How To Choose A Sofa - The Taylor's Sofa Buying Guide

If you're switching out your well-loved sofa for a newer model or buying a brand new settee for your first home, knowing how to choose a high-quality sofa is the first step. After all, your sofa is much more than somewhere to put your feet up - it's the centrepiece of your sitting room!

That's why finding a comfortable sofa that still looks fantastic can be tricky, especially when you consider all the wonderful styles to choose from. Whether you want a mid-century modern sofa to give your living room that vintage-inspired feel or a deep-seat couch you can really sink into, our buying guide is here to help you find your perfect match.

We're giving you everything you need to know about buying a sofa online and in-store, from tips to make measuring your space simple to a rundown of all the different types of sofas you'll come across.

Where To Position Your Sofa

One of the first things to consider when browsing for a new sofa is where you plan on placing it. There are no set rules on where your sofa should go. However, some sofa types work better than others in different positions.

In Front Of A Window

While blocking off a window isn't always a great idea, a low-back sofa looks wonderful placed in front of a window, as they don't cut off too much light. A low-back sofa is also an excellent option for small spaces with low ceilings, as they give the illusion of space.

As A Room Divider

If you have an open-plan space, then a sectional sofa or corner sofa is an amazing choice. While these sofas look fabulous in any space, they can be used to break up and open plan space into two distinct sections.

Facing Another Sofa

While small spaces may not be a good fit for this style of positioning, placing two sofas facing each other is a great way to open up your space and encourage some together time. If you don't want to arrange two full-size sofas, you can place an armchair or snuggler opposite your sofa instead.

Measuring Up Your Space - How To Accommodate Sofa Dimensions

Make Measuring Your Space Simple With These Tips -

• Create An Outline Of Your Space
• Make Sure To Leave Plenty Of Room To Navigate The Room
• If You're Shopping For A Recliner Sofa, Make Sure To Consider The Full Extended Length
• When It Comes To Sofa Beds, Leave Room To Fold Out The Bed Section
• Balance Comfort And Space - You Don't Want Your Couch To Make The Space Feel Cramped

There's nothing quite as satisfying as an impulse buy, but a brand-new sofa is a different story. Measuring your space before you order your new settee is an absolute must, and can also help you narrow down your options while you browse.

It can be tempting to guess the size of your living room and estimate the best sofa dimension for your space. However, using a tape measure gives you a far clearer idea of the size of sofa you should opt for. A sofa is one of the biggest investments you can make for your home - so it's worth taking the time to make sure you measure your space.

Once you've figured out where your sofa is going to go, take a tape measure and measure the length and width of the area. If you're shopping for a sofa bed or recliner, make sure you leave enough room for the full extended length.

Your living room is one of the spaces you spend the most time in, so it's important to make sure that it feels comfortable. The last thing you want is for your sitting room to feel cramped, so leave plenty of room to move around your new couch.

It can be difficult to visualise how much floor space your new sofa will take up, but a simple trick is to mark out the outline on the floor with masking tape. You can also fill up the outline with newspaper to see exactly where your sofa will be - this trick is fantastic if you're more of a visual person!

Finding The Right Size Of Sofa

• Sofas Are Measured By Length, Width And Height
• Choose Your Seating - With Two, Three and Four Seat Options Available

Two-Seater Sofas

If you're short on space and don't want to be short on style, then a chic and compact two-seater sofa is a fabulous option. A two-seater sofa is the best choice of seating for snug spaces, as they offer plenty of space for two to lounge - without taking up heaps of room.

Three-Seater & Four Seater Sofas

Whether you're a dedicated TV marathon-goer, a big family, or just love having space to kick up your feet and lounge - a three-seater sofa or above is a fantastic investment. These sofas are the epitome of comfort and are the best way to relax and unwind.

Corner Sofas

A corner suite or a modular sofa is an excellent choice for anyone that wants to create a custom seating area and can be placed in the corner of your living room, or front and centre to carve out your own space.

Different Sofa Styles

Once you've found the perfect placement and decided on the right sofa dimensions for your space, you can move on to choosing the right style. There are many different components that set a couch apart - the backs, legs, and arms especially can transform the look of your settee.

Backs

Camelback Sofas

• This classic style of sofa back uses a gentle slope to add height and extra support while you sit
• Camelback sofas can have one or more 'humps' - which are made using sewn-in pads filled with down or foam padding
• This style offers plush comfort and can feature clean lines or plush padded filling

Cushion Backs

• The most popular style of sofa back in the UK, a cushion back sofa is versatile and comfortable
• These sofas feature two or three fixed pillows in the back of the sofa, which may be fixed or loose depending on the sofa you opt for
• A cushion back sofa is a chic and comfortable option that suits both fabric and leather sofas

Scatter Back

• Plush and comfortable, scatter back cushions cover the upholstered back of the sofa with scattered cushions
• Also known as 'pillow back' sofas, these couches are perfect for sinking into and are the perfect balance of cosiness and luxury with an informal look.
• These pillows are usually filled with down or polyester filling and can be fluffed up to maintain their look

Legs

Plinth Leg

• These flat legs are a subtle option for modern sofas, that give your room a sleek and streamlined feel

Sabre Leg

• Curved wooden legs are becoming more and more popular thanks to the scandi-style trend, and give sofas an instant upgrade

Stilletto Leg

• If you want a more modern feel, stiletto legs are usually made of brushed metal - perfect for contemporary homes

Arms

Rolled Arms

• Timeless and elegant, rolled arms are a classic choice for a Chesterfield sofa and can range in style from a full scroll to a subtle curve

Flared Arms

• A popular option for a range of sofas, this style is generally square and opens up your couch to give a welcoming feel that invites you to relax

Square Arms

• Whether it's a tuxedo sofa or a standard offering, square arms are a fuss-free way of adding some structure to your couch

Leather or Fabric?

Upholstered Sofa

If you need some variety in your couch choices, then fabric upholstery is an excellent option. Whether it's velvet, wool, or chenille, there's a whole world of variety at your fingertips. Cosy and comfortable, fabric sofas give you a wider range of colour options and can be cleaned easily with water.

Leather Sofa

Leather sofas are a luxurious choice that always looks fantastic, and is effortless to maintain. These sofas offer a soft and supple finish that is ideal for busy homes.