The hunt for the perfect sofa is on.
When it comes to revamping your interiors, choosing the model that will sit pride of place in your living room is one of the most important purchases that you’ll make. It’s also one of the most expensive, so choose wisely.
A generous arrangement that can house family and friends will be the luxe setting for your hosting duties, but it needs to also be a cosy and inviting space for lazy weekend lounging. Whether you are deciding on a model for living spaces or cinema rooms, the often contradicting elements of style and comfort must come together in harmony and elevate your seating plan without compromising on your carefully curated design scheme. There must be a sink-in quality but still look smart.
Much like the rest of the interior design world, sofas are also subject to trends where designers are constantly revamping traditional silhouettes with innovative and inventive creations turning traditional shapes, materials and finishes on their head.
Right now, the sofa market is dominated by contemporary, midcentury and sculptural shapes, where the latter sees the prominance of distinctive and elegant curved silhouettes that have an organic, fluid feel and the seemingly miraculous ability to expand your space. For a timeless design, look for traditional rectangular silhouttes that balance support, depth and clean lines that give both classic and contemporary appeal. While these shapes are on the other end of the spectrum of design, what unites the two styles is their cocoon-like comfort and their endless potential for sitting, slouching and snoozing.
Sofas are typically the focal point of the room and you can play into this by going down the path of rich, jewel tones that are impactful, adventurous and will show just how one piece of furniture can make all the difference. Forest greens, deep blues and burnt orange provide a pop of colour yet in a way that is warming and grounding.
If, on the other hand, you want an understated presence, earthy or muted colour palettes bring a calming, relaxing feel. Boucle is still as popular as ever and combines a pared-back colourway with texture to give intrigue.
Many of the models that have made our edit of luxury sofas can be adapted with configurations to fit perfectly within any room and offer the choice of different fabrics like luxe velvet, hard-wearing leather or cosy cotton.
See below for the best luxury sofas - just finish with decorative scatter cushions.
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Ligne Roset Togo Large Settee
The Ligne Roset Togo sofa has become an icon of midcentury modern design. Said to be inspired by a tube of toothpaste, it was designed in 1973 by Michel Ducaroy and to this day is handsewn in the French village of Briord.
The Togo is defined by its curved shape, pleats and alcantara fabric - a textile renowned for its durability. It has the often contradicting ability to be extremely comfortably with a cloud-like five layers of foam, while also acting a centrepiece statement oozing with 70s flair.
The sofa comes in a rainbow array of colours that harks back to the ‘Me’ decade as well as pared-back hues that give it a modern twist. The piece is defined by its legless style and its ability to be paired with others in the collection where each becomes a modular piece - there’s even a footstool.
Buy now £3598.00, Heal’s
Vivienne Modular Corner Sofa, Boucle Natural
You don’t need to be a member of the legendary clubs to admire its interiors. Whether you’ve caught a glimpse on social media or as a guest in one of their many establishments around the world, it’s hard not to take inspiration from the carefully curated spaces of the Soho Group. The interiors are impeccable where tradition meets contemporary with a clash of modern art, pops of colour and eclectic pieces that sit seamlessly side by side.
It’s not a neutral style yet this boucle sofa comes in a natural hue that makes it easy to slip into your interior scheme, leaving the pops of jewel colour that the houses are famous for with an array of soft furnishings. You’ll spot this very sofa in the poolside bar on the eighth floor at White City House where the wrap around back, pleated stitch detailing and cylindrical legs make for a soft modern design that will stand the test of time.
Buy now £7575.00, Soho Home
Bibendum 3-Seater Sofa With Arms in White
Each member of the family will have their designated seats with this sofa that makes the distinction between each of the spaces very definitive. The Bibendum Sofa is available only at The Conran Shop and takes its name and inspiration from the Michelin Man. As such, it’s plump, stacked with cosy cushions and plays on different shapes - from the modular designs, to the arm rests and via the base. The design screams 60s but remains a fresh and timeless style.
