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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Business
Shani Cohen

8 best sofas and couches for comfort, style and budget, tried and tested

If your living space could bit with a bit of an upgrade, a new sofa is probably one of the trickiest, but important decisions you'll have to make.

We spend a lot of times on our sofas whether it's hours of Netflix or phone conversations, to eat, relax or have a kip on; it's well worth taking the time out to think about what you'll need from your new sofa.

In terms of comfort, you'll want to look for a model with wide seat cushions and a high enough back for support whilst you sink into it. When deciding on your preferred fabric, consider your family (especially the pets), colour scheme and size of your new sofa - it'd be unfortunate if it was too big for your space.

From classic two and three-seater sofas, chaise sofas, modular sofas, corner sofas, sofa beds and more, there’s certainly no shortage of sofas online to choose from. But, with so much choice out there, it can get a little overwhelming to say the least.

To give you a little helping hand we've done the legwork for you to track down the best sofas for design-led aesthetics and comfort. Tried and tested, we’ve pulled together a list of the best sofas for 2022 to suit all budgets, spaces and interior - so what are you waiting for?

Read more:

1. Holly Sofa

Best overall sofa

Specifications:

  • 2 seater sofa: H87 x W155 x D90cm
  • 2.5 seater sofa: H87 x W185 x D90cm
  • 3 seater sofa: H87 x W215 x D90cm
  • 4 seater sofa: H87 x W288 x D90cm
  • Chaise sofa: H87 x W255 x D150cm
  • Corner sofa: H87 x W266 x D266cm
  • Seat height: 50cm
  • Seat depth: 54cm
  • Seat cushions: feather-wrapped foam
  • Back cushions: feather
  • Upholstery options: 70+
  • Average lead time: 8-12 weeks
  • Matching furniture: Armchair & footstool
  • Shades: Over 20 different shades

If you’re looking for a sofa with the perfect amount of squish and support, the Holly Sofa is the one for you. The deep feather-wrapped foam seat cushions will give you that ‘ahhh’ feeling as soon as you sit on this beauty, and the soft-but-firm back cushions and high-backed frame means you have great support when sitting up right.

Plus, there’s over 20 shades to choose from and six different sizes to suit every budget and home - what more could you wish for?

In terms of price, the 2 seater sofa starts at £595, two and a half seater from £655, 3 seater sofa from £924 and a corner sofa from 'just' £1141 (which is pretty reasonable if you’ve seen the price of corner sofas recently).

In terms of price, style and comfort, the Holly Sofa takes the win for us.

Price: from £850, Sofa.com - buy here now.

2. Swyft Model 02 Sofa

Best sofa for quick delivery

Swyft Model 02 Sofa (Swyft)

Specifications:

  • 2 seater sofa: W175 x H82 x D85cm
  • 3 seater sofa: W205 x H82 x D85cm
  • Seat height: 43cm
  • Seat depth: 60cm
  • Seat cushions: Foam, feather and fibre
  • Back cushions: Foam, feather and fibre
  • Upholstery options: 8
  • Average lead time: Within 7 days
  • Shades: 8 shades

If you’re going through the process of buying a place and don’t want to buy your furniture before exchanging (just in case), you may find yourself sitting on the floor for a few weeks or even months in some cases due to many sofa delivery timeframes - we’re talking up to 12 weeks!

Can’t wait that long? Swyft's Model 02 sofa in a box arrives in under 7 days and can be delivered in just 24 hour hours if you buy directly from the Swyft website with next-day delivery - so you can say goodbye to those uncomfortable temporary beanbags.

No matter how tight your entry space is, or how many flights of stairs you need to contend with, Swyft sofas are easily delivered in a box, or a series of boxes depending on the size you choose. It'll take some assembly when it gets to you, but it does mean you don't need to stress about the logistics of actually getting through your front door.

All of the Swyft fabrics feature stain-free technology so you don't need to worry about your clumsy friend, over-excited child or boisterous pet making a mess.

Price: from £1,595, John Lewis - buy here now.

3. Julien 3 Seater Sofa Vienna Velvet

Best affordable sofa

Julien 3 Seater Sofa Vienna Velvet (Argos)

Specifications:

  • 3 seater sofa: W220 x H823 x D97cm
  • Seat height: 40cm
  • Seat depth: 62cm
  • Seat cushions: Foam
  • Removable back cushions: Foam fibre
  • Height of armrest: 55cm
  • Guarantee: 1 year
  • Shades: 5 shades

The Julien 3-seater sofa screams luxury and sheer comfort, finished in a very on trend velvet and available in five different fabrics, this stylish seating will transform any space.

It's got low, deep seats, wide arms and cushions filled with foam for optimal comfort whether you're sitting or laying down.

Price: from £800, Argos - buy here now.

4. Jacob Sherpa Compact 2 Seater Sofa

Best budget sofa

Specifications:

  • 3 seater corner sofa: H82 x W124 x D73cm
  • Seat height: 44cm
  • Seat depth: 55cm
  • Seat cushions: Foam & Fibre
  • Back cushions: Foam & Fibre
  • Weight: 27kg
  • Dispatch time: 4 working days
  • Shades: 1 shade

If you’re obsessed with interior like us, you’ve probably spotted the trend around Boucle - and if you haven’t we suggest taking a scroll through pintrest or Instagram. This sleek silhouette is perfect for bringing that clean, minimalistic look to your living room.

