Sofa buying guide
We all love the feeling we get from sinking into our sofa at the end of the day. The duvet day downstairs. Reading on winter mornings. Gazing out of the window. Snuggled up with our loved ones. Watching TV with our families.
Here at Cimmermann we sell sofas that are made to last for a long time and we curate the modern sofas we sell very carefully. With sofas being the ultimate purchase for your home, here’s our advice about how to choose the right one for you.
modern sofas made to last
We sell a range of chaises, contemporary day beds, small sofas, 3 and 4 seat sofas as well as modular and corner sofas. All are products we would buy for our own homes and all are crafted to the highest specification from brands we trust.
chaises
CHAISES & DAY BEDS
Made for reclining, magazine in hand, chaise longues have long been a favourite. We sell iconic designs as well as more contemporary day beds from brands like Vitra and Knoll. click to shop chaises
2, 3 and 4 seat sofas
CONTEMPORARY CLASSICS
A classic sofa for whatever your space. Small and compact, medium, over-sized family sized. Made for lounging, laughing and loving. We show you how to choose what's right for you. click to shop sofas
modular & corner sofas
MADE TO FIT YOUR SPACE
Modular sofas are great if you need flexibility. Ever-popular corner sofas give you the most sofa for your space and we sell your favourites from Hay, Vitra, Carl Hansen and SCP. click to shop modular and corner sofas
what to consider
how much space?
Evaluating the space and light is the best place to start. You want to make the most of your space but you don’t want anything too big or too small.
Measure room dimensions carefully (width, depth, height) before you start browsing. Take into account other furniture, coffee tables, side tables, and walking space. Mark out sofa footprint - a helpful trick: use painter’s tape or newspaper cut-outs on the floor to simulate the sofa’s size. This helps visualise scale and ensure it won’t overwhelm the room.
Also check access, is there the room to get your new sofa through doorways etc. The light is important too - and how it filters naturally into the room at different times of the day, in different seasons.
your needs?
The other main consideration is how many people your sofa needs to seat. What will the room be used for, and how? Will the room be used for any formal situations or is it a family space to chill out on the sofa? Will you need your sofa as an extra spare room when you have visitors? In smaller spaces you can make a room more flexible by using a sofa bed. Do you want to lounge and watch TV? It’s a good idea to have a clear understanding of whether a two-seat sofa, three-seat sofa or four-seat sofa is going to be needed. Will it work with other chairs and the furniture already in the room?
Think about how you’ll use the sofa this influences shape, style, and configuration:
Two-seater - ideal for smaller rooms, bedrooms, reading corners.
Three-seater / standard sofa - good for living rooms, balancing seating capacity with size.
Modular / Corner / Chaise / Sectional - flexible layout, especially for larger spaces or open-plan living. Great if you want to rearrange or expand over time.
Also consider how you sit do you like to lounge depth-first, sit upright, or stretch out? This affects seat depth and cushion type.
comfort matters - seat depth, height and cushion support
Seat Depth & Height - for upright seating or shorter users: a seat depth around 50–56 cm tends to feel balanced, with feet comfortably on the floor.
For lounging, TV watching, or taller users: deeper seats (approx 58–63 cm) give more room to nestle and relax.
Seat height should also suit how you sit and get up
Cushion & Back Support Aim for a balance, not so soft that you sink and lose support, but not so firm that the sofa feels rigid. Foam, down, fibre or a mix all have different feels, so test if possible.
Tip: Always sit, lounge, recline (if possible) if buying online, read reviews about comfort over time. Looks alone don’t guarantee comfort.
how will you use it?
Because the sofas we sell are buy once, buy forever (well almost) its worth thinking about how you might use it in the future - will children, pets etc need taking into account? What other pieces will you choose to complement the sofa in the future?
your style?
We always advise their clients to stay true to your style, not to follow trends because a sofa is a big investment. All the brands we stock make sofas made to last, so it’s worth thinking what feels pleasing and right for you.
Proportion: The sofa should harmonise with room size - a huge sofa in a small flat can dominate, while a tiny sofa in a large room may feel lost.
Style vs lifestyle : A sleek modern sofa might look good but if you want cosy lounging, oversize or deep-seat sofas often feel better. Conversely, a structured sofa fits more formal, neat interiors.
Flexibility: Modular or sectional sofas offer flexibility - handy if you re-arrange layout or move house.
upholstery & material - match lifestyle to fabric
Your home, lifestyle, and use-case should guide fabric choice:
Fabric sofas – offer variety in colour, texture, and warmth. Great for a softer, homely feel.
Higher martindale fabrics – often more resistant to stains, wear, pets or children - practical for busy households.
Leather – timeless, ages beautifully, easy to wipe clean, and develops patina over time, good for a more refined, durable look.
Think about usage (kids, pets, entertaining, maintenance) when choosing upholstery. A beautiful sofa that doesn’t suit your lifestyle can quickly become a problem.
build quality & construction, invest in longevity
Frame materials : Reliable sofas use kiln-dried hardwood or quality plywood rather than particleboard or weak materials. This ensures sturdiness, less sagging, and long life.
Springs/internal support - look for sofas with good internal support quality springing or well-made suspension keeps seat shape over years.
Joinery & build details: frames that are screwed, dowelled, or reinforced at joints fare better than cheaper glued/stapled alternatives.
At Cimmermann, we believe craftsmanship matters quality materials and construction repay themselves in longevity, comfort, and timeless style.
sofas for small spaces
Small but perfectly formed, here are three of our favourites.
