Pillow back vs formal back sofa

[Ally147]

Its been 13 years since I last bought a sofa & Im struggling to make a decision

Does anyone have any feedback regarding pillowback sofas? Ie are you constantly having to faff about/rearrange the pillows

We are looking to buy a new sofa & I prefer the look of the pillowback in the style we are looking at, but am concerned it will be a pain & look messy!

Also any feedback/advice re fibre filled cushions versus foam.

Photos attached for eg

Don’t do it, absolute pain in the arse.

Mine are pillow backs and they are fine.

I had a pillow back sofa once and didn’t like it. You end up getting inbetween the cushions when getting comfy and they move around too much. Then you are leaning on the hard back of the sofa rather than cushions. Every time I wanted to sit down or get back up I had to rearrange the cushions.
Bought a new sofa last year with a normal back and it’s sooooo much better.

Don’t get a pillow back, you’ll spend your life fixing them. I now have a fixed back with big cushions - so much better.

Hated my pillow back. As pp said, you sink in between them, they look crap unless zhoozhed and by other people's children, mine knew better they'd end up being chucked about during play dates. Hated it.

DS has moved into a furnished flat for the next 5 years.
He hates the pillow back sofa so much he’s asked if he can replace it with something of similar value at his own expense.

I used to have one and spent my life plumping up the cushions which drove me mad

Hate our pillow back - never again,

Refilled the cushions several times

Always messy and being moved around

Pillow back looks gorgeous until you sit on it then it just drives you mad!

They are a faff and never look as good as they do in the show room.

I would also not recommend a pillow back. I found them uncomfortable and not very supportive, actually gave my DH (who is quite tall) back ache.

The pillow back will look messy easily.

Formal back only for me

Thanks all, almost unanimous for formal back!