Buying a new sofa or armchair is a big decision and a significant investment, so it's important to get it right. Whether you're wondering about fabric or leather, or extra features such as recliners, this guide will help you find beatiful new upholstery you'll love.
Deciding on the look and colour you want, and what style elements appeal to you will help you to narrow down your choices and find your perfect sofa.
Think about the style of your home and your decor. You don't always have to match the look of your sofa or chair to your interior exactly. A classic, lavishly buttoned Chesterfield sofa can create a point of interest in an otherwise modern room. Equally, a sleek swivel chair can add a splash of modern style in a relaxed, classic interior.
Remember that most of our sofa and chair styles are available in both fabric and leather, and once you've chosen your fabric type or leather grade you then have a choice of colours and patterns. You can create your own bestpoke sofa, but without the usual bespoke price tag.
The contemporary or modern look lends itself to modern apartments and homes. The furniture is simply yet beatifully designed with straight or curved lines. Modern sofas and chairs are central to striking, minimalist decor but also fit beatifully into relaxed and casual interiors.
At Furniture Village we have a wide choice of contemporary sofas, chairs and footstools, from sleed Italian designed premium leather sofas with drop-down headrests to comfy fabric sofas with straight lines and wide arms.
You'll find button back sofas and chairs with tapered legs influenced by Scandinavian design and you'll even find mid-century modern inspired pieces with sweeping curves and spindle backs.
View modern sofas
The traditional sofa or chair suits both classic and modern homes. In the traditional home, it blends seamlessly with period features while in the modern home it is a counterpoint to modern decor, adding character and interest.
The style celebrates traditional and timeless features as wing backs, scroll arms and buttoned backs. And many of these features have practical reasons behind them. A wing back protects you from draughts, buttoned upholstery has a springier feel and a scroll arm is just the right shape to rest your arm against.
Chesterfield sofas and Chesterfield style chairs have rolled arms the same height as the backs, signature deep button tuffing and often a nail-head trim. This style looks beautifull in a traditional interior and adds a signature vintage touch to a modern interior.
View traditional sofas
Choosing colours
Some people always choose a neutral colour such as beige or stone, so that even if they change their decor their sofa or chair will still fit in to the new scheme. Others prefer a bolder shade, making the seating the focal point of the room - and there's an argument that stronger, darker colours or patterns are less likely to show marks or stains.
Most of our sofas, chairs and footstools came in a wide choice of accent patterns. You can choose to have your sofa upholstered in an accent pattern, or you might save the accent pattern for an armchair or footstool.
Pillow backs
In pillow back sofas, multiple back cushions are separated from the back of the sofa, allowing more movement when you're sitting on them and letting you turn and arrange the cushions to keep them plump. If you love sinking into comfort, choose a pillow back sofa.
Classic backs
These sofas or chair feature either a tightly-upholstered back with a much firmer and more traditional look and feel, or a back consisting of fitted cushions that can be turned and plumped, usually one back cushion per seat cushion. Buttoned-back sofas and chairs fall under this category. Many people like to choose a classic back sofa, then add scatter cushions for extra comfort.
High backs
High backed sofas and chairs offer great support for those with back problems. Many have inbuilt lumbar cushioning and adjustable headrests.
Low backs
Low backs create a modern silhouette, and low backed sofas and chairs can create a feeling of more space in a room. If you like low backed style but occasionally need high backed support you can choose a soda or chair with drop down headrests.
Wing backs
The wing back is a traditional style for an armchair. This look is very much back in style and popular for an occasional or accent chair.
Button backs
Buttoning is a popular style detail, with stitching through fabric and the layers of filling or padding beneath pulled and secured with a button. It creates a classic look but can also feature in contemporary designs. If you love designer style, button back sofas and chairs are right on trend.
Turned legs or feet
These are wooden legs or feet that are turned, so they are perfectly rounded. Bun feet fall under this category and add plenty of character.
Tapered legs
These are longer legs that are turned but also tapered. This style is very common in Scandinavian design. A fashionable choice.
Moulded feet
These are shaped, round or square feet that elevate and provide support for larger sofas. Moulded feet can be simple shapes or more ornate, carved and sculpted designs for an antique look.
Sabre feet
These are wide, wooden legs with a sharp profile - like a sabre, or sword - that suit all types of living space.
Removable feet
At Furniture Village, many of our sofas and chairs have removable feet. This makes them easier to get into your house and move from room to room.
Glides
Some sofas are without feet - their bases are simply lined with fabric - which gives an elegant 'floating' appearance for those who like their details to be pared-back. Instead of feet these sofas may have glides which allow you to move the sofa or chair safely and smoothly, without damaging flooring.
Castors
Castor wheels are a classic finishing touch to sofas and chairs and suit most floor types thanks to their protective casting. Their rotation of 360 degrees makes it easy to rearange living room furniture.
Scroll arms
Inspired by traditional antique furniture, this style features either high or low arms with a classic rolled shape, ideal for vintage and heritage-style rooms.
Square arms
A perfect resting place for a remote control, the square arm has a modern and clean shape that suits contemporary homes. Some square arms are extra wide, making a strong style statement.
Flared arms
Defined by sweeping curves, a flare arm makes a statement and is perfect for fans of clean lines and modern looks.
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