HAY arbour
The Arbour, Denmark’s first Nordic Swan Ecolabel sofa, has been designed to meet certain standards that cover sustainable cover usage, disposal and recycling, ensuring it is a lifelong design that limits waste over time. click to shop arbour sofa
&tradition SC3 fly sofa
The seat of the beautiful Fly SC3 Sofa is itself is optimised for comfort, with loose cushions for the back that can be arranged according to the user’s requirements. The Fly SC3 sofa has a beautiful slatted back rest which is made from oak, treated with smoked or white oil. click to shop the fly sofa
fritz hansen alphabet
The Alphabet sofa is artistically inspired by Toy Lego Bricks and was created by designer and architect Piero Lissoni for Fritz Hansen. A playful modular sofa series that invites you to be limitlessly creative, the sofa comes in a wide variety of fabrics. click to shop alphabet sofa
practical & delivery considerations
Access & delivery path: Always check door width, staircases, lift size, hallways many sofas are bulky. Modular or sectional sofas can ease this problem.
Room layout & traffic flow: ensure the sofa placement leaves enough walkway space around it living rooms should feel open and comfortable to move around.
Future-proofing: if you anticipate changes in layout, family, pets, lifestyle think ahead. Modular sofas, removable covers, durable fabrics help.
sofa selection checklist
Before buying, ask yourself:
Have I measured the room, length, depth, height, access points?
Does the sofa’s shape & size suit my living space & lifestyle?
Have I tested or researched comfort: seat depth, cushion support, backrest?
Is the frame and build quality robust?
Does the upholstery match my lifestyle (pets, kids, durability, care)?
Will this sofa age gracefully - visually and structurally?
Can it be delivered to my home through doors, staircases, lifts?
Use this checklist as a guide during your sofa search to ensure you end up with a piece you’ll love for years.
FAQS
What should I consider first when choosing a new sofa?
Start with your room size and layout. Measure the available space, doorways and access routes, then think about how you use the room lounging, entertaining, family time or reading. This helps determine the right sofa size, shape and style for your home.
How do I know what sofa size will fit my space?
Measure the width, depth and height of the area where the sofa will sit. Use tape or paper on the floor to visualise the footprint. Remember to leave enough room for circulation, side tables and walking space. Always check door and hallway measurements for delivery access.
What is the ideal seat depth for a comfortable sofa?
The perfect seat depth depends on how you like to sit: 50–56 cm suits upright sitting and smaller spaces. 58–63+ cm is ideal for lounging, relaxing or for taller users. Choosing the right depth ensures your sofa remains comfortable for everyday use.
How do I choose between a two-seater, three-seater or modular sofa?
Small rooms benefit from a two-seater or compact three-seater, while larger spaces can accommodate a spacious three-seater, chaise or modular design. Modular sofas offer the most flexibility — great for open-plan living or changing layouts.
What’s the difference between firm and soft sofa cushions?
Soft cushions feel relaxed and enveloping but may require regular plumping.
Firmer cushions offer more support and hold their shape for longer. A blend of foam and feather/fibre provides the best balance of comfort and longevity.
Which upholstery material is best for my lifestyle?
Fabric: soft, inviting, available in a wide range of colours and textures.
Performance fabrics: durable and stain-resistant — ideal for family homes.
Leather: timeless, easy to clean and develops a beautiful patina over time. Choose based on how you live pets, children, entertaining and maintenance preferences all matter.
What makes a sofa high quality?
A well-made sofa has a solid hardwood frame, strong joinery, supportive suspension and carefully constructed cushions. Quality craftsmanship ensures comfort, shape retention and a sofa that lasts for longer.
How do I make sure the sofa will fit through my doors and hallways?
Measure every access point - door widths, hallways, staircases and turning angles. Compare these with the sofa’s boxed or assembled dimensions. Modular sofas are a good alternative if access is tight.
What style of sofa suits modern homes?
Clean lines, slim arms and modular silhouettes work beautifully in contemporary spaces. For a softer look, consider rounded shapes and deep cushions. Choose a style that complements your existing furniture and the architecture of your home.
Is investing in a premium sofa worth it?
Yes. A well-crafted sofa offers durability, lasting comfort and timeless design, reducing the need for frequent replacements. It becomes a long-term investment piece that anchors your living space beautifully.
how to care for your new sofa
Once your new sofa arrives, keeping it looking and feeling its best will help it stay beautiful for years to come. Below are general care tips to support long-lasting comfort and quality. For specific guidance, always refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Caring for Fabric Sofas
Fabric sofas bring warmth and texture into your home, and with simple routine care they’ll stay fresh for longer. Avoid direct sunlight and heat: Prolonged exposure can fade natural fabrics such as cotton, linen and wool blends. Try to position your sofa away from strong sunlight or use blinds/curtains during bright periods.
Clean regularly: Gently vacuum or brush your sofa once a week to prevent dust build-up and to keep the fabric’s colour and texture at its best.
Treat spills quickly: Most fabrics can be spot-cleaned with a soft, damp cloth. Dab rather than rub to avoid pushing the stain deeper into the fibres. Extra care for delicate materials: Pure wool and other sensitive fabrics may require specialist cleaning always check the care label before treating marks.
Caring for Leather Sofas
Leather sofas age beautifully when looked after well. With regular care, the natural patina will only become richer over time.
Dust weekly: Wipe your leather sofa with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust and maintain its natural sheen. Deal with spills gently: Use a clean, slightly damp cloth to absorb liquid avoid rubbing, and don’t use excessive water as this may stain or mark the surface. Remove light scratches: Buff very gently with a soft, damp cloth to help minimise appearance.
Protect from heat and sunlight: Leather can dry out, fade or crack if placed too close to radiators or bright windows. Keep your sofa at least 30cm away from direct heat sources.
