It's a key part of your living room and something you'll use every single day - so finding the perfect sofa is important, we say. If you're feeling a little lost with all the choices out there, never fear - we've put together this 2024 guide to help you find the right one to fit your lifestyle right now.
No matter the size of your home or room, a great, comfortable and stylish sofa is essential. HELLO! editors have tried designs ranging from budget Ikea buys to luxurious leather sofas, whether for our first-ever flats, our current homes or as professional shoppers and we're ready to share our expertise.
- Best Amazon sofa: Honeypot Harper 2-Seater Sofa
- Leather sofa: John Lewis 'Oliver Grand' 4-Seater Leather Sofa
- 3-seater recliner sofa: Furniture Village Power Recliner Sofa with USB Ports
- Modular sofa: Sofa Club NOBU Modular Sofa
- Chesterfield sofa: Oakland Soft Faux Leather 3 Seater Sofa
“Choosing a sofa takes a lot of time and consideration. You need to choose a size, style and fabric that you love, and you also need to make sure it works within your existing interior design scheme,” says Shelley Cochrane, Accessories Buyer at Furniture Village.
“My top tip is to choose a sofa that you really love. Whilst that may sound obvious, many people choose a grey or neutral sofa because they think it’s a safe option but they later regret that they didn’t go for something a bit bolder. So, if you really love neutrals, then a grey sofa is a great choice but if you’re more of a magpie and love the colour yellow, then choose a mustard or ochre sofa and make it the focal point of the room.”
In addition to various colourways and prints when it comes to fabric, there are a whole host of designs to shop online from two-seaters to L-shape corner settees and larger designs to comfortably seat the whole family and guests. Modular sofas, as well as sofa beds, are also hugely popular.
When you shop, you'll be looking for the perfect style and measurements, but also details like filling and feet, which are essential decisions. From our experience, when it comes to shopping for a sofa there's a lot to contend with, including delivery - you may even want to try sofa in a box companies for the ultimate in convenience.
What sofa colours will be trending for 2024?
"Earthy tones have been leading the way for years and I think they are here to stay for a while," says interior designer Kirsten Wilson. "You can never go wrong with earthy creams & browns as it will always be timeless and elevate the sophistication. Cool & calm blues are making their way back into the scene, in paint colours and textiles, so if you feel that earthy tones are too boring, go bold with blues!
"If you are too scared to take the leap, don't buy a blue sofa, but you can always paint the walls and change the colour later when the trends change. Accents are always a good way to introduce colour too, with cushions, throws, vases, candles, and lamps."
And if you choose a dark-coloured or black sofa, Kirsten gave us two different directions you could choose for styling:
- Go glam."A plush black velvet sofa with gold legs would go so well with a rich coloured accent wall. You want to invite deep colours like emerald green, hot pink, sapphire blue, and plenty of gold and brass. These can come in the form of wall colours, throws, cushions, rugs, and other accent pieces to help dazzle up the room.
- Lean into the neutrals. “With a muted black sofa, you can bring in your earthy tones with cushions that are cream, black and white, and khaki. Now find a burnt orange throw to really cosy it up. Put down a really soft black and white rug that joins the colours together. Then introduce accents around the room with rattan, terracotta, and warm woods to bring in that earthy feel so that you always feel relaxed.”
In the end though, Kirsten advises, “Don't stray from your ultimate vision of what the room will be… Your sofa will most likely be the star of the show in your living area, so let it be the superstar it deserves to be.”
How we chose the best sofas of 2024
- Style: We've included a variety of top 2024 trends in our list, from modular and L-shaped sofas to sofa beds, with both large and compact seating options.
- Verified ratings: While we haven't been able to test out every sofa on our list, we've examined reviews and ratings from verified shoppers - you won't find any sofas without consistently high ratings in this edit.
- Trusted brands & retailers: We've only included brands and retailers you know and love. In addition to including the most popular furniture brands, we've also greatly focused on the brands HELLO! readers have historically loved to shop over the past few years.
- Popularity and trends: We made sure to include a variety of trends, from velvet and leather sofas to classic mid-century modern looks and Chesterfield styles which are making a comeback.
