When it comes to buying the ideal sofa, there’s plenty to think about. After all, choosing the right sofa is no easy task. With so many options and styles to choose from, it can be a daunting process - but, with a little bit of research, you will be able to find the perfect sofa for your home.

Here are some areas to consider when choosing the right sofa for your sitting room:

How big should a sofa be?

Consider room size: The first thing that you should do is consider the size of your room.

Sofas for small rooms

If you have a small room, then you should look for small sofas that don’t take up too much space. Corner sofas are ideal for maximising the space in your room, or you might want to consider our range of smaller 2-seater sofas.

Sofas for large rooms

For larger rooms, you can go with larger 3-seater sofas that will fill up the room nicely and provide more seating. Spacious rooms also allow you to have reclining sofas for added luxury and comfort.

How to buy the right size sofa

Measure up your room and make sure to note it down before you come and view the sofas. Furniture might look smaller in a large showroom! And we’ve seen plenty of customers who aren’t sure how much room is needed to fit in a sofa or have forgotten the measurements that they have taken.

Ideally, draw the shape of the room on a piece of paper and note the dimensions along each line that represents a wall. Remember to also note down where doors are and which direction the door opens (inwards or outwards and to the left or the right). This will help you to visualise the space you have when looking at the dimensions of each sofa.

When measuring your room and looking at sofas, allow for space around the edges and the back. Sideboards and window ledges should also be considered if space is tight or if you plan to put your sofa next to a window.

If reclining sofas are a consideration, then make sure to allow extra space at the back as well as at the front so that you can put your feet up safely when enjoying TV!

Sofa styles

Next, think about your budget and what style of sofa would fit best into the décor of your home. All sofas and settees come in various prices depending on size, material and function.

You want to make sure that your new sofa matches or compliments everything else in the room. Sofas come in a range of styles – including modern, contemporary, and traditional. So have a think about the look and feel you want from your room and then go from there. You can also choose from a range of colours, patterns and fabrics, including leather-look too!

What are the different types of sofas?

Sofas are usually classified by their function. Here’s a list of chairs and sofas styles for living rooms:

  • Armchair
  • Barrel back sofa
  • Bridgewater sofa
  • Cabriole Sofa
  • Camelback sofa
  • Chaise Longue
  • Chesterfield sofa
  • Click Clack futon or Click Clack sofabed
  • Contemporary mid-century modern sofa
  • Divan sofa
  • English rolled-arm sofa
  • Futon
  • High back sofa
  • Knowle settee or Knole sofa
  • Lawson style sofa
  • Lift and Rise sofas
  • Loveseat sofa
  • Low seated sofa
  • Mid-century modern sofa
  • Ottoman
  • Recliner sofa
  • Rollback sofa
  • Round back sofa
  • Sectional sofa
  • Settee
  • Sleeper sofa
  • Sofa lounger
  • Sofabeds
  • Tuxedo sofa
  • Wingback sofa

You might prefer a style that includes high-backed sofas and a more upright seating position or, if you are looking for a more relaxed style then consider love seats, cuddle sofas and cuddle chairs or reclining sofas.

If you really can’t decide what style and material of sofa you want then make sure to visit our furniture showroom In Andover, Hampshire and have a chat with one of our team members.

View sofas for sale

Why is a sofa also called a settee?

The word settee is thought to come from the old English word 'setl'. A setl, or settle, was a long wooden bench made from oak and often featuring an elaborately carved back. Over the years, settee foam was added to make a soft seat and settee backs were also stuffed and upholstered.

Seating for family, kids and pets…

If you have a large family, then we’re sure you appreciate how seating can be a premium sometimes, and this can impact on what type of sofa to buy for your sitting room.

Some 3-seater sofas are larger than others, allowing for more space per person - or, for more kids and family members to have a place.

Having kids can also impact what style or material you decide on for your sofa.

Leather-type sofas are easier to clean off mucky hand prints or spilt drinks and food - while pets might prefer a softer fabric (we’ve been told that cats tend to not like leather-like sofas although we’re not convinced by that based on what we’ve seen!).

Visiting a sofa shop is a great way to understand the various options and make sure to visit our massive furniture showroom in Andover to find out more.

Need help deciding on your next sofa?

If you aren’t sure or have concerns over what sofa is best for your sitting room, come over to Andover and visit our furniture showroom.

We are based in Hampshire and have plenty of delighted customers from Basingstoke, Winchester, Andover and the surrounding areas.

Visit us today to explore your options further!

FAQs for sofa buying

We offer a huge range of sofas for sale including corner sofas, 2 and 3-seater sofas and even a fabulous range of cuddle chairs, love seats, sofa beds and reclining sofas.

Our settee range changes throughout the year so it’s best to view our range online or in our sofa shop to see the latest styles and types of sofas.

Yes, we do. Our furniture shop in Andover isn’t far away from towns and cities such as Salisbury and Devizes. If you are based in Hampshire or Wiltshire, make sure to visit us.