How to choose the right sofa for your living room – A practical guide for homes
Choosing a new sofa is one of the most important furniture decisions you’ll make.
It’s the centre of your living room. The place where family gathers. Where guests sit. Where evenings are spent.
Yet one of the most common issues we see at Langton Furnishers is customers buying a sofa that’s either too large, too small, or simply wrong for how they live.
If you’re searching for sofas in Leicester or trying to decide which style works best for your home, this practical guide will help you make the right choice first time.
1. Start with the size of your room — Not the sofa
It sounds obvious, but many customers fall in love with a design before considering proportions.
Before visiting our showroom, measure:
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The full wall length
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Doorways and access points
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Window placement
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Radiator positions
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Walkway space
As a general rule:
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Smaller living rooms suit compact 2 or 3 seaters
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Open-plan spaces can handle corner sofas or chaise designs
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Narrow rooms benefit from slimmer arm profiles
If you’re unsure, our team at Langton Furnishers in Leicestershire can help you assess scale properly in-store.
2. Consider how you actually use your sofa
Are you:
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A busy family with children?
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Someone who entertains regularly?
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Looking for formal seating?
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Prioritising deep lounging comfort?
For family homes, durability matters just as much as design.
We always recommend sofas with:
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Strong hardwood frames
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High-quality seat interiors
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Durable upholstery fabrics
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Supportive back cushions
A sofa should feel just as comfortable in five years as it does on day one.
3. Corner Sofa or 3 + 2 Seater?
One of the most common searches we see is:
“Corner sofa vs two sofas — which is better?”
Here’s a quick comparison:
Corner sofa
✔ Maximises seating in one piece
✔ Ideal for open-plan rooms
✔ Great for relaxed, informal living
✔ Creates a defined seating area
3 + 2 Seater combination
✔ More flexible room layout
✔ Easier to rearrange
✔ Better for narrower rooms
✔ Can feel more formal
There’s no universal answer — it depends on your layout and lifestyle.
4. Fabric or Leather?
Another key decision.
Fabric Sofas
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Warmer feel
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Wider colour choices
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Softer aesthetic
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Excellent for cosy family spaces
Leather Sofas
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Easy to wipe clean
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Modern appearance
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Long-lasting when properly cared for
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Ideal for busy households
When customers visit Langton Furnishers looking for quality sofas in Leicester, we guide them through both options to ensure practicality matches style.
5. Think long-term — Not just trend
Sofa trends change quickly.
But replacing a sofa every few years isn’t practical or cost-effective.
Choosing a timeless shape and neutral base colour allows you to update:
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Cushions
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Throws
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Rugs
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Accessories
Without replacing the entire piece.
At Langton Furnishers, we focus on sofas built to last — not furniture designed for short-term fashion cycles.
6. Always sit before you buy
Online photos never tell the full story.
Seat depth, cushion firmness, back height and arm support all affect long-term comfort.
If you’re currently searching for:
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Sofa shops in Leicester
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Furniture stores near Fosse Park
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Quality sofas in Leicestershire
Visiting our showroom allows you to properly experience comfort before making your decision.
Why visit Langton Furnishers?
At Langton Furnishers, we understand that buying a sofa is an investment in your home.
We offer:
✔ Carefully selected quality brands
✔ Honest, knowledgeable advice
✔ A relaxed showroom experience
✔ Competitive pricing
✔ Furniture designed for real family living
Choosing the right sofa doesn’t have to be overwhelming — with the right guidance, it becomes an enjoyable and confident decision.
Ready to find the perfect sofa?
If you’re planning to upgrade your living room, visit Langton Furnishers in Leicestershire and let our experienced team help you find a sofa that suits your space, your lifestyle and your long-term needs.
The right sofa transforms a room — and the right advice ensures you choose correctly.