What types of sofas are there to choose from?
There are a whole host of sofas to shop now, but the key feature is the style. Some may be shopping for a small and simple two-seater, which is ideal for smaller spaces, spare rooms, or homes for one person or two. However, those who have big families, or have a tendency to host parties and get togethers, then a larger design may be for you.
- Corner sofas are popular for those with larger living rooms and open spaces, as it fits into almost every space, and ensures everyone can watch the telly in comfort or from any angle. Even if you have a smaller living room, finding one that's the right size can make the most of your space.
- There are sofas with low backs or high backs, which make all the difference in terms of creating the illusion of more space in the home, plus provide the necessary support. And sofas which sit on higher feet, as opposed to close to the floor, allow light to pass, helping your space look bigger and lighter.
- When it comes to fabric, it’s important to consider your lifestyle - if you have children or pets, you'll want to look for sturdy leather (unless you have cats with sharp claws), a washable fabric, removable covers or stain resistant material.
- Pull out sofas, or sofa beds, are space saving, and ideal for those looking to kit out a spare room or to be able to transform a living room into a temporary bedroom for guests.
With so many options to choose from, in the end, says design specialist Kirsten, "Think about what you need. Are you more comfortable with a sofa with arms? Will this sofa need to become a bed for guests? Will kids be jumping on it every day? Does it need to be easy to clean stains from? Will your cat think the sofa is its new scratch post? Most of the answers to these questions should be answered practically.”
What are the best sofa brands?
There are plenty of sofa brands to shop online, and in store. Marks & Spencer and John Lewis are amongst the longest standing and trusted brands to shop furniture, including sofas. Furniture Village, IKEA and DFS are also go-to shopping destinations when it comes to shopping sofas. For those on a budget Dunelm has stunning sofas, as well as lounge accessories not to miss, and of course there's always Amazon for major bargains and trendy looks.
Best sofas to shop in 2024: Our favourites
1/8
John Lewis Oliver Grand 4 Seater Leather Sofa
Editor's note
"John Lewis houses a wide range of brands, and have collaborated with major furniture companies to create stylish home pieces. From leather designs, to velvet and fabric creations, storage sofas, to sofa beds, there is something to suit everyone’s needs.
We’ve chosen the Oliver Grand 4-seater sofa – it’s available in 15 different leather colourways – but you can get the Oliver style in 2-seater versions, an armchair, 3-seater or corner sofa, too, so you can choose a bigger or smaller version and create your own arrangements and combinations."
What to know
- Type: Standard 4-seater
- Fabric: Leather
- Colours available: 15 leather colours to choose from
- Reclining? No
- Storage? No
Delivery info
- Usually delivered within 12 weeks
- UK Home delivery cost: Free for mainland UK
- Delivered to room of choice? Yes
- Assembly required? Partial (legs)
Returns and guarantees
- Collection fee for return: FREE if item is damaged or faulty; £29.95 for other returns
- Guarantee: 15 years
Sofa size & dimensions
- H85 x W221 x D86cm
- Height of seat: 46cm
John Lewis’ Oliver Grand 4-Seater Sofa is the classic sofa perfectly suited to all interior styles. The leather design is durable, but also stylish, and comfortable. It measures 85cm in height, perfect for those looking for a sofa with a higher back, a width of 221cm and 86cm in depth, which means you can seat up to four people on this couch.
2/8
Honeypot Sofa - Harper Sofa Plush Grey 2 Seater
Editor's Note
“If you’re looking for a sophisticated retro vibe for a smaller space, this 2-seater in velvet with wooden legs and a Mid-Century style is just what you need. It’s a top-rated Amazon buy, with a 4.6-star rating.”
What to know
- Type: 2-Seater
- Fabric: Velvet
- Colours available: Grey
- Reclining? No
- Storage? No
Delivery info
- Usually delivered within around 7 days
- UK Home delivery cost: Free
- Assembly required? No
Returns and guarantees
- Item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund within 30 days of receipt
- Guarantee: 5 years
Sofa size & dimensions
- 85D x 150W x 90H
This velvet sofa on Amazon is a mid-century modern style, with a sleek, clean lined silhouette, and stylish button tufted seat.
