Sofa Buying Guide

The right sofa shape is entirely dependent on personal preference and purpose. Here at Make It Homely, we offer a wide range of styles, from corner sofas to L-shaped sofas, and 2-seater sofas to 3-seater sofas. Given their staple status as a piece of living room furniture, it's important you buy a sofa that will suit your room and needs.

Take into account the look you are hoping to achieve, the purpose of the sofa, and the product dimensions to ensure the item will fit into the chosen room. For example, small sofas may be better suited to studios and flats. If you really want to save on space, then consider a comfortable armchair as a great space-saving choice that offers just as much comfort as a sofa!

Modular sofas are made up of several individual pieces called modules. These can easily be moved and arranged to find the perfect fit for your home. Modules come in a range of styles and sizes to help you find exactly what you are looking for, whether that be a cosy corner sofa, a traditional 2-seater sofa or even an L-shaped sofa.

There is no standard size due to the range of styles available on Make It Homely. We have small sofas available for purchase, such as a popular 2-seater sofa, as well as bigger options, such as a corner sofa or an L-shaped sofa.

All dimensions can be found on the product page, so ensure that these are checked before you buy a sofa. Whilst it might look beautiful, a 3-seater sofa might not fit into your home so make sure to measure well before buying!

We offer a vast range of sofas in different materials. Choose from leather, velvet, or fabric upholstery to best complement your home.

Leather sofas are both water-resistant and are not prone to dust collection. It is a naturally tough material that is guaranteed to last longer than other alternatives. Leather is also much easier to clean than fabric, so leather sofas may be best suited to families with young children or homes with pets.

Velvet sofas are also a durable and hard-wearing option. They promise longevity whilst looking very on trend. Not only is the material easy to clean, but a velvet sofa also super comfy and stylish - perfect for any contemporary home.

Fabric sofas are perfect for those needing a traditional purchase. Their timeless design works perfectly with a range of interiors whilst also guaranteeing they can withstand everyday wear and tear. Fabric also doesn’t require much maintenance - regular vacuuming and brushing should keep the item in good condition, making them perfect for any home.

The average sofa should last between 7 and 15 years, but this can vary depending on care, maintenance, and materials. If your sofa appears to be sagging or the fabric looks noticeably worn, it may be time to invest in a new one if your cleaning efforts aren't working!

Which type of sofa is long-lasting?

High-quality sofas are guaranteed to last longer than their counterparts, however, there are many different factors to consider before purchasing. Sofas made from durable hardwood, such as walnut or teak, will last longer than others.

Alongside this, tightly woven fabric or leather are ideal as some of the best long-lasting fabric options. Leather offers a natural water-resistant nature, which makes them great for families with children that might accidentally spill things, and when used with a throw can also be perfect for pets too.

Do sofas get softer over time?

Sofas will inevitably get softer over time. When you buy a sofa, most will feel quite rigid and uncomfortable to begin with, however, once you start to break them in, they will soon feel much softer and homely. Simply sitting on the sofa daily and fluffing the cushions where possible will help to speed up the process.

This is especially true for leather sofas and faux leather sofas as the leather will soften over time. You might notice that if you sit in a particular place for a long time, then the leather might 'darken' in that area. Don't worry, it's not the leather itself but whatever dye that was used!

Sofa beds are, as the name suggests, an item of furniture that can act as either a sofa or a bed. Their simple and convenient design is ideal for those looking to maximise space or those who need to accommodate guests at short notice. Sofas on the other hand, only serve one purpose as a cosy spot for relaxing, and are therefore arguably comfier as a result.

Find out more in our sofa beds buying guide to see if this is something you might want to consider!