Leather sofa | The Oak Furniture Land Blog - Style and Inspiration for your Home Style and Inspiration Thu, 14 Aug 2025 14:46:34 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://www.oakfurnitureland.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/cropped-OFL_Leaf_Stem_RGB_Green-32x32.png Leather sofa | The Oak Furniture Land Blog - Style and Inspiration for your Home 32 32 How to choose the best upholstery for your sofa https://www.oakfurnitureland.co.uk/blog/how-to/how-to-choose-the-best-upholstery-for-your-home/ Tue, 16 Aug 2022 15:47:03 +0000 http://www.oakfurnitureland.co.uk/blog/?p=15905 There’s so much to think about when buying a new sofa. Which style do you like best? What colour do you want? Where will it fit in your room? Do…

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There’s so much to think about when buying a new sofa. Which style do you like best? What colour do you want? Where will it fit in your room? Do you want a spacious corner sofa or a cosy 2-seater? But, you also need to consider the upholstery, and more specifically, which type works best for you.

Our extensive collection of sofas are available in a wide range of durable fabrics that complement our exclusively designed styles, with upholstery choices including velvet, super soft polyester, and textured weaves, along with genuine leather for a timeless, luxe finish.

To help you decide which upholstery is best for you, read on to discover everything you need to consider when choosing your next sofa or soft seating.

Family-friendly fabrics

Your sofa shouldn’t be reserved for formal kid-free zones. When your home life centres around children, friends, family, and entertaining, make sure your sofa upholstery is ready to take on your busy schedule.

Many of our fabrics have been subjected to a clever process called the Martindale Test, because with family life, wearability and texture are so important. This test uses special machinery to determine how long a fabric will last on a sofa without showing wear. We only use fabric upholstery that has achieved a rating for heavy domestic use, making it perfect for children and adults alike.

Darker coloured fabrics are incredibly forgiving when you have kids. They’re perfect for disguising everyday messes, and are incredibly hard wearing – no matter how many cheeky monkeys decide to use your sofa cushions as indoor trampolines.

For your four-legged friends

For those of us with furry friends, keeping a sofa looking fresh can be a challenge, no matter the upholstery. Thankfully, we’ve created leather and fabric care kits which cover you for most pet-related incidents. With a mild cleanser, fresh stain remover, old or resistant stain cleaner, plus grease and oil cleanser and a deodoriser, no matter how messy your furry friend is, you can still keep your sofa looking like new.

If you don’t have a cleaning kit, a top industry secret for cleaning up small stains and dirt in a pinch is baby wipes. They don’t have any harsh chemicals that will damage the fibres, and are great at dealing with life’s little messes.

Longing for leather

Whether you favour classic or contemporary design, our leather sofas cover the whole design spectrum to offer comfortable and stylish seating that works for every home.

It’s also a great choice for everyday living. Its wipeable surface is easy to keep clean and it is incredibly durable. Our leather sofas are upholstered all over in genuine leather that takes on a beautiful character as they age.

Luxurious velvet

Blue velvet Oak Furnitureland Montgomery Chesterfield-style sofa wtih pink side table, plant and patterned rug.

Montgomery sofa | @renovationtowers

Velvet is a hugely popular choice for sofas and easily adds a luxe finish to any room. The tactile fabric brings a regal touch that works beautifully in jewel tones, understated neutrals or statement brights.

If the idea of a velvet sofa is too much, try a velvet loveseat or armchair as an accent piece in living rooms, kitchen/diners or bedrooms. Contrary to what many people think, velvet is a durable choice that’s hard-wearing and designed to stand the test of time.

Always on the move

Oak Furnitureland Malvern grey fabric corner sofa with blue and cream scatter cushions.

Malvern modular sofa | @budgethomeinterior_

For renters, or those planning on moving house, finding a sofa that will work across decor schemes and different room configurations can seem impossible, but clever upholstery choices can make this easier.

If you’ve found a sofa that you love and find comfortable, you’ve already done the hard work. The best way to make sure it looks great through all your home moves is to choose a neutral base colour for the upholstery, that will work no matter the space.

