A sofa is one of the largest things you will buy for your home, and one of the hardest to send back. Most problems come from three things: a sofa that will not fit through the door, a size that overwhelms the room, or a fabric that wears badly for the way you live.
Start with a tape measure, not a style. Measure the room, the space the sofa will stand in and every doorway, corridor and staircase on the way in. Then decide on size and shape, and only after that compare frames, cushions and fabrics.
When you buy online you cannot sit on the sofa first, so the product page has to do the work. The listed dimensions, materials and care instructions tell you most of what you need to know.
Measure the room and the way in
Mark the sofa’s footprint on the floor with masking tape, using the width and depth from the product page. Leave room to walk: around 75 to 90 cm for main walkways is a common rule of thumb, and about 40 to 45 cm between the sofa and a coffee table so you can reach a cup without stretching.
Then check the delivery route:
- Doorways: measure the width and height of every door, including the front door and any internal doors.
- Corridors and corners: a long sofa may need to be tipped on its end to turn a tight corner, so check the ceiling height too.
- Stairs: measure the width of the staircase and the height under any low ceiling or bannister.
- Diagonal depth: many product pages list it. If the diagonal depth is smaller than your door width, the sofa can usually be tilted through.
Look for sofas with removable legs or arms, or models that arrive flat packed or in sections, if access is tight.
Size and shape
| Type | Typical use | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| 2 seater | Small living rooms, flats, a second sofa | Often around 140 to 180 cm wide |
| 3 seater | Most living rooms, seats three upright or one lying down | Often around 180 to 220 cm wide |
| Corner sofa | Larger rooms, families, open plan spaces | Check whether the corner is left or right hand |
| Chaise or L-shape | Lounging, smaller rooms that want a corner feel | Chaise side is usually fixed |
| Sofa bed | Guest rooms, small homes | Check the mattress size and the opened length |
Widths vary a lot between brands, so always use the listed measurements. You can browse two and three seaters in the sofas range, and an armchair is often a better way to add seats than a bigger sofa.
Seat depth and height
Seat depth decides how you sit. A shallower seat suits upright sitting and shorter people; a deep seat suits lounging but can leave shorter legs dangling. Seat height matters for anyone who finds it hard to get up: a firmer, higher seat is easier to rise from. If you have a sofa you like, measure its seat depth and height and compare.
Frame and construction
The frame is what makes a sofa last. Product pages may list:
- Hardwood frames (such as beech or oak) are generally the most durable.
- Softwood frames (such as pine) are common and lighter, and quality varies.
- Engineered wood (plywood, MDF, chipboard) is used in many lower priced sofas. Plywood is stronger than chipboard.
- Metal frames appear in modern and modular designs.
Under the seat, sprung bases (serpentine or zigzag springs, or pocket springs) usually keep their shape longer than webbing alone. If the listing does not say, it is worth checking with the shop before you buy.
Cushions and filling
| Filling | Feel | Care |
|---|---|---|
| Foam | Firm, holds shape | Little upkeep; cheaper foam softens over time |
| Fibre | Soft, relaxed | Needs regular plumping |
| Feather | Very soft, sink-in | Needs plumping daily; not ideal for allergies |
| Foam wrapped in fibre or feather | Softer top, supportive core | Good middle ground |
Reversible and removable cushions spread wear and are easier to clean.
Fabric, leather and durability
For fabric sofas, look for a rub test figure, usually given in Martindale rubs. Fabric suppliers commonly treat around 15,000 rubs as suitable for general domestic use and 25,000 or more as heavy duty, which suits busy family rooms and pets. Tightly woven fabrics resist snagging better than loose weaves, and removable, washable covers are useful with children.
Leather is hard wearing and easy to wipe, but it can scratch and needs conditioning now and then. Faux leather is cheaper but can crack or peel over time. Whatever the cover, read the care label and keep the sofa out of strong direct sunlight to reduce fading.
Fire safety label
In the UK, new upholstered furniture must meet the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988. Each new item must carry a permanent label, often sewn under a cushion or on the base, showing it complies, and a display label at the point of sale. When buying second hand or from overseas sellers, check that the permanent label is present.
Putting the room together
Once the sofa is chosen, think about what goes around it. A coffee table about two thirds the length of the sofa usually looks balanced; the tables range includes nests of tables that save space in small rooms. The wider furniture range has storage cabinets to match. If you are also updating the bathroom, see the guide to choosing a bathroom mirror.
Quick checklist
- Mark the footprint on the floor with tape.
- Measure every door, corridor and staircase on the way in.
- Compare diagonal depth with your narrowest doorway.
- Choose seat depth and height to suit how you sit.
- Check frame material and the type of seat base.
- Pick a cushion filling you are happy to maintain.
- Look for a rub test figure that suits your household.
- Check delivery, returns and assembly terms on the shop’s page.
Common questions
How much space should I leave around a sofa?
Many designers suggest about 75 to 90 cm for walkways and about 40 to 45 cm between the sofa and a coffee table. Mark it out with tape first to see how it feels.
What rub count do I need for a family sofa?
For busy rooms with children or pets, look for a fabric rated at 25,000 Martindale rubs or more. Lighter use rooms can manage with less.
Is a corner sofa a good idea in a small room?
It can be, as long as it does not block doors or walkways. A compact chaise sofa often gives the same lounging space with a smaller footprint.
