Best seat in the house
THERE’S little point having a slimline sofa if, in reality, its high-end design will disappear under a pile of cushions, kids and pets, while deep, squashy high-backed sofas probably suit informal rural or period settings, rather than streamlined urban lofts.
“It’s a good idea to spend time deciding what you really want. A rushed decision could mean you’ll end up with that little something missing, which keeps your sofa from being the safe, warm and cosy centre of your living room that it can and should be,” says Rebecca Snowden, interior style advisor at Furniture Choice.
“When it comes to picking the perfects of a, think of all its many functions – something you can curl up on atthe end of a long day, or sprawl outon for a lazy weekend. Ask yourself whether you want it to blend in seamlessly, or stand outand be a centrepiece.” SIZE MATTERS: “If you’re trying to style a small space, don’t choose an oversized sofa, no matter how comfortable it looks,” advises Rick Petini, creative director at Delcor. “Slim, high legs and plenty of space between the floor and sofa base will allow light to flow around the room, and give the illusion of more space.”
SOFA SMART: Consider how a sofa will be used and pick upholstery accordingly – is ita sanctuary space for adults, or will it have to cope with sticky hands and muddy paw prints?
Stretch out in style on a Boxer Corner Sofa, from £2,982, or opt for a modern take on Seventies style with The Monaco, from £1,670, Delcor, which has bold lines and chic contrast piping.
SUPER SEATS: Hunker Sofa (available March), from £1,245, and scatter cushions from £20 each, Loaf. Willow & Hall has a classic collection, and my favourite is an Alderton Chaise Sofa which, upholstered in the gentle Dove linen cotton, from £1,572, would suit any setting. MIX & MATCH Sofas come in an array of shapes, from curvy to boxy – and even ones that can change their form.
“For me, modular sofas are probably the bestof all worlds, as they’re good for any size of home and any room within it,” says Arianne Keeler, upholstery buyer at Habitat. “They’re an excellent option for those starting small, who wanta sofa which can change and grow as their home or family expands. You can mix up modules in different colour options to create an edgy, individual look, or go for a unified colour option but use different module styles to create a truly bespoke feature.”
SOFA SMART: Always order a fabric swatch and ‘live’ with it for a few days before confirming your choice, so you can view itin different lights. If you’re looking for a hard-wearing fabric to withstand the punishment of a family, polyester Accor fabric is particularly durable.
Several Jakob Modular Single Units, £400 each, in red or charcoal, could build into a sofa layout you desire. Or opt for a leather look; a Newman Tan Leather Corner Unit, £1,600. Alternatively, investin a Kasha Right-arm Corner Sofa, available in a variety of colours, £1,700, all from Habitat.
SUPER SEATS: Sofa Workshop seems to have taken inspiration from Downton Abbey with some of their sofa names. A Grande Dame Sofa, from £1,989, can be upholstered in an on-trend blue Moon Earth Airforce, or if you wantto make a statement, plump for the Lady May three-seater, from £1,699, upholstered in the rich gold Dusky Mustard. BUTTONS AND BLOOMS Catwalk trends impact on decor and seating too, and it’s important to avoid choosing a sofa tha twill date quickly.
“Botanicals – floral patterns – continue to dominate and are in tune with our desire to ‘bring the outside in’. We’re also seeing interiors take a darker turn, with inky blue setto be one of this year’s mostpopular colours, with blushing pink for those who wanta more feminine look,” says Philip Watkin, director at DFS.
SOFA SMART: Make sure your sofa will fit into your home by measuring every access point – doorway, stairwell etc ithas to pass. A template made from newspaper, or masking tape on the floor marking outthe amountof space it requires, will give you a good idea of how a sofa will fita room.
A two-seater Pompeii Sofa, £1,299, and matching armchair, £998, is a deep-seated generous take on a Chesterfield. Fancy florals – a Chiltern Floral Grand Sofa, £1,549, available in five floral colours, could suita cosy country cottage style interior. For a rich luxury feel, try a Bailey Velvet Maxi Sofa, in fashionable Royal Blue or Dusty Pink, £1,599, all from DFS.