Sofas- who to avoid- and has anyone bought from J Lewis lately?

[SwingingPonytail]

Help!

I've been looking for sofas for ages and am stuck.

The issue is that so few companies have real stores with ALL the models.
I was looking at Swoon, Barker and Stonehouse , M&S and even cheaper stores like Dunelm, but no models I'm interested in to sit on.

I like the style of Jl Clover and Otley.
I've sat on those but Clover is too firm and Otley is so deep I can't get out of it.

I quite like Jl 'Sloane' and that gets mixed reviews.

This is a big purchase- had my current sofa for over 20 years and it's still okay-ish (just a bit dated and the seat cushions are a bit soft. I've had them replaced once.)

No FW Homes- never heard of them.

Thanks for the other tips.

Have you looked at sofas in Next, not the obvious place to think of. My husband and I have bought sofas from there twice now (lived in our house since 2007).

First time we were looking before we moved in we tried the”usual suspects” for sofas, & they were just so uncomfortable. We went to Next and found them to be comfy.

We just went straight to Next the next time we were sofa shopping.

I honestly spend months looking at sofas. I wanted quite a traditional style for our period house. In the end we went with Laura Ashley at Next. The Next home store in Braehead (Glasgow) has a lot on display so we were able to try it. I've been delighted with them.

@SwingingPonytail thank you for this thread - I’m looking for arm chairs and tried about 10 in the John Lewis at Westfield Stratford. I felt like Goldilocks as none was just right.

Thank you to posters who suggested Next as I have been planning to try them out too.

I’m also looking at sofas at the moment and no way am I buying anything without sitting on it . We have shortlisted one so far in a local furniture shop where we sat on all the sofas and only really liked one enough to shortlist which proves to me that buying just on look and reviews would be an expensive mistake .

This is who makes Next (and M & S) sofas, you can buy direct for less:

https://www.westbridgefurniturestoke.co.uk/sofas

In addition to my previous post just to clarify my sofas are the Next brand. I have just looked at the website, and they now stock other brands.

We got our last one ex display from scs, it’s leather and v v comfy. Only had it two years so can’t comment on the durability.
I’m short and struggle with sofas and the assistant there really gave me good advice as to the ones to avoid. He also advised a high back with good lumbar support for my husband’s neck issues. We had gone in to look at one particular sofa we had seen advertised and that was so uncomfortable it was untrue. This one is nothing like what I’d pick on paper and on first glance seems a little old fashioned but everyone who comes to visit comments on how comfy it is. A relative in his 30s says he’s going for comfort over style next time he likes it so much

We brought a John Lewis sofa blind as couldn't find anywhere to sit on it.

It's comfortable but the fabric is rubbish, it's gone bobbly really quickly. Have 'shaved' the whole thing with a de-bobbler machine several times but it's a persistent issue.

I don't think I'd order again and it's definitely not going to last 25 years!

Have a look at Arlo and Jacob. Yet to find one if their sofas that isn't comfy. They also have a great selection of fabrics and you can have any sofa in any fabric - which gives you loads of options.

We got our new sofa last autumn from DFS - had to wait a few months but absolutely love it - it's an L shaped Orka in navy blue velvet. Very comfortable; firm but enough squish; backs don't sag or need pluffing.

www.dfs.co.uk/orka-velvet/rok1zcse6?skuId=4854913

Avoid M & S. Ours looked years old after just a few months and there's very little wear and tear with just the two of us. They sent someone to inspect it but they wouldn't take any responsibility. Will never buy furniture from them again.

It feels like searching for hens teeth trying to find a large, leather, corner sofa. Watching with interest.

That is good to know, I have been looking for a new sofa for ages and had a browse on their website and liked the look of them. Am following this thread with interest as it seems that getting a new sofa is a real minefield

We also have the JL Barbican like a couple of PPs. So comfy. Absolutely love it.

Love Sofa.com Bluebell

I got mine from adventures in furniture and absolutely think they're the bees knees.

So much choice, fabric and quality workmanship.

I’m sure there are higher end places to go but both my mum and myself have sofas from Next and have been really happy with them.

We spent ££££ buying a sofa from Loaf but it's so uncomfortable and the frame is really flimsy and shaky.

It sounds like they wouldn't be your preferred style OP but this is another vote for JL Draper and Barbican, we've got one of each.

I was going to say avoid Sofa Workshop at all costs but it looks like it no longer exists.

Don't go for a Next sofa - have just bought one and not impressed! Darts's sink in the middle .

Seats not darts !

I have to say, I wouldn't recommend a sofa from Loaf! Ours are beautiful BUT need constant plumping (I know you didn't ask about Loaf but just worth mentioning!)

I’ve got two M&S Abbey sofas and an L shaped sofa bed - also m&s. The quality is brilliant. I’ve had the abbey sofas for just under 20 years and they are still going strong. The sofa bed is only a couple of years and is also very well made. I have other furniture from m&s (dining furniture and a coffee table). Again, all very nicely made.

hello! Which style of sofa did you get from DOC? Thanks :)