Best sofas for 2025, tried and tested for style and comfort

Choosing the right sofa is one of the most important decisions when furnishing a living space. It’s the piece that anchors a room, sets the tone for your décor, and, most importantly, provides a place to relax at the end of a long day. With so many options available – from classic designs to modular modern pieces – it can be overwhelming to know which sofa will best suit your lifestyle and space.

A well-made sofa should not only look beautiful but also offer lasting comfort and support, standing up to daily use while enhancing the character of your home. “Aesthetically, an elegant and classic silhouette is important; however, the quality of the frame is really what will allow a sofa to stand the test of time,” explains Fred Horlock, design director at Neptune. “A sofa should be bought with the expectation that, in the future, it should be able to be reupholstered and feel like new. A frame guaranteed for a lifetime ensures a sofa that will stand the test of time.”

Whether you’re replacing a tired old favourite or investing in a statement piece, understanding the different styles, fabrics, and construction methods is key to making the right choice.

To make the decision easier, we’ve visited showrooms and tried out a variety of sofas first-hand, considering everything from seat depth and back support to upholstery, durability, and ease of care – so you can feel confident in choosing the sofa that’s right for you.

At a glance - the best sofas for 2025

• Best sofa overall: The Cotswold Company Osbourne Sofa

• Best loose cover sofa: Neptune Long Island Sofa

• Best modular sofa: OKA Beale Sofa

• Best chesterfield sofa: Sofa.com Patrick Sofa

• Best corner sofa: Furniture Village Legend Classic Back Fabric Corner Sofa

• Best sofa for quiet luxury: Holloways of Ludlow Darwin Sofa

• Best mid-century style sofa: Graham and Green Kasper Sofa

How we tested

To bring you an expert guide to the best sofas, we went straight to the source: showrooms. There’s no substitute for first-hand experience, so we spent time sitting, reclining, and even lounging across a wide range of models to assess comfort, support, and overall feel.

We looked closely at construction and materials, checking frame strength, cushion filling, and upholstery quality to understand how each sofa might perform over time. Practicality and ease of care were also key considerations, from stain resistance to maintenance requirements.

Aesthetic appeal was equally important. We evaluated design, proportion, and versatility, thinking about how each sofa would fit into real homes – whether in a cosy country cottage, a modern city apartment, or a classic drawing room.

We also explored the bespoke options available in store, taking time to review how different brands allow you to choose fabrics, shapes, arm styles, and even sofa legs, ensuring the piece can be tailored to both lifestyle and interior scheme.

Finally, we compared value for money, balancing comfort, durability, and style against the price to highlight sofas that truly stand out in their category. The result is a carefully curated list of sofas we can genuinely recommend for style, comfort, and longevity.

Best sofas for 2025

1. The Cotswold Company Osbourne Sofa

Best sofa overall

• Style: Available in 51 fabrics, patterns and colours, including velvet, linen and cotton, and a choice of three leg finishes

• Sizes available: Armchair, two-seater, large two-seater, three-seater, four-seater, chaise large right hand, chaise large left hand

• Seat filling: Fibre or feathers

• Guarantee: 15-year frame guarantee, which covers any faults to structural elements, including spring and wood breakage and loose joints

• Delivery: Delivered within 21 days of the sofa arriving at the Neptune warehouse, from £30

The Osbourne Sofa by The Cotswold Company effortlessly combines comfort, style, and versatility. During our showroom visit, we tested it in Compton Stripe fabric, and immediately fell in love with the soft linen texture and subtle pattern, perfect for adding understated character to a living space.

The sofa’s gracefully rounded arms give it a classic, approachable silhouette, while deep fibre-filled cushions provide a supportive and inviting seat, it is also available with a feather filling for those that prefer it. Its timeless design works beautifully in both contemporary and traditional interiors.

One of the Osbourne’s real strengths is its range of seven sizes, from a cosy armchair through to a spacious chaise, allowing it to suit everything from a snug reading nook to a grand living room. For those who prefer a more neutral look, it is also available in non-patterned fabrics, with 51 different colour and fabric combinations to choose from, making it easy to create a sofa perfectly tailored to your space and style.

Sturdy construction ensures comfort and resilience over time, while the combination of elegant proportions and quality upholstery gives the sofa a quiet luxury that will endure for years. The Osbourne is a sofa you can truly imagine becoming the heart of your living room.

