How to Choose the Perfect Sofa for Your Living Room

Dec 06, 2025

Saneela 3 Seater Sofa with Cushions Brown

Choosing a new sofa is a big decision. It is the centre of your living room, the place where you relax after work, watch films with family, host friends and sometimes even take a quick nap. The right sofa should look good, feel comfortable and fit your space and lifestyle for years.

This guide will help you choose the perfect sofa for your living room, step by step – from measuring your space to deciding on style, fabric and comfort.

Step 1 – Measure Your Space Properly

Before you fall in love with a particular design, start with a tape measure. Good measurements will save you from disappointment on delivery day.

Measure the room and access points

Measure the length and width of your living room.
Note the position of doors, radiators, windows and fireplaces.
Check the height and width of doorways, hallways and staircases the sofa will need to pass through.

It is common for a sofa to fit the room, but not fit up the stairs or around a tight corner. For homes with narrow access, consider sofas with removable legs or modular sofas that arrive in separate sections.

Leave enough breathing space

As a simple guide:

Leave around 60–80 cm of walkway space in the main routes through the room.
Keep around 40–50 cm between the sofa and the coffee table so people can move comfortably.

A slightly smaller sofa that suits the layout usually looks more elegant than a larger one that overwhelms the room.

Quiteris 3 Seater Fabric Sofa Dark Grey

Step 2 – Decide Which Sofa Shape Works Best

Different sofa shapes suit different living rooms and lifestyles, from compact 2-seater sofas to spacious corner sofas and practical sofa beds.

Standard two- and three-seater sofas

Classic two- and three-seater sofas are very versatile and work well in most homes. You can pair a three-seater with an armchair or accent chair to create a balanced seating area.

Ideal for medium-sized living rooms.
Easier to move and rearrange than a very large corner sofa.

Browse stylish designs in our SOFAS COLLECTION.

Corner and L-shaped sofas

Corner sofas are perfect if you want to maximise seating and create a sociable layout.

Great for open-plan spaces, where the sofa helps to zone the living area.
Offers generous seating without needing extra chairs.
Many designs come with left-hand or right-hand chaise options – choose the one that fits your room shape.

Left Hand Fabric Corner Sofa Blue Naveen

Explore our corner sofas in the CORNER SOFAS COLLECTION.

Chaise-end and daybed-style sofas

If you love to stretch out and relax, a sofa with a chaise end or daybed element gives you extra legroom without taking up as much space as a full corner sofa.

Sofa beds for guests

For homes without a dedicated guest room, a sofa bed is a smart way to host visitors.

Look for a simple mechanism that is easy to open and close.
Check the mattress thickness and support for comfortable sleeping.

See our practical sofa beds in the SOFA BEDS COLLECTION.

Step 3 – Choose a Style That Fits Your Home

Your sofa should complement the rest of your furniture and the overall feel of your home.

Contemporary vs classic designs

Contemporary sofas often feature clean lines, straight arms and slim legs. They suit modern apartments and minimal interiors.
Classic sofas may have scroll arms, button-tufted backs or turned wooden legs. These add character and work beautifully in period homes or more traditional schemes.

If you like to update your décor regularly, a timeless shape in a neutral colour is a good investment. You can then change cushions, throws and rugs when you want a fresh look.

Choosing the right colour

When picking a colour, think about:

Room size and light – Light tones (beige, light grey, off-white) help smaller or darker rooms feel more open.
Existing flooring and walls – Decide whether the sofa should blend in or be a bold focal point.
Everyday life – In busy family homes or with pets, mid-tone colours and textured fabrics are often more forgiving than very pale or very dark shades.

Fabric Corner Sofa Right Hand Blue Avolo

Ortin Velvet Left Hand Corner Sofa Orange

Serta 3 Seater Boucle Sofa White

Step 4 – Select the Best Fabric or Upholstery

Fabric and upholstery affect both the look and the practicality of your sofa.

Fabric sofas

Fabric sofas feel warm, inviting and are available in a huge range of colours and textures.

Woven fabrics are durable and great for everyday family use.
Bouclé and chenille add softness and a more luxurious look.
Some fabrics come with stain-resistant or easy-clean finishes, ideal for households with children or pets.

Vacuum fabric sofas regularly and follow the care instructions to keep them looking their best.

Leather and faux leather sofas

Leather and high-quality faux leather add a sophisticated, timeless character.

Usually easy to wipe clean, making them practical for busy homes.
Leather develops a natural patina over time, which many people love.

They can feel cooler in winter and warmer in summer, so consider adding cushions and throws for extra comfort.

This is a great option if you want flexibility, or if you know the sofa will see heavy use.

Altman 3 Seater Faux Leather Sofa Brown

Step 5 – Focus on Comfort and Support

A beautiful sofa is only successful if it is comfortable.

Seat depth and height

Deeper seats are perfect for lounging and curling up.
Shallower seats make it easier to sit upright and can be better for formal seating or smaller people.

Cushion firmness

Sofas with medium-firm cushions usually offer good support without feeling too hard.
Fixed cushions stay neat with minimal plumping, while loose cushions can be rotated to even out wear.

Back support

Higher backs support your shoulders and neck, which is ideal for long film nights. Lower backs create a more open, contemporary look but may feel less supportive for some people.

Step 6 – Pay Attention to the Details

Small design details can make a big difference day to day.

Leg style and height

Higher legs create a lighter, more open appearance and make it easier to vacuum underneath. Chunkier wooden legs can give a more solid, classic look.

Arm shape

Wide, padded arms are great if you like to lean or rest your head on the arm.
Slim arms save space and can make the overall sofa footprint smaller, which is useful in compact rooms.

Cushion style

Decide whether you prefer:

Fixed cushions – stay tidy with less maintenance.
Loose cushions – you can rotate and fluff them, and sometimes remove covers.

Step 7 – Looking After Your New Sofa

A few simple habits will keep your sofa looking good for longer.

Rotate and plump cushions regularly to maintain shape and comfort.
Use throws or blankets in high-traffic spots where children or pets like to sit.
Clean spills straight away, following the manufacturer’s care instructions.
Avoid placing your sofa directly against radiators or in very strong direct sunlight for long periods, as this can fade or damage fabrics and leather.

Choosing a Sofa with SOOXOS

At SOOXOS, we curate sofas that balance style, comfort and durability – from modern corner sofas and sofa beds to classic two- and three-seater designs.

When you shop with us, you can:

Discover different sizes and shapes to suit UK homes of all layouts.
Choose from a range of fabrics and colours to match your décor.
Enjoy flexible payment options (such as Klarna, Clearpay or PayPal Pay in 3, if enabled).
Get clear delivery information and dedicated customer support.

Michala 3 Seater Fabric Sofa Blue

Navaeh 3 Seater Fabric Sofa Grey

Browse our latest designs in the SOFAS COLLECTION and start planning your perfect living room today.

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