The best sofas for style, comfort and affordability, tried and tested

Finding the best sofa for your home can be a difficult decision. After all, a sofa needs to fulfil a lot of criteria, including suiting your decor, budget, and, most importantly, providing a place to relax and get comfortable. And with even the most affordable sofas still proving a hefty investment, it's a purchase we all want to get right.

Whilst nothing can beat going to test out a sofa for yourself – after all, one person's 'too soft' can be another person's 'just right' – not all sofa showrooms are within easy reach, and you can easily lose multiple weekends traipsing around the shops sitting on sofa after sofa.

That's where the Ideal Home team is here to help. We've done the legwork to narrow down the options in the hunt for the best sofa. Our review team has walked many miles around multiple sofa showrooms and tried and tested all of the bestsellers, toning our glutes with sit-test after sit-test to find the most comfortable sofas for various needs and budgets. We've also read multiple reviews from existing owners, grilled furniture experts on the details, and considered upholstery options, lead times, and, of course, pricing when coming to our verdict on which are the best sofas to invest in.

So whether you're looking for a classic two or three-seater sofa, a chaise sofa for putting your feet up, a multifunctional sofa bed that enables you to offer guests overnight sleeping space (find more of those in our guide to the best sofa beds), a modular sofa that come in sections so you can configure your own seating layout, or a spacious corner sofa that has plenty of room for friends and family, we've found the rounded up the best options below.

The quick list

For in-depth buying advice just keep on scrolling, but if you're ready to start shopping now then you'll find our edit of the best sofas available right now – in terms of style, price, and budget – listed directly below.

Best sofas 2024 – our tried and tested top picks

Best sofa overall

According to online reviews, the Draper sofa has some of the best owner satisfaction levels of all John Lewis & Partners' sofa designs, and, after visiting several branches to test out the brand's full seating collection, we're inclined to agree that it's one of the brand's top picks.

Comfort-wise the sofa frame offers that rare combination of a high-backed design that will suit those who prefer to sit upright paired with a deep seat that offers space for those who prefer to curl up and lounge. The foam and fibre seat cushion adds some welcome squish-factor whilst maintaining its shape well, plus, opting for the single bench-style cushion design means the larger widths can happily seat 3+ without anyone getting left sitting in the gap.

If you want to get even more comfortable, then this model is also available with an unobtrusive and easy-to-operate footrest so you can really recline in style.

The modern design has a nod to a classic Chesterfield with its buttoned cushion detail and will blend easily into a broad range of interiors helped by the 90+ upholstery options. It's also available in a good range of sizes, including a 2, 3, and 4-seater, plus a chaise sofa option, and with prices starting from £1449, plus delivery in just a week if you opt for a more restricted upholstery choice, the design manages to tick a lot of boxes at a good price.

Best budget sofa

Comfortable and stylish, there's a lot to like about Habitat's Julien sofa, and at just £595 for the 180cm wide 2-seater or £695 for the 220cm wide 3-seater, if you're looking for an affordable contemporary sofa then this option ranks high in our books.

Of course, at this price point you can't expect everything, so there are some compromises to be made. Mainly the limited upholstery options (you're going to need to like velvet), plus the shortage of width options compared to other sofa models on this list. The fixed seat cushions also mean you can't just flip over a cushion if a spillage occurs, and the low-to-the-ground frame with 40cm seat height may not be for everyone. 

So why does the Julien still score so highly with us? Well, for the price, this is one comfortable sofa. The fixed fibre-wrapped foam seats are on the slightly firmer side but the model we tested still had a good amount of squish, and we loved the seat depth, which with the foam-filled seat cushions offering good comfort and support was perfect for sitting or curling up on. Plus the low armrests are well-padded and the perfect head height for naps.

And, although the upholstery options are limited, the velvets are amongst some of the nicest we've sampled, with a lustre that feels a lot more luxe than most sofas of this price-point can muster and deep rich shades in some great colourways. Plus, although the coordinating range isn't extensive (there's no matching ottoman available to turn this sofa into a chaise sadly), the matching armchair is a great buy too.