RRPfrom £1,199

Available from The Cotswold Company

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2. Neptune Long Island Sofa

Best loose cover sofa

• Style: Available in a range of 21 linen fabrics and colours, including heavyweight linen, cotton linen, signature linen and character linen

• Sizes available: Two-seater, three-seater, four-seater, four-seater modular, four-seater L-shape, five-seater corner, five-seater L-shape, six-seater modular, six-seater L-shape, seven-seater corner

• Seat filling: ’Standard’ or feathers

• Guarantee: Lifetime guarantee, which includes the frames and spring

• Delivery: Delivered within 9-10 weeks, from £59

If you are on the lookout for a beautifully made linen sofa, the Long Island by Neptune is a masterclass in relaxed elegance. Its design takes inspiration from laid-back coastal living, with deep cushions, soft tailoring, and a generous silhouette that instantly invites you to unwind.

The sofa’s defining feature is its loose linen cover, which drapes beautifully and gives it an easy, unpretentious charm. Available in a range of natural fabrics, from airy neutrals to deeper tones, the covers can be removed for cleaning or updated to suit a new scheme, making this a particularly practical choice for busy households.

Comfort is central to the Long Island’s appeal. The seat cushions combine foam for resilience with feather for softness, creating a balance of support and sink-in comfort. Oversized back cushions enhance the relaxed feel, making it just as suitable for curling up with a book as for entertaining. What’s great to note, is that the back cushions are divided into internal pockets, helping them to hold their shape over time.

While unmistakably casual, the Long Island has a quiet sophistication. Its skirted base and neat proportions ensure it blends seamlessly into traditional interiors, while the pared-back lines and tactile fabrics make it equally at home in contemporary settings.

RRPfrom £2,995

Available from Neptune

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3. OKA Beale Sofa

Best modular sofa

• Style: Available in a 41 fabrics, colours and patterns, including linen, velvet and boucle, in either fitted or loose cover

• Sizes available: Armchair, loveseat, small, medium, large, extra large

• Seat filling: Foam core and a responsibly-sourced pocketed duck feather filling

• Guarantee: We couldn’t find any information about a guarantee online

• Delivery: Handmade to order and delivered within 12-14 weeks, from £70

The Beale Modular Sofa is one of OKA’s most versatile designs, and, after visiting the showroom to put it through its paces, I can see why it’s a favourite for families and anyone who values flexibility.

With its straight arms and deep seat cushions, the Beale strikes a relaxed, contemporary note while still feeling elegant enough for more traditional settings. The real strength of this design, however, lies in its modular format. Whether you want a compact two-seater, a generous corner arrangement, or an expansive sofa to span a drawing room wall, the Beale can be configured to suit your space.

Comfort is well considered: the seats are luxuriously deep without being overly soft, offering plenty of support for both sitting upright and lounging. The fixed covers give the sofa a neat, tailored finish, but it is also available in a loose cover design, ideal for those who want flexibility and easier upkeep. Both versions can be customised, with a broad choice of fabrics and colours - including OKA’s classic ikat-style print - as well as different wood finishes for the legs, ensuring the sofa blends seamlessly with your home’s style. I particularly admired the wide selection of neutral weaves, perfect for layering with patterned cushions and throws.

Details such as the tapered wooden legs elevate the design, ensuring it looks as good from across the room as it does when you sink into it. And because each module is crafted with the same attention to proportion, the sofa retains its elegance no matter the configuration.

The Beale is not the cheapest option, but the combination of comfort, adaptability, and timeless good looks make it an investment piece that will evolve with you and your home.

RRPfrom £3,000

Available from OKA

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4. Sofa.com Patrick Sofa

Best chesterfield sofa

• Style: Available in a 97 fabrics and colours, including leather, velvet and linen, in either fitted or loose cover

• Sizes available: Two-seater, two-and-a-half-seater sofa, three-seater

• Seat filling: Feather-wrapped foam

• Guarantee: Lifetime guarantee on frames

• Delivery: Delivered within 6-8 weeks, free delivery over £100

There’s something quietly charming about the Patrick Sofa. Its sculpted back and gently rolled arms hint at classic Chesterfield elegance, yet the overall effect is surprisingly contemporary—measured, balanced, and effortlessly stylish. It’s the kind of sofa that doesn’t demand attention but quietly elevates a room, letting other elements of your décor shine.

