11 best sofas – I’ve sat on over 100 sofas and these are the ones I’d recommend the most for your living room

Surely we can all agree that the sofa is the most important piece of furniture in every living room and one of the most important in any home as a whole. So putting the time and effort into researching the best sofas possible for your living space is a must. But in order to make the process a little easier for you, I’ve put together a shortlist of some of the best sofa designs available on the market, depending on what type of living room sofa idea you’re looking for.

Buying a new sofa is a real investment as most good-quality sofas that will stand the test of time tend to range between £800 and go as high as £3000 – or for luxury designs, it can be even more than that. And having sat on, lied down on and tested over 100 sofa designs in my quest to find the best of the best out there, it’s become clear that not every sofa is built the same and you usually pay for what you get, at least most of the time.

But while I know it is painful to be splashing all this cash in one go as I recently did it too when buying the best modular sofa for my lounge, you are likely to be saving money in the long run as a higher price does often equal to a higher quality product with good bones and guarantee – a sofa that will last you for many years to come. But whether you’re looking to upgrade your current sofa or are a first-time sofa buyer, I’m sure you’ll find something for you in this round-up.

Sara Hesikova

I believe a sofa should be both comfortable and stylish, while also complementing your particular living space and lifestyle. And a good sofa should last its owner for years to come. That’s why I’ve spent almost 30 hours testing over 100 different sofas in order to separate the good from the bad – besides the obvious sit test, I’m also known to lie down on most sofas to test their comfort levels, see how comfortable and supportive the back and armrests are.

The quick list

For in-depth buying advice just keep on scrolling, but if you're ready to start shopping now then you'll find our edit of the best sofas available right now – in terms of style, price, and budget – listed directly below.

Best sofas 2024 – tried and tested top picks

Best sofa overall

According to online reviews, the Draper sofa has some of the best owner satisfaction levels of all John Lewis & Partners' sofa designs, and, after visiting several branches to test out the brand's full seating collection, I'm inclined to agree that it's one of the brand's top picks.

Comfort-wise, the sofa frame offers that rare combination of a high-backed design that will suit those who prefer to sit upright paired with a deep seat that offers space for those who prefer to curl up and lounge. The foam and fibre seat cushion adds some welcome squish-factor whilst maintaining its shape well, plus, opting for the single bench-style cushion design means the larger widths can happily seat three people without anyone getting left sitting in the gap.

If you want to get even more comfortable, then this model is also available with an unobtrusive and easy-to-operate footrest so you can really recline in style.

The modern design has a nod to a classic Chesterfield with its buttoned cushion detail and will blend easily into a broad range of interiors helped by the 90+ upholstery options. It's also available in a good range of sizes, including a two, three and four-seater, plus a chaise sofa option. And with prices starting from £1449, plus delivery in just a week if you opt for a more restricted upholstery choice, the design manages to tick a lot of boxes at a good price.

Best budget sofa

Comfortable and stylish, there's a lot to like about Habitat's Julien sofa, and at just £595 for the 180cm wide two-seater or £695 for the 220cm wide three-seater, if you're looking for an affordable contemporary sofa then this option ranks high in our books.

Of course, at this price point, you can't expect everything, so there are some compromises to be made. Mainly the limited upholstery options (you're going to need to like velvet), plus the shortage of width options compared to other sofa models on this list. The fixed seat cushions also mean you can't just flip over a cushion if a spillage occurs, and the low-to-the-ground frame with 40cm seat height may not be for everyone.

So why does the Julien still score so highly with? Well, for the price, this is one comfortable sofa. The fixed fibre-wrapped foam seats are on the slightly firmer side but the model I tested still had a good amount of squish, and I loved the seat depth, which with the foam-filled seat cushions offering good comfort and support was perfect for sitting or curling up on. Plus the low armrests are well-padded and the perfect head height for naps.

And, although the upholstery options are limited, the velvets are amongst some of the nicest I've sampled, with a lustre that feels a lot more luxe than most sofas of this price-point can muster and deep rich shades in some great colourways.

Best quick delivery sofa

Swyft's Model 03 is a contemporary modular sofa-in-a box that also offers some jaw-dropping delivery times. Lead times are under one week, and can be as short as 24 hours dependent on stock – a rarity in the world of sofas where lead times can often run to several months.