Inject a personal touch with accessories that reflect your home now, and know you can change it up for the future. Picking a smaller or more compact sofa is another great tip for making it last through several moves. Or, if you’re looking for something larger, modular sofas – made of individual units that can be configured or reconfigured into the shape you want – offer great flexibility.

We offer a wide range of soothing neutral colours and sofa sizes that are an ideal choice for people on the move. Plus, many of our sofas come with scatter cushions in reversible patterns, making it easy to change your sofa style.

Choosing the best upholstery shouldn’t be a chore. At the end of the day, the most important thing to do is to choose a high quality sofa that you love. Browse our complete selection of sofas and find the one that’s right for you.

We’d love to see your Oak Furnitureland sofa in its new home. Tag us at #OakFurnitureland on Instagram to share your stylish pics.

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Choosing the right sofa for your home https://www.oakfurnitureland.co.uk/blog/general/choosing-the-right-sofa-for-your-home/ Mon, 11 Apr 2022 12:15:44 +0000 https://www.oakfurnitureland.co.uk/blog/?p=18023 The perfect sofa is an investment that needs to fit your home and your lifestyle so we’ve put together some expert advice to make it easier to curl up in…

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The perfect sofa is an investment that needs to fit your home and your lifestyle so we’ve put together some expert advice to make it easier to curl up in comfort.

While it’s tempting to get excited about colour and choosing whether to go for classic or modern sofas, we recommend getting the practicalities out of the way first to ensure you find the best settee for you and your home.

Measure up

Grey Jenson sofa with black throw over arm. White and grey cushions. Black slippers on the floor. Modern decor

Jensen sofa | @biancawildinghome

The scale of the room will influence your scheme. Would a large or small sofa work well, or might a loveseat and footstool be better for the space? Here are a few things to consider:

  1. Plan where you want your new sofa design to sit and measure the space carefully. These dimensions will mean you choose the right length, depth and height of design. Our Will it Fit guide is particularly useful for working out which styles will fit your chosen space.
  2.  As well as being able to move around the room, you’ll also need to open the drawers on your sideboard and get to the bookshelf, so think about any other furniture that’s already in the room.
  3.  If you have narrow doors and hallways or low staircases, you’ll need to factor this into your decision. We offer split sofas that can make delivery easier.
  4. If you’re unsure how your sofa will look in your home, use our handy Augmented Reality feature that lets you visualise how our furniture will look in your home.

Comfort and quality

Grey Morgan sofa with brightly colour accent cushions. Pastel green wall with bright art.

Morgan sofa | @poursomecolouronme

It goes without saying that when you’re relaxing, quality and comfort are key. You want the furniture you love to last and withstand everything life throws at it. Keep the following in mind before you make any decisions:

  • Using hardwood in the frame makes it robust and checking that joints are screwed and glued will mean your sofa won’t squeak, creak, or warp.
  • It’s also important to ask about seat construction. Rather than using fabric webbing, which can stretch and sag over time, look for seat cushions which are supported by heavy gauge serpentine springs. These will ensure the seat cushions are well-supported and help with shape retention and overall comfort.
  • If you prefer something that’s low maintenance but still super comfy, go for a sofa that doesn’t need you to plump the cushions.
  • You want lounging to be as laid-back as possible, which is why you won’t want to worry about whether putting your feet up will damage your couch. Choosing genuine leather upholstery or a great-quality fabric will mean your sofa looks as good as it feels, day after day.
  • Now you know you’re set on a comfy sofa that has an enduring quality and scores high in the comfort stakes, you’re ready to think about the fun part.

Sofa shapes and styles

Beige Gainsborough sofa with green throw. Dog on the sofa. Fern plant at the side with wood accents around

Gainsborough sofa | @valleyhome_

While some of us are drawn to fresh clean lines, modern Scandi-style, or a mid-century look; others want to sink into a more traditional sofa or stretch out on a versatile, modular pillow-back. We offer a variety of styles to suit you and your home.

