The Ultimate Sofa Buying Guide

How to Choose the Right Leather, Fabric or Corner Sofa for Your Home

Buying a new sofa is a big decision. It’s one of the most-used pieces of furniture in your home, and it needs to suit your space, your lifestyle, and how you actually live day to day.

This guide is designed to help homeowners choose the right sofa with confidence, whether you’re furnishing a small cottage lounge, a modern family home, or a large open-plan space. From layout and sizing to materials and comfort, it covers the practical decisions that make all the difference in everyday living.

From choosing the right size and layout to deciding between fabric sofas or leather sofas, this sofa buying guide covers the key things to consider before you buy.

At Progressive Furnishings in Forest Town, we know that a sofa isn’t just furniture – it’s the heart of your living space. With so many sizes, shapes, and materials to choose from, finding the perfect one can feel daunting. That’s why we’ve created this ultimate sofa buying guide to help you make the right choice for your lifestyle, space, and comfort.

Quality Furniture Built to Last

Many customers are tired of replacing sofas every few years when cheaper options begin to lose their shape, comfort, or finish. Cushions that sink, fabric that wears thin, and frames that creak too soon often turn a supposed saving into a costly mistake.

At Progressive Furnishings, our sofas are made to a higher standard. Each piece is crafted from premium materials, with sturdy frames, quality cushioning, and durable upholstery designed to maintain its comfort and appearance for years to come. It’s furniture that not only looks beautiful but truly stands the test of time – a genuine investment in lasting quality and comfort.

We will now go through the key points to help choose your new sofa, chairs, corner sofa or suite

Start With Space (Including Access)

Space is the most important factor when choosing a sofa. Not just where it will sit in your living room, but how it will get there.

Before falling in love with a particular design, think about:

• Doorways and hallways
• Tight corners or staircases
• Ceiling height and turns
• Access into the room itself
• Space to fully recline
• Access around the room, can you walk around the room easily to get to everything you need

Sofa dimensions are always listed on our product pages, including width and depth. These measurements are essential when planning your layout.

A simple and effective tip is to create a paper or cardboard template of the sofa at full size and place it on the floor. This shows exactly how much space it will take up and whether it blocks walkways or doorways.

Also remember height. A sofa may fit the footprint but still feel overpowering if the back is too tall for the room.

The two images below give an example of how to measure your space for a corner or a two seater. Ensure you have sufficient space to move around the room and access other pieces of furniture such as the cabinet shown.

Many of our leather sofas feature removable backs, making delivery and manoeuvring much easier. If you’re unsure about access, take a photo and some measurements and speak to us before ordering. Visiting the showroom also allows us to advise properly. The image below is to give an idea of what to measure to make sure your new sofa fits. All our sofas have exact measurements on each product.

Positioning Your Sofa in the Room

The traditional idea of a matching three-piece suite pushed neatly against the walls is largely a thing of the past. Today, sofas and chairs are usually chosen as individual pieces, allowing you to create a layout that suits both your space and your lifestyle.

A sofa doesn’t always need to sit against a wall. Leaving space behind it can:

• Make a room feel wider
• Improve movement and flow
• Create better visual balance

In larger rooms, positioning a sofa away from the wall helps define the seating area and makes the space feel considered rather than simply filled.

The key is comfort, flow, and proportions that work for your family.

Open-Plan Living and Room Dividers

In open-plan homes, a larger sofa or corner group works extremely well as a natural divider between the dining area and the lounge. Positioning the back of the sofa towards the dining space helps zone the room without blocking light or disrupting flow.

A console table placed behind the sofa provides a practical surface for lamps, flowers, or decorative pieces, while reinforcing the separation between areas. The large Kensington Recliner with Jumbo cushions shown below is perfect for large open plan spaces.

Corner Sofas in All Types of Spaces

Corner sofas are far more versatile than many people realise and can work just as well in smaller rooms as they do in large open-plan homes.

Compact corner sofas, often equivalent in size to a two- or three-seater, fit neatly into a corner and make excellent use of space. They provide generous seating without dominating the room and are ideal for smaller lounges where maximising seating matters.

Larger corner sofas, on the other hand, are perfect for spacious rooms and open-plan layouts. They create a strong focal point, offer plenty of room for family and guests, and help define the living area within a larger space. The large corner below is from the Chessington range which includes various size of corners and traditional two, three seaters and chairs.