Best quick delivery sofa

A modular sofa is the ultimate versatile seating solution, with individual seating sections allowing you to configure a bespoke sofa layout to best suit your room. You can add, subtract or rearrange the modules if you want to transfer the sofa to a different room or move home, and invest in more sections as and when budget allows.

Swyft's Model 03 is a contemporary modular sofa-in-a box that also offers some jaw-dropping delivery times. Lead times are under one week, and can be as short as 24 hours dependent on stock – a rarity in the world of sofas where lead times can often run to several months.

The modular units don't come cheap, and you're going to need a modern home and quite a bit of space to suit this contemporary design, but we love its boxy shape. It works particularly well in an open-plan layout, where the low-to-the-ground design can be used to zone and anchor a spacious room. Upholstery options are also limited, but all are versatile and on-trend shades.

And, although the low seats and backrest won't be for everyone – you're going to need to prefer lounging to sitting upright to be comfortable on this design – if you're looking for a minimalist sofa with designer looks (without the matching price tag) then this quick-delivery, super-versatile sofa is a winner.

Best corner sofa

The Barbican collection is one of John Lewis & Partners bestselling sofa ranges, and with its on-trend mid-Century-modern meets Scandinavian-cool good looks, it's easy to see why. 

Looks aside, sitting down on this sofa collection doesn't disappoint either with fibre-wrapped foam seat cushions delivering some welcome squish-factor and sink-in-ability combined with a low maintenance fill that keeps its shape and doesn't need plumping. The back cushions are a slightly firmer fibre construction that offers good support and a comfortable angle to recline.

The Barbican comes in a whole host of sofa sizes along with a range of coordinating footstools and armchairs, including small and medium-sized 2-seater, 3-seater, 4-seater and a variety of relatively affordable chaise and corner configurations. All are useful options for a small to mid-sized living room as the sofa's curved frame, slim armrests and high legs mean it looks and feels a lot more compact than many comparable options. That means spacious seating without adding visual 'bulk' to the room or taking up excess floorspace.

There are also over 100 upholstery options on offer, including a good range of leathers, plus, a choice of either light oak or dark wood leg finish to tailor the overall look to your tastes.

Best large sofa

If you have the space to work with then you're unlikely to regret opting for more sofa to stretch out on, especially if you have multiple housemates, family, or friends to seat comfortably. 

A large sofa generally means (a lot) more expense though, which is probably why the great value Kendrick sofa is one of Habitat's most popular designs, offering spacious seating at a very affordable price point compared to other designs of this size.

There are generously proportioned 2, 3, and 4-seater sofa options, plus a 3 or 4-seater chaise and two corner sofa configurations to choose from, all in Habitat's luxe-look velvet upholstery. And while the colour choices may be limited, all are great shades that lend statement style to this contemporary design. 

What's more, we loved the comfort levels on all the models we tested. The seat is deep, especially if you're on the shorter side, but we found it very comfortable for sitting or lounging, with comfortable seat cushions that have a nice amount of sink, and soft yet supportive back cushions. The padded armrests are also super comfortable, with the low arms a great height for resting your head for a nap.

Although the back may be a little low in height for some, this low profile design also works especially well in an open plan room where it won't interrupt the flow from one zone to another, delivering a designer look without the designer price tag.

Best classic sofa

Elegant scroll arms, turned wooden feet, and generous seat and back cushions upholstered in some luxe-look velvets give the Bronwyn sofa a classic and opulent feel – without the luxe price tag.

And while the upholstery options may be somewhat limited compared to other options, with just 16 fabrics to choose from, this sofa offers some great alternative ways to tailor the seating to your tastes.