Corner sofas

Dark blue Evie sofa with cream and beige cushions. Situated in a pale room with boho decor

Evie sofa | @mybraxtonhome_

Looking for furniture for an awkward corner? Left or right-hand corner sofas are a clever solution that lets style and comfort take centre stage while helping you make the most of your space. Plus, they are the perfect choice for putting your feet up and lounging at the end of a long day.

Modular sofas

Grey Malvern sofa with white and grey accent cusions. Dark grey velvet footstool with a defusor on top

Malvern sofa | @budgethomeinterior_

Offering even more flexibility to play around with the layout, modular designs allow you to create the couch that works for you. These are great in open-plan areas or for busy families. Look for armchairs and footstools in the same styles, so you pick and choose the pieces that best suit your needs.

Sofa beds

Snooze sofa bed | Parquet side table | Parquet sideboard

Guest rooms often double up as home offices or other functional spaces, but this doesn’t mean visitors have to make do with a blow-up mattress. Our high-quality sofa beds are a brilliant solution, as their dual purpose means they’re as cosy to sleep on as they are to sit on. Choose from pull-out sofa beds or chaise styles that include in-built storage, ideal for keeping spare bedding ready to welcome guests.

Leather sofas

Lucca sofa | Islington tallboy

Both stylish and practical, leather sofas are easy to care for and, provided they’re well made, they age beautifully. Ours are carefully built using pocket springs to support the cushions, making them even comfier and more durable. We offer a range of styles in different finishes and always ensure the whole settee is upholstered in the best quality 100% leather, so it looks great no matter how you position it.

Recliner sofas

Brunel sofa | Maine side table | Maine sideboard

Kick back and relax at the touch of a button. Our electric recliner sofas use the highest quality steel mechanisms and motors. Their space-saving design means the sofas and chairs can be used close to a wall, with only a marginal gap needed for clearance.

Try before you buy

Oak Furnitureland grey Jasmine sofa with grey and white cushions in monochrome living room.

Jasmine sofa | @littlehouseofannie

We want you to be smitten with your new sofa design. You can do all the research, but nothing beats taking a seat and getting comfy. Set aside some time to visit us in-store and we’ll help you put together a shortlist of luxury sofas to try.

Need some inspiration? We have a range of sofas, armchairs, loveseats, accent chairs and footstools to choose from. Browse online and explore our collection of unique designs.

If you’re already sitting comfortably on one of our sofas, we’d love to see how it looks in its new home. Share how you’ve made it your own and tag us using #OakFurnitureland and #GrowYourHome on Instagram.

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How to mix and match sofas and chairs https://www.oakfurnitureland.co.uk/blog/general/mix-match-sofas-chairs/ Tue, 18 Jan 2022 12:20:25 +0000 http://blog.oakfurnitureland.co.uk/?p=14809 Are you wondering if your new accent chair or loveseat will clash with your existing sofa? Or perhaps you’re tired of matching furniture sets and want to create a living…

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Are you wondering if your new accent chair or loveseat will clash with your existing sofa? Or perhaps you’re tired of matching furniture sets and want to create a living room that feels more like you. Mixing and matching sofas and chairs is one of the easiest ways to express your personal style while making your space feel fresh and dynamic.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to pair different furniture styles, colours, fabrics, and shapes, without sacrificing cohesion or comfort. Whether you’re working with a beloved vintage sofa or eyeing up a bold new armchair, you’ll learn how to create a balanced, inviting space that looks perfectly put together.

Is it OK to mix and match sofas and chairs?

Oak Furnitureland cream Evie loveseat in a living room with neutral decor and a green sofa.

Evie loveseat | @siaanwilliams_home

Styling mismatched pieces is not only possible, but it can also result in a living room that feels uniquely personal, inviting, and effortlessly curated. Your sofa and chair don’t need to match perfectly to look amazing together. In fact, with a few thoughtful choices, you can highlight their individual character while still creating a harmonious space.

Our Head of Buying, Elena Mellowes echoes this approach, “Mixing sofas and chairs is a great way of injecting personality into your space; blending different designs, shapes and fabrics allows you to curate your home and make the most of your space without the cost of investing in a new three piece suite.”