If you have a larger space, you can opt for the 3- or 4-seater style, which also comes in grey, from £279.
3/8
Sofa Club NOBU Modular Sofa
Editor's Note
“With a modular sofa, the possibilities are endless. You can mix and match different modules to get the exact dimensions and shape you want for your living room. It’s a great option for anyone who has a particularly awkward corner to fill. Sofa Club’s Nobu model is beautifully chic, in either Soft Cloud (pictured) or Black Cloud. The modular combo pictured would set you back £1,899 but modules start from £400."
What to know
Type: Modular sofa
Fabric: Soft Chenille
Colours available: Soft Cloud (beige) or Black Cloud (black)
Reclining? No
Storage? No
Delivery info
Order online to enjoy next day delivery depending on stock
UK home delivery cost: £99 standard delivery
Assembly required? Delivered to a room of your choice and assembled by delivery team
Returns and guarantees
Free returns on completion of a returns form within 48 hours of receiving the sofa - receive a full refund on the day of collection. Outside of the 48-hour window, returns are available within 100 days with a £299 collection fee
Guarantee: Lifetime delivery for manufacturing defects and 1-year guarantee for general manufacturing faults
Sofa size & dimensions
H70 W276 D186cm (several other sizes available depending on which modular combinations you choose, however)
The Nobu sofa has a strong aesthetic appeal but doesn’t sacrifice on comfort. It has a solid hardwood frame and a cosy foam interior which is covered with soft chenille polyester. The two available colours should suit any living room colour scheme, and the modular design means you can work to your specific dimension requirements.
4/8
Furniture Village Touch 3 Seater Heavy Duty Fabric Power Recliner Sofa with USB Ports
Editor's Note:
"Furniture Village is a longstanding retailer when it comes to shopping furniture and home essentials, and we've found it's a popular option with HELLO! Online shoppers looking for a new sofa shoppers. With a vast array of options to shop online, you're really spoilt for choice; there's everything from sofa beds to storage sofas and recliners so you can furnish your home exactly how you want."
What to know
- Type: 3-Seater recliner with USB ports
- Fabric: Heavy duty fabric upholstery
- Colours available: 27 colourways to choose from
- Reclining? Yes - Choose from left/right power recliner, left/right manual recliner or no recliner (for £100 less)
- Storage? No
- Options & accessories: Footstool (£295); Floorguard glides (£15); Fabric care kit (£39)
Delivery info
- Delivery time: Within 21 days for Mainland UK. For Wales, Scotland, the Highlands, Isle of Wight or a postcode more than 40 miles away from one a Furniture Village distribution centre, an additional one or two weeks delivery time may be required.
- UK Home delivery cost: Delivered safely to the room of your choice and assembled - £89
Returns and guarantees
- Returns: Within 14 calendar days from the day the sofa is delivered.
- Collection fee for return: Up to 25% of the value of item
- Guarantee: 20-year structural guarantee
Sofa size & dimensions
- H98 x W237 x D98cm
- Depth when reclined: 163cm
The Touch 3 Seater Sofa ticks all the boxes, as it is a three-seater, features a reclining option and USB port, so rest assured you can while away the hours watching your favourite moves in comfort.
This design in particular boasts a high back, padded arms, as well as foam and fibre seat cushions for ultimate relaxation.
5/8
Habitat Patsy 2 Seater Clic Clac Sofa Bed (Faux Leather or Fabric)
Editor's Note:
“Habitat is a firm favourite homeware brand, which is stocked on numerous retailers, including Argos. When it comes to sofas, our top pick is Habitat’s Patsy Sofa Bed - it has a 4.6-star rating, recommended by 95% of customers. And though it may seem simplistic, it is a genius invention, and is compact with no armrests to fit into smaller spaces."
What to know
- Type: Sofa Bed (Clic Clac)
- Fabric: 100% faux leather
- Colours available: Black faux leather or Charcoal Fabric (for £189)
- Reclining? No
- Storage? No
Delivery info
- Order online to enjoy from same-day collection depending on stock
- UK home delivery cost: Free store collection; from £6.95 standard delivery
- Assembly required? Delivered as flat pack with minimal assembly - just add feet.