True to its bespoke nature, the Patrick can be tailored in everything from soft linens to sumptuous velvets, as well as vintage leather - the option I tested in the Bath store - and paired with wooden legs in finishes that suit your scheme. The options allow it to feel either softly traditional or strikingly modern, depending on your home’s personality.

Sitting on the Patrick, you notice the thoughtful proportion of the bench seat: supportive enough to hold its shape over time, yet inviting enough for long, leisurely afternoons. The arms curve just enough to frame a seated posture comfortably, creating a subtle cocooning effect without feeling restrictive.

It’s an understated luxury, a sofa that balances form and function. Whether placed in a stately living room, a contemporary apartment, or a snug study, the Patrick adapts with ease and is a true timeless statement.

RRPfrom £1,310

Available from Sofa.com

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5. Furniture Village Legend Classic Back Fabric Corner Sofa

Best corner sofa

• Style: Available in 24 colourways in a flat-weave fabric

• Sizes available: Right hand facing, left hand facing

• Seat filling: FoamFlex™ with super-soft foam tops

• Guarantee: 20-year guarantee

• Delivery: Delivered within 5 weeks, £119

During our visit to the Oxfordshire showroom, we spent time on the Legend Classic Back Fabric Corner Sofa and immediately noticed its balance of comfort and style. Its clean lines and low-profile silhouette give it a modern feel, and compared with some of the other sofas we tested, it has a simpler, more understated design, perfect if you want something versatile that won’t dominate a room. The plush cushions and supportive seating make it inviting for lounging, and the included footstool adds flexibility, letting you create a chaise or use it separately depending on your space.

The seat cushions combine a resilient foam core with a soft topper for comfort that holds its shape, while the fibre-filled back cushions provide a softer, more relaxed finish. Polished chrome legs lend a subtle modern sophistication, while the option of light or dark wood legs gives a more traditional feel. The sofa is available in a range of colours, though the selection is somewhat more limited than some fully customisable options.

With hundreds of positive reviews online, it’s clear the Legend is a favourite among buyers for its comfort, style, and versatility. At a budget-friendly price of £1,795, it’s an excellent value for a brand-new corner sofa of this size and quality.

This is a versatile corner sofa that works equally well in contemporary apartments or larger family living rooms.

RRPfrom £1795

Available from Furniture Village

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6. Holloways of Ludlow Darwin Sofa

Best for quiet luxury

• Style: Available in a a choice of three fabrics, ecru boucle, spruce and Atlantic blue

• Sizes available: Armchair, three-seater, four-seater, chaise left, chaise right

• Seat filling: Duck feather

• Guarantee: 20-year guarantee

• Delivery: Delivered within 6-8 weeks, free delivery over £100

The Darwin sofa from Holloways of Ludlow is the epitome of quiet luxury, offering both comfort and refinement in equal measure. With its sleek, pared-back silhouette and generous proportions, it strikes that elusive balance between modern minimalism and timeless elegance, making it equally at home in a contemporary living room or a more traditional sitting room scheme.

Upholstered in a tactile bouclé fabric - or a blue or green velvet if you’d prefer - the Darwin feels indulgent to the touch while adding a subtle layer of texture to a space. The seat has just the right depth for stretching out, with a foam core that provides resilience and support, while the feather-filled back cushion adds a softer, more relaxed finish.

Every element feels carefully considered, from the gently sloping backrest to the understated wooden legs, which give the chaise a graceful lift. It is undoubtedly a luxury option, but one that rewards the investment with its blend of craftsmanship, comfort, and versatility.

RRPfrom £1,670

Available from Holloways of Ludlow

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7. Graham and Green Kasper Sofa

Best mid-century-style sofa

• Style: Available in a a choice of 38 fabrics and colours, including velvet and linen

• Sizes available: Armchair, two-and-a-half-seater, three-seater

• Seat filling: Foam core with a feather wrap

• Guarantee: 10-year guarantee

• Delivery: Handmade to order within 6-8 weeks, with delivery within 7-14 working days once it has been made, £80

Velvet, comfort, and style combine effortlessly in this mid-century inspired sofa. The deep seat cushions, with a foam core wrapped in feathers, strike the perfect balance between support and softness, making it an ideal spot to curl up with a book or sink into on a quiet evening.

