Taking it easy

Buying a new settee can be stressful. Three experts share their top tips and trends to plump for

Buying a new settee shouldn’t be an uncomfortable experience. We take the stress out of sofa shopping.

Over the course of a sofa’s life (which is, on average, 11 years) it will witness 1,236 arguments, 2,105 kissing couples, 3,135 films watched by families, and overhear 2,631 phone conversations, according to new research for Furniture Village.

So, it’s all the more important then, to choose a sofa that doesn’t just look good and fit in, but can withstand all that activity and emotion.

Experts reveal their buying secrets to help you choose the best seat in the house...

Big families should opt for a statement sofa:

“A sofa’s one of the most used and best-loved pieces of furniture in our home,” says Malcolm Walker, director of product at Furniture Village.

“As the seasons shift from summer to autumn, we have seen the re-emergence of earthy hues and tactile finishes. Worn leathers and raw materials pair together to create a rustic decor, perfect for those looking to achieve a sense of warmth and comfort,” says Malcolm.

“Velvet continues to enjoy a renaissance around this time of year, with jewel tones and brass finishes accompanying this textile, to introduce a sense of sophisticated luxury to any scheme.”

“A sofa will naturally become the focal point in any space, so ensuring that it captures the look you want is essential,” says Malcolm.

Check the basics:

“We’re fans of sofas that are big enough to lounge around on, look good and most importantly are super-comfy,” says Charlie Marshall, founder of Loaf.

“People are becoming more adventurous with colour in their homes, as sites like Pinterest are providing people with inspiration, making it easier for them to get bolder colours right.

“Our new fabric collection for 2018 is full of vibrant hues, including Carnival (a red/pink coral hue), Maize Yellow, Clean Green and Deep Blue Lido, in velvets and linens.

“Check a sofa has a solid beech frame, held together with screws and dowels, rather than glued and stapled chipboard versions, which aren’t as durable and break easily,” advises Charlie.

“Always measure up before buying. Check a room is not only large enough for the size of the sofa, but also that its proportions are right. High-back sofas can be overpowering in a smaller room with a low ceiling. ”

Hottest sofa colours right now:

“We’re always keeping abreast of trends and this year, in Italy, at Salone del Mobile – which showcases the latest in furniture and design from around the world – we saw two colours dominate – burnt orange and forest green,” says Alison Hill, creative director at DFS.

“Forest green reflects our desire to bring the ‘outside in’ and orange

As the seasons shift from summer to autumn, we have seen the re-emergence of earthy hues and tactile finishes is a complementary colour to green. Curved-back ‘cocooning’ furniture is increasingly popular, too.

“We’ve really seen craftsmanship trending in recent years – highlighted in detail on upholstery and frames. Raising furniture forms on plinths is another popular look.”

“Also. not all cushions are created equal – some people like a firm and supportive feel, while others want something soft and squishy to sink into.

We have fibre filling for a soft feel; a foam core for balanced softness, and support and foam for a supportive, slightly springy feel,” she adds.