We’ve put together our top tips to help you confidently combine even the most unexpected pieces, making it simple to achieve a beautifully balanced and sophisticated look.

How do I make sure furniture matches?

Prioritise your personal style

Jasmine sofa | @littlehouseofannie

Start by considering the overall style of your home. Walk through each room, take in the colours, textures, and mood. Your space should feel like a true reflection of who you are, not just a collection of design rules. Matching furniture isn’t about uniformity; it’s about creating a setting that feels natural, lived-in, and welcoming. Let your choices express your personality and how you want to feel in your home.

Stay true to your existing decor

A sofa, side table, and footstool-living room furniture-weathered oak side table-potted plant-foliage artwork-side table wicker lamp-green cushions-woven tray-fresh flowers in glass vase-wool throw-neutral walls-cream sofa

Burleigh side table | @our_wandsworth_home

That said, if your home style is more modern and minimal, a floral accent chair might feel out of place. Likewise, if your space embraces cottagecore charm or the vibrant patterns of the ’70s, cool grey tones could clash. While bold contrasts can sometimes pay off, they require a careful eye, as there’s a fine line between making a statement and making a design misstep.

Create contrast with fabrics

Iver armchair | Maine side table

One way to add interest to your living room is by adding texture. Rather than focusing on matching a specific type of fabric, try selecting a particular shape, style, or colour palette as the foundation of your furniture choices. This approach allows a variety of fabrics to work together harmoniously, enabling you to mix and match upholstery in a way that adds layers and depth to a room.

For example, sumptuous leathers, rich velvets, and corduroy pieces can look particularly stylish when paired with a linen-style fabric. You can also create a sense of balance by incorporating your chosen fabrics into soft furnishings such as decorative cushions and throws.

Elena continues, “A great way to execute this is to mix an accent chair with your sofa for a more stylised seating solution; consider a different but complementary fabric, or even a tonal leather to really make the space your own.”

If you do decide to mix different fabrics, keep the proportions of the furniture at the forefront of your mind. A brown leather sofa with a large frame will inevitably look disproportionate if paired with a smaller fabric chair. Accent chairs will mesh more successfully if they’re the same height, so that one doesn’t overshadow the other.

Maximise colour


Montgomery sofa | @renovationtowers

If contrasting shapes, styles, or fabrics isn’t your thing, you might find more joy in playing around with colour. Mixing and matching colours from a small palette is the easiest way to create contrast and inject playfulness into a space without it feeling overwhelming.

Layering variations of the same few shades throughout the room creates a sense of cohesion and calm. It conveys a feeling of intention and balance, rather than a chaotic clash of colours, making your space feel both intriguing and thoughtfully put together.

Use bold accessories

Montgomery sofa | @whingewine

If you’re just beginning to explore colour or prefer a more subtle approach, soft furnishings and accessories are an easy way to experiment. Start with a neutral base you love, then layer in subtle pops of colour through cushions, throws, or art — elements that are both flexible and easy to update as your confidence grows.

Layer patterns on patterns

Morgan sofa | @poursomecolouronme

Pairing patterns can be a delicate art, as it’s easy to go overboard. To make it work, there are two main approaches. The first is to keep things cohesive by choosing patterns that share a similar shape, style, or colour palette. For example, two floral prints in different colourways will feel far more harmonious than a floral mixed with tartan or paisley.

Alternatively, you can embrace contrast and a more maximalist aesthetic. This works best when the juxtaposition feels intentional — think a pink floral cushion paired with a leopard print throw. The interplay of colour, pattern, and texture creates an eclectic yet stylish look.

Mixing and matching sofas and chairs is a simple yet impactful way to add depth, personality, and warmth to your living room. Start small with complementary cushions or a contrasting accent chair, and build confidence as you experiment. And remember: there are no rigid rules, just choose what feels right for your home.

We’d love to see how you style your mismatched living room! Tag us on Instagram or TikTok and use #OakFurnitureland #GrowYourHome to share your look.

