Sofas Guide

The living room can often feel like the heart of your home and, at the heart of the living room, lies the sofa. It’s estimated that we spend up to 17 years of our life on the sofa, so knowing what to look for when buying a sofa will come to be a great investment for your home.

A sofa is one of the most-used pieces of furniture in the home, so it’s worth choosing carefully. These FAQs cover everything from sofa sizes, materials, delivery, care and more, helping you find the perfect sofa for you and your home.

With so many options when it comes to size, material, style and finish, how do you know how to buy a sofa that will last? So you choose the right sofa for you, we chatted to some of our expert store managers about the most common sofa buying questions.

Don’t forget you can call our friendly customer service team who’ll be happy to walk you through any of your trickier queries. Ring today on 0333 400 2254.

Shop our sofas.

Sofa FAQs

  • Choosing a sofa

    How do I choose the right sofa?

    There are lots of things to consider before buying a new sofa. Think about the size of your room, how many people you’d like to seat, and whether your sofa will be used for everyday lounging, family time, hosting guests or for a more compact space.

    It’s also worth considering which material, shape, and comfort features will suit your home best. Fabric and leather sofas offer different styles and have different care needs. Corner sofas, modular sofas, recliners and sofa beds also have their own benefits and features depending on the space you’re working with.

    The sections below cover your options in more detail, including how to measure your space, material types, practical features and matching furniture.

    What types of sofas does Oak Furnitureland sell?

    Oak Furnitureland offers a wide range of sofas and living room seating, including:

  • Sofa sizes, dimensions and measurements

    What size sofa should I buy?

    You can choose from 2 seater sofas, 3 seater sofas and 4 seater sofas sofas in our range, while our modular sofas can seat up to 8.

    The right sofa size depends on your room layout, the number of seats you need and whether the sofa can be delivered into your home. Before choosing a sofa, check the product dimensions on the product page and measure the space where it will sit.

    Make sure there is enough room to move around the sofa, open doors, and use nearby furniture comfortably. Our handy “Will it Fit” guide has everything you need to measure up correctly, and for our modular designs, discover our sofa builder to create your own design to suit your space.

    You should also measure the full delivery route into your home, including:

    • Doorways
    • Hallways
    • Stairs
    • Landings
    • Lifts
    • Tight corners
    • Any other key access points
  • If you need to turn the sofa through a hallway, stairwell or landing, remember to factor in the sofa’s length and depth, not just the width of your front door.

    For smaller living rooms, you do not always need one large sofa. You could create a more flexible seating arrangement with a smaller sofa, loveseat, armchair, or accent chair. This can help you add comfortable seating without overcrowding the room.

    What should I measure before buying a sofa bed?

    If you’re buying a sofa bed, measure it both as a sofa and as a fully extended bed. This helps you check that there is enough space to open the bed mechanism comfortably and move around the room when the bed is in use.

    You should also measure the full delivery route into your room of choice, including doorways, stairs, hallways, landings and lifts, as sofa beds can be heavier and deeper than standard sofas. Our handy “Will it Fit” guide has everything you need to measure up correctly.

    What should I measure before buying a recliner sofa?

    Before buying a recliner sofa, measure the space where it will sit and make sure there is enough room for the seats to fully recline. Recliners usually need extra clearance behind and in front of the sofa, so check the product dimensions carefully and compare them with your room layout before you buy.

    If you’re choosing an electric recliner, think about where your plug sockets are too, as the sofa will need to be positioned close enough to a power source for the reclining mechanism to work safely and comfortably.

    Check out our “Will it Fit” guide guide to help you measure up easily.

    How do I know if a sofa will fit through my door?

    Check the sofa’s packaged dimensions on the relevant product page and compare them with the narrowest points on your delivery route. This should include your front door, internal doors, hallways, staircases, landings and any lift access.

    If there are tight turns, low ceilings, or narrow staircases, check whether the sofa can be angled safely through the space. It’s also worth removing obstacles and furniture before delivery.

    Our “Will it Fit” guide will give you all the advice for sizing up the sofa delivery space available.

  • What materials are Oak Furnitureland sofas available in?

    Fabric and leather sofas

    Oak Furnitureland sofas are available in fabric and leather upholstery. Fabric sofas are available in a range of plain and textured styles, while leather sofas offer a classic look and are available in a variety of colours, depending on the collection.

    When choosing between fabric and leather, think about the look you want, how you use your living room, and how much maintenance you want to do. Fabric sofas can create a soft and cosy feel, while leather sofas are durable, easy to wipe down and develop character over time.

    Are Oak Furnitureland leather sofas real leather?

    Oak Furnitureland leather sofas are made using real leather, including on the backs and arms. This gives the sofa a consistent look and feel from every angle, rather than using leather only on the areas you sit on.

