A considered, comfortable sofa helps to make a house a home; it’s one of the most important interior investments you’re ever likely to make. Our buying guide takes you through all the practicalities of investing in a designer sofa, to make sure that finding the perfect centrepiece for your home is a delight.

What type of sofa is right for you?

Think carefully about how you’d like to use your new sofa, and how many people it will need to seat. This will determine the type of sofa that’s right for you.

Do you like to put your feet up and stretch out? Will it need to accommodate guests?

If you have a small room, it may be tempting to squeeze in the largest sofa that will fit; this will only make your space feel even smaller. Similarly, a regular-sized sofa in a large room could make the room feel empty. Choosing a sofa that’s proportionate to your room is not only a smart choice but it’s one that will pay off in the long run.

Every sofa is different, and each comes with its own benefits. Let us take you through some of the most popular types available to help you find the one that best meets your needs.

Two-seater sofas: the small space solution
Compact but perfectly formed, two-seater sofas are ideal for small spaces like compact living rooms, bedrooms, and snugs. They often come with either one long or two small seat cushions.

Three-seater sofas: a popular and versatile choice
Three-seater sofas are our most popular sofa type. They’re spacious, have plenty of room to get comfortable and come with either two or three seat cushions.

Modular sofas: complete flexibility
Modular sofas offer the ability to change things up. You can create a combination that works for you, then adapt it as your needs alter. Modular sofas can be sized to suit your space, so they are a great choice for all areas.

Corner sofas: perfect for lounging
Corner sofas make relaxing easy. They’re roomy enough for two people to put their feet up and can accommodate several guests. They make a great choice for social spaces as the corner formation encourages conversation.

Sofa beds: ideal for guests
Sofa beds look and act like a normal sofa during the day but transform into a bed at night. They’re ideal if you have lots of guest, or if your home doesn’t have a spare bedroom.

Set the tone for comfort

Soft and squishy, or firm and supportive? Every sofa should be comfortable, but what that means can vary wildly from one person to the next.

If you like to feel supported when sitting, consider choosing a sofa with a high back and arms. High backed sofas can be suited to more formal spaces thanks to their elegant appearance. However, if you like to sink into something soft and pillowy at the end of a long day, look out for deep-seated sofas with a feather filling.

If being able to lie down and nap on your sofa is important to you, be sure to choose one that’s not only big enough for you to do so but one that has low arms so that you can rest your head comfortably. Sofas with low backs and arms also help to lend a casual feel to a room and are incredibly versatile, being ideal for day-to-day activities like lounging, reading, napping, and working.

Understanding upholstery

The key to ensuring your new sofa fits seamlessly into your home is the material and style you choose. We talk you through the options.

Fabric – Fabric sofas are supremely inviting. They are soft to the touch and come in a spectrum of colours. They can be made of wool, which is springy and has a natural stain resistance, or a wool and synthetic blend, which is highly durable.

Leather – Leather has a luxurious look and feel and is exceptionally resilient. Over time it will soften and gain character, whilst still retaining its shape and strength. Leather sofas tend to get better with age – if well maintained, a leather sofa can last a lifetime.

Colour – While colour is a hugely personal choice, certain shades work better than others in specific situations. Neutral is the way to go if you like to change your décor regularly, while dark colours are great for busy, high-traffic areas that are at a greater risk of spills and spillages.

Request a free swatch – Material samples are available to help you reach a decision. Please contact our team for more information.

Our top tip: measure twice, buy once

Christian, our CEO, has an interior mantra he swears by – measure twice, buy once. This is key in sofa buying prep. Carefully measure the area where you want your new sofa to sit, including the length and depth. To help you get a feel for how it could look in certain positions, try marking our areas with masking tape or newspaper sheets.

When it comes to delivering your new sofa, your access route is just as important as the room it will end up in. After all, no one wants to be disappointed on delivery day.

Have a quick walk around your home and note any areas that might be problematic, like narrow hallways, low ceilings, tight corners, or unforgiving staircases. The diagonal measurement between the bottom rear corner of your sofa and the top of the arm is crucial, as this represents the minimum width of the doorway that the sofa will fit through. Be sure to check these dimensions against your access route before buying.

Need a hand?

Our interior consultation service offers bespoke, one-to-one interior advice and product recommendations. You’ll be assigned a dedicated product specialist who will listen to your needs and help you discover the best of the Nest collection. Find out more.

We hope you found this guide useful. If you need further help, please get in touch by calling 0114 243 3000, email: info@nest.co.uk or via Live Chat.