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How to choose the right colours to pair with your sofa https://www.oakfurnitureland.co.uk/blog/general/how-to-choose-the-right-colours-to-pair-with-your-sofa/ Fri, 16 Apr 2021 11:03:22 +0000 https://www.oakfurnitureland.co.uk/blog/?p=21874 Greys, browns, blues, whites… There’s myriad sofa colours on the market, but what is the best colour sofa to buy? When it comes to your living room, your sofa is…

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Greys, browns, blues, whites… There’s myriad sofa colours on the market, but what is the best colour sofa to buy? When it comes to your living room, your sofa is often the focal piece of furniture and the rest of the room’s design tends to reflect this is based around in some form, be it the sofa’s physical shape or the shade of its upholstery. Do you want your sofa to blend in beautifully with its surroundings or act as a statement piece? We’ve run down the best colour options to help you make your mind up.

What colours go with a brown leather sofa?

If you’re looking for the best colours to pair with a brown leather sofa, then you’ll want to opt for an earth tone colour palette. Brown has a reputation for being a dull, monochromatic colour, but we couldn’t disagree more! There’s such a rich selection of brown shades: tan, honey, chocolate, the list goes on.

Here are the brown leather sofa colour schemes we’re loving at the moment:

  • Beckon in the sunshine with sand-inspired whites and yellows
  • Go for the urban feel with modern blacks and off-whites
  • Add feeling with textural browns, think exposed brick and natural or rustic oak furniture
  • Soak up earthy terracotta and/or deep fuchsia to add an understated warmth

Need a bit more inspiration? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at our brown leather sofa guide.

Oak Furnitureland brown leather Turin armchair in a green room.

Turin armchair | Romsey console table

If you love earthy hues and Mediterranean-inspired shades, we think you’ll love our Turin sofa range. The round shape of the cushions and armrests beckon relaxation, while the brown leather complements warm colour palettes, demonstrating just how vibrant a sofa of its kind can be in the right living room.

Dexter Brown fabric sofa
Dexter 2-seater sofaDexter storage footstoolOriginal Rustic console table

If maybe you’d love a brown sofa but leather isn’t your thing, then these shades will also pair well with a fabric version. Take inspiration from our Dexter range of sofas that exhibit traditional design features, which makes any of these pieces perfect for classic living room interiors – think modern manor house with layers of neutral blues and greys. As brown is such a touchstone of colour when it comes to room design, with Dexter, the devil is in the details such as the button stitching, tartan accenting and ornate, hardwood feet.

What colours go with a grey sofa?

Want to know the best colours to pair with a grey sofa? Then you’re in luck! We struggled to find any colours that don’t go with a grey sofa. That’s because grey living room colour schemes are oh-so on-trend thanks to their versatility and elegance.

But here are the ones that make our favourites list:

  • Prettify your interiors with pastels such as lilacs, baby blues, soft pinks
  • Citric colours, like lime, tangerine, lemon, will add a zest of life
  • Blacks and off-whites carry on the neutral theme
  • Get inspired by natural eco-systems, like the jungle or seaside

Texas grey fabric corner sofa
Texas left-hand corner sofa

The silver fabric upholstery of our Texas sofas has an ever-so-slight violet tinge which gives it a super soft edge. Our painted furniture ranges would be ideal with a Texas sofa, as would modern-retro style collections like Romsey with its sunny natural oak disposition.

Zociac leather corner sofa

Zodiac 5-seater modular corner sofa

On the other hand, slate grey is having its time in the spotlight, so you may be tempted by the contemporary cool of our modular Zodiac sofas. Ideal for large living rooms with loads of natural light, pair with jewel tones like jade or opal to inject some rich pops of colour that will complement the sleek upholstery.

Bramble grey floral sofa

Bramble 2-seater sofa

See, we told you grey was versatile! Make a loud and proud statement with a printed grey fabric, like you’ll find here in our Bramble sofa. As we value the individuality of every home, Bramble comes in a variety of plain and patterned body fabrics as well as 10 different colour combinations. Patterned greys are a really great option for a neutral living room that doesn’t want to stick to monochromatic or grayscale shades.

