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  • Buying Guide - Comfort

Buying Guide - Comfort

When finding your ideal comfort, everyone has different aspirations and needs. It’s a bit like shopping for a mattress.

Do you want something soft that you’ll sink into, a firmer more supportive comfort or something in between?

The best advice is to try them out in person to find your preferred comfort. But here’s some advice that should help you on your way.

Our Sofas and Chairs Comfort Levels

Soft

A sofa with a soft comfort level is characterized by a plush, sink-in, "cloud-like" feel that is ideal for lounging and a relaxed atmosphere, though it typically requires more maintenance and offers less structured support than firmer options.

Medium

A medium comfort level in sofas offers the ideal balance between soft sink-in comfort and firm support, providing enough give for relaxation but enough structure for good posture, preventing slouching and making it easier to get up. Ideal for everyday lounging and support without being too hard or too plush.

Firm

A firm sofa offers supportive, upright seating with minimal sinking, promoting good posture and durability, ideal for those needing support or wanting a structured look. Often achieved with high-density foam or inner springs that resist sagging and hold their shape longer than softer, plusher options, firmer cushions may need breaking in but provide stability for extended sitting.


Seat Cushion Fillings

The interiors and fillings used in the cushions on your furniture have a great deal of influence on both its comfort and look. They also require differing degrees of maintenance, so choosing the right filling is key to achieving the feel and care level that suits your lifestyle.

Foam

Foam interiors are the most supportive and resilient, requiring the lowest maintenance. They give a uniform appearance, recover well after being sat on, and are ideal if you prefer a neater, more structured look with consistent comfort.

Fibre

Fibre fillings give a medium to soft level of comfort and must be plumped daily to maintain their comfort and appearance. Made of synthetic fibres, they create a more casual, inviting look with a relaxed feel.

Feather

Feather is the most traditional form of seat filling and requires the highest maintenance. These interiors sit a lot softer and have the lowest resilience, so they are often best suited to back cushions, pillows, and scatter cushions where a relaxed, sink-in feel is desired.

Mixed

Mixed interiors combine materials like foam, fibre, and feathers to offer the best of different worlds: a supportive foam core for structure, wrapped in softer fibre or feathers for plush comfort. This provides balance, durability, and reduced maintenance compared to single-material fillings, creating a popular, versatile seating option.


Springs & Suspension

Extra Comfort Features

Extra comfort features in sofas include elements like padded armrests, cushioned seats, recliners, or adjustable headrests, designed to enhance relaxation and support for everyday lounging. They can also feature things such as USB charging ports on recliner sofas, cup holders and entertainment units such as wireless charging and bluetooth speaker connections.

Power Recliners

Use an electric motor for smooth adjustments. Ideal for those seeking convenience and precision. Power recliners are controlled by a subtle button, either on a pad or located on the side of the chair or sofa, allowing you to adjust to virtually infinite positions for optimal, personalised comfort. These recliners tend to require a position near a power source.

Manual Recliners

Operated by a lever or handle and a push-back mechanism, these are budget-friendly and simple to use. Since they don't require access to a power source, you can position your recliner chair or sofa wherever you prefer. While manual recliners are often more budget-friendly, they may not be ideal for individuals with mobility challenges or limited strength.

Enhanced Support

Enhanced support in sofas refers to features like firmer cushions, reinforced frames, high backs, or ergonomic designs that provide better posture, comfort, and durability—ideal for everyday use or for those who prefer extra back and seat support.

High Backs

High back sofas feature taller backrests that provide extra support for your upper back, neck, and shoulders. They're ideal for enhanced comfort, especially when lounging for long periods, and can suit both traditional and contemporary interiors while adding a sense of presence to a room.

Lumbar Support

Sofas with lumbar support provide extra lower-back comfort, helping to maintain good posture while sitting. Often seen in recliner sofas, they are popular for adding enhanced support and relaxation, making them ideal for everyday use or long periods of lounging while combining ergonomic benefits with style.

Headrests

Drop Down Headrests

These wide headrests span the entire seat of the sofa or chair. They can be lowered to create a sleek, low-profile silhouette or raised when high-back support is desired, making them an excellent option for those seeking versatility.

Ratchet Headrests

Manually operated, ratchet headrests offer a range of adjustable positions for tailored support.

Power Headrests

Similar to power recliners, power headrests adjust effortlessly and smoothly at the touch of a button, ensuring the perfect position for your comfort.


Once you’ve selected your ideal sofas and chairs, you want to know that it will last and give you many years of enjoyable relaxation.

Discover our construction page for peace of mind, helping you to buy with confidence.

FAQ

Q. What’s the difference between a standard back and a pillow back sofa?

A. A standard back sofa has fixed, structured back cushions that match the seat cushions, giving it a more formal and supportive look.

Q. Is a corner sofa suitable for small living rooms?

A. Typically, yes. Corner sofas are designed to maximise seating capacity while making efficient use of the space in your room.

Q. What are the benefits of a chaise sofa?

A. A chaise sofa features an extended seat that provides extra seating, or allows you to stretch out comfortably.

Q. How do recliner sofas work?

A. Recliner sofas include built-in mechanisms that allow the backrest to tilt and the footrest to extend for extra comfort.

Q. Are recliner sofas good for back support?

A. Typically yes. Recliner sofas are designed with comfort and support in mind.

Q. When should I choose a sofa bed?

A. A sofa bed is ideal if you need a multifunctional piece of furniture.

Q. How do I choose the right sofa style for my living space?

A. When choosing a sofa, consider the size of your room, desired amount of seating, and how you plan to use the sofa.

Q. What is a standard footstool?

A. A standard footstool provides a comfortable place to rest your feet and can also offer extra seating when needed.

Q. How is a storage footstool different from a standard footstool?

A. A storage footstool combines comfort with practicality.

Q. What is a banquette footstool?

A. A banquette footstool is a larger, often longer footstool that can double as extra seating, or even a low table.

Q. Do footstools come in different shapes and sizes?

A. Yes absolutely. Footstools come in a range of shapes—