your personal taste and planned interior. There are, however, a few key components to look out for. 

●Back height: A lower back gives a more open, laid-back look, and can easily be positioned in front or under a window. High-backed sofas feel more formal and often look best with their back placed directly against a wall.

●Arms: Arm width can make a difference to the overall size of your sofa, so check this measurement if you’re tight on space. The style also affects the overall look. Scrolled arms are well-suited to period properties, while scoop or track fit modern, minimalist spaces.

●Legs: Sofas with legs generally have tailored or fixed upholstery that looks smart and makes rooms look more spacious. Sofas without legs are often more informal and relaxed in style.

To help you narrow down the specific style for your space, here are some of the most popular in our range.

English roll arm sofa

There’s no need to sacrifice comfort for good looks with this classic design, which takes its name from its gently rounded arms. Deep seat cushions and a generous rolled back sit upon traditional turned legs mounted on castors. It’s the perfect seat to sink into at the end of a busy day.

Our elegant Coleridge sofa is a contemporary take on the English roll arm design that features stained birch wood legs and uniform skirting detail.

Chesterfield sofa

Probably the most famous style of sofa, the Chesterfield is often associated with period drawing rooms or Oxbridge common rooms. Traditionally upholstered in hard-wearing brown leather, this design has an iconic profile. Its key features include a low, deep buttoned back (also known as ‘tufted’) with high, scrolled arms, plus a deep seat and exposed wooden feet. 

All of this adds up to a smart sofa that will never go out of fashion. Our Cecil sofas take this traditional style to a new level of luxury with a smooth, sculptural form and shallow buttoning.

Knole sofa

A feature in mid-17th century English country houses, the Knole sofa’s classic design has endured ever since. Its distinguishing features are a straight, high back and adjustable angled arms. Traditionally, these can be opened outwards for a more relaxed look, or positioned upright to keep out draughts.

With its fixed, gently flared arms and subtle tapered legs, our Radcliffe sofa reflects the Knole style and is designed to suit today’s interiors.

Tuxedo sofa

Many consider this linear style as a modern alternative to the Chesterfield. Smart and sophisticated, a Tuxedo can be identified by the height of its arms, which are level with its back. Adding plenty of cushions can transform the Tuxedo into a very snug seat that’s ideal for reading in.

English country house sofa

Like the English roll arm, a classic English country house sofa features a curved back with low rounded arms. Where it differs is its base, where a skirted finish lends a more traditional feel. Exposed legs make a room feel more spacious, so when you hide its feet with a skirt this sofa becomes the dominant feature of a space.

Sofa fabric options

The overall look isn’t the only factor when choosing sofa upholstery fabric. Different textiles can stand up to varying levels of wear and tear, so you also need to consider how much a sofa will be used. Some fabrics can be easily cleaned to maintain their look and feel, while others are less hardy.

Cotton

Comfortable, durable and easy to clean, cotton is often mixed with other fabrics on both upholstered sofas and in loose covers. Available in a range of bold colour and patterns, it adds a soft and relaxed finish to any room. It can also stand up to plenty of wear and tear, making it ideal for busy spaces.

Linen

Known for its versatility and understated elegance, linen’s tendency to crease is offset by its charming textural appearance. This softens and fades further as the fabric releases. Stonewashed linen has a distressed, relaxed finish, while laundered linen is much finer. Loose linen covers can also be easily removed and cleaned, perfect for homes with children or pets.

Leather

Leather is a timeless choice that gets better with age. However, when choosing a leather sofa, think about how much wear and tear it will receive. Although it's forgiving, it can be harder to clean and requires specialist products. You may also want to select a darker shade that will hide stains and marks.

Leather sofas with neutral tones are easy to slot into any home décor. Our Marwick sofa in a warm, Aged Tobacco shade is a perfect example. Let the unique patina of the material take the lead by using a neutral scheme elsewhere in the room, or use it as a base for bolder cushions and throws in vibrant colours.

Velvet

A contemporary, opulent choice that boasts a beautiful depth of colour, velvet is also a more fragile textile. Prone to crushing and bruising, it’s a grown-up option for a drawing or sitting room. A statement material, many consider its beautiful jewel-like colours worthy of the extra care.

For the luxurious look of velvet without the worry of everyday wear and tear, consider opting for clever velvets. Available as part of our made-to-order Tailored by OKA collection, this smart fabric offers more durability with the same look and feel as traditional velvet.

Are loose or upholstered sofa covers best?

Loose covers can easily be whipped off and cleaned if any spillages or accidents occur. They can also be changed up to suit new styles. Create a different look with a new colour, or have some made in a patterned fabric of your choice.

While upholstered sofas don’t have this flexibility and need professional cleaning, they do offer a more tailored, sophisticated profile than loose-covered options. As such, they will work well anywhere, even in the smartest of drawing rooms.

Sofa cushion and seat pad fillings

Beyond the fabric and colour choice, the filling materials of a sofa’s cushions and pads affect its comfort level. It can also impact a sofa’s shape and whether it can hold it over time. So it’s important you consider which filling would best suit the look and comfort level you want: 

●Thick foam cores wrapped in a layer of fibre are firmer and hold their shape. Seat covers should be rotated and redressed regularly. Occasionally plumping the cushions will help restore air flow between the fibres and maintain shape

●All-fibre or feather fillings give that pleasurable sinking feeling as you sit down. They do, however, require regular plumping to prevent the cushions’ inners from flattening or binding. A vigorous weekly ‘beating’ of each cushion’s side should keep them looking their best

Selecting a sofa colour

When it comes to sofa colour, there are two main options: a neutral palette or bold shade. Neutrals are hugely adaptable and will slot into most schemes, meaning you can use your sofa for years to come. Off-White, Ecru and Natural are all good options, with a stripe or contrast piping adding extra flair. 

Bolder hues such as Tobacco Leather or Marine Blue make a statement, especially on a fixed sofa. However, you can still flex your style with the season by mixing up scatter cushions or throws. Get a few material samples and lay them on your current sofas or seating to see what effect they create.

Buying and styling your sofa

Although the above advice will help you narrow down options, we recommend seeing a sofa in person before you buy. Visiting one of our stores, sitting on your chosen piece and seeing it in situ will give you a real sense of its style and comfort. Plus, you might pick up some extra styling inspiration to try in your own home.