What colours go with a black sofa?

If you’re opting for a black sofa in your living room colour scheme, much like with dark grey, we would recommend black is paired with either light colours across the walls and floors, or with lots of natural lighting so your room feels less shadowy (unless the gothic look is what you’re striving for!).

There are a few palette options available to help bring out the best in a black sofa:

  • Block-like monochrome, especially when it’s art deco-inspired
  • Keep it understated and add soft tones like ivory, pastel blue or light matte grey
  • Add splashes of amber and daring reds for a bold contrast
  • Choosing gold/ metallic accenting or mustard hues will add warmth
  • Adding inky navy tones will create an eclectic feel

What colours go with a blue sofa?

Blue is the statement, characterful colour choice. Whether you’re opting for a cooling powder blue, blue and white stripes or an electric pop of velvet blue, this colour will always make an impact. But it’s how you style it that will determine how bold you want your statement to be.

Whether you go for luxurious blue walls and floors, or white and wood to soften your blue sofa, there are lots of different design schemes that makes a blue sofa a winning choice, some you might be surprised at:

  • Seaglass shades to add an element of serenity and interest
  • Burnt orange feels like an opposing colour, but it’s actually a show-stopping combo!
  • Retro beach colours (think whites, reds and sandy yellows) are a friendly, welcoming interior scheme
  • Metallic hues, particularly silver, copper or brass, add edge and depth

Oak Furnitureland blue velvet Montgomery sofa and armchair in living room with green walls.
Montgomery 2-seater sofa and armchair | @rachelducker

If opulence tickles your fancy, you’ll be sure to fall in love with the sumptuous style, shape and touch of our Montgomery sofa range. Designed to pay homage to the iconic Chesterfield style, the velvet upholstery is a contemporary twisteffect that makes room for Montgomery in the modern living room.

What colours go with a beige sofa?

Your living room doesn’t always have to be bold to be beautiful, nor does beige need to be boring. A neutral beige sofa fabric can span the shades of taupe, grey and cream and is truly chameleonic when it comes to home design, but remains attractive without shouting look at me!

Here are some beige sofa colour scheme ideas:

  • Cottagecore, florals, forest greens, natural and rustic oak, is one of the biggest interior design trends at the moment
  • Scandi neutrals are a cool, contemporary look
  • Incorporating stone adds contrast
  • Prints and patterns such as peacock or polka dots allow you to express your personality

Malvern Modular beige two seater sofa
Malvern modular 2-seater sofa

Our Malvern modular sofa range is effortless, it’s lovely and laid-back thanks to its trendy shape and boho-inspired upholstery. With a crisp sofa like Malvern, you can tactfully embrace splashes of colour while maintaining a truly palliative tranquil ambience that will never go out of style.

Can you mix sofa colors?

We certainly advocate mixing sofa colours because sofas are a long-term investment. If you love shaking up your home style, your sofa needs to be flexible and versatile as you swap out new prints, pillows and throws each season. Mixing and matching sofas with accent chairs and armchairs is also a fantastic way to express yourself and your eclectic tastes. Shop our full range of sofas online today.sofa

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How do I choose a sofa for my living room? https://www.oakfurnitureland.co.uk/blog/general/how-do-i-choose-a-sofa-for-my-living-room/ Tue, 16 Feb 2021 15:00:42 +0000 https://www.oakfurnitureland.co.uk/blog/?p=21770 Buying a sofa can be a big investment and is often the statement piece for your living room. You want to find something that is comfortable enough for lounging and…

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Buying a sofa can be a big investment and is often the statement piece for your living room. You want to find something that is comfortable enough for lounging and reading, yet maybe also big enough to entertain family and friends. That’s why getting it right is worth a little extra time and research to find the perfect one.

When selecting a sofa, there are a number of things to consider: the size, shape, style and colour will all factor into your decision. All the choices can seem overwhelming, but we’ve put together the following expert advice to make it easier for you to curl up in comfort.