You can style the settee with multiple scatter back cushions or classic flat-backed cushions, and you have the option to tailor the sitting experience by opting for foam or fibre-filled seat cushions. The foam padding offers a firmer sit but will hold its shape well for a smarter look, whilst fibre delivers a more squishy sink-in feel, but one that will require a little more plumping to keep its shape. On top of that, there are three leg colours to choose from, and the option of a 2, 3, or 4-seater frame width.

If you're after a more traditional sofa shape for a period property, or want to add some classic character to a new build, then we think this is a great option to consider.

Best small sofa

If you're looking to furnish a small living room, then the Holly sofa is well worth having on your radar. The compact design is available in a versatile range of size options including the smallest 155cm width two-seater, and a very useful two-and-a-half-seater option. There's also a space-saving extra-small corner sofa configuration that will add extra seating whilst maintaining a small footprint. 

In fact, everything about the Holly design has small-scale living in mind, from the stylish high-legged design that lifts the sofa frame clear of the floor to add visual spaciousness, to the space-saving thinner armrests and not-too-deep-or-too-shallow seat depth. Although, if sofa size isn't an issue, then there are also plenty of larger options to choose from; from 4-seater through to multiple chaise and corner configurations. There's also a matching armchair and upholstered footstool.

Space-saving tricks aside, this is also both a stylish and comfortable sofa at a great price point. There are 70+ upholstery options on offer, including some brilliant shades of velvet, feather-wrapped foam seat cushions, feather back cushions, and a high-backed frame that delivers just the right mix of squish and support.

In our opinion, this sofa also offers just the right mix of squish and support. The feather-wrapped foam seat cushions are just deep enough to curl up on, and if you prefer to sit upright then the soft-yet-firm back cushions have your back. And it's not just the cushions doing the support work either, the high frame means you can lean back securely without the cushions gradually deflating like many models. We also like the high armrests which means there is back support if you like to sit sideways with your feet up too (although the armrest height does make reaching for the coffee table a little harder). 

Best sofa bed

If you want a multifunctional sofa that can provide extra sleeping space for hosting guests, then, although it's an investment, this sofa bed achieves the rare mix of being comfortable enough to use as your everyday seating as well as providing overnight guests with a decent night's sleep.

There are four frame widths available, all with a single roll-out action mechanism that makes the transformation from sofa to pull-out bed a super simple affair. The roll-out action also means this sofa bed is able to offer a longer mattress than most, with a 190cm length sleeping area. And, at 12cm deep, the mattress is one of the deepest we've come across with the option of pocket spring or memory foam construction for your preferred comfort. 

Seat comfort can also be tailored to your preference with a choice of fibre-wrapped foam or feather-wrapped foam seat cushions for low-maintenance squish-factor, and there are a whopping 175+ upholstery options to choose from.

Plus, if a narrow hallway, tight corners, or tricky stairs are an issue, this sofa bed can be delivered flat-packed and built by the delivery team in situ; a real boon for those with awkward access. 

For more affordable sofa bed options make sure to check out our tried and tested favourites in our guide to the best sofa beds.

Best Scandi sofa

We may be slightly biased, but it's hard not to be impressed by this affordable sofa that was designed by the Ideal Home team in collaboration with ScS. 

Mixing retro design with modern styling, the contemporary sofa is available in two-seater, three-seater, and four-seater options, with a matching armchair, twister, and swivel chair, plus coordinating footstools available. 

The high-legged frame is designed to make a smaller room feel more spacious, whilst those flared, lozenge-shaped arms will create a focal point in either a modern Scandi or mid-Century modern-inspired interior.

In line with its affordable price tag, the Fraser sofa's seat and back cushions are filled with foam – that means a little less squish than a feather or fibre mix, but still a supportive sit – and upholstery options are more limited, but the six carefully chosen shades offer three great shades of grey, plus forest green, amber, and teal blue for injecting a pop of colour into your living room.

Designed to offer style on a budget, we think this sofa strikes a great balance between good looks and good price – especially if you can time your purchase with one of ScS's regular sales.

