Buying first sofa - which shop is good?

[GizmoIsSoFluffy]

I'm half a century old and need to buy my first sofa.

I've heard horror stories about sofas being poorly made.

Can anyone recommend, or not recommend, any high street shops which sells half decent sofas/chairs.

Thank you

What style are you looking for?

Not DFS! We had an absolute nightmare with them a couple of years ago, and judging by what I read online at the time, we weren’t the only ones. Ended up buying some lovely items from a local furniture shop.

Ikea

Next

Depends on how much you want to spend.

If you want new, there’s Ikea, Oakfurnitureland, Next, M&S, if they’re still doing furniture, DFS. We’ve had a couple from DFS and they’ve been fine. Had one from M&S and from Next and both have been good. Otherwise, local independents are worth a look.

Habitat (via Argos). You are taking a chance as you can't sit on them before you buy, but the reviews on that site can be brutally honest!

Ikea or Next have been great for us.

Our previous sofa was from John Lewis and I adored it. I still miss it.

Thank you all. Looking for a 3 seater and a recliner chair.
Will start to nose around; hadn't thought of next.

IKEA with washable coveres

M&S no longer do larger pieces of furniture. I think it's worth seeing if there's anything from a good brand available on eBay in your area. Some people seem to replace sofas frequently and there are bargains to be had. Also check any local charity shops that sell furniture.

https://www.kingliving.co.uk/?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22508921689&gclid=CjwKCAjw6ZTCBhBOEiwAqfwJd8TyPxBC3R8xElC3jLy1nwJ7hO7ic7qi81oDXLvsrwPM9Dtz-Xo8tBoCMagQAvD_BwE

I have sofas from Sofa.com and Loaf. I can't fault either for customer service and quality.

We have just got new sofas from oak furniture land, and are really happy with them. (The Selby sofas in charcoal if anyone is interested)

I’ve never had an issue with DFS but I’ve only bought sofas I’ve seen in person and actually sat on. I was laying on them in the show room because I love a sofa nap and it needed to be just right.

partner just bought from SCS again seen it in person and sat on it to confirm it’s comfy and what he wanted.

ive seen stories of people buying online and not getting the colour/material they thought of it wasn’t comfy etc etc.
for such a big purchase I’d always want to try before I bought.

I’ve bought 2 recliner sofas and a recliner chair from Lee Longlands over the years and they have been really comfortable and well made.

Ikea are brilliant and are extremely durable given the price
i I had an Ektorp sofa which I'd bought second hand 9 years ago. I passed it onto my DS who will be its third owner!
They sell extra covers so you can change colours according to seasons or if you redecorate.

I would never buy another sofa from Next.

Ikea Poang chairs are Fantastic!
Again I bought 2 on FB marketplace which were pristine. So well constructed and again you can replace covers
They also do a rocking chair version
No idea of brand of my recliner as it was provided by my OT
Sounds weird but have a look at disability sites like Manage at home, Careco. They're often cheaper than buying from a furniture store.

After 25 years and 4 sofas we have finally splashed out on two Parker Knolls. Gorgeous.

Whatever shops are closest to you don't buy one online without sitting on it some sofas no matter how great they look are awful

As you might realise I'm on a tight budget but have bought kitchen/ lounge/ bedroom furniture, butchers block trolley, coffee table, small sideboard and bedside cabinet... All from Oak Furniture land/ Ikea for£180 delivered to me.

Ikea all the way, well built and easy to keep clean. There's a good reason why millions of Ektorp sofas have been sold.

I remember a thread awhile ago where mumsnets gave good advice. Where ever you buy from, the sofa will be hard and needs wearing in / sitting on regularly before it softens up so don't be disappointed if it arrives feeling hard and uncomfortable.

I’m sitting on an 11 year old DFS sofa and it is great. So comfortable enough to sleep in as I did just that the other day!