I’ve tried over 150 sofas and these are the 12 best sofas I’d recommend

Few things in life can make you feel like a proper adult as buying your first sofa. And even when the novelty wears off and you’re buying your second or third, nothing makes you question everything, including yourself, as picking out the best sofa for you and your home. I know, I’ve been there.

In fact, I’ve taken my quest to find the best sofa even further in order to uncover the best of the best in every sofa category, sitting (and lying down) on over 150 sofas in the process, just so you don’t have to. And, of course, to make your search a little easier and more straightforward once you start looking for living room sofa ideas for inspiration.

While I found my ideal sofa in one of the best modular sofas on the market, I know that everyone’s style, preferences, priorities and needs are different. That’s why I’ve tried to make this list as varied as possible, while also covering all possible bases so that everyone can find a style that will work for them and their lounge here.

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 2025 – 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

Given its mythological giant-inspired name, it only makes sense to opt for the Boutique Goliath in one of its larger configurations like the corner size, despite being available in several different sizes, as well as individual modules so you can build a sofa that fits with your living room perfectly.

The Boutique Goliath is defined by its clean lines and contemporary look but it’s set apart and given a slightly more traditional flair with the use of discreet quilting and button embellishment – and while I personally liked this detailing, it might be one that’s not to everyone’s taste.

Looks aside, this sofa is one of the most comfortable I’ve sat on, despite being classed by Furniture Village as ‘medium comfort level’. This is, of course, down to personal preference but I liked that it wasn’t overly soft so there was no sinking into the cushions – but at the same time, I’m aware some prefer the super soft cushions, in which case, this is likely not the best sofa for you.

But if you like that little bit of support and firmness, as well as bounce provided by pocket spring seat cushioning with the additional cosiness of removable, pillow-style back cushions, then this is the one for you.

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 luxury sofa

When it comes to sofas, generally you get what you pay for – so if you can afford to invest a bit more in your living room seating, I’d recommend doing so as it will pay off in the long run. And that’s especially true if you invest in a sofa like the Truman by Andrew Martin.

It is a pricey sofa, there’s no doubt about it, starting at £3500 for a 3-seater. And if you’re after the popular corner size, it will set you back by £7585. But there are more expensive options on the market that I wouldn’t recommend and that can’t compare to the Truman. The brand is so confident in this bestselling design so much that it comes with a 30-year structural guarantee, while most retailers offer 10 – and some don’t even do that.

It’s a fairly low design that’s also incredibly deep, with the seats measuring 110cm in depth. The design is fully modular, held together by crocodile clips. And despite appearances, it’s a loose-cover sofa so you can remove and change the covers if you ever want or need to.

Andrew Martin’s main priority when designing a sofa is making it as comfortable as humanly possible – but comfort means something different to everybody. That’s why you can choose from two different seat cushion fillings to either go for all feather and down, cloud-like softness or add a little bit more support.

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 Strata leather sofa. It's not cheap, but it is reasonably priced.

There is only one colour option - a caramel-like light brown called Camel - but it’s a very versatile shade that looks and feels far more expensive than the 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 Strata's leather upholstery is supple and feels great to the touch. And the shape of the design is timeless and extremely chic, reminiscent of mid-century modern, Scandinavian aesthetic. Equipped with pillow-shaped side cushions and back and seat cushions that are both removable, this is a lovely design that encourages comfy lounging - which you can partly credit the generous seat depth for as well, measuring 108cm. And it can be yours in just seven days!

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
• Andrew Martin: luxurious designs with the highest level of comfort

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?

1. 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.

2. Think about comfort

Just like finding your best mattress, 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.

3. Choose a sofa style you'll love

'The average customer replaces their sofa every seven years or so, but this is largely due to changing trends and interior styles, rather than the wear of the product,' says Kellie Wyles, head of upholstery at DFS.

That's why it's important to put your personal preferences above any fleeting sofa trends or general guidelines when picking out your next sofa.

'My top tip is to choose a sofa that you really love,' says Shelley Cochrane, accessories buyer at Furniture Village. 'Whilst that may sound obvious, many people choose a grey or neutral sofa because they think it’s a safe option but they later regret that they didn’t go for something a bit bolder. So, if you really love neutrals, then a grey sofa is a great choice but if you’re more of a magpie and love the colour yellow, then choose a mustard or ochre sofa and make it the focal point of the room.'

Opting for a loose-cover sofa like I did is also the perfect solution to this problem as you can change the covers if you ever get tired of the colour, pattern or material that you picked initially.

4. 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.'

Additionally, make sure your new sofa comes with a frame warranty of at least 10 years. 'Ask about the warranty. A good-quality sofa should come with a solid frame warranty, ideally lasting 10 years or more, giving you peace of mind that your investment is built to last,' Patricia says.