The button-back detailing adds a subtle, classic touch, while the sleek lines and low-profile frame keep the design feeling contemporary. The vibrant grass green version is available as a ‘ready to go’ option, while bespoke versions in a wide range of colours and fabrics allow you to create a sofa tailored to your home and style.

Available as a 2.5-seater, 3-seater, and armchair, it fits comfortably in both apartments and larger living rooms. The combination of plush, feather-wrapped cushions and sturdy construction ensures it remains supportive over time.

For those after a luxury sofa that’s both visually striking and supremely comfortable, this velvet beauty delivers deep, snuggly seating with timeless style and versatility for modern interiors.

RRPfrom £2,295

Available from Graham and Green

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FAQs

How to choose the best sofa

Selecting the perfect sofa is about more than just comfort, it’s a key piece that anchors your living space and sets the tone for your home. Consider each element carefully to find a sofa that combines style, practicality, and longevity.

Size

Measure your room before you buy. Think about how your sofa will sit alongside other furniture, and consider whether you want a compact 2-seater, a generous 3-seater, or a corner modular that can fill a larger space. Depth and seat height also affect comfort, so test different styles where possible.

Style

From classic Chesterfields to sleek, mid-century inspired designs, the style of your sofa should complement the existing décor of your room. Look for pieces with timeless silhouettes and subtle detailing that won’t date quickly, yet still reflect your personal taste.

Colour

Your sofa colour can define the mood of a room. Neutral shades offer versatility and longevity, while bold colours or jewel tones can make a striking statement. Consider how your choice will harmonise with walls, rugs, and accessories.

Materials

Fabric and finish are as important as design. Velvet and chenille add tactile luxury, while linen and cotton offer easy-wear practicality. For busy households, performance fabrics or removable covers can help keep your sofa looking fresh for years to come.

As Neptune’s design director Fred Horlock notes, “a common mistake is to choose the fabric in isolation to the rest of the room; it’s easy to buy into a boldly coloured or patterned sofa that looks great on its own and then regret it when it’s in position. Always mood board your space and ensure the colour fabrics work together in balance. If you have a particularly busy room, a brightly coloured sofa may become overpowering.”

By weighing size, style, colour, and materials, you can select a sofa that is not just beautiful, but also a comfortable and enduring centrepiece for your home.

What is the best sofa shape?

Choosing the right sofa shape is as much about how a room feels as it is about how it looks. The shape you select can influence both flow and functionality, so it’s worth taking the time to consider your space and lifestyle.

Straight sofas

A classic straight sofa is versatile and timeless. Ideal for smaller rooms or traditional layouts, it works well against walls and pairs effortlessly with other furniture. Its simplicity allows other elements of the room, such as rugs and artwork, to shine.

Corner sofas

Corner or L-shaped sofas are perfect for larger spaces and open-plan living. They create a cosy, communal seating area and are excellent for entertaining. They also help define zones within a room, making them practical as well as stylish.

Modular sofas

Modular sofas offer ultimate flexibility. Individual sections can be rearranged to suit different occasions, from intimate evenings to larger gatherings. This makes them ideal for evolving living spaces and family homes.

Chaise sofas

Adding a chaise end combines elegance with relaxation. Perfect for stretching out after a long day, a chaise sofa suits both small and large rooms, depending on orientation, and adds a touch of sophistication to the seating arrangement.

Ultimately, the best sofa shape is one that complements your room’s layout, fits your lifestyle, and enhances the flow of the space, while still reflecting your personal style.

What is the best material for a pet-friendly sofa?

Choosing a sofa when you have pets requires a careful balance of practicality and style. Durable, hard-wearing fabrics that can withstand claws, fur, and the occasional spill are essential.

Performance fabrics such as polyester blends, chenille, and tightly woven linens are excellent choices, as they are resistant to wear and easy to clean.

Velvet and other soft, luxurious fabrics can still work, but opt for a sturdier weave and be prepared for regular maintenance. Leather is another practical option, particularly full-grain or aniline hides, which are durable and wipe-clean, while developing a beautiful patina over time.

