Sofas - which to choose?

Looking for a new sofa or suite? There are so many out there to choose from. How do you choose? Do you visit lots of shops and sit in them all, or do you order direct from a catalogue? It's personal choice of course. Trolling around the shops is very time consuming (and hugely irritating to reluctant spouses!), but buying without trying has it's risks. Personal recommendation is always good, plus sitting in your friends sofas (see how they wear!).

I am looking for some new sofas. I understand the trend is not for matching suites anymore, but two sofas plus an armchair or two in a different but complimentary fabric. Speaking personally, I don't care for leather sofas, preferring the feel and look of fabric ones, especially if they have washable covers.






I have recently visited an Ikea store, http://www.ikea.co.uk/ , and had a good sit on their sofas. I am inclining towards the Ektorp range at the moment, they were very comfortable and not too deep, which suits me as I only have medium size legs and really object to either having to lean back a long way or dangle my feet above the floor! There was a good choice of fabric covers and the price is very reasonable (as are all their products).







One of the most popular and largest sites for direct order is Sofa Sofa http://www.sofasofa.co.uk/ . You can order an extensive catalogue from their website The sofas are manufactured in South Wales by a family firm and give good guarantee's, for instance, if you are not happy with it or it won't fit through the door (!!) you can return it within 21 days and have a refund. If you can get to St Mellons near Cardiff you can have the best of both worlds. Thay have a large showroom here where you can indeed sit in all the sofas and order the one you like best. See their website for more information and a map.


I could go on for ever listing sofa websites, Sofa Workshop is popular, http://www.sofaworkshop.com/ , Next do some really nice ones, http://www.next.co.uk/ . I am not going to list the really expensive ones because I can't afford them! I shall probably choose mine from one on the list above, but I need to know it fits me! If anyone has a good recommendation please let me know!