FAQ: How do you choose the right bank for you?
Size and versatility
Start by choosing the type of sofa that best suits your needs. There are five main types: two-seater, three-seater, corner and modular sofas, plus sofa beds (and you can read my recent tried-and-true guide to the best sofa beds here). The first two are self-explanatory – they can sit two or three people. Corner sofas have an L-shaped design, which is convenient for families who need to squeeze extra people into a small space.
According to the Telegraph’s design and interiors editor Jessica Doyle, which can be rearranged to suit your space, modular sofas are quickly becoming more popular. “Barker & Stonehouse have seen sales of modular sofas increase by 83% in the past two years,” she says. “People are using them to create multi-purpose living spaces and to organize open-plan rooms.”kingliving.co.uk).
To shape
“Rounded shapes are a huge trend,” says Doyle. “Curved backs and crescent-shaped benches soften a room and are good for conversation.” This is echoed by Charlotte Thomason, a bank buyer at John Lewis which, as a result of increasing interest, is launching a new curved crème bouclé sofa. MADE.com is another good port of call for affordable trendy sofas. They have several curved and crescent-shaped options.
Sustainability versus cost
If you’re looking for something a little more traditional, it’s worth investing in a sofa that will last. “People are investing in a well-designed sofa that they will keep for years,” says Doyle, “rather than a five-year emergency sofa that ends up in the landfill.”
For an investment piece, Doyle recommends: Lorford, whose traditional upholstered sofas are handmade in their Cotswolds studio. “You can choose the style, exact measurements and fabric you want. They’re expensive, but built to last a lifetime.”
Clothing fabric
Durable, stain-resistant fabrics may be the best choice if your sofa will receive a lot of wear and tear from children, pets or spills. The usual sofa fabrics that require less attention are linen, leather or polyester. “Leather has always been a popular choice for those with families and pets; it’s easy to clean and really durable, so it will stand the test of time,” says Thomason. “Bouclé and more textured fabrics are also becoming increasingly popular with our customers.”
If you have more freedom, you can opt for velvet, wool or cotton, all of which require a little more care. “Velvet is still very popular, especially in strong colors, and patterned fabrics are also on the rise, especially stripes and florals,” says Doyle. “They’re more practical because they help hide tracks.”