With a seemingly endless array of designs and fabrics from which to choose, we help you find the right upholstery for your home
NATURAL BEAUTY With frames made from sustainably sourced timber and plump cushions filled with Quallofil Blue – a fibre made from 50 per cent ocean-bound plastic – and Cocolok, made from coconut coir and natural latex, Pure Edit's Vermont sofa, from £2,250, is as kind to the planet as it is beautiful. Around 200 recycled plastic bottles go into each cushion, here shown covered in Shani Pebble fabric, created from 60 per cent responsibly sourced cotton and 40 per cent linen. FEATURE HOLLY REANEY
Buying a new sofa or armchair is a rare occurrence – the average person updates their upholstery every seven to 15 years. So, given the longevity of the decision, it is important to get it right. Prioritise timeless, flexible designs that can adapt and change with your tastes and trends.
Always shop for upholstery in person rather than online. You cannot test the comfort levels from a screen. Look for quality: a well-made design should have weight to it, shouldn’t rock and should be well padded around the arms, seat and back. Consider also fabric durability as well as aesthetics – it should age as well as the bones of the sofa beneath it. Purchasing new upholstery can be time-consuming but it will be more than worth it when you sit back and relax.
WOVEN WONDER While not renowned for their comfort, caned rattan sofas are a beautiful choice for occasional use. Offering a lighter profile than traditional upholstered sofas, they are a good fit for smaller rooms, such as bedrooms, hallways and conservatories. ‘Caned sofas are very relaxed and create an ideal space for a stunning cushion arrangement,’ says Susie Watson. This large caned sofa costs £2,975 from Susie Watson Designs and is upholstered in its handprinted linen in Summer Green Natasha, £95 per metre.BACKED INTO THE CORNER Whether you tuck it into the corner for a cosy retreat or let it stand proud and frame the room, a corner sofa is ideal when you want plenty of seats but don’t have space for a three-piece suite. With such a large piece of furniture, it is important that you retain your walkways – aim for around three feet of space around it to prevent the room from feeling cramped. Make a paper template of the sofa’s dimensions and place it in position so you can get a genuine feel for its size. Pictured is the Jake corner sofa in Studio Rich stain resistant velvet in Rose, £4,930, Love your Home.LAZY DAYS A family sofa needs to be highly durable and able to withstand everything that children and pets can throw at it. For this reason, removable cover sofas are an ideal choice. ‘Our Harriet sofa features a loose cover, which can be easily removed for a green dry clean when needed,’ says Michelle White, brand and marketing director at Arlo & Jacob. Removable cover sofas