  • Measuring up your space
  • Ensuring ultimate comfort and quality
  • Selecting your sofa style
  • Mixing and matching with your living room furniture

Measuring up your space

Brighton corner sofa, trend accent chair, bridnle side table, brindle large sideboard in large blue living room

Brighton corner sofaBrindle side tableBrindle large sideboard

The size and scale of your room should be what motivates your choice. For example, do you have enough space for a sprawling corner sofa or would a loveseat and footstool work better? Don’t forget to consider the architectural layout of your home, such as bends, windowsill height and any declining ceilings.

How do I choose a sofa size?

  1. Before you even begin to browse the market, decide the appropriate place for your sofa to live and measure this space carefully. Having a ready set of dimensions means you can choose a sofa length, depth and height that is fit for purpose.
  2. Think about the other furniture that’s already in your living room or that you plan to put there during the redesign process. As well as being able to move around the room, you’ll also need to be able to open sideboard drawers, access the bookcase or manoeuvre around other pieces of furniture or accessories in the space. Measuring up your living space can be a bit tricky, so head over to our sofa sizing guide for more detail or alternatively, for general living room measurement guidance, we’ve highlighted key things to consider here.
  3. A really important measurement that some people can overlook is the doorway height and width. Can you even fit your sofa through the hallway? The diagonal depth of your sofa will help you work out if your sofa will fit through the door. You can turn yours on its side or twist it into the doorway, else split sofas can make delivery easier.

For more on sofa shapes, see our guides to corner sofas and sofas and loveseats.

Ensuring ultimate comfort and quality

Jensen sofa | @hollypmcgowan

It should be a given that relaxation is optimised by quality and comfort. Not only do you want a beloved space to cosy up in the evening, but you want the furniture you invest in to stand the test of time, taking everything that life – especially in a busy family – throws at it.

How can you tell if a sofa is good quality?

  1. Make sure to check the frame and joinery
    Cheaper frames tend to be made from plastic, metal or pine which can warp after a few years, meaning your sofa will become worn and old much quicker than you might hope.
    If the frame wobbles or twists when you move it from side to side, or it seems lighter than expected, it’s unlikely to be made from a durable hardwood frame such. Alternatively if you’re unable to go into store, check the item description for details about the materials.
    At Oak Furnitureland, all our sofa frames are made from hardwood, so that you can love it for years to come.
  2. Check the sofa seat construction
    When shopping, ask the experts about seat construction. Rather than using fabric webbing that can stretch and sag, look for seat cushions that are supported by heavy gauge serpentine springs. Supporting seat cushions in this way will help with shape retention and overall comfort.
  3. Check the quality of the fabric
    With laid-back lounging, you shouldn’t have to worry that putting your feet up will damage your sofa. Choosing genuine leather upholstery or a high quality fabric will mean your sofa looks as good as it feels, day after day.
  4. Types of sofa fillings
    The best type of sofa filling depends on preference and aesthetic. Most sofas are made from either foam, feather, fibre or are a mixture of fillings.
    Foam provides firm support and keeps its shape for longer and if you have some mobility issues, you might find a foam sofa easier to get up from.
    If you’re after that ‘sink in’ feeling, then fibre might be your preferred option. It can require a bit more upkeep to keep the fibre preserved but will certainly be nice and comfy. Plus if you have certain allergies or sensitivities, this might be a good option.Feather filled is by far the softest option as it moulds to your shape and creates an incredibly plush and relaxing sofa experience. Much like fibre, feather requires regular plumping and some may find a predominantly feather sofa doesn’t provide enough support. Often you’ll find a combination of foam and fibre filling as it provides support from the foam but give a layer of softness from the fibre too.

Selecting your sofa style

Grey sofa with yellow throw and patterned cushions

Jensen 2-seater sofaHove nest of tables | @laurie-homeandgarden

You may be drawn to clean lines and its associated schools of design (Scandi or mid-century, for example), or you have a desire to sink back into a more traditional high-back sofa. Else, the needs of your home might require a versatile, modular pillow-back. While personal taste is, of course, a key factor in your decision making, don’t forget to consider your practical needs and lifestyle choices.

