A Comprehensive Guide to Buying a Sofa (Part 1)

A sofa is one of the most crucial pieces of furniture in your home, and the centre of your living space for both family and guests. Choosing the right sofa can dramatically improve the overall appearance of your living room. However, shopping online for a sofa, as with any furniture, has its unique challenges. You need to consider the cost of shipping such a bulky item to your house, and whether it comes with a return policy in case the sofa does not arrive as you expected.

Having to visit many different websites can also be draining, so ideally, you want to avoid having to do so before you make your sofa choice. Fortunately, the wide selection of sofas available online in Lifestyle Furniture ensures something for everyone, no matter their needs or budget. Whether you are looking to invest in a functional everyday piece or an eye-catching living room centrepiece, there is a lot at stake when it comes to selecting one of the most essential pieces of furniture for your home.

This comprehensive sofa guide will walk you through everything you need to know about shopping online for the perfect sofa, so sit back, relax and enjoy the read!

1. Contemporary sofa trends

The sofa is one of the most important elements in your living room setup. Not only is it physically imposing as the centrepiece of the room, it also involves a large upfront cost and can make or break the overall stylistic theme of the room. It is thus only right that a considerable amount of thought and care goes into purchasing this piece of furniture online. Having a piece that offers decades of exceptional comfort is just as important as finding a sofa style that can outlast changing trends.

While velvet sofas appear to enjoy consistent popularity in many homes, there are many other emerging styles you might want to consider if you are thinking about switching up your sofa situation.

• Lush velvet

Richly textured materials such as suede, velvet and leather are huge lounge trends at the moment. Nothing quite catches the eye and exudes effortless comfort like a stylish and lush velvet sofa. What has changed though, is the type of velvet that is most sought after.

Warmer tones have replaced cool shades as the in thing when it comes to velvet sofas. The regal blue that was a popular choice just a few years back has since been overtaken by more sombre, saturated shades such as taupe, mustard and lilac. That said, dark blue and vivid green are known to be classic colours for velvet upholstery that are also easy on the eye, so you do not have to worry about either of these choices going out of style.

At the end of the day, go with the colour that works best for you, and even if that is a striking flame red hue, you are probably ahead in terms of future trends.

• Curvy edges

Curved edges add softness to any room. Having rounded-edge furniture like a curvy sofa or a swivel chair is an ideal way to achieve this shapely aesthetic by neutralising rigid corners and contrasting straight lines.

A stylish piece with accentuated curves also fills the dual purpose as a piece of art, instantly becoming the focal point of a room. Place a curved sofa in the centre of your living room, flanked by supportive and decorative elements to create a good flow in your layout. In compact spaces and small rooms, curved sofas can create the illusion of space, without any distracting straight lines that can appear to inhibit the circulation path in the room.

When looking to buy a curvy sofa online, you want to prioritise crescent, conversational and serpentine sofas as these tend to return better search results.

• Eclectic styles

Shabby chic or French-themed interiors commonly feature an eclectic mix-and-match of different furniture styles. Slouchy, modular sectionals are an excellent way to experiment with a blend of styles that fit best within functional, minimalist spaces and family-oriented designs.

The flexibility of modular pieces means that individual sections can be adjusted to suit different purposes whenever the needs arise, such as rearranging the sofa to create a tranquil space where the family can relax and entertain guests. When done correctly, it can invoke an eclectic or bohemian feel for an effortlessly stylish look.

Ideally, go for styles with smaller modular components composed of one- to two-seat pieces combined to form a bigger piece. More pieces mean the furniture shape has enough structure to prevent it from looking too delicate, whilst retaining the relaxed nature of such styles.

• Bold statement

Given that many people around the world have had a tough 2020, for the succeeding year, it is expected to see homeowners opt for more uplifting colours, and what better way to radiate warmth and positivity than from your sofa!

Pairing a deep intense colour like navy with bold yet subtle colours like the warm and welcoming paprika can result in a vibrant scheme. When accompanied by softer shades of white and grey, the space can be your sanctuary to retreat into after a long day.

A coloured sofa can breathe life into the dullest of rooms, so try something striking, be it a splash of yellow, terracotta, or jungle green.

Terracotta, in particular, is the colour of the moment. It adds a rustic charm to your lounge setting. Jungle green is also increasingly inculcated into homes for a sense of nature and calm. And as with most bright colours, yellow can radiate through any space. Throw in an occasional chair in an equally bold shade if you wish to further the same effect of brightening up the room.

2. Sustainable living

Sustainable living is expected to be a hot button trend of the future. Maintaining a sustainable approach to furniture sourcing involves purchasing a quality piece that will last for years rather than something that needs to be replaced all the time. The combination of style and sustainability could potentially give rise to a major sofa trend in the years to come.

Given the variety of sofa styles available on the market, a piece of furniture that features durable and sustainable elements combined with a luxury aesthetic should ideally be a top consideration when you shop for a sofa. 

A huge part of sustainable living can essentially be attributed to the overall quality of your sofa.

