Take a seat: Your guide to choosing the perfect sofa

Buying a sofa can be an overwhelming and costly experience. We consult three top professionals to find out how to select the seating that suits your space

Tue, 23 Sep, 2025 - 18:56

Carol O’Callaghan

Buying a sofa is one of the most expensive purchases for our homes, with an expectation of getting 10 years out of it with intensive family use.

So, while we might throw caution to the wind with a wild new wall colour, we tend to exercise restraint and, reluctantly, think with our heads rather than hearts, say no to a sofa in vivid yellow.

That doesn’t mean sofas ought to be gradations of beige and grey. As much as any other purchase, they should reflect your personal style, but there are checklists to tick as to what makes a good sofa.

Leather is practical but can feel cold in winter and sticky in hot weather. Velvet is luxurious and plush but can be a dust magnet.

It’s a consideration for Helle Moyna, founder and creative director of Nordic Elements interior design studio, who says comfort, design, and material are key.

Modular sofas offer versatility for creating conversation zones and watching TV. The &Tradition hi-lo sofa is finished in a calming blue upholstery; from €8,658, Nordic Elements.

“Say, if the sofa is for a family of five watching TV, I would always suggest a design with removable covers as accidents happen, but also allows you to replace the covers and not the whole sofa in the future, which would be much more sustainable as well. If the sofa has removable covers, then dry-clean and do not put in domestic washing machines as the drum is not large enough and will crumple the material.”

She also cautions in certain circumstances against corner or chaise longue sofas, beloved by Irish homeowners in recent years.

“If you are in your forever home, no problem,” she says, “but if you think you may move at some point, it is 95% sure the angle will not work in a new home. We would always suggest a modular design or one or two sofas with a large ottoman, which can be moved as required.”

The Milano sofa by Italian design practice Claudio Bellini Studio is defined by soft curves and low, lounge-like proportions; from €4,899, €8,599 for fabric, BoConcept.

Their usefulness is also highlighted by Issy Uhlemann, design and marketing manager at Scandinavian retailer BoConcept.

“We see more people choosing our modular designs that can grow or change with them, offering flexibility for evolving lifestyles and spaces,” she says. “With the world feeling a little shaky at the moment, people are seeking somewhere they can retreat to, and the sofa has become the hub of the home. It’s a place for relaxing, socialising, working, even sleeping.”

Quality, too, though, is another priority if you’re investing in a big-ticket item like a sofa to stand the test of time.

“Ask about the manufacture and frame material,” says Issy. “At BoConcep,t we use solid wood frames manufactured using sustainable practices. Think about how you use your sofa day-to-day. Is it for family lounging, entertaining or compact living? Comfort, size, and fabric choice are key, especially stain-resistant or durable textiles for busy households. It’s also worth considering timeless design, as a sofa is often the anchor piece in a room.”

Large, luxurious sofas can create the home cinema experience. The Cinesound Showcase large two-seater cinema power recliner with console; €2,469, DFS.

Comfort is key but it can mean different things to different buyers, especially when there are multiple users, according to Kellie Wyles, head of upholstery at DFS.

“Some people prefer a softer, squishier seat for a cocooning feel, in which case fibre filling may suit you well,” says Kellie. “However, some prefer a more formal, supportive seat, such as you tend to get with foam filling. If there are often two of you sitting on the sofa at the same time and you both like to sit with your legs up, then check that the sofa is deep enough to accommodate you both, or perhaps consider a chaise end or recliner sofa. If you prefer to lie down on your sofa, ensure that it’s long enough for you to stretch out, and perhaps opt for a sofa with lower arms to comfortably support your head when lying down flat. Taller customers may also like to consider a sofa with a higher back to offer extra support.”

At a time when many newly built homes are getting smaller, space for our personal belongings is at a premium so furniture that can offer storage has appeal.

“Go for an ottoman footstool or a sofa with discreet built-in storage to make the most of every inch of space without increasing the volume of furniture in the room,” says Kellie. “If you could do with an extra bed to host guests, a double-ended chaise sofa with a central footstool offers the ideal instant bed, perfect for sleepovers, or just the odd movie night.”