Choose a sofa that fits your space
The right sofa needs to suit your room and the people who use it. Appearance matters, but so do the depth of the seat, the route through the room and the way the sofa will arrive at your door. A little planning makes the choice much easier.
Measure the whole footprint
Start with the sofa's overall width, depth and height. Mark the width and depth on the floor with masking tape, including any chaise or projecting section. Then add the coffee table and other furniture to your plan.
Walk the routes you use every day. Can you enter the room comfortably, open nearby doors and get to the windows? Make sure the layout works with people actually sitting down, rather than judging it only when the room is empty.
Choose the arrangement before the model
A corner sofa can bring a seating area together, but it is not automatically the best choice for every room. A straight sofa with an armchair may give you more flexibility, especially if the room has several doors or an unusual shape.
Think about the seats you regularly need, not just the sofa's overall size. Broad arms and deep cushions can make two sofas with similar external dimensions feel very different in use. Look at the seating area as well as the silhouette.
Check how it feels
Comfort is personal. Consider whether you like to sit upright, curl up or stretch out. Seat depth, back support and cushion feel all affect the experience, so try the seating where possible.
If you are considering a recliner, plan for its open position and check the manufacturer's space and power requirements for that model. For a chaise or corner arrangement, confirm the orientation against the actual product diagram before ordering; labels alone can be easy to misinterpret.
Plan the delivery route
Measure the route from the entrance to the room, including narrow doorways, stairs and tight turns. Note anything that might affect access, such as a low ceiling or a restricted landing. Ask how the chosen sofa is delivered and whether any parts are designed to be removed for access.
Finally, consider the upholstery in the context of your household. Look at available samples in your own light and ask about care for the specific covering. A choice that works with your routine is more useful than a fashionable finish that makes you worry every time the room is used.
- 4th November 2026