Interior designer Laura Stephens also recommends considering patterned or textured fabrics for households with pets: “Patterned fabrics are wonderfully forgiving, the busier the better when it comes to disguising stains or everyday wear. Woven textures and small-scale prints hide marks far more effectively than flat, block-coloured fabrics.”

Darker shades or patterned fabrics can help disguise pet hair, and removable covers make laundering far simpler. Ultimately, a pet-friendly sofa is one that combines resilience with comfort and complements your décor, allowing you to enjoy your furniture without compromise.

How long should a quality sofa last?

A well-made sofa is an investment in both comfort and style, and with proper care, it should stand the test of time. Typically, a quality sofa can last 10 to 15 years, and often longer if built with durable materials. Laura advises that “hardwood frames, coil springs, and feather-wrapped cushions all add to the longevity of a piece. Sofas made using traditional construction methods will always outlast mass-produced alternatives.”

Solid hardwood or engineered frames provide the strongest foundation, while cushions that combine resilient foam cores with softer fillings maintain comfort and shape over the years. Upholstery choice also affects longevity: tightly woven fabrics and treated leathers resist wear, while removable covers can extend a sofa’s lifespan by making cleaning and maintenance easier.

Ultimately, a sofa that is thoughtfully designed and well cared for becomes more than furniture, it becomes a familiar and enduring part of your home.

How to clean your sofa

Keeping a sofa looking its best requires a combination of daily care, fabric-specific attention, and prompt action on spills. Magdalena Gierasinska, Head of Product and Displays at Barker and Stonehouse, offers practical advice for everyday upkeep and loose cover sofas:

Daily upkeep: “To keep your sofa looking its very best, make light vacuuming or gentle brushing part of your routine. This helps remove everyday dust and debris before it becomes ingrained. At the same time, plump and smooth your cushions to retain their shape and comfort. A few moments each day can make a world of difference to how fresh and inviting your sofa feels.”

Loose cover care: “If your sofa has loose covers, always follow the manufacturer’s care label closely. Expect a small amount of shrinkage with washing, but for best results replace covers while they’re still slightly damp, as this allows them to settle back into shape without creasing. Avoid putting covers back on while wet, and if ironing is needed, always use a protective damp cloth between the fabric and the iron.”

In addition, Georgina Shepherd, upholstery cleaning expert at Housekeep, shared expert guidance for handling spills and stains safely:

• Food spills: Gently scrape solids, then blot with cold water and a microfibre cloth. Finish with a gentle cleaner appropriate for your fabric.

• Drink spills: Soak up liquid with a paper towel, then blot with cold water or a mild soap solution.

• Ink stains: Blot fabric with rubbing alcohol, testing a hidden area first.

• Water-based paint: Blot wet paint, scrape carefully, then clean with mild soap and water. For dried paint, call a professional.

• Mud: Let it dry, vacuum loose dirt, then spot-clean with soapy water.

• Suncream and oily stains: Blot excess, sprinkle baking soda to absorb oil, vacuum, then gently clean with soap and water.

• Pet dander: Vacuum regularly, ideally with a HEPA-filter vacuum to remove hair and allergens. (Our guide to the best vacuum cleaners for pet hair could be handy here)

By combining daily upkeep, careful attention to fabrics, and targeted stain treatment, you can keep your sofa looking fresh, comfortable, and inviting for years, even in a busy household with pets or children.

How do you arrange cushions on a sofa?

Cushions are a simple way to add both comfort and style to a sofa, but arranging them well can transform the overall look of a room. Start with larger cushions at the back or corners to provide support and frame the seating area.

Layer smaller cushions in front, mixing textures, patterns, and colours to add visual interest and depth. Symmetry works well for a more formal look, while a relaxed, asymmetrical arrangement creates a cosy, lived-in feel.

Laura notes the importance of thoughtful details when it comes to cushions and accessories. “Cushions and bolsters make such a difference. I particularly love using bolsters with ruched ends and button details, placed at the ends of a sofa,” she says. “They immediately elevate the look, punctuating the piece and giving it a tailored, considered feel. Layering cushions in different sizes and fabrics, or adding a throw in a luxurious textile, can also transform even a simple sofa into something special.”

Don’t overcrowd the sofa, allowing space between cushions keeps the design elegant and inviting. Finally, consider your lifestyle: removable covers make cushions practical for homes with pets or children, while carefully chosen fabrics can tie the room together beautifully.