Because corner sofas come in a variety of configurations, they offer flexibility that standard sofas cannot. Choosing the right size and shape ensures the sofa works with the room rather than overpowering it.

Corner sofas are far more versatile than many people realise and can work just as well in smaller rooms as they do in large open-plan homes.

Compact corner sofas, often equivalent in size to a two- or three-seater, fit neatly into a corner and make excellent use of space. They provide generous seating without dominating the room and are ideal for smaller lounges where maximising seating matters.

Larger corner sofas, on the other hand, are perfect for spacious rooms and open-plan layouts. They create a strong focal point, offer plenty of room for family and guests, and help define the living area within a larger space. The large corner below is frm the Chessington range which includes various size of corners and traditional two, three seaters and chairs.

Because corner sofas come in a variety of configurations, they offer flexibility that standard sofas cannot. Choosing the right size and shape ensures the sofa works with the room rather than overpowering it.

Chairs & Sofas for Smaller Spaces

Chairs are an excellent solution for smaller rooms or awkward spaces where a full sofa would feel too dominant. A compact armchair provides comfortable seating without overwhelming the room and can be moved easily when needed. Smaller sofas such as the Emily range are also ideal as they a\re smaller than most of our leather reclining range.

Facing Sofas for Conversation

In wider rooms, sofas can also be positioned facing each other or at an angle to each other to create a more sociable, conversational layout. This works particularly well around a coffee table and helps create a balanced, welcoming seating area. The Luxor range in Stone shown below with its paler stone leather finish softens the overall feel, helping the suite sit comfortably in light, modern spaces and making the room feel more open and relaxed.

Sofa Beds

Perfect for guest rooms or multipurpose spaces, a sofa bed combines comfort with practicality. Modern designs fold out effortlessly and are surprisingly supportive, making them ideal for occasional overnight stays without compromising on everyday use. Below is the Serenity Sofa Bed showing how easy it is to go from day to night. Perfect for overnight guests.

Choosing the Right Seating Combination

Your room size will largely dictate whether you opt for two-seaters, three-seaters, corner sofas, chairs, or a combination of all three.

Think about how the room is used. A main lounge may need generous seating for relaxing, while a bedroom, snug, or home office might suit a single chair or compact sofa.

Consider:

• How many people use the room daily
• Whether family members prefer their own seat
• How much space you like to stretch out

Many sofa ranges offer different seat sizes and configurations, allowing comfort levels to be tailored to the space.

Choosing the Right Style for Your Home

Style isn’t just about how a sofa looks on its own, but how it works with the proportions and character of your home.

Traditional homes and cottages often suit softer shapes and more compact proportions, while larger, open-plan spaces can comfortably accommodate bolder designs and more generous seating.

The key is choosing a sofa that complements both the scale of the room and how you want the space to feel.

Fabric or Leather Sofas: Which Is Right for You?

Choosing between fabric and leather is often one of the biggest decisions when buying a sofa. There’s no right or wrong option, only what works best for your home and lifestyle. Both fabric and leather sofas are available across a wide range of sizes and configurations, so your choice doesn’t limit layout or comfort, only the look and feel of the finished room.

Leather Sofas

Leather sofas are known for their durability, timeless appearance, and ease of care. A high-quality leather sofa can look better with age, developing character rather than wearing out.

Our leather sofas are made using thick, high-grade semi-aniline leather, chosen for its natural look, strength, and suitability for everyday use.

Leather sofas are a good choice if you:

• Want a long-lasting sofa that holds its shape
• Prefer a structured, refined look
• Need a surface that’s easy to wipe clean
• Want a low-maintenance option for busy homes

Here are just a few of our favourite leather sofas. They are available in various sizes and colours. Colours shown on our website are usually available for delivery within just 5 to 10 days. Other colours can be made to order with a longer lead time.

To learn more about our Leather sofas, see our previous Blog, Leather Sofa Collection.

Over time, leather softens and relaxes rather than sagging, making it a strong long-term investment.

Fabric Sofas

Fabric sofas offer warmth, softness and real flexibility in both comfort and design. With a wide choice of colours, textures and finishes available, fabric makes it easy to tailor your sofa to your décor, whether you prefer something neutral and calming or more characterful and expressive.

Many of our fabric sofas are available in a wide range of made-to-order upholstery options, allowing you to choose the fabric that best suits your space, lifestyle and colour scheme. Fabric upholstery also lends itself well to different sofa styles, from supportive standard backs to relaxed scatter-back designs that create a softer, more informal look. Many ranges are also available with recliner options, combining a cosy feel with practical everyday comfort.

