Julia’s Favourite Sofas: Top Picks for Style, Comfort and Quality
Photo Credit: CB2
Disclosure: This post contains recommended products, including sofas from various brands and retailers. Some links may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. These commissions help fund this blog, allowing me to continue sharing expert interior design recommendations, insights, and inspiration. Thank you for your support!
Why Your Sofa Choice Matters
Your sofa is the heart of your living space. Whether you’re curling up with a book, entertaining guests, or binge-watching your favorite series, your sofa plays a key role in both comfort and aesthetics. A well-chosen sofa can define the style of your room, improve functionality, and even impact the way you experience your home on a daily basis.
But with countless options on the market, choosing the right sofa can be overwhelming. Do you go for a classic, high-end investment piece or an affordable trend-forward option? Should you prioritize durability, comfort, or style? As an interior designer, I’ve spent years selecting sofas for clients, balancing design, quality, and practicality. In this guide, I’ll share my top sofa recommendations, helping you find the perfect fit for your home.
What to Look for in the Perfect Sofa
Before diving into my top picks, let’s explore what makes a great sofa and how the right choice can enhance your space.
1. Your Sofa Should Fit the Space Perfectly
A well-proportioned sofa anchors the room, creating balance and flow. It should complement the layout without overwhelming the space or feeling lost in it.
Advice: Before purchasing, carefully measure your space and consider how your sofa interacts with the surrounding furniture. Look for options that maximize seating without compromising walkways. My recommendations include a variety of sizes to accommodate different room dimensions, like the Ambroise 80" Light Taupe Velvet Sofa by CB2, which offers deep seating while maintaining a compact footprint ideal for smaller living rooms.
2. Your Sofa Should Be Comfortable and Functional
Your sofa is where you relax, host guests, and spend quality time, so comfort is key. The right level of firmness, seat depth, and back support can make all the difference.
Advice: If you love to lounge, look for sofas with deep seats and plush cushions, like the Zeyda 6-Piece Corduroy Sectional by Everly Quinn, which features a cloud-like down blend for ultimate relaxation. If you prefer structured support, opt for a firm, ergonomic design considering features like reclining seats, chaise extensions, or performance fabrics for added practicality.
3. Your Sofa Should Complement Your Aesthetic
Your sofa is one of the most visually dominant pieces in your home, setting the tone for the entire room’s design. A carefully chosen sofa enhances your style rather than clashing with it.
Advice: Choose a sofa that aligns with your overall decor - whether that’s modern, classic, mid-century, or casual and cozy. For example, the Custom "Channel Sectional" Sofa Chaise by West Coast Modern LA is a sleek, mid-century modern option with metal legs and clean lines, while the Boucle Upholstered Curved Sofa by Orren Ellis brings a more contemporary, clean-lined elegance blending contemporary shapes and materials with formal sitting. Consider fabric choices, color schemes, and silhouettes that blend seamlessly with your design vision.
4. Your Sofa Should Be Built to Last
A quality sofa is an investment that should stand the test of time, offering durability, resilience, and easy maintenance.
Advice: Look for sofas with solid hardwood frames, high-density foam or down-filled cushions, and durable upholstery fabrics that resist wear and tear. A well-constructed sofa won’t just look good - it will continue to provide comfort and support for years to come. The Porter Sectional Sofa by Rove Concepts, for instance, features a kiln-dried hardwood frame and high-resilience cushions, and deep, supportive cushions designed for all-day relaxation.
Why Investing in a Quality Sofa is Worth It
A sofa is one of the most-used pieces of furniture in your home. Investing in a high-quality sofa means better comfort, durability, and long-term value. While budget-friendly options may seem appealing, they often wear out quickly, requiring frequent replacements. A well-made sofa, on the other hand, can last for years and even decades, making it a smarter financial choice over time.
Here are a few reasons why investing in a quality sofa is a smart decision:
Better Comfort: Higher-end sofas use premium foam, down-filled cushions, and ergonomic designs for superior comfort.
