You lounge, read, eat, entertain and watch TV on your sofas, so how do you choose the best sofa set for your home?

Not only can a sofa make or break your living room, it is also probably the most hardworking furniture piece in the space. Resultantly, its purchase is going to be an important investment.

We are here to help you choose a set that suits your design statement and your lifestyle, and one that will look great for years to come! Grab a seat and read on.

1. Size of the sofa set

We're talking size - because it really matters when it comes to sofas. A sofa that runs the full length of a room will be overbearing, similarly, a disproportionately small sofa will look out of place.

A useful rule of thumb is that your sofa should take up no more than two-thirds of the room length.

Bear in mind that standard sofas measure about 175, 210 and 240cm, so two-thirds of your wall length might fall between two sizes.

In that case, decide how many people you need to seat in that room 80% of the time. Go a little above 2/3 of the wall length to seat more people, or a little under if seating isn’t a priority.

Opting for a bespoke sofa instead? Our models come with custom sizes and design options. Speak to our designers about commissioning precisely the length of seating you require.

2. Type of sofa set

With so many sofa styles to choose from, buying a new sofa can be overwhelming.

It helps to first think about the intended use of the sofa - formal or relaxed, frequent or occasional. Secondly, do you prefer long legs or not, where exactly will it be placed, and on what occasions will it mostly be used?

Furthermore, consider the seat height as it is crucial for the right back support.

To help in your selection, we have listed the top styles British homeowners are shopping for this year:

• Modular sofas
• English Roll Arm
• Mid-Century Modern
• Chesterfield
• Lawson Sofa
• Tuxedo Style
• Chaise Lounge
• Sleeper Sofas and Sofa Beds
• Loveseat

Does it still sound daunting? Don’t worry, we've spent 35 years sourcing, looking at, trying out & deconstructing sofas - so you don't have to. Visit our huge London sofa showroom, where our team will help you get the perfect sofa for your space.

3. Material of the sofa set

At FCI, our interior designers place a lot of importance on understanding how our clients and their families will use their upholstery. We want you to enjoy your sofa set without fear of destruction.

Some of the details we will discuss at your consult include:

• Level of wear and tear you expect the sofa to suffer
• Sofa fabric budget
• If pets will sit on the sofas
• Any family member allergies
• Ease of cleaning required

Generally, luxurious, textured blends with wool are perfect for seldom-used spaces. If you have children or pets, a smooth cotton fabric that can be washed as needed is best. Durable fabrics such as corduroy and microfiber blends are particularly suitable for living rooms, as opposed to sophisticated fabrics such as velvet and chenille.

If you're looking for a sofa that will be used only by you, such as in the library or home office - then splash on luxury. Think high thread count cotton sofas, leather, or velvet sofas. Remember, delicate fabrics will likely need a professional cleaning at some point.

4. Colour and design of the sofa set

The colour of your sofa set can really set the tone of the room. As a starting point, decide whether you want an understated or a statement furniture piece. Bright colours will work best for bold sets, whilst neutrals will give a subtle but stylish look.

Once you’ve decided on a bright versus neutral colour, you will need to consider the hue. Contrast dark flooring with light hues and light floors with darker ones.

As for design, we encourage you to choose models that effortlessly complement your personality and that of your home. Traditional spaces will look great with classic styles in neutral shades. Contrastingly, modern homes are better suited to contemporary designs in bold colours.

5. Price of the sofa set

We encourage you to browse our large selection of sofas priced from under £1000 to those over £6000 such as this Cloud Sofa by Gallotti & Radice. Since we offer the option to customise the fabric, size and styling of our sofas, you are in control of how much you spend on your set.

As you decide on a budget, we advise you to set a price range instead of a fixed figure. Be realistic about what type of sofa you can buy within your set range. This way you won’t compromise quality for design.

If you're looking for a top grain, large, Italian sofa with all the trimmings - recline, storage, sofa bed and a jetpack, you should be prepared to spend more than you would on a standard sofa.

6. Warranty and after-sales service offered by the seller

When making a purchase as significant as one for a high-end sofa set, we highly recommend working with companies that offer a warranty. Generally, a warranty will cover manufacturer defects, however, it will not cover negligence, mishandling of the products, or general wear and tear.

Additionally, sofa warranties come with a specific period, which can be different for the various parts and materials.

As a furniture company that has been in business for over three decades, FCI has provided comprehensive furniture warranties to thousands of customers.

In our experience these are the most important questions you should ask your seller to gain clarity on their after-sales service:

• Does the sofa set have a warranty?
• How long does the warranty last?
• What does it cover?
• What is not covered?
• What is meant by their lifetime warranty (if offered)?

In Conclusion

To avoid buying a set you will hate, take time to think about the intended purpose of your sofa. By going through the steps we listed above, it will become easier to match your purchase to the right size, budget and design, for your home.

Do not hesitate to reach out to our interior designers who are ready to answer all your questions, give you insider tips and help you select the perfect sofa.

We invite you to browse our extensive collection of premium sofas or pop by our large London showroom, we would love to meet you.