How Much Should I Spend on a Sofa? According to Sofa Experts

You can buy an ordinary sofa that fulfils your basic requirements for as low as £500, or you can invest in a luxury sofa that can cost anywhere between £1500 and £20000, depending on the brand and the type of sofa you choose.

So which one should you go for? Let’s hear from our team that has been selling the world’s best sofas for more than four decades now.

Decide how much you want to spend on a sofa

How much you spend on a sofa strictly depends on the budget you have and what you’re planning to achieve. If your budget is just £1000, then you need to be clear about it to the salesperson so they can only show you the products within that range.

This decision is easier if you’re only in the market to upgrade your sofa but if you’re setting up a new home or renovating the complete living room, you need to set aside some amount for all the things that you need. And in such scenarios, it can be considerably more challenging to decide how much of the budget should be reserved for the sofa.

According to our senior designer, Cristina Chirila, “it is important to remember that the sofa is where you’ll spend most of your time in the living room. You’ll use it the most as compared to the rug or the coffee table. So choose a good-quality sofa that adds to your comfort because if you’re not able to relax on your sofa, the rest of the things won’t make any difference - no matter how good they look.” 

Our manager, Benjamin Ibanez seems to be in agreement as he says, “Just like a mattress, a good sofa actually pays off because you get to enjoy the benefits of the product physically, so sofas are always worth spending more on, especially as compared to other items in the living room.”

How much do sofas cost in the UK?

So before you head out for sofa hunting, have a clear understanding of the maximum amount that you’re willing to spend on a sofa. Here’s a general classification of the sofa types you will find and their prices:

• Budget-friendly sofas (Under £800)

Yes, you can still find reasonably good quality sofas for under  £800. There are many comfy, affordable sofas in this price range that are usually mass-produced, allowing for a simple replacement when you need a new one. 

If your living room is small or you just moved into your first apartment, think about buying practical furniture like a couch or a futon. Or keep things straightforward for a timeless appeal with a stylish and comfortable loveseat.

Remember that these sofas are not built to last and you will need to replace them in a few years, but on the plus side, it’s okay to prioritise trends over timeless designs with such sofas. 

• Mid-range sofas (£800 to £3000)

There are several high-end brands and even some Italian brands making sofas in this price range. Some of these include Leolux, Aria and Domkapa. 

Fama is a personal favourite of our interior designers in this category as they manufacture the cutest sofas that are perfect for casual living rooms, with most of their two-seaters being under £1800. 

If this is the price range you’re going for, we highly recommend looking through the clearance sales of high-end brands, as you can find some amazing sofas at good deals there. 

• High-end sofas (£3000 to £8000)

These sofas are usually made to order, using premium materials. Alivar, Bonaldo, Brabbu, Cierre, Laskasas and Dom Edizioni are all really good brands in this price range with some truly impressive sofas, but we highly recommend Gamma and Dandy if you’re looking for Italian leather sofas that will last a lifetime. 

• Luxury sofas (Above £8000)

These, of course, are the most luxurious sofas in the market for clients who want truly unique and bespoke sofas. They’re made from ethically sourced, highest-quality materials and they come in timeless designs so they can last for generations. Luxury sofas such as those from Boca Do Lobo and Eichholtz offer unmatchable levels of both comfort and aesthetics. 

Consider your needs

If you don’t use the living room sofa too often, it does not make sense to spend a huge amount of money on it. So you need to consider your needs, and for this, it would be best to ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I need a big sofa or would a small sofa work for me? 
• Would a sofa bed or a recliner be more useful for me? 
• What do I need from my sofa? (comfort, aesthetics, durability, storage, etc)
• How much space do I have for the sofa? 
• Do I have a preference for the type of sofa and the materials used? (modular and leather sofas generally cost more) 
• How long do I expect the sofa to last?

By answering these questions, you’ll be able to shortlist the type of sofa you want. 

It will also help ensure that you invest in something that is worth your money and that you’re able to get the functionality that you want. 

For more help with making the final decision, you can also go through our earlier post on how to choose a sofa that will last forever. 

VIEW OUR LUXURY SOFA COLLECTION

Measure the space where the sofa will go and make sure it fits

When you visit the selected showroom, make sure you take the room measurements with you, as the designers there can guide you regarding the right sofa size for your space. 

According to Benjamin, “not considering the sofa-to-room ratio is a common mistake people make when choosing their sofas. A sofa that looks good in a grand showroom won’t necessarily look good in a small room that it seems to be engulfing. Similarly, a sofa that’s too small would also look out of place. When we have the room measurements and ideally some pictures, we’re able to guide the clients in a better way regarding the right sofa size, shape and silhouettes for their homes.”

Shop around and find the best deal

Should you shop online for a sofa? Our designers don’t think so. A sofa is something you need to feel at home in and this isn’t possible without sitting on a sample sofa, and we all know that in today’s age of photoshop and editing, looks can be pretty deceiving. So it’s fine to shortlist and survey sofas online but don’t make the final decision before trying the sofa or a similar product from that brand. 

We understand that most clients are not okay with buying from the first store they visit, and while it makes sense to visit 2-3 places before making the final call, we would advise against visiting more than 3 places as it would just confuse you. 

If you know your budget and the type of sofa you want, then visiting up to four stores would give you a pretty good idea of the prices and the type of products in the market for that price range. 

The next step would be to get a good deal, so spend the rest of your energy on that - you can negotiate with the salesperson for this or ask if any big sales are coming up. 

Many brands have hidden costs associated with their products, especially in terms of delivery and assembly fees, so be sure to clarify these with your salesperson. 

Final Thoughts

The price of a sofa varies according to the brand name, size, sofa shape and materials used. So it is important to have a clear budget and idea of the type of sofa you want and then discuss these with an experienced interior designer or salesperson from a brand that you can trust. 

If you need help with making the decision, just book an appointment and our expert design team will be in touch to guide you further. 

Once you’ve made the purchase, make sure you give your sofa the care it needs and deserves so it can last longer.

View our Sofa Care and Maintenance Guide