Plus, as well as looking good, this sofa doesn’t let you down on comfort either with soft cosy white Boucle to settle into, thick seat cushions and an angled backrest for support - it’s a thumbs up from us.

Price: £349, Dunelm - buy here now.

5. John Lewis & Partners Draper Sofa

Best sofa for back support

John Lewis & Partners Draper Sofa (John Lewis)

Specifications:

  • 2 seater sofa: H87 x W156 x D95cm
  • 3 seater sofa: H87 x W202 x D95cm
  • 4 seater sofa: H87 x W222 x D95cm
  • Chaise sofa: H87 x W222 x D148cm
  • Seat height: 43cm
  • Seat depth: 59cm
  • Seat cushions: Foam and fibre
  • Back cushions: Fibre
  • Upholstery options: 90+
  • Average lead time: 1-13 weeks dependent on upholstery choice
  • Matching furniture: Armchair
  • Shades: Over 30 different shades

Alongside the Holly sofa, which is currently top of our list, we'd say the Draper offers the best sitting experience in terms of back support - making it ideal if you suffer from aches and pains. Although this isn't the squishiest of sofas, the foam and fibre seat cushions are supportive whilst offering enough softness for comfort.

The back frame comes pretty high on this model and the slightly taller fibre-filled back cushions are pleasantly soft yet firm for the upmost support.

Price: from £1,749, John Lewis - buy here now.

6. The Cloud Sundae

Best sofa for comfort

The Cloud Sundae (Snug)

Specifications:

  • Small Corner Sofa: W298.5 x L216 x D103 x H98cm
  • Medium Corner Sofa: W298.5 x L216 x D103 x H98cm
  • Large Corner Sofa: W298.5 x L298.5 x D103 x H98cm
  • Seat height: 54cm
  • Seat depth: 66cm
  • Seat cushions: Foam and fibre
  • Back cushions: Polyester Fibre
  • Average lead time: Within days
  • Matching furniture: Footstool
  • Shades: 4 different shades

It's safe to say it was love at first sit with this sofa.

Filled with soft, plump foam for long-lasting shape and support, this sofa really is like sitting (or sleeping) on a cloud. If you fancy a cuppa on the couch, fear not, as Cloud Sundae has been created with a spill-proof smart-velvet vegan fabric to save you from those dreaded spillages.

If your cupboards and wardrobes are bursting at the seams, why not opt for the hidden storage option for an extra £250. Simply lift up the sofa to reveal the storage unit - roomy enough to place your throws, magazines, TV remotes and anything else your heart desires.

Best of all? You don't need to worry about the sofa not fitting through your front door or up the stairs as all Snug products are delivered in boxes to solve that exact problem. Plus, the company claim it takes just minutes to assemble your new furniture addition without using any tools. We could go on and on about this Sofa, so we suggest just trying it for yourself!

Within The Cloud Sundae collection, you can choose between a 1.5 seater from £644, a 2 seater sofa from £688, a 3 seater sofa from £1,312 and a 4.5 seater sofa for £644. If you have guests staying, you can even get your sofa with a built in bed from £1,312.

Price: from £2,689, Snug Sofa - buy here now.

7. Bluebell Sofa

Best traditional-looking sofa

Bluebell Sofa (Sofa.com)

Specifications:

  • Sizes available: 2, 2.5, 3 and 4-seater, plus chaise and corner sofa
  • Seat height: 53cm
  • Seat depth: 60cm
  • Seat cushions: Feather-wrapped foam
  • Back cushions: Feather and fibre
  • Upholstery options: 70+
  • Average lead time: 8-12 weeks
  • Matching furniture: Armchair & footstool
  • Shades: Over 20 different shades
  • We’re not surprised that The Bluebell sofa is one of Sofa.com’s bestselling styles. With its turned wooden legs on castors and low pleated back arms, it’s perfect if you’re going for a more traditional look in your living room.

    The Bluebell is also available as a ‘breakdownable’ sofa which means even if your home has restricted access, it can be delivered to you in pieces and assembled upon arrival.

    As the Bluebell boasts firm seats and a fairly firm backrest, if you're looking for a sofa to sink into, this probably isn't the one for you.

    Price: from £1,690, Sofa.com - buy here now.

    8. Haru Small Sofa Bed

    Best sofa bed

    Haru Small Sofa Bed (Made.com)

    Specifications:

    • Sizes available: Single, small, large double
    • Dimensions: W: 120 x H: 78 x D: 86cm
    • Seat height: 42cm
    • Seat depth: 52cm
    • Mattress dimensions: L: 182 x W: 120 x D: 13cm

    • Average lead time: 5 working days

    • Shades: 12 different shades

    When it comes to practicality, you can't go wrong with a sofa bed - especially when space is limited. Made's Haru has certainly made a great impression on us - maybe it's something to do with the bold retro orange design. It's definitely one of our go-to options for a sofa that gives you both additional, comfortable seating as well as a place to stay when you have guests over.

    It features an easy-to-use click-clack mechanism which transforms it from a sofa to a small bed set-up in seconds.

    Price: £385, Next - buy here now.

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