Buy now £14910.00, The Conran Shop
Barker and Stonehouse Margot Boucle 3 Seater Sofa Ivory
The soft curvature of this sofa gives an organic feel to the space where the ethereal vibe is only cranked up a notch by the soft boucle fabric and white colour palette. It does come in two darker shades; mink and dark grey, which may be better suited to those prone to spillages or red wine enthusiasts, but there’s just something about the bright white tone that has a way of expanding its surroudnings, making it feel larger and opening up the possibilties for other furniture and detailing that can be paired with it. A blank canvas but somehow striking at the same time.
Buy now £999.00, Barker and Stonehouse
Jasper Sofa - Modern Chaise Sofa
Calling for you to spend lazy Sunday afternoons napping, snuggling or binge watching, the Jasper sofa has sumptuous sink-right-in appeal. The beauty of this model is its customisation. You can adapt the configuration, fabric and colours to suit your space, while retaining the sleek clean lines that makes this modern design so sought-after. The plush sofas are filled with feather-wrapped cushions with ample elbow room and depth to truly lay back in comfort.
Buy now £3718.00, Love Your Home
Eichholtz York Sofa
While it may be the Bibendum sofa above that cites the Michelin Man as an inspiration, we can’t help but feel like the Eichholtz York Sofa got the memo too. It’s an Art Deco style that has crossed decades, trends and changing preferences as an enduring furniture piece that will fit in as seamlessly in today’s homes as it would have back in the 1930s. Note the soft curvaceous form, opulent gold toned feet and horizonal lines.
Buy now £3375.00, Olivia’s
Jonathan Adler Ether Cloud Settee
You’ll be on cloud nine, lounging on this striking sofa. Few do playful interiors better than Jonathan Adler. The brand is a masterclass on how to put the fun into furniture, while balancing on the fine line of kitsch and stylish. It’s a low sofa design that is heaven-like both in its cloud silhouette and in the plush enveloping construction. The icing on the cake of this luxe piece is the brass stiletto legs.
Buy now £4150.00, Jonathan Adler
John Lewis Lozenge Grand 5 Seater LHF Chaise End Sofa, Metal Leg, Twisted Boucle Putty
While you will find sofa silhouettes, fabrics and sizes to suit all preferences at John Lewis, it’s the Lozenge that we think will bring the luxury to your living room. Its circular take on a chaise end brings something different and out of the ordinary to your space, while accentuating a spacious room with an organic style that has a soft, inviting feel.
Buy now £1999.00, John Lewis
Raft Furniture Manhattan Sofa with Chaise
The Manhattan is one of the most popular models available at Raft Furniture and just one glance will show you why. It’s a traditional, classic silhouette that has room for the whole family to snuggle up. Whether you choose to go for the chaise or the chaise-less configuration, it’s a roomy sofa that has extra support for marathon long TV sessions to remain in comfort throughout. This is only heightened by the plush fabrics, deep seats and extended, padded arms.
Buy now £2466.20, Raft Furniture
Darlings of Chelsea Roslin Range
There is just something endlessly sophisticated about a leather sofa, especially when it’s a Chesterfield. The traditional yet durable style will elevate your living room or home office, providing a piece that live on for years to come - and only get better with age.
The Darlings of Chelsea Roslin is covered with a distressed vintage look and punctuated with stud detailing throughout - including on the curved arms. To complete the timeless aesthetic, the sofa is finished with oak feet. Much like the entirety of the brand’s offering, the Roslin has been handmade by expert craftspeople right here in the UK and is made up of premium fabrics.
Buy now £30520.00, Darlings of Chelsea
Swoon Editions Kallas Three-seater Sofa
Barbiecore has reached the interiors space and for a sofa that wouldn’t look out of place in the legendary doll’s Dreamhouse, look to this plush piece from Swoon. The soft pastel hue makes it less of trend-led style and instead offers something you’ll cherish. There’s a premium feel throughout the construction, from the welcoming cushions where you’ll feel right at home, to the combination of birch and steel legs that will keep it sturdy and durable.
Love the classic sleek lines of this modern design but not the colourway? Fear not, it comes a seemingly infinite combination of colours and fabrics so you’re not limited to the sumptuous velvet and can instead choose between linen, cord, boucle, weave, leather or wool.
Buy now £1759.00, Swoon