So, what should you think about when choosing your sofa’s style?

1. Choosing a sofa for your sizing needs

Brighton corner sofa in a neutral living room.

Brighton corner sofa | @lockdown_lifestyle

In cosier living rooms, you don’t want your sofa to swallow up your living space. At the same time, you don’t want to sacrifice style either – even if it’s just you and your partner enjoying a movie night, or you have a friend round for a glass of wine. All our sofa ranges come in a variety of sizes so if you’ve fallen in love with a particular three or four seater sofa but don’t have the room or need for it, there’s always a space-saving 2-seater sofa available for those who seek a more compact size.

Choosing a sofa for a family home? Accounting for the number of people in your household, as well as friends and extended members of the family who come to visit is particularly important. For a more customisable look, opt for sofa sets offering space for the whole family. If you love hosting and socialising, then a corner sofa could be for you. At Oak Furnitureland, we understand that every home is different and has its own unique requirements, which is why we also offer modular sofas so that you have the opportunity to personalise one of your home’s most important pieces of furniture.

2. Picking a sofa for your functional needs

When it comes to picking out your sofa, you’ll need to think about the most appropriate upholstery for your lifestyle needs. Whether you’re a parent who is forever mopping up spills, or you like to put your feet up at the end of the day, durable leather that can be easily cleaned may be for you. Quality fabric sofas may offer an alternative, particularly if you’re looking for something a bit more resistant to pets and their tendency to scratch upholstery!

For the host with the most, a sofa with dual-functionality – either in the living room or another location in the home such as the bedroom, spare room or office – may be your best choice. Traditionally an unstylish piece of furniture, our sofa beds are designed in-line with our bestselling sofa ranges, so never look out-of-place in your interior design scheme. They’re also equally designed with comfort in mind, providing a great night’s sleep for guests when they come to stay.

3. Selecting a shape for your style

Yellow sofa and grey armchair with colourful cushions

Evie 2-seater sofaEvie loveseat | @our_self_build_ni

If you lack the floorspace for a corner sofa or you wish to create a cohesive look without using just one sofa, a sofa set could be a brilliant option for your home. There are plenty of ways to mix and match living room seating such as by using different pieces from different ranges or different coloured fabric from the same range. Else, create a fully put together look with a selection of matching sofas and armchairs from the same collection. The possibilities are seemingly endless!

Beige sofa and footstool with grey cushions and throws
Gainsborough 3-seater sofa | @19_insidegemshouse

Stretching out head-to-toe on a corner sofa is an ultra-comfy option, but sometimes you want a little bit of help to put your feet up. For this, we have two options. The first is the ever-popular recliner sofa. Our electric recliners use the highest quality steel mechanisms and motors. Their space saving design, means the sofas and chairs can be used close to a wall with only a marginal gap needed for clearance. We also have a manual operation for layouts that aren’t close to a power socket.

Alternatively, your personal taste may sway more towards a stylish footstool to be a part of your sofa set. An ultra comfy place to kick back, many of our footstools also contain secret storage compartments to help you organise your space. Who doesn’t love a smart storage option!

Mixing and matching with your living room furniture

Selecting a sofa is a major life decision and you want it to look beautiful in the context of your home design. If you prefer subtle interiors, you may want to opt towards a neutrally coloured upholstery and furniture that matches – for example, grey fabric and a selection of pieces from one of our painted furniture ranges.

As the sofa is the centrepiece you might, however, want to make more of a splash. Statement-making options include richly coloured upholstery, printed geometrics in the soft furnishings and accessorising with accent chairs. Pairing your sofa with bold furniture from painted, hardwood or metal ranges is perfect for creating an on-trend contrast.

Ready to pick out your new sofa? Browse our wide range of sofas now to find the perfect fit for your home. And don’t forget to show us your new looks over on Instagram using #OakFurnitureland.

The post How do I choose a sofa for my living room? appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

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