Best sofas and armchairs, compared

Why we rank it this way

Our default rating weights value for money and specification equally, then safety certification and how widely the product is stocked across retailers.

Weights: priceVsBand 30% · spec 30% · safetyCert 20% · availabilityBreadth 20% — full method on how we rank.

FAQs

How do I know a sofa will fit through the door?

Measure the narrowest point of the route — door width, hallway turns and stair returns — against the sofa's depth and diagonal height, not just its length. Modular and knock-down designs pass where a fixed frame won't; listings state packed dimensions where the retailer provides them.

Fabric or leather?

Fabric is warmer to sit on, cheaper and comes in more colours, but absorbs spills unless treated. Leather wipes clean and ages well at a higher price; 'faux' and 'bonded' leather cost far less and typically peel within a few years of heavy use.

What does the fire-safety label mean?

UK upholstery must meet the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations — look for the permanent label on any sofa sold here. It's a legal requirement, not a premium feature, so its absence on a listing is worth questioning.