Returns and guarantees
- Return a faulty item within the first 30 days for exchange, replacement or a refund
- Guarantee: 3yrs Furniture Care-with Accidental Damage Lounge Sofa Bed (£25.99)
Sofa size & dimensions
- H77 W179 D93.5cm (Depth as bed 108cm).
- Size of sleeping area: W108, L179cm.
This creation doubles up as a sofa, as well as a bench, or sofa bed which makes for extra practicality. It measures 77cm in height, 179cm in width as well as 93.5cm in depth, although it extends 108cm in depth when the clic clac contraption is in place to transform this design into a sofa bed.
You can also shop the sofa via the Habitat website, but the order will be fulfilled and delivered by Argos.
6/8
Oakland Faux Leather Sofa
"It's possible to find sturdy, classic sofas with a reasonable price tag. For those looking to renovate their home, whether it is the lounge, spare room, or maybe even home cinema, the classic ‘Oakland’ faux leather Chesterfield is sure to impress.”
What to know
- Type: Chesterfield (3-seater)
- Fabric: Faux leather
- Colours available: Grey, Brown
- Reclining? No
- Storage? No
Delivery info
- Fast delivery available
Sofa size & dimensions
- H 96cm x W 213cm x D 95cm
While hi-tech recliners and TikTok trending styles are always an option, some prefer to stick with the timeless classics - like this Chesterfield sofa. The 3-seater design is in durable faux leather, and is the ultimate in stately elegance with brass stud and button detailing and sculptural wooden feet.
7/8
Dunelm Zoe Velvet Corner Storage Sofa Bed
Editor’s Note
“A double sofa bed and storage space for pillows and duvet - this chic three-seater has it all. The matt velvet gives it a seriously luxe edge and the fact it also features a chaise lounge is just an extra thumbs up.”
What to know
Type: Sofa Bed, 3-seater, chaise lounge
Fabric: Matte velvet
Colours available: Steeple Grey and Bottle Green
Reclining? No
Storage? Yes
Delivery info
Order online and choose a delivery day at checkout. First available date varies depending on stock and delivery location
UK home delivery £9.99 standard delivery - free same day click and collect available within 2 hours
Assembly required? Yes but you can hire a local handyman with Dunelm’s ‘Airtasker’ scheme - fees vary
Returns
Free returns within 28 days of delivery. You can arrange a collection via live chat or return form
Sofa size & dimensions
H 92cm x W 248cm x D 91cm
Arm Height: 69cm, Leg Height: 12cm, Back Height: 47cm
Dunelm’s Zoe Velvet corner sofa comes in a versatile grey and more statement bottle green if you’re looking for something that’ll stand out. It does come part-assembled but Dunelm has a great Airtasker scheme, but which you can make contact with local handymen who you can empoly to come and finish the job for you on delivery day.
8/8
Hoxton Chenille Fabric Large 3 Seater Sofa
Editor's Note:
"Our experts recommend staying true to your personal style. If you're one for bold looks, you'll fall in love with this lush chenille 3 seater that comes in five colours, including statement-making teal and orange for a pop of colour."
What to know
- Type: 3-Seater (2 seater and footstool available) with removable cushion covers
- Fabric: Chenille
- Colours available: Dusk Marmalade (shown), Dusk Ecru, Dusk Hydro, Dusk Indigo, Dusk Marble
Delivery info
- Usually dispatches in: Delivered within 7-10 working days
- UK Home delivery - £79
- Delivered to room of choice
- Fully Assembled
Returns and guarantees
- All online orders can be returned within 14 days of delivery
- 2 year guarantee
Sofa size & dimensions
- Width: 218cm
- Depth: 103cm
- Height: 83cm
Hand upholstered and featuring a handcrafted frame, the Hoxton brings together premium details for comfort and practicality including seat cushions with a flexible foam core wrapped in a duvet of feather - and with removable covers for easy cleaning - and 100% white duck feather arm pads.