The modular units don't come cheap, and you're going to need a modern home and quite a bit of space to suit this contemporary design, but I love its boxy shape. It works particularly well in an open-plan layout, where the low-to-the-ground design can be used to zone and anchor a spacious room.

And, although the low seats and backrest won't be for everyone – you're going to need to prefer lounging to sitting upright to be comfortable on this design – if you're looking for a minimalist sofa with designer looks (without the matching price tag) then this quick-delivery, super-versatile sofa is a winner.

Best corner sofa

The Barbican collection is one of John Lewis & Partners bestselling sofa ranges, and with its on-trend mid-century modern meets Scandinavian-cool good looks, it's easy to see why.

Looks aside, sitting down on this sofa collection doesn't disappoint either, with fibre-wrapped foam seat cushions delivering some welcome squish-factor and sink-in-ability combined with a low maintenance fill that keeps its shape and doesn't need plumping. The back cushions are a slightly firmer fibre construction that offers good support and a comfortable angle to recline.

The Barbican comes in a whole host of sofa sizes along with a range of coordinating footstools and armchairs, including small and medium-sized two-seater, three-seater, four-seater and a variety of relatively affordable chaise and corner configurations. All are useful options for a small to mid-sized living room as the sofa's curved frame, slim armrests and high legs mean it looks and feels a lot more compact than many comparable options. That means spacious seating without adding visual 'bulk' to the room or taking up excess floorspace.

There are also over 100 upholstery options on offer, including a good range of leathers, plus, a choice of either light oak or dark wood leg finish to tailor the overall look to your tastes.

Best value sofa

If you have the space to work with then you're unlikely to regret opting for more sofa to stretch out on, especially if you have multiple housemates, family, or friends to seat comfortably. A large sofa generally means (a lot) more expense though, which is probably why the great value Hendricks sofa is one of Habitat's most popular designs, offering spacious seating at a very affordable price point compared to other sofas of this size.

There are generously proportioned two, three, and four-seater sofa options, plus a three or four-seater chaise and two corner sofa configurations to choose from, all in Habitat's luxe-look velvet upholstery. And while the colour choices may be slightly more limited, all are great shades that lend statement style to this contemporary design.

What's more, I loved the comfort levels when testing this popular style during Habitat's press showcase this year. The seat is deep, especially if you're on the shorter side, but I found it very comfortable for sitting or lounging, with comfortable seat cushions that have a nice amount of sink, and soft yet supportive back cushions. The padded armrests are also super comfortable, with the low arms a great height for resting your head for a nap.

Although the back may be a little low in height for some, this low profile design also works especially well in an open plan room where it won't interrupt the flow from one zone to another, delivering a designer look without the designer price tag.

Best classic sofa

Elegant scroll arms, turned wooden feet, and generous seat and back cushions upholstered in some luxe-look velvets give the Bronwyn sofa a classic and opulent feel – without the luxe price tag.

And while the upholstery options may be somewhat limited compared to other options, with just 16 fabrics to choose from, this sofa offers some great alternative ways to tailor the seating to your tastes.

You can style the settee with multiple scatter back cushions or classic flat-backed cushions, and you have the option to tailor the sitting experience by opting for foam or fibre-filled seat cushions. The foam padding offers a firmer sit but will hold its shape well for a smarter look, whilst fibre delivers a more squishy sink-in feel, but one that will require a little more plumping to keep its shape. On top of that, there are three leg colours to choose from, and the option of a two, three, or four-seater frame width.

If you're after a more traditional sofa shape for a period property, or want to add some classic character to a new build, then I think this is a great option to consider.

Best modular sofa

The popularity of modular sofas has been consistently rising in the past few years – so much so that even I jumped on the bandwagon and invested in a modular sofa as they truly future-proof your home. A modular sofa can be easily adapted to your changing needs, lifestyle and even a new home as they can be detached, reconfigured and added to since many brands sell additional modules individually.

And that includes the Ren sofa from Sofa.com. Voted the best sofa in the Ideal Home Living Room Awards 2024, the Ren was just released this year but it’s already loved by many – myself included. Made to order with a lead delivery time of six to eight weeks, you can have the Ren done in any of the over 90 fabrics and colours on offer.

