Do ensure that you check delivery times; many retailers have a lead time of several weeks, so it pays to be aware of it if you need something sooner than that. Do also measure, measure and then measure some more: no one wants to have to send the sofa you waited weeks for back because it fits the space it’s intended for but not through the narrow hallway (some shops even offer a pre measuring service if you want to make double sure).
Practicalities and prettiness are high on the agenda, and these are the brands we think deliver at a variety of price points.
IKEA
What IKEA sofas lack in bells and whistles, they make up for in value for money. Sure, you may have to put it together yourself (or indeed pay someone else to), but the styles are simple, and slip into rooms seamlessly. A big plus point is, of course, that there is no sweating over whether it’ll fit through the door, since you construct in situ. We love the BACKSÄLEN three-seater (£650). Explore more.
OKA
OKA works with artisans from across the world to deliver a beautifully eclectic aesthetic that seems to elegantly encapsulate British style. They say, ‘Our furniture and homewares prioritise beauty, comfort and style, but we choose items for their integrity, not because they fit a prescribed look. The magic of OKA is the mix: hand-picked global treasures, rich textures and patterns, and timeless furniture profiles. It’s ever-changing but unwaveringly British; elegant and easy-going; sophisticated but never stiff.’ Its sofas come in classic shapes and are executed to exceptional quality. We like The Wickham in ochre yellow (£2,400). Explore more.
The Conran Shop
The Conran Shop’s USP is bringing together some of the very best designers to showcase alongside its own range of equally chic pieces. Terence Conran single-handedly shook up and freshened up our homes by bringing the simplicity of Scandinavia and the rusticity of rural France to Britain via his revolutionary Habitat stores in the 1960s. Later, he opened The Conran Shop and, while the Conran family is no longer involved and the operation has recently moved to Sloane Square from its iconic Michelin building former home, it still does an exemplary line in sofas. (Do note, it also offers a measuring service for a small fee.) We are big fans of the Chiltern 3-Seater Sofa in Emerald Duro Velvet (£3,348). Explore more.
Anthropologie
US import Anthropologie may be best known for its eclectic clothing collections, but don’t neglect its homeware edits, which are excellent too. We have our eyes on the Ravier Four-Seat Sofa, Spencer Stripe (£2,998). Explore more.
Loaf
‘Furniture for loafers’ goes sofa specialist Loaf’s tagline. We would add that its pieces are, specifically, designed with especially stylish and quality-obsessed loafers and loungers in mind. Made in Britain, the carbon footprint of everything Loaf makes is thus reduced. We are in love with Crumpet Sofa for £1,725 – with a name like that, how could we not be? Explore more.
Nkuku
Nkuku works with artisans throughout the world to ‘combine timeless design with traditional skills and natural materials.’ Its collection of sofas is hugely inviting, as evidenced by the Deni Grand Sofa (£2,700). Explore more.
Graham & Green
Antonia Graham founded Graham & Green in 1974 with journalist Henrietta Green who had, by the age of 24, already written two cookbooks and had a little money to throw at an emporium selling eclectic things picked up on the duo’s travels to the discerning denizens of Notting Hill. Operating from their shop on Elgin Crescent, things have grown exponentially since then. We love their easy aesthetic, as evidenced in their furnishing as well as their home accessories. The Jasmine Collection (from £2,125) is relaxed and evocative of Sunday mornings spent lounging with coffee and the papers. Explore more.
Soho Home
Soho Home, which launched in 2016, was the long-awaited answer to the number one question asked by Soho House clientele around the world: where they too could buy the pieces that populated the exclusive chain of clubs. It began with Barwell crystal glassware and has since evolved to include the full complement of homewares – including relaxed and stylish sofas. We’d pick the rattan and olive affair that is the Atlanta Four-Seater (from £3,795). Explore more.
Habitat
Habitat may have long since ceased to have any Conran involvement, but it still adheres to the tenets of simple, classic design that is unfussy and unstuffy – and, crucially, more affordable than many examples of their ilk. Habitat Andy 3 Seater Fabric Clic Clac Sofa Bed has great reviews and is a steal at £375. Explore more.
Swoon Editions
Swoon was founded to bring good quality design to the interiors obsessed at fair prices, cutting out the middle man to make it so. We are enamoured with its Sidbury Two Seater (£1,499), with its luxuriant velvet and its well-turned legs. Explore more.
Ligne Roset
Family-run French brand Ligne Roset has been making furniture for 150 years, manufacturing designs from its home by the Rhone since 1860. They say, ‘Known for its artful collaborations with both established and up-and-coming talents in contemporary design, Ligne Roset offers consumers an entire lifestyle in which to live both boldly and beautifully via its furniture collections and complementary decorative accessories, lighting, rugs, textiles and occasional items.’ And it is the collaborations with designers that keep the brand fresh and at the cutting edge of modern luxury. We especially love the neat and stylish Multy sofabed. From £2,468. Explore more.
Heal’s
Heal’s has been a style innovator since it opened its first shop on Tottenham Court Road in 1917. Its website tells us that back then, ‘you could climb the architecturally renowned Cecil Brewer staircase to find the forward-thinking Mansard Gallery which proudly exhibited Modigliani’s then-shocking artwork. The ‘sign of the four poster’ that still hangs outside the store was known as a familiar meeting place for Londoners.’ Showcasing the work of established and up-and-coming designers alike, it supported the likes of John Reeves, Anthony Dickens and Sebastian Cox right from the start of their careers. Its sofas are unfailingly good quality. We especially like the Wallis, an exclusive collaboration between Heal's and Russell Pinch (from £2,619). Explore more.
Maker & Sons
If money was no object, we would boast not one by several Maker & Sons sofas, which purport to be the most comfortable in the world. The publicity images of people bouncily flinging themselves into their embrace would seem to corroborate the claim. Available in an array of colours and fabrics, they are as special as can be. It stands to reason that its founders Alex Willcock and Felix Conran should have created such beauties; Conrans seem to have a knack when it comes to creating excellent products upon which to sit. If we owned the glorious four-seater sofa Song range, we’d never get up again (£8,775). Explore more.
By Nancy Alsop
April 2023