    As leather is a natural material, it can soften, stretch, and develop character with everyday use. This is part of its appeal and helps give each leather sofa a lived-in look over time. To keep your sofa looking its best, it’s important to care for it properly by keeping it away from direct sunlight and heat sources, wiping up spills quickly, and using suitable leather care products.

    How do I take care of my leather sofa?

    Leather is a durable, natural material, but it will look its best for longer with simple, regular care. For everyday maintenance, gently dust or wipe your sofa and clean up any

    spills as soon as you can. It’s best to avoid harsh chemicals or general household cleaners, as these can damage the leather’s finish.

    Where you place your sofa can also make a difference. Try to keep leather upholstery away from direct sunlight and strong heat sources, such as radiators and fireplaces, as these can cause the leather to fade, dry out or crack over time.

    As your sofa is used, the leather will naturally soften and stretch slightly, helping it develop character. Some leather sofas also include pocket-sprung seats, which can help support the leather and reduce excessive creasing or puddling. For extra protection, Oak Furnitureland offers leather care kits designed to help clean and care for leather upholstery. You can see our furniture care guide for more information.

    How should I look after my fabric sofa?

    Keeping your fabric sofa looking its best is mostly about regular, gentle care. Vacuum the cushions, backs, and scatter cushions often to lift away crumbs, dust and everyday dirt, and try to position your sofa away from direct sunlight where possible to help reduce fading over time.

    If there are any spills or marks, always follow the care guidance for your specific sofa fabric and avoid using harsh household cleaners.

    Oak Furnitureland also offers fabric care kits designed to help with everyday marks and stains. If your sofa has zipped seat covers, check the care instructions before removing or cleaning them, as they may not be designed to be machine-washed.

    Cushions can also benefit from a little maintenance. Plump and rotate them where appropriate to help them keep their shape, and if you notice a snag or loose thread, avoid pulling it. Instead, trim it carefully and tuck the loose end back into the fabric. For lighter upholstery, it’s worth taking extra care with dark denim or strongly dyed clothing, as colour can sometimes transfer; using a throw can help protect paler fabrics from everyday wear.

  • Recliner sofas

    Should I choose an electric or manual recliner?

    The choice between an electric and manual recliner sofa depends on how you want to use the sofa and where it will be placed.

    Electric recliners let you recline at the touch of a button. They are a good choice if you want smooth, easy adjustment or if mobility is a consideration. Many electric recliners allow you to stop the mechanism at different points, so you can find a comfortable position.

    Manual recliners are a practical option if you do not have a nearby plug socket or prefer a simpler mechanism. They can also be useful if you want reclining comfort without needing to plan the room around power access.

    Some ranges also include riser recliner armchairs, which can help lift the user towards a standing position.

    Are recliner sofas available in leather and fabric?

    Recliner sofas are available in both leather and fabric styles, depending on the range. You can choose from different sizes and formats, including 2 seater recliners, 3 seater recliners, reclining armchairs, and selected corner sofas or modular recliner options.

    Are sofa beds available to match sofa ranges?

    Some sofa beds are designed to coordinate with Oak Furnitureland sofa ranges, making it easier to create a consistent look in your living room or guest space. If matching your sofa bed with other seating is important to your aesthetic, check the individual range page for coordinating sofas, chairs, and footstools.

  • Sofa beds

    When should I consider a sofa bed?

    A sofa bed is a practical choice if you want your living room, spare room, or home office to double as an occasional sleeping space. It can be especially useful for overnight guests, compact homes, or rooms where there is not enough space for a permanent guest bed.

    When not in use as a bed, a sofa bed works as everyday seating. To use the bed, the seat cushions are usually removed, and the frame is pulled out to unfold the mattress.

    If the sofa bed will be used regularly or for longer stays, consider choosing a model with a more supportive mattress where available.

  • Delivery and access

    How will my sofa be delivered?

    Oak Furnitureland offers delivery options for sofas and other furniture. Depending on the delivery service selected, your sofa may be delivered to your home or room of choice. See our delivery page for the latest delivery options, access requirements, and service details.

    How should I prepare for sofa delivery?

    Before delivery, check your sofa’s packaged dimensions and make sure the route into your home is clear. Measure doorways, stairs, hallways, landings, and lifts, and remove anything that could make access difficult, such as hallway furniture and stair gates.

    If you live in a flat or apartment, check lift measurements and any weight restrictions before your delivery date. You should also make sure there is enough space in the room for the delivery team to place the sofa safely.

    When you purchase from Oak Furnitureland, you will receive a handy guide on getting ready for your delivery day.

  • Payment, protection and guarantees

    How can I pay for my sofa?

    Oak Furnitureland offers a range of payment options, including most major credit and debit cards, Paypal and Klarna (online only). If you want to spread the cost of your order over time, you can choose one of our interest free finance options on all orders from £499 (All finance is subject to status, age, affordability and credit checks), or interest-bearing credit, which is available on purchases of £250 or more.

    For more information visit our finance page.