Best modular sofa

IKEA's Soderhamn sofa is all over Instagram for a reason, and that's because it delivers a cool and contemporary look at a very affordable price point. 

The modular flat-packed design is also brilliant for homes that have awkward access as it can be built in situ, and the sectional units offer a wide scope to create the configuration that works best for your home, plus it can easily be reconfigured to suit a new interior if you move home.

We were also far more impressed by its comfort levels than we expected to be from its admittedly pretty thin seat cushions, mainly due to the mesh seat frame that allows for a little sink and makes the sitting experience gentler than expected. Those seats are deep, and very low though, so the style won't be for everyone, but if you don't mind your feet not touching the floor then the loose lumbar cushions make for a relaxed yet comfortable reclining position.

The standard upholstery options are limited, although IKEA's replacement covers are a brilliant option for families and anyone who wants to extend their sofas lifespan beyond the inevitable spillages. If you want to switch things up a little more, then Stockholm-based Bemz has built an entire brand offering covers to restyle IKEA's most popular sofa designs, with over 100 upholstery choices available for the Soderhamn, plus a great range of legs to swap out the default chrome the sofa comes with. 

How to choose the perfect sofa

The best sofa for your home will depend on a range of factors, not least the size of your living room, your lifestyle, and of course, your budget. So what are the key things to consider when shopping for your dream couch?

Consider sofa size and room layout

It may sound obvious, but size is one of the most important aspects to consider before falling in love with your dream couch. 

Generally speaking, you're going to want the most spacious settee your room and budget will allow, but it's also important to make sure you measure carefully to ensure your sofa is going to work in your space.

It's easy to fall in love with a roomy chaise longue in a spacious sofa showroom, but back home that family-friendly corner sofa might make your living room feel cramped and cluttered. 

A top tip is to measure out where the sofa will go in your room using masking tape to mark out all dimensions. As well as width, make sure to consider the height of the sofa – especially if you want to place it under a window sill or beneath existing architecture - and its depth to ensure there is plenty of space to walk around it comfortably. 

And don't just measure the room where your sofa will (hopefully) end up - unless you want a stressful few hours come delivery day! Ensure your chosen sofa will fit through doorways, around bending hallways, or up flights of stairs. Most retailers list packaging dimensions on their sites, so ensure these match the access you have. 

And if your access is tricky? Don't think that means you have to plump for the smallest two-seater you can find. Modular sofas that are delivered in sections are great options for adding a large amount of seating to difficult rooms, and both flatpack options and selected models from specialist furniture retailers, like Sofa.com, provide the advantage of being able to have your sofa constructed within the final destination room.

There's also layout to consider. A sofa can be a really useful zoning tool in an open-plan layout, helping to create designated areas for dining or relaxing within a larger space. 

Chaise sofas, corner sofas or modular sofas in an L-shaped or U-shaped layout can be particularly useful here, or - if you have the space - you might want to switch up the usual layout of the sofa facing the fire or TV, and have two similar-sized sofas facing each other to create a space that works better for socialising and entertaining. 

You'll find more top tips for planning your living space in our round-up of the best living room and small living room ideas.

How to find the most comfortable sofa

Just like finding the best mattress for you, finding the most comfortable sofa for you will depend a lot on personal preference, and there is nothing that can quite replace going into the showroom and sit-testing a few of your favourite styles. We've rounded up the most important things to look out for when considering comfort.

Cushions
Sofa cushions come in a range of materials and constructions, but the two most commonly found are foam and feathers. 

A foam cushion is more generally used at the budget end of the market and offers a fairly firm sit depending on the type used. The benefit of foam is that it's quick to spring back into shape after being depressed, although over time you may find a depression in your favourite sitting spot. 

At the other end of the scale are feather cushions. These are generally more expensive but provide a more plumptious seat, although the feathers can gradually shift so you'll need to do more plumping. 