But the real reason why I’m such a fan is the sofa’s unique shape. The curved armrests are not just right on one of the biggest home decor trends of the moment (and the last couple of years), they also soften the overall look of the design. And the additional modules you can purchase in addition such as the triangular storage module or the storage footstool which almost makes the sofa into a chaise style, are also very original which I’m so here for.

And when I first tested the sofa in the Sofa.com showroom a few months ago, I was struck by the comfortable feel achieved by a combination of seat and back cushions that are soft but not too soft that you’d sink in and the depth of the seats which allows for a pleasant lounging experience.

Best sofa bed

If you want a multifunctional sofa that can provide extra sleeping space for hosting guests, then, although it's an investment, this is the best sofa bed that achieves the rare mix of being comfortable enough to use as your everyday seating as well as providing overnight guests with a decent night's sleep.

There are four sofa widths available, each of which feature a single roll-out action mechanism that makes the transformation from sofa to pull-out bed a simple affair. The roll-out action also means this sofa bed is able to offer a longer mattress than most, with a 190cm length sleeping area. And, at 12cm deep, the mattress is one of the deepest that Ideal Home's sleep and sofa bed expert, Amy Lockwood has come across with the option of pocket spring or memory foam construction for your preferred comfort.

You can also tailor the construction of the seat cushions, with options of fibre-wrapped foam or feather-wrapped foam for low-maintenance squish-factor. And, there are a fantastic 175+ upholstery options to choose from.

Plus, if a narrow hallway, tight corners, or tricky stairs are an issue, this sofa bed can be delivered flat-packed and built by the delivery team in situ; a real boon for those with awkward access.

Best sofa for comfort

Of course, any one of the sofas included on this list is comfortable. But some prioritise comfort a little more than others – and for me, the aptly named Cocoon sofa from Sofology offers the ultimate relaxation experience one could have on a sofa, and the Cocoon does it in style. Perhaps the only sofa style that could beat it is a recliner sofa.

When testing this sofa style in the Sofology showroom, it was difficult for me to get up and leave – I just wanted to sit there and feel enveloped by this sizeable sofa design with fairly deep seats that allow for you to fold your legs on top and armrests reaching high, levelling with the backrest. So you can rest your head on the armrest even when sitting up.

It is certainly a unique design and also one that takes up quite a bit of space so it might not be the best small living room sofa idea. But the curved design with pintucked detailing will look chic in any living room, traditional or modern, as long as it’s not too small. And the fact that it’s also modular is yet another added bonus.

As for cons, it is made to order and Sofology’s lead times are on the longer side – generally, you are looking at about 12 weeks.

Best Chesterfield sofa

A Chesterfield sofa, with that distinctive button-back detailing, is a classic sofa design that dates back hundreds of years, and it can make a great choice for a period property or a more modern room where you want to inject a little character. However, based on my testing, finding a Chesterfield sofa that's comfortable enough for anything other than a five minute sit down, and one that doesn't break the bank, seems to be a tall order.

Furniture Village's Rene sofa is therefore a sight for sore eyes and weary legs. A design that blends a contemporary frame with that classic buttoned detail, both sizes of two-seater and the generous three-seater option are reasonable price points and, even better, often reduced in Furniture Village's regular sales.

Upholstery options are a little limited, with four velvet options and a larger selection of contemporary leathers, but those velvets are impressive in the flesh, and look more expensive than their price tag might suggest with a subtle sheen that highlights the sculptural buttoned detailing.

And, the Rene is comfortable to sit on, with a mix of pocket springs and fibre padding to add both bounce and comfort to the seat, and foam back and arm rests for support. Whilst the nature of the design means a Chesterfield sofa is going to be a more upright seating experience, this is definitely the most comfortable version I've come across, and the generous seat depth also means there's room for a few scatter cushions if you wish – something of a rarity with most Chesterfield sofas that tend to have quite narrow seat depths.

Best leather sofa

A leather sofa can be a great choice for busy homes, with the hardwearing nature of the upholstery particularly useful if you know your sofa is going to get a lot of wear and tear from kids or pets. However, a high quality leather sofa is also a significant investment, with leather being one of the most expensive upholstery fabrics you can choose. A decent leather sofa can easily cost upwards of £3000, which is why I'm so impressed by John Lewis' Halo Groucho leather sofa. It's not cheap, but it is reasonably priced.

