| Surfing the net, snuggling up with the family, chilling with | | | | Try out lots of styles and don't be afraid to have a |
| a takeaway or indulging in an afternoon with your | | | | good lounge and really test a sofa.The shapes of a |
| favourite DVD box set... Modern living means a sofa | | | | sofa and even the number of cushions can make a |
| has become much more than somewhere to rest | | | | difference to the overall feel of the room. In a smaller |
| your legs of an evening. | | | | space, narrower sofa arms give the illusion of a more |
| The days of the three-piece suite may be gone, but | | | | compact piece, and whereas one or two cushions |
| there's still an almost endless selection of sofa shapes | | | | give a cleaner, more modern look, three feel more |
| and styles on offer. So how do you choose between | | | | traditional. |
| a traditional chesterfield and a big squashy number? | | | | Consider the Fabric |
| 'No other piece of furniture rings the changes like a | | | | The material you choose to cover your sofa is crucial |
| new sofa,' says Polly Dickens, creative director at The | | | | to its feel and comfort. |
| Conran Shop. 'The right design can form the | | | | Once considered a luxury, leather has now become |
| centrepiece of a room and dictate the mood of an | | | | much more affordable and therefore a popular choice. |
| interior.' With this in mind, knowing your options is crucial | | | | Fabrics give a huge range of colour and texture |
| - and a breeze with our guide to finding your perfect | | | | options, but where leather often improves with age, |
| sofa. | | | | fabric will show wear and tear. In a household with |
| Before You Buy | | | | children or pets, machine-washable loose covers are a |
| Sofas can cost anything from a few hundred pounds | | | | practical option. Removable covers also mean that, |
| to the price of a small car, so it's wise to be clear | | | | should you redecorate and your sofa doesn't match |
| about your budget. | | | | your new colour scheme, you can simply dye them or |
| Think about your lifestyle and how the sofa will need | | | | buy a new set of covers. |
| to function. 'Is it for a living room, a family room or a | | | | Tightly woven fabrics will wear the best and fabrics |
| playroom?' asks Matt Gayleard, brand director at | | | | with woven patterns will retain their appearance better |
| Natuzzi. 'Do you have kids or pets, and how much | | | | than printed designs. But unless you're going for loose |
| effort can you put in to maintaining it?' How many | | | | covers, choose something classic, such as a smart |
| people do you have to seat? What about a sofa bed | | | | stripe, as patterned sofas can date quickly. Wool is |
| for guests? Some sofas have built-in storage, so think | | | | springy and resilient, with a natural stain resistance, |
| about other uses the piece could have, too | | | | chenille is soft and hard-wearing, and velvet is warm |
| Consider the Size | | | | and textural with a luxurious feel. Linen is cool and crisp |
| Measure up before you shop and work out how big a | | | | and one of the most durable fibres for sofas, while |
| sofa you can accommodate. Two smaller sofas or | | | | cotton is great for taking colour and blends well with |
| one large one and a couple of armchairs may be | | | | other fabrics. |
| more flexible. | | | | Leather is robust, cool in summer and warm in winter |
| 'Sofas will look much smaller in the store than in your | | | | and, if well-maintained, can last a lifetime. Technology |
| living room, so it's vital to make sure it will actually fit | | | | means that all sorts of finishes can be achieved, from |
| and won't look out of proportion,' says Sally Hudson, | | | | distressed and antiqued to smooth and soft. There are |
| central buyer for upholstery at John Lewis. 'Lay out | | | | several different grades of leather, so ask an expert |
| newspaper on the floor to the size of your sofa to | | | | which type is most suited to your needs. Most leathers |
| see roughly how much room it will take up.' | | | | will age in some way, but this can add to the |
| From a practical point of view, don't forget to think | | | | character. |
| about the access into your home. Some retailers offer | | | | Alcantara is a man-made microfibre with a luxurious |
| a home visit to check that the sofa will fit through | | | | feel that's similar to suede. It's incredibly strong, with a |
| doors, along corridors or up staircases. Some sofas | | | | contemporary look, but because it's easy to maintain, |
| ease the process by having detachable arms or | | | | it's an excellent option for busy households. |
| coming in sections. | | | | Consider the filling |
| Consider the shape and style | | | | Cushion fillings vary widely. Foam has a firm feel and |
| You will, of course, naturally gravitate towards a style | | | | appearance and will hold its shape well. |
| of sofa that appeals to you - do you want something | | | | Feather-filled cushions are soft and comfy, and have a |
| soft and squidgy, or firmer and tidier? | | | | more casual look, but will need regular plumping. |
| 'If you're someone who likes to lie down and relax, you | | | | 'A combination of feather-wrapped foam seat |
| may want a sofa with low arms and lots of loose | | | | cushions and serpentine springs makes for extremely |
| cushions to get cosy on,' advises Paul Staden, | | | | soft and comfortable sofas,' says Rohan Blacker, |
| marketing director at Sofa Workshop. 'However, if you | | | | co-founder of 'Plus, this type of filling will maintain its |
| prefer to be supported when you sit, more formal, | | | | shape and reduce the need for continuous plumping. |
| upright shapes with back cushions may be better.' | | | | |