Generally speaking, the happy place is with the best of both worlds, and many sofa manufacturers now offer foam cushion cores that are wrapped in a layer of soft feathers - providing comfort and retaining the sofa shape.

Height
If you're using a sofa to zone a room, then a low-to-the-ground model can offer a great way to create dedicated areas without breaking up the space too much, but, the flipside is that (once past a certain age perhaps) low seating can be harder to get up from and can encourage you to sprawl more than sit.

Ergonomically, the recommended seating position is to have your thigh bones parallel to the floor, which for most of us means sofa seating that's a roundabout knee height when standing.

Backrest
Whilst some love the look of a low-profile sofa, if you're lounging for long then adequate back support is going to make sitting more comfortable. 

Look for models that have a dedicated backrest, rather than sofas that offer a low back and then rely on taller cushions to provide support.

How to choose a sofa style you'll love

Upholstery
Once you've chosen your favourite sofa shape, then it's time to choose colour and fabric. Most sofa retailers offer models in a range of fabrics, generally including more affordable polyester and cotton mixes (which often have better stain resistance so are useful for homes with young families), and more expensive linens, velvets, and leathers. Take advantage of fabric samples to view colours and textures in your own home, as lighting can often look very different to that in showrooms or online representations, and bear in mind that the more luxurious fabrics are also likely to increase the sofa price quite considerably. As much as you might love pale colours, for family living a darker or marl shade is likely to prove more stress-free, helping to disguise any mishaps!

Lead times If you're choosing from made-to-order upholstery options, then it's important to bear in mind that there's likely to be a lead time whilst your sofa is built. This can be anywhere from 6 - 14 weeks and will differ by retailer and the time of year you're ordering. October and November are generally when sofa demand is highest ahead of the festive entertaining season, but you'll find some top tips for shopping at this time of year in our guide to where to buy a sofa before Christmas.

Legs
A sofa's legs can transform the look quite dramatically. Tall legs will lift the bulk of the sofa away from the floor and can be a good option for smaller rooms where being able to see more of the floor gives a feeling of spaciousness. A sofa that sits directly onto the floor can feel bulkier so is best for larger rooms - although this style also has the bonus of stopping dust-balls and toys from rolling under it! Shapely, curved legs add a classic touch, whereas straighter clean-lined legs give a more modern feel. Some sofa models may offer a choice of leg finish as well as upholstery - if you already have wooden furniture in your living room, try to tie in any wooden leg finishes to keep tones coordinating.

Sofa deals

There's no denying that a sofa is a significant investment, and as a big ticket item it's a piece of furniture that we're all eager to save money on if we can. So what's the best way to ensure you find the lowest price?

Whilst your purchase may be driven by necessity – incoming guests can mean extra seating is needed pronto, in which case our guide to quick delivery sofas is here to help – if you can time your purchase with a few key dates on the calendar then you could potentially save money.

Retailers tend to offer discounts at fairly regular times throughout the year, including the Boxing Day, New Year, and January sales, Bank Holiday and Summer sales, and the now infamous Black Friday event in late November.

You'll find all the latest sofa sales, including our favourite discounted picks in the Ideal Home sofa deals round-up.

FAQs

How we chose the sofas included in this guide

You'll find full details of the Ideal Home review process on our how we test page.

To find the best sofas for all budgets our team of reviewers walked multiple miles around multiple sofa showrooms and sat down on the job to test out the comfort levels of hundreds of bestselling designs. 

We also grilled the Ideal Home team for their expert knowledge, along with their friends, and their friend’s friends, to find out how their sofa choices are holding up to the rigours of day to day life. We also take into account the wider views of those who own each product, whether that’s via online reviews or social media.

If there are any products that we haven't managed to test in person, or the product didn't achieve over 4 out of 5 stars, then they won't have an Ideal Home Approved badge. However, you can rest assured we've done thorough research on their technical specifications and read multiple happy – and not-so-happy – customer reviews to narrow down our suggestions to only the best-in-class.