There are only three colour options, but all are great muted shades that look and feel far more expensive than their mid-range price tag might suggest. There's none of the cheap and shiny-looking leather or harsh colourways that can plague leather sofas of a lower price point.

Another win is that the model is extremely comfortable. As leather is such a thick material, a leather sofa will generally feel a lot firmer to sit on than a sofa upholstered in fabric, and many of the leather sofas I've tested in this price bracket were very, very firm indeed.

In contrast, the Groucho's leather upholstery is supple and feels great to the touch. The seat cushions combine the sink-in squishy comfort of fibre mixed with the resilience of foam (meaning they don't constantly need plumping to keep their shape), and the fibre-filled back cushions allow you to lounge back and get comfy, as opposed to many leather sofas which are much more upright affairs where I felt like I perching in a waiting room.

Best places to buy a sofa

• John Lewis: an extensive selection of own and other brands’ sofa designs
• Argos/Habitat: stylish but affordable sofas with fast delivery
• Darlings of Chelsea: wide possibilities of customisation
• Furniture Village: a wide range of styles at affordable prices
• Sofa.com: made-to-order sofas with reasonable lead times
• Sofology: superior comfort and innovative technology
• King Living: designer-style, high-quality sofas at mid-range prices
• ScS: budget-friendly but comfortable sofas

How we test

As well as taking advantage of the wider Ideal Home team’s experience with sofas, both in terms of the sofas they’ve owned and that they’ve tested over the years, I’ve also utilised the knowledge of many sofa experts, sofa designers and interior designers to find out what makes a great sofa and how to choose the best sofa. I’ve also read many sofa reviews from existing customers and owners to see what the wider public thinks of each sofa design.

But most importantly, I’ve tested over 100 sofas myself in order to arrive at this shortlist of the best 10. When searching for the best sofa for my home earlier this year, followed by further sofa research for my role as Content Editor for Room Decor at Ideal Home, my eyes were opened to how difficult it can be to find a sofa that ticks all the boxes, while also remaining affordable.

So I’ve searched and tested the market, considering several factors including aesthetics, comfort - both when sitting and lying down - the support and comfort of the arm and backrests, the quality of the sofa frame, the amount of fabric options available, the price point, versatility - for example, if the sofa has removable covers or is modular - and more.

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How to choose a sofa

The best sofa for your home will depend on a range of factors, not least the size of your living room, your lifestyle, and of course, your budget. So what are the key things to consider when shopping for your dream couch?

Consider sofa size and room layout

It may sound obvious, but size is one of the most important aspects to consider before falling in love with your dream couch.

Generally speaking, you're going to want the most spacious settee your room and budget will allow, but it's also important to make sure you measure carefully to ensure your sofa is going to work in your space – and that is called sofa scaling.

'Sofa scaling is all about selecting a sofa that is proportionate to the size of your room,' says Monika Puccio, head buyer at Sofa Club. 'It’s a balance between the sofa’s dimensions - its length, depth, height - and how it interacts with the space. A well-scaled sofa complements the room, leaving enough space for flow and functionality while still offering comfort and visual impact.'

It's easy to fall in love with a roomy chaise longue in a spacious sofa showroom, but back home that family-friendly corner sofa might make your living room feel cramped and cluttered.

A top tip is to measure out where the sofa will go in your room using masking tape to mark out all dimensions. As well as width, make sure to consider the height of the sofa - especially if you want to place it under a window sill or beneath existing architecture - and its depth to ensure there is plenty of space to walk around it comfortably.

And don't just measure the room where your sofa will (hopefully) end up - unless you want a stressful few hours come delivery day! Ensure your chosen sofa will fit through doorways, around bending hallways, or up flights of stairs. Most retailers list packaging dimensions on their sites, so ensure these match the access you have.

And if your access is tricky? Don't think that means you have to plump for the smallest two-seater you can find. Modular sofas that are delivered in sections are great options for adding a large amount of seating to difficult rooms, and both flatpack options and selected models from specialist furniture retailers, like Sofa.com, provide the advantage of being able to have your sofa constructed within the final destination room.

