One of the biggest investments we make when furnishing our homes is purchasing a sofa. It’s also literally one of the biggest items in your home and sets the tone of your living space. So it goes without saying it’s an important decision that you need to get right. But with the vast selection available today, discovering the best sofa sets can feel like finding a needle in a haystack!
To help you make the right choice for your home, we’ve covering 5 of the most popular sofa styles to complement a wide range of interior styles while solving common living room challenges.
Related article: Arcadian project: The small living room upgrade that packs a punch
Related article: Design inspo: Beautiful bohemian living rooms and how to pull off the look
Customisable sectional lounge
Hands down the most popular lounge for family homes is the modular lounge sofa. Its sectional design, featuring separate pieces arranged in various configurations, offers flexibility making it idea in spacious living areas. It’s also a great choice for those who may be moving house in the future as you can customise your sectional into L-shapes, U-shapes, or curved arrangements to perfectly complement your room’s design.
Ideal for: spacious living areas and media rooms. Suits Hamptons, traditional and contemporary home designs.
What makes it unique: adaptability, generous seating, and elegant appearance.
Designer tip: look for a design with hidden storage where you can keep blankets or kids toys out of sight.
Compact loveseat or 2-seater sofa
Of course not all of us have the luxury of space so if you need something a little more compact, a loveseat offers the ideal solution. Perfect for smaller living areas or studio apartments, these compact sofas comfortably seat two people. These are also a fab choice in formal sitting rooms where you would traditionally position two opposite each other, or one 2-seater sofa with two armchairs opposite.
There are plenty of design styles, colours and fabrics to choose from so you can find the ideal sofa for your space. They Though modest in size, loveseats don’t compromise on style and deliver exceptional comfort. They come in numerous colours and designs to perfectly complement your home’s aesthetic.
Ideal for: compact apartments or intimate spaces like a home library or formal sitting room.
What makes it unique: efficient use of space with a warm, cosy atmosphere.
Designer tip: anchor the sofa with a large rug to create the illusion of a larger living space.
Leather couch or vintage-inspired Chesterfield
Leather sofas, especially Chesterfields, are timeless pieces that exude elegance and sophistication. With their deep button tufting and rolled arms, Chesterfields are a standout choice for classic, vintage, or even industrial-style interiors. Leather sofas, in general, are durable, easy to clean, and age beautifully over time.
Ideal for: classic and sophisticated environments.
What makes it unique: enduring elegance that remains fashionable through every era.
Designer tip: to soften the look of a leather or Chesterfield sofa, layer it with plush cushions and a textured throw to add warmth and cosiness.
Space-saving sofa beds
A practical solution for guest rooms, home offices and small apartments, sofa beds offer both seating and sleeping functionality. They come in a variety of styles, from sleek modern designs to cosy, cushioned options, making them a versatile choice for contemporary, boho, or casual interiors.
Ideal for: Guest accommodations or multipurpose areas
What makes it unique: Two-in-one functionality offers both seating and sleeping comfort.
Designer tip: spend a little extra to get higher-quality cushioning, such as a memory foam mattress, so guests enjoy their overnight stay.
Mid-century modern sofa
Characterised by clean lines, tapered legs, and a timeless appeal, mid-century modern sofas are a favorite for those who appreciate a retro yet contemporary aesthetic. They pair beautifully with mid-century, eclectic, or Scandinavian interiors and add a touch of understated elegance to any room
Ideal for: Modern and retro-influenced décor schemes
What makes it unique: Sleek, understated, and effortlessly sophisticated.
Designer tip: choose a mid-century sofa in a bold colour like mustard, teal, or olive green to create a stylish focal point in your living space.
Tips to selecting the right type of sofa
Now that we’ve covered off the 5 most popular styles of sofas and the type of spaces they suit, we wanted to offer some additional tips to help you make the right choice!
- Measure your space: too often people think they know what will fit well in their space, only to get a surprise when the item is far too large or small (or deep) for the room. Ideally you should be able to position your sofa away from the wall, even if only by 20cm, to give the space a sense of breathing room. It’s also important to be able to easily move around your sofa, taking into account your coffee table, side tables or other furniture in the space.
- Think about your materials palette: the best rooms play with colour and texture. Avoid the matchy-matchy look but be mindful of the other materials in your space. Select a sofa in a material that complements the other items in your space.
- Function over form: although looks are important, when it comes to a sofa — functionality is king. Think about who uses your sofa and how it will be used. Do you need a sofa bed option or the ability to reconfigure it? Will you mostly use it in a formal room or do you need one large enough for family movie nights? Durability is also an important consideration.
We hope these tips help you when purchasing a sofa. If you have any questions, pop them in the comments below!