3. Sofa styles to know

Anyone can create an elegant sanctuary within their homes, but not many can tell a sectional apart from a chaise lounge or a mid-century style from the Lawson sofa. Understanding the different sofa terminologies and their individual characteristics allows you to craft the living space of your dreams. Having a good grasp of the various sofa types means you can compare one style with another to reach the ideal sofa choice based on your individual needs and expectations.

Sofa designs can be categorised into traditional, contemporary and a marriage of traditional and contemporary designs known as transitional sofas. Each style can be whittled down to many options and sub designs to sift through. Before you let the vast and complex world of sofaception overwhelm you completely, we have compiled a straightforward yet all-inclusive guide to navigate you through the most common sofa styles.

Our definition of each design ensures that you will not only be able to differentiate a settee from a loveseat, but also make an informed decision regarding your furniture preferences based on your newfound sofa knowledge.

• Sectional

Dubbed the “family sofa”, sectionals refer to individual pieces or sections that can be combined with one another to create their desired seating configuration. This makes them perfect for larger families who require flexibility and customisability in terms of their seating layout.

Because sectionals are composed of multiple smaller pieces, you can adjust and rotate each piece to achieve the ideal sofa length or arrangement that best suits your requirements. Their sleek and minimalistic appearance also makes them the ideal candidate for every living room setting. What was originally a cosy sofa for a movie marathon the night before can be transformed into an inviting area for entertaining guests the next evening.

Consider separating the sofa into individual sections when you have guests over so that everyone is spaced comfortably apart without being squeezed too close to each other. The sections can be reattached to form a wider, one-piece sofa where the entire family can sit close together the next time you hold an intimate get-together.

• Mid-century

A mid-century sofa manages to ooze youthful appeal but is at the same time functional and comfortable. Appearance-wise, it takes on a minimalist rectangular shape with elevated wooden legs and a tufted back accompanied by seat cushions.

The perfect blend of elegance and practicality, a mid-century sofa can work wonders in both a modern and minimalistic scheme. As they are held up by high legs, the sofa exudes a light and airy vibe which contributes to its petite frame.

Mid-century sofas are generally upholstered with monochromatic hues made of enduring materials but the palette can be extended to include everything else from more neutral and relaxed shades to brighter, more vibrant colours.

• Chaise

Chaise-style sofas derive their name from the French expression “chaise lounge”, which directly translates to long chair in English. They can be characterised by a single cushion that spans the length of the seat where you get to put your legs up and kick back comfortably.

A chaise is essentially an upholstered seat intended for lounging on. Think of this as a more elegant and comfortable alternative to placing an ottoman in front of a regular sofa.

Chaises can range from having two arms to having one or no arms at all. All chaises however, come with back support, either in the form of a contoured backrest or a reclining seat that adjusts to your spine when you lean backwards. Because of their immense physique compared to other sofa shapes, chaise lounges are commonly featured in master bedrooms and as part of an outdoor patio set by the pool.

• English roll arm

An English-style sofa is marked by a set of low, parallel arms contrasted by a high back. It is completely upholstered but is optimally cushioned throughout to provide users with optimum comfort, including the arms. With an average depth of 42 inches, you can easily sink into this sofa without exerting much pressure on your joints, making it an ideal choice for those considering sofa size.

In terms of sofa trends, English sofas remain a timeless centrepiece that withstands the test of time. With a rare elegance and a dose of versatility, they can accommodate just about any contemporary piece and are perfect for use in a formal living space or a waiting room in a commercial setting.

Even if you decide to switch up your living room’s décor down the line, you can expect that your English sofa will coordinate well with your new scheme and not need to be replaced. The legs of an English sofa can also be altered to be more in tune with the rest of your home décor.

Position the legs straight for a modern décor or twist the legs for a traditional aesthetic. Otherwise, if you are looking to combine both the contemporary and traditional styles, consider going for a symmetrical or stripe pattern as they go well with this type of sofa.

• Tuxedo

Tuxedo-style sofas convey contemporary, classic style with a touch of extravagance while keeping the room warm and inviting for guests. Their arms are positioned as high as the back of the sofa which runs horizontally across.

Unlike most sofas designed with comfort in mind, the tuxedo sofa is known to lack a reclining angle. Instead, the sofa is characterised by a boxy shape and extensive use of clean lines and shapes complete with fabric upholstery. The buttoned-up style design gleaned in a tuxedo sofa draws its inspiration from the namesake suit for a timeless chic aesthetic. Indeed, nothing embraces you with more class and grace than this style of sofa. When considering a tuxedo sofa, it's essential to pay attention to the sofa size to ensure it fits harmoniously within your living space.

• Sofa bed

Sofa beds are great for when you have overnight guests and need a comfortable place for them to spend the night.

The furniture pulls double duty as a couch during the day and a bed in the evening. Their compact nature also makes them a perfect piece for a small studio apartment where there is limited space for separate seating or an extra guest room. Some sofa beds come with more contemporary or English-style arms, while the others are armless.

Sofa beds without arms usually appear sleeker and perhaps look more like an actual bed compared to a regular sofa. They also provide exceptional comfort without any unnecessary parts for you to accidentally knock into while sleeping.