How to find the most comfortable sofa

Just like finding the best mattress for you, finding the most comfortable sofa for you will depend a lot on personal preference. Whilst nothing can beat going to test out a sofa for yourself – after all, one person's 'too soft' can be another person's 'just right' – you can easily lose multiple weekends traipsing around the shops sitting on sofa after sofa. So I've rounded up a few key criteria to look out for when considering which sofa is going to be the most comfortable for you.

Cushions
Sofa cushions come in a range of materials and constructions, but the two most commonly found are foam and feathers.

A foam cushion is more generally used at the budget end of the market and offers a fairly firm sit depending on the type used. The benefit of foam is that it's quick to spring back into shape after being depressed, although over time you may find a depression in your favourite sitting spot.

At the other end of the scale are feather cushions. These are generally more expensive but provide a more plumptious seat, although the feathers can gradually shift so you'll need to do more plumping.

Generally speaking, the happy place is with the best of both worlds, and many sofa manufacturers now offer foam cushion cores that are wrapped in a layer of soft feathers – providing comfort and retaining the sofa shape.

Height
If you're using a sofa to zone a room, then a low-to-the-ground model can offer a great way to create dedicated areas without breaking up the space too much, but, the flipside is that (once past a certain age perhaps) low seating can be harder to get up from and can encourage you to sprawl more than sit.

Ergonomically, the recommended seating position is to have your thigh bones parallel to the floor, which for most of us means sofa seating that's a roundabout knee height when standing.

Backrest
Whilst some love the look of a low-profile sofa, if you're lounging for long then adequate back support is going to make sitting more comfortable.

Look for models that have a dedicated backrest, rather than sofas that offer a low back and then rely on taller cushions to provide support.

How to choose a sofa style you'll love

Upholstery
Once you've chosen your favourite sofa shape, then it's time to choose colour and fabric. Most sofa retailers offer models in a range of fabrics, generally including more affordable polyester and cotton mixes (which often have better stain resistance so are useful for homes with young families), and more expensive linens, velvets, and leathers. Take advantage of fabric samples to view colours and textures in your own home, as lighting can often look very different to that in showrooms or online representations, and bear in mind that the more luxurious fabrics are also likely to increase the sofa price quite considerably. As much as you might love pale colours, for family living, a darker or marl shade is likely to prove more stress-free, helping to disguise any mishaps!

Lead times If you're choosing from made-to-order sofa upholstery options, then it's important to bear in mind that there's likely to be a lead time whilst your sofa is built. This can be anywhere from six to 14 weeks and will differ by retailer and the time of year you're ordering. October and November are generally when sofa demand is highest ahead of the festive entertaining season, but you'll find some top tips for shopping at this time of year in our guide to quick delivery sofas.

Legs
A sofa's legs can transform the look quite dramatically. Tall legs will lift the bulk of the sofa away from the floor and can be a good option for smaller rooms where being able to see more of the floor gives a feeling of spaciousness. A sofa that sits directly on the floor can feel bulkier so is best for larger rooms – although this style also has the bonus of stopping dust-balls and toys from rolling under it! Shapely, curved legs add a classic touch, whereas straighter clean-lined legs give a more modern feel. Some sofa models may offer a choice of leg finish as well as upholstery – if you already have wooden furniture in your living room, try to tie in any wooden leg finishes to keep tones coordinating.

How to pick a high-quality sofa

When shopping for a sofa, you likely want to spend your hard-earned money on a sofa that will last. But since you don't have a crystal ball, how can you know whether it will?

As I already mentioned, price is more often than not tied directly to the quality of the sofa so it's usually worth it to splurge on a more expensive sofa. But not always. When it comes to durability and quality, it's mostly in the sofa's bones – also known as the frame.

'A sturdy frame is crucial,' says Patricia Gibbons, head of design at sofa.com. 'Opt for one made from solid wood, and ideally, purchase from a brand that offers a lifetime guarantee on the frame. A solid hardwood frame is the backbone of a durable sofa. Sofas with kiln-dried wood frames, such as beech or oak, tend to be the most robust and long-lasting. Also, make sure to check the finish. Well-crafted sofas have sturdy joints (look for dowels, screws, and brackets – not just glue!) and details which shows care in construction. Make sure to check the repair policy too in case there are any issues.'