    How can I protect my new sofa?

    You can protect your new sofa by following the care instructions for your chosen upholstery and using suitable cleaning or protection products. Oak Furnitureland offers care kits for both leather and fabric furniture, helping you deal with everyday marks and spills.

    Your sofa comes with a Lifetime Furniture Guarantee , which covers the structural framework, however, if you want to protect your new sofa against accidental damage, you may want to consider adding Furniture Guard cover for additional protection. Check the Furniture Guard page for full policy details, exclusions and terms and conditions.

    Is Furniture Guard available for sofas?

    Furniture Guard is Oak Furnitureland’s optional 5-year furniture protection cover, available for sofas and other eligible furniture purchases. It helps protect against everyday accidents such as spills, stains, heat marks, scratches, dents, chips, breakage and pet damage, as well as selected structural issues. Cover starts from the moment your furniture is delivered into your home, and full terms, conditions and exclusions apply.

    For sofas, Furniture Guard can provide extra peace of mind for areas such as upholstery, cushions, mixed materials and accidental damage.

    Does my sofa come with a guarantee?

    Oak Furnitureland sofas come with a Lifetime Furniture Guarantee covering the structural frame. This means we will attempt to repair the structural frame free of charge if a manufacturing fault occurs, as long as the issue has not been caused by everyday wear and tear or product misuse. If a repair is not possible, Oak Furnitureland may offer a replacement; T&Cs apply .

  • Sofa quality and comfort

    Are Oak Furnitureland sofas high-quality?

    When looking for a high-quality sofa, key things to look for include a strong frame, durable upholstery, supportive springs, well-constructed cushions and carefully finished details.

    When it comes to sofa quality , our sofas are designed with attention paid to key stress points such as the front and arms. The wooden frames use screwed, glued, and pinned joints for added durability, helping the sofa keep its shape over time and back by our Lifetime Furniture Guarantee .

    Seats are supported by springs to provide comfort and reduce sagging. Some sofa seats, including selected leather and reclining styles, use pocket springs or webbing to offer additional support and help the seat keep its shape. Upholstery fabrics are selected for durability, comfort, and must meet UK flammability standards.

    What cushion types are available?

    Oak Furnitureland sofas are available with different cushion types depending on the range. These are designed to offer different levels of comfort, support, and maintenance.

    • Dual foam cushions: Dual foam cushions combine supportive foam with a softer top layer. They are designed to offer a comfortable, supportive seat while keeping a neat appearance. These cushions are a good choice if you prefer a more structured look with minimal plumping.
    • Foam and fibre cushions: Foam and fibre cushions combine supportive foam with a fibre layer for a softer, more relaxed feel. They create a cosy, lived-in look and usually need only light plumping to maintain their shape.
    • Fibre cushions: Fibre cushions are designed for a soft, sink-in feeling. They are often used in sofa backs and arms, helping create a comfortable and relaxed seat. To keep fibre cushions looking their best, plump and reshape them regularly.
    • ExtraFlex cushions: Supportive foam core with a deep layer of luxuriously soft fibre to deliver the best of both worlds. The resilient foam provides lasting support and helps the cushions retain their shape, while the fibre topper creates a wonderfully soft, sink-in feel for exceptional everyday comfort with minimal maintenance.
    • Sprung core with foam and Dacron wrap filled cushions: Designed to provide exceptional comfort and lasting support. The sprung construction responds to your movements for a more comfortable seat, while the foam and fibre wrap help the cushions maintain their shape, making them ideal for everyday relaxation.
  • What sofa back styles are available?

    Different sofa backs offer different levels of support and style. Pillow back sofas create a softer, more relaxed look, while high back sofas offer more upright support. Some leather sofas feature fixed backs, which can be easier to care for and help create a clean, structured appearance.

    What sofa arm styles are available?

    Sofa arms can affect both comfort and appearance. Padded arms are useful if you like to lean into the side of the sofa, while flared arms can help maximise the seating area. Scroll arms create a more traditional look, while low square arms suit a more contemporary style. Our modular sofas are designed with straight arms to optimise space in your room and make it easier to build your ideal sofa configuration.

    What sofa foot styles are available?

    Sofa feet also vary by design. Depending on the range, you may find turned wooden legs, tall straight feet, flared feet, low square legs, glides, or castors. Many Oak Furnitureland sofa feet are designed to coordinate with its hardwood furniture ranges.

  • Matching furniture for your sofa

    Can I buy matching furniture for my sofa?

    Many Oak Furnitureland sofa ranges include matching or coordinating pieces such as armchairs, loveseats, accent chairs and footstools. These can help you add extra seating, create a more complete living room layout or coordinate your sofa with the rest of your furniture.

    Footstools are available in different styles, including plain, accent, and storage designs. A storage footstoolcan be useful for keeping throws, remote controls, children’s toys or other living room items out of sight.

  • Take a look at our other Furniture Guides