Modern upholstery fabrics are designed to be hard-wearing as well as comfortable, making them a practical choice for busy family homes when cared for properly.

Here are a few of our favourite fabric sofas including the latest reclining ranges, the Branson Kansas, the Richmond, the Saunders Ash, Marella Olive and Sorrento.

Recliner Sofas: Comfort With Added Health Benefits

Recliner sofas are often chosen for comfort, but they also offer practical wellbeing benefits.

By allowing you to raise your feet and support your back properly, a recliner can help improve circulation, particularly in the legs. Elevating the feet may reduce pressure on joints and help ease discomfort after long periods of standing or sitting.

The adjustable backrest supports a more natural sitting position, helping reduce strain on the lower back and shoulders.

Modern electric recliners allow precise adjustment, making them suitable for all ages and ideal for everyday relaxation.

Corners

Design Details That Make a Difference

When choosing your new sofa, it’s often the smaller design elements that make the biggest impact on comfort, appearance, and practicality. From arm shapes to cushion fillings, each feature adds its own character and functionality.

Arms – The arm design sets the tone for your sofa’s overall style. Choose for a wide, cushioned arm such as the Richmond or Highgrove for a relaxed and inviting look, or choose a classic scroll arm like the Madrid for a timeless, traditional feel. If you prefer to maximise seating space, a slim arm design such as the Venetian provides a more streamlined appearance and extra room to stretch out.

Backs – Sofa backs range from loose cushion styles that create a relaxed, informal feel to structured designs such as buttoned backs, often associated with traditional looks.

Many leather sofas feature supportive padded or reclining backs, providing comfort and structure for longer periods of sitting.

Seat Height – Seat height can make a real difference to day-to-day comfort. Lower seats encourage lounging but can be more difficult for some people to rise from, while higher seats offer better support and ease of movement.

Feet – Feet are both a practical and visual consideration. Castors make sofas easier to move for cleaning or access, while wooden feet suit more traditional interiors. Chrome or metal feet offer a clean, contemporary finish.

Cushions – The filling determines how your sofa feels and performs over time. Many of our leather designs feature pocket-sprung seat cushions that retain their shape and support, ideal for those who value long-term comfort and durability. Softer foam-filled cushions provide a more relaxed feel and are perfect if you prefer a cosier, sink-in seat.– The filling determines how your sofa feels and performs over time. Many of our leather designs feature pocket-sprung seat cushions that retain their shape and support, ideal for those who value long-term comfort and durability. Softer foam-filled cushions provide a more relaxed feel and are perfect if you prefer a cosier, sink-in seat.

Cushions and Support

Cushion construction plays a major role in how a sofa feels to sit on and how it performs over time.

Pocket sprung seat cushions provide structured, long-term support and help retain shape, making them ideal for everyday use and durability. Recliners have Pocket Sprung Seats.

Foam-filled cushions offer a softer, more relaxed sit and are perfect if you prefer a cosier, sink-in feel. Higher-density foams provide better long-term support. Non reclining fabric sofas tend to haver foam cushions.

Because comfort is highly personal, trying different cushion types in-store remains the best way to find what feels right for you. When you visit our showrom, ask our friendly helpful team about the sofa cushions and backs and well help you choose the best sofa for your home and fmaily life.

Delivery and Installation: Exceptional Service for Your Convenience

Unlike many retailers, we go beyond simply delivering your furniture to the door. Our dedicated and friendly team will deliver your new sofa or suite directly into your chosen room, ensuring everything is positioned exactly where you want it.

We will then carefully install your furniture, including fitting sofa backs where required, so it is ready to use straight away. All packaging and protective materials are removed, and any rubbish is taken away, leaving your home clean and tidy.

All you need to do is sit back, relax, and start enjoying your new sofa. Our delivery and installation service is designed to make the entire process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Choosing a sofa is much easier when you can see proportions, feel materials, and try different seating options in person. Visiting the showroom allows you to compare styles side by side and get advice tailored to your space.

Opening Hours

We are open Tuesday to Saturday from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm and are closed Sunday and Monday.

If you are visiting us to look at a specific piece of furniture and want to be sure we have it on display, just give us a call before travelling and we can check what we have in stock for you.

Our team look forward to welcoming you to our showroom soon.

See our Contact Page for details on how to find us.

Call us: 01623 620620

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