Longer Lifespan: A sturdy frame, high-quality fabric, and expert craftsmanship mean your sofa will stand the test of time. The Abisko 113” L-Shaped Sectional Sofa by Article is made with performance fabric, ensuring it resists stains and fading even in high-traffic homes.
Timeless Style: Investing in a well-designed sofa ensures your space looks sophisticated and put-together, regardless of changing trends. The Fabienne Sofa by Lulu & Georgia is a versatile piece that can transition seamlessly through different decor styles.
Higher Resale Value: If you ever decide to upgrade, a well-maintained, high-quality sofa retains much more of its resale value compared to cheaper alternatives.
Now, let’s dive into my top sofa recommendations that balance style, comfort, and longevity.
My Top Sofa Recommendations:
1. Fabienne Sofa by Lulu & Georgia
Perfect for transitional spaces, this sofa’s clean lines and deep cushions offer the best of both style and comfort. All the colour options in this collection are on point, and I like this in Blue Modern Velvet colour the most.
2. Ambroise 80" Light Taupe Velvet Sofa by CB2
Designed for smaller spaces, this compact yet stylish sofa doesn’t compromise on comfort. I like this in the Nova Velvet Fabric, colour: Dawn. It also comes in a longer 104” length.
3. Porter Sectional Sofa by Rove Concepts
A luxurious, high-end choice with a hardwood frame and high-density foam cushions. This sofa is also offered in numerous variations to fit your space.
4. Boucle Upholstered Curved Sofa by Orren Ellis
A sleek and formal, high-end curved shape to soften a space that supports an intimate gathering space.
5. Abisko 113” L-Shaped Sectional Sofa by Article
A cozy, family-friendly option with stain-resistant performance fabric and plush seating.
6. 3-Piece Velvet Sectional by Everly Quinn
A timeless tufted design that brings elegance to both traditional and modern interiors.
7. Custom "Channel Sectional" Sofa Chaise by West Coast Modern LA
A mid-century inspired sofa that works beautifully in contemporary settings.
8. Cornering Sofa on Antique Castors by Lee Industries
A bold statement piece with rich upholstery and a striking silhouette.
BONUS: Zeyda 6-Piece Corduroy Sectional by Everly Quinn
An oversized cozy, family-friendly option with stain-resistant performance fabric and plush seating. This sofa comes in 3 great Neutral colours and its modular design allows for ultimate flexibility.
Zeyda 6-Piece Corduroy Sectional by Everly Quinn
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right sofa is one of the most important design decisions you’ll make for your home. A well-selected sofa enhances comfort, defines your space, and serves as a long-term investment in both style and quality. By considering size, comfort, durability, and aesthetics, you can find a sofa that not only looks stunning but also meets your practical needs.
I appreciate you taking the time to read this guide! I hope it has helped you narrow down your choices. When you’re ready to invest in a high-quality sofa that suits your lifestyle, check out my top recommendations above.
For tips on how to order a sectional sofa and ensure you avoid making this costly mistake, read my related blog here.
“I believe that if you are true to expressing yourself, coupled with the right amount of discipline and routine, your space can reflect your personality, and you can turn your home into your haven.”
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Image Credits
The images used in this post are sourced from the respective brands and retailers to showcase the recommended sofas. I appreciate these companies for their high-quality visuals and product designs. Below are the image credits for each sofa featured:
Fabienne Sofa – Image courtesy of Lulu & Georgia
Ambroise 80" Light Taupe Velvet Sofa – Image courtesy of CB2
Porter Sectional Sofa – Image courtesy of Rove Concepts
Boucle Upholstered Curved Sofa – Image courtesy of Orren Ellis
Abisko 113” L-Shaped Sectional Sofa – Image courtesy of Article
3-Piece Velvet Sectional – Image courtesy of Everly Quinn
Custom "Channel Sectional" Sofa Chaise – Image courtesy of West Coast Modern LA
Cornering Sofa on Antique Castors – Image courtesy of Lee Industries
Zeyda 6-Piece Corduroy Sectional – Image courtesy of Everly Quinn