One of the most popular mechanisms used for sofa beds is the pull-out sleeper bed. This is where the sleeping surface is tucked and stored under the main sofa frame and can be pulled out when there is a need for it.

The pull-out mechanism makes for greater comfort in comparison to a simple fold down design, where you sleep on the same surface which you also use to sit when the sofa bed is in sofa mode.

Selected sofa bed styles also feature an underneath storage area. The extra storage can be used to store pillows and bedsheets for overnight guests, or any other belongings you have accumulated.

• Lawson

The defining feature of a Lawson sofa is that the back pillows are not constructed into the sofa frame, which gives it a look that is neither too modern nor dated. The sofa also has a high tailored back and deep seats with the armrests being much lower than the back.

The design aims to create a comfier, more cushioned sofa with larger pillows that are not limited by the size of the sofa frame. The pillows are also meant to be detachable, so you can move them around for optimal comfort or remove them altogether depending on the occasion. In essence, the sofa is designed to bring comfort to your home without the baggage of being bulky or complex.

Lawson-style sofas are available in a spectrum of colours, sizes and materials. How the sofa legs are designed can also affect the overall look and feel of the piece. Straight legs will result in a more modern look, whereas a tailored skirt conveys a traditional flair with a ruffled skirt giving the sofa a more rustic vibe.

For these reasons, Lawson sofas continue to be a popular choice today. They boast a clean and simple aesthetic with more modern construction and greatly enhanced comfort when compared to older Victorian-inspired styles.

• Cabriole

Cabriole sofas have a distinctive equal-height back and arms that spans the full perimeter of the sofa. The arms typically curve inwards to mimic a pair of open arms while the legs curve outwards and towards the ground.

Another distinguishing feature of a cabriole sofa is the single back cushion and the sculpted, wooden trim that outlines the top, back and arms of the sofa although modern designs tend to lack this wood detail. Contemporary cabriole designs also focus more on comfort by having extra cushioning throughout, especially around the seating area, while older styles generally favour the inculcation of ornate features.

• Bridgewater

The Bridgewater style is ideal for those who yearn for a bit of comfort in a traditional setting.

A classically-designed piece, the Bridgewater is marked by a modest profile and low arms that extend midway from the back part of the sofa. The sofa’s detachable cushions and backrests mean the firmness of the seat can be adjusted to your preference.

Older Bridgewater styles have legs that are hidden behind detailed skirt although modern Bridgewater pieces can come with exposed legs. Typically, these sofas can easily sit three. Even though the sofa design is better suited as a casual piece, it can be tailored to fit with any décor depending on the fabric type.

A neutral fabric can prevent the sofa from overshadowing a statement piece or other major elements. A velvet or rayon fabric is ideal if you want a more traditional touch. Additionally, a Bridgewater sofa with nail head trim is perfect for a formal setting.

• Settee

The settee has a distinct upright back and can typically sit two comfortably. The sofa can usually fit into nooks too narrow for a regular sofa or inculcated into an open plan living room accompanied by a chair or small side table. They are also known to radiate a rustic charm which makes them a perfect addition to a stunning foyer.

Because of their petite frame, a settee can look more approachable than a full-size sofa without taking up as much space. The two-seater sofa also provides all the comfort you need for prolonged sitting with its angled backrest and ergonomic armrests.

In terms of aesthetics, the sofa can blend into all interior styles and is sometimes used as an accompanying piece to a larger sofa to provide optimal seating comfort for everyone in the room.

Despite their differences, the settee is occasionally mistaken for a loveseat. The best way to tell them apart is that the settee is able to fit two or more people, while a loveseat is intended to fit a maximum of two people.

A loveseat is also only available as an individual piece, whereas the settee can be attached to sectionals to form a larger piece.

• Recliner sofa

Nothing beats sinking into a comfortable sofa and kicking your feet up after a long day. Despite being fairly new to the market, recliner sofas are fast rising in popularity due to the flexibility and comfort they provide to users.

Most reclining sofas have three configurations, including a standard seated position, elevated footrest with an angled back recline, and a complete recline where the person is lying down flat while the seat supports their entire body weight.

Recliners employ a variety of mechanisms for relaxing on the sofa, all of which impact the price and look of the piece. It is also important to consider the space where you want your recliner sofa to fit into.

Depending on the footrest and recline mechanism, how much available floor space you have in the room when the sofa is in full recline will be affected. Some recliner sofas also have the option of manual or electronic recline based on your personal needs and preferences. A popular choice of recliner is the two-position sofa, which can be adjusted to either an upright position or in a fully reclined position.

Two-position recliners tend to be cheaper compared to other sofas of their kind but are also the most limited in function and occupy significant space, since the backrest lowers backward while the footrest advances forward whenever the sofa is in complete recline. At the other end of the spectrum is the riser recliner sofa. They are both the most expensive and most versatile as far as reclining chairs go.

The sofa relies on a motorised system to switch between positions. This makes it easier for those who are less mobile to get out of the chair. Also consider a riser sofa if you are someone who values convenience as you can easily change seating positions with the push of a button.