How to Choose the Perfect Sofa for Your Living Room

Discover how to choose the perfect sofa for your living room at Reynolds Furniture

When it comes to transforming your living space, few investments are as important or as rewarding as choosing the perfect sofa. Whether you’re updating your home’s look or moving into a new place, the right sofa can bring comfort, character, and functionality to your room.

At Reynolds Furniture, we understand that finding "the one" isn’t just about style. It's about how a sofa fits your life. So whether you’re searching for a modern recliner, a timeless Chesterfield, or the best sofa for back support, we’re here to help you make a confident and comfortable choice.

Think About Your Lifestyle

Start by thinking about how your living room is used. Is it a space for entertaining guests, relaxing with the family, or curling up with a book after a long day? The answer will influence the shape, size, and material of your ideal sofa.

• Families might prefer larger corner sofas, or a three-seater with durable fabric upholstery. These can be complemented with accent chairs that can help a living room be practical and styling.
• Entertainers could benefit from a modular design that seats more guests like the Melina Whitemeadow Modular Sofa Range.
• Comfort seekers should explore recliners or high-back sofas, such as the supportive and elegant designs by Parker Knoll, Stressless, or Sherborne. For added comfort and style, consider pairing your recliner or sofa with coordinating arm chairs for a cohesive and inviting seating arrangement.

If you’re someone who experiences back discomfort, prioritising ergonomic design is key. For the best sofa for back support, look for high-quality cushioning, structured backs, and supportive seating.

Measure Your Space (and Measure Again)

A common mistake when shopping for a new sofa is choosing one that’s either too large or too small for the space. Before committing to that beautiful Chesterfield or luxurious recliner, it’s essential to measure your room accurately. This includes not just the available floor space, but also the width of doorways, hallways, and even staircases to ensure smooth delivery and hassle-free installation.

If you're browsing online and searching for phrases like best sofa for small living room, ideal sofa size for apartments, or how to fit a corner sofa in a small space, you’re not alone. These are some of the most common queries we receive at Reynolds Furniture.

Ask yourself:

• Will it fit proportionally in the room without making the space feel cramped?
• Could a space-saving design like a compact two-seater or slimline L-shaped sofa work better?
• Is there enough room to walk around the sofa comfortably and access other furniture?
• If you’re choosing a recliner, be sure to factor in the additional space needed behind and in front of the sofa to allow it to fully recline without obstruction. You’ll typically need at least 10 to 14 inches of clearance behind a recliner sofa to ensure it can fully extend without hitting the wall, and around 24 to 36 inches in front for footrest extension and comfortable movement.

Don't forget to check the height too, particularly if you're placing the sofa under a window or in front of a radiator. Consider sofas with lower backs or more compact arms if you’re working with a tighter footprint.

Taking these measurements seriously will help ensure you find the best fitting sofa for your living room layout, whether it’s an open-plan lounge or a snug space in need of clever furniture choices.

Choose Your Style

Style matters, and your sofa should reflect both your personality and your home’s interior. Luckily, our range at Reynolds Furniture in Bognor Regis makes it easy to find the perfect match.

Love Timeless Design?

A Chesterfield Sofa is the ultimate classic. With its deep buttoned back, high arms, and luxurious finish, it adds an elegant touch to both modern and traditional homes. For those looking to purchase a timeless Chesterfield, we stock a range of beautiful options in leather and fabric finishes.

Prefer Contemporary Comfort?

Sleek, stylish and supportive, Stressless recliners, like the Anna range are designed to deliver a unique level of comfort through expert engineering and ergonomic design. Their modern aesthetic fits beautifully into contemporary living spaces, while the advanced reclining features provide exceptional support, especially for those looking to ease tension and improve posture during everyday use.

Want a Statement Piece?

Consider bold colours, velvet textures, or unique silhouettes. Or go for a Parker Knoll sofa, where heritage craftsmanship meets modern design. Parker Knoll sofas combine traditional craftsmanship with contemporary style, offering a wide selection of high-quality designs that bring both comfort and timeless appeal to your living space.

Pick the Right Upholstery

The material you choose affects not only the sofa’s look, but also how it performs over time.

Fabric Sofas

Ideal for families or those who want more colour and pattern options. Choose stain-resistant or washable fabrics for easy care, especially in busy households. Fabrics with a tighter weave or treated finishes can be more resistant to spills and everyday wear. For added peace of mind, consider adding a Staingard protection plan, which helps guard against accidental spills and stains. If you're unsure which fabric will suit your needs, our in-store team can guide you through the best options based on your lifestyle and explain how Staingard cover can help extend the life of your new sofa.

Leather Sofas

Classic, elegant, and built to stand the test of time. Leather sofas are a popular choice for busy households thanks to their durability and ease of cleaning. Over time, they develop a rich patina that adds to their character. Many leather options are also resistant to spills and scuffs, making them ideal for homes with children or pets.

At Reynolds Furniture, we offer both in a range of finishes, including soft velvets, textured weaves, and buttery leathers. To help you make the right choice, we invite you to visit our Bognor Regis showroom in West Sussex, where you can view and feel the full selection of fabric and leather samples in person. 

Think About Features and Function

Your sofa can do more than just look good.

• Need hidden storage? Consider pairing your sofa with an ottoman-style footstool that complements your chosen design. These versatile pieces not only add extra comfort and style to your living room but also provide a convenient place to rest your feet or even use as additional seating when needed.
• Want a seat that supports long Netflix nights? Explore manual or power recliners from brand such as Stressless, Parker Knoll or come and visit us and see our Highgate Recliner range in store.
• Looking for flexibility? Modular sofas let you move sections around depending on your space or needs. Check out our Arianne Love Corner Module for a sofa, with flexibility and style. 

If you work from home or enjoy daytime naps, don’t underestimate the comfort of a high-back recliner with proper lumbar support. Many customers come to us looking for the best sofa for back support and we always recommend trying a few in-store to find your perfect fit.

Consider Your Budget and Finance Options

Quality sofas are an investment but that doesn’t mean they’re out of reach. At Reynolds Furniture, we offer interest-free credit on purchases over £1,000 (with a 25% deposit), payable over a maximum of 10 months. It’s a popular choice for customers who want to enjoy their dream sofa now while spreading the cost comfortably.

Try Before You Buy

Sofas are personal. What looks good online might feel too firm in person, or a colour you love on screen might look different in natural light. That’s why we always recommend visiting our showroom in Bognor Regis. Conveniently located on the high street, our store spans four floors, offering an extensive selection of high-quality furniture for every room. It’s the perfect place to see, touch and compare sofa styles, fabrics and finishes in person. 

Come in, take your time, and explore our collection across four spacious floors. Our friendly, knowledgeable team is always on hand to offer advice, answer your questions, and help you find a sofa that suits your home, comfort needs, and personal style. Whether you’re just starting your search or ready to decide, we’re here to make the process easy and enjoyable.

Finding the perfect sofa takes time but with the right guidance and inspiration, it becomes an enjoyable part of creating your dream home. Whether you’re after comfort, back support, elegant style or everyday practicality, there’s a sofa waiting for you at Reynolds.

Come and see us in-store or browse our collections online to discover sofas that blend form, function and beauty.

 

---

---

Posted by Freya Reynolds
31st March 2025

Back to news