Buying a Sofa From Tetrad
The fabrics are easy to clean and offer enough glam for traditional interiors. Upgrade to feather-wrapped pillows to increase comfort and durability.
John Lewis' own-brand sofas are well-constructed and affordable. The selection is wide, but the lead times can be lengthy.
You're a discerning buyer
You are a sophisticated buyer who values quality and value. You're enthralled by the idea furniture that will last for years to come, so you're willing to pay more for a sofa that you believe will be worth it in the long run. You prefer traditional styles but you also want something that is unique Perhaps a unique design or a fabric? There are plenty of options. The positive is that lead times for custom-made pieces can be longer, but a lot of brands hold customer returns and former display sofas to purchase immediately (often at a discount), and several high-street stores carry the option of pre-assembled sofas with their top-selling models.
If you're not a fan of chintz, then a modern sofa could be the right choice for you. You're likely to find lots of different colour options and materials, with a few models offering a choice of leg finish so you can tie in wood tones in your living room decor.
Modern designs also have more straight lines, which could be a good fit for a minimalist or contemporary style. There's cheap comfortable couches of options when it comes to seat height and width as well. If you're looking for additional back support, an ottoman with higher backs is an ideal option.
A loveseat lets you share a couch with your spouse or friends. You can even purchase a matching set for an inviting corner. It's bigger than an armchair, but smaller than a sofa, and is great to put your legs close to one another.
If you're a snob and likes the finer things in life, you'll likely opt for a sofa that is made of natural fibres, such as wool or cotton. They are more expensive than synthetic materials however they are more luxurious and look more tactile. They can easily be steamed to remove marks. These fabrics are hypoallergenic which means you won't have to worry.
You appreciate the finer things in life
You are someone who is a lover of the finer things in life, and is willing to spend money on high-end products. You prefer quality over quantity, whether it's grass-raised beef or hand-crafted loafers. You also love classic designs that stand the test of time. You enjoy tea served in a china mug, and a chino outfit that is perfect. So when you're looking for a sofa, you'll want something that feels and looks like a piece of furniture in your rural cottage home. You can choose a sofa from Tetrad for example.
They utilize natural materials such as wool for their covers and hard wood frames. They don't make any compromises on their springs. It might sound boring, but it's crucial that your sofa lasts and doesn't fall apart after a few years of use. Tetrad sofas aren't inexpensive, but they're manufactured in the UK. They also come completely assembled, meaning you don't have to invest hours assembling it.
So if you're the type of person who likes a minimalist footprint for your home, the tight spring-back and elegantly curves of a Howard-style sofa will meet your needs perfectly. Similarly, if you're more inclined to the striking designs of Margaret Howell or The Row, then a modern sofa with a clean design will be right up your alley.
Dunelm offers a variety of sofas that are affordable. The upholstery options are generally light on pattern and focus on neutrals and matt velvets. They have a range of seating and width options to help you find the ideal fit.
Another brand worth looking into is Sofa & Stuff, who specialize in patterns and often work with British institutions like the RHS and the V&A. There are also a variety of modern designs, so you can find something that fits your tastes. If you're interested in more traditional designs the leather chesterfields are worth a look.
You're happy to invest in quality
The sofa is a central feature of any living room. It's where you sit and watch TV, snuggle with your loved ones, host family and friends or even relax in the afternoon. It's a place that you'd like to be cozy, but also elegant and durable. When selecting a sofa, it's crucial to consider various aspects, including the shape, size, and colour. You can also select the fabric, whether you prefer modern velvet or traditional linen.
If you're happy to spend a little more in your sofa purchase, then there are a lot of options. Designers of high-end sofas like Parker Knoll and Ercol are worth considering if your goal is an old-fashioned design. If you're not prepared to remortgage your flat then many high street retailers provide a good quality, handmade sofa for a reasonable price.
Dunelm for instance, have a range of more than 350 own-brand sofas in a huge choice of sizes and styles which are all priced fairly reasonably. Many of the models are available in various fabrics, arm covers, and piping colors.
Heal's new Astrid collection is a second option. It has a modern and trendy appearance however, it is also versatile in the shapes and how you can mix and match two-seater sofas with four-seater sofas, as well as love-seats. They've done an excellent job of balancing this type of mid-century modern style with more classic styles and are also able to create some truly durable and stain-resistant fabric.
It's important to remember that if you're buying a custom-made sofa, there's a lead time of between 6 and 14 weeks before the sofa will be delivered to your doorstep. This is especially true around the months of October and November when demand tends to be higher ahead of Christmas.
As with any big furniture purchase, buying your sofa online can be a bit difficult. You can't tell a lot about the sofa by looking at it on your laptop screen. For instance what's the fabric like and how firm are the cushions? You'll need to visit an actual showroom or request an example of the fabric to be sure.
You're looking for a traditional design
If you're a classicist at heart, or if your interior style is influenced by an appreciation for history, you may prefer the style of a traditional sofa. These sofas are timeless and can be passed on to the next generation. They look fantastic in any room.
You'll likely choose an older style like the Chesterfield. This plush design is popular for its button-tufted back and stud details that create a timeless, luxurious feel and looks stunning in velvet, a material that will surely appeal to your taste.
Another option for those seeking an elegantly styled sofa is the Darlings of Chelsea Aberdeen. The sofa features armrests that are rounded, exposed wooden feet and the lumbar support cushions that give an excellent back support. It's also handmade in the UK and comes with a 15-year guarantee.
There's a whole host of sofa brands that offer high-quality traditional designs. However, you'll prefer a British brand like Parker Knoll, Ercol or G-Plan. These sofas are made to last, which means they are worth the investment. You can choose from a variety of sizes, fabrics and wood leg finishes in these stores.
You can also pick a brand such as Tetrad which has 12 stores across the UK and sells their sofas online. It has won numerous prizes for its furniture and its sofas have been constructed to last for a long time. Their frames and springs are guaranteed for 15 years.
You can find a selection of Tetrad sofas at John Lewis & Partners. You'll notice that some are labelled as 'ANYDAY by John Lewis' - these are more affordable and made with lesser quality materials, but provide great value. If you are in a hurry or not yet ready to purchase a sofa, they offer a variety of sofa beds that are perfect for guests.