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  • Buying Guide - Size

Buying Guide - Size

An important consideration when choosing a sofa is the size. Any choice you are going to make will depend on the size of your room and how many people need to be seated at any one time. To benefit from the style, quality, comfort and value for money of your final selection, you need to make sure it will also fit into your room, so please take time to properly measure up.
Discover Cousins Bespoke

If you've got a seating dilemma, we have the solution. Cousins Bespoke is a quality personal service provided by our own workshops, where everything is hand made in the West Midlands for you.

Our Bespoke service will help you design your sofa, corner group or chair to your personal style, measurements and comfort preferences. Standard ranges shown in our stores and on our website can be ordered as specified, or easily customised to suit your home.

Visit a Bespoke studio in-store

Visit your local Cousins Furniture showroom today, and take your time browsing through our upholstery department to experience sofas and chairs which you can individually tailor to your own personal comfort, measurements, and style.

One of our experienced upholstery experts will offer you a personal service. Enjoy a quality, bespoke sofa in your home for years to come.

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Accessibility

When buying a sofa, it’s important to consider not just style and comfort, but also how it will fit into your home. Measuring your space and planning for access ensures a smooth delivery and prevents any last-minute surprises. From doorways and hallways to stairs, lifts, and alternative routes, understanding the logistics helps your new sofa arrive safely and be positioned exactly where you want it. This guide outlines key considerations and tips to make the process as easy as possible.

Split or Modular Sofas: Some sofas can be made with a split frame or bolt-on arms for easier delivery and assembly, ideal for larger sofas or bespoke designs.

Placement & Care: Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fabric fading, and keep sofas away from heat sources like radiators or open fires to protect the frame. Leave at least 20–30 cm from heat sources.

Access Considerations:
Doorways & Hallways: Measure width, height, and any obstacles to ensure the sofa can pass through. The narrowest point should be wider than the sofa’s height.
Stairways: Measure width, ceiling height, and landing space. Remove or consider handrails and low fixtures if needed.
Lifts: Check height, width, and depth to ensure the sofa fits.
Alternative Routes: Side or back doors, patio doors, or even window access may be options for larger pieces.

Delivery Day: Delivery teams will carefully position your sofa in the chosen room, complete minor assembly, attach feet, and remove packaging for recycling. Recliner sofas may have removable backs or secured mechanisms to aid access.

Tip: Planning your route and measuring all access points beforehand ensures a smooth delivery, especially for large, modular, or recliner sofas.

Now that we’ve decided on the perfect size combination for our living space, what about one of the most important considerations? Let’s look at comfort.


Now that we’ve decided on the perfect size combination for our living space, what about one of the most important considerations?

Let’s look at comfort

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. A pillow back sofa uses loose, removable cushions that create a softer, more relaxed feel and can be adjusted for personalised comfort.

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. By fitting neatly into a corner, they can often provide more seating than traditional sofas without taking up too much extra floor space.

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. Similar to a corner sofa but typically smaller, it’s ideal for relaxing, watching TV, or lounging while still offering the functionality of a standard sofa. 

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. Some operate manually, while others use electric controls. Many models also include features like headrest adjustments, USB ports, or adjustable lumbar support.

Q. Are recliner sofas good for back support?

A.

Typically yes. Recliner sofas are designed with comfort and support in mind. Their adjustable positions can help reduce pressure on the back and legs, further features such as adjustable headrests can prodivde extra comfort and support.

Q. When should I choose a sofa bed?

A.

A sofa bed is ideal if you need a multifunctional piece of furniture. It provides everyday seating while easily converting into a bed when needed, making it perfect for guest rooms, small homes, or studio apartments.

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. For example, corner sofas can maximise seating capacity vs floor space, sofa beds add functionality, and fixed back or standard back sofas offer a more structured look than a pillow back sofa. Still unsure? Come in to one of our stores and our experienced sofa specialists will be able to guide you further.

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. Common types include pouffes, benches, and ottomans, available in various sizes, fabrics, leathers, and colours to complement your sofa and décor.

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

A.

A storage footstool combines comfort with practicality. In addition to functioning as a footrest or extra seat, it includes hidden storage to keep blankets, magazines, or everyday clutter neatly organised—ideal for smaller living spaces.

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. Its generous size makes it perfect for providing both style and functionality.

Q. Do footstools come in different shapes and sizes?

A.

Yes absolutely. Footstools come in a range of shapes—including square, rectangular, round, and pouffe-style—and sizes to suit different needs, room layouts, and décor styles.