Styles

• Modular sofas – when it comes to flexibility and adapting to the space you have, look no further than a modular or sectional sofa.
• Corner sofas (and L-shaped chaise sofas) – are great for big families and those who regularly entertain, and the smaller L-shaped chaise styles available can be a smart option for smaller rooms.
• Loveseats/snugglers – are quickly becoming a popular option for cosy living rooms or creating a dreamy reading nook. Add a matching footstool to really up the comfort levels.

Colour

• Neutrals and warm neutrals – Scandi interiors are here to stay, and this colour trend is the perfect partner. Warmer neutrals are also entering the chat.
• Pinks – thank Greta Gerwig and her Barbie blockbuster for this one, muted pinks are totally in for 2024.
• Oranges – fun and free travel-inspired interiors are back, and orange is the spearhead colour.
• Yellows – orange isn’t the only bright taking over this year, yellow sofas are here to add a welcome splash of colour to any living space.
• Greens – this colour is continuing its popularity thanks to the love of nature-inspired interiors.

Materials

• Cotton and fabric – aligning with the Scandi-vibe of the neutrals trend, natural materials are growing in popularity in 2024.
• Velvet – opt for a warm neutral colour and you’ll enjoy the reflections of natural light throughout the day. Alternatively, soft pink velvet and mustard yellow velvet sofas are also popular options.
• Leather – practical for spillages and a classic choice for a statement Chesterfield sofa.

How to find the perfect sofa for your home

Our sofa guru Niki Bover has worked at Barker and Stonehouse since 2017. Wise in the ways of interior design, her opinion suggests that there’s no need for soul searching to find the perfect sofa. Simply remember these tips to level up your sofa situation:

Niki offers the following advice for finding the sweet spot: “Your feet should be able to touch the floor to be comfortable, and you should test drive a sofa the way you would sit on it at home. I encourage customers to slouch how they would on a sofa, and remove their coats and shoes!”

Choose the right size

We’ve noticed a trend with oversized sofas – more is more. Big snuggly seating options to enjoy by yourself, as a couple or with family, are definitely in for 2024. Can the space you have available accommodate this, though?

Consider a sofa’s overall size and proportions, accounting for the available space and your preferences. The area you have in your lounge might be limited, so finding the right sofa for a small living room can be crucial to your lifestyle. A modular sectional sofa or something with low arms could be perfect.

“If you can't find the perfect fit for your space, it may be beneficial to ask about custom size options.” Niki notes.

Check out our sofa measurement guide for more information on what measurements you need to take and our top tips and FAQs in this area.

Blending timeless appeal with your lifestyle

It’s also true that the type of house you live in and its location may impact your sofa choices. For instance, you probably wouldn’t choose a large contemporary sofa for a small countryside cottage.

“Classic designs offer versatility, allowing for creative accessorising that can give any space a new look." Says Bover.

Who will be using the sofa is important to consider too. If you’re a family of four, a smaller two-seater likely won’t work for your needs. Finding a middle ground between practicality and enduring style is key.

Find your aesthetic

Aesthetics consider the visual appeal and design as well as the material quality. This may be the characteristic you’re most interested in if you want to follow those 2024 trends with fashion-forward interiors that require the presence of a great-looking designer sofa.

Contrasting conventional norms can also help refresh your furniture feng shui. “I will often advise customers not to put the sofa against a wall, in the States where I have lived, they never do this.” Says Bover. “I always say to pull it away from the wall, have two sofas opposite each other, and then this makes it more of a sociable space.”

Seven secrets to success

Niki shares her seven expert tips for finding the perfect sofa for your home, ensuring both style and comfort align with your personal preferences and living space.

• Comfort first – If a person’s feet don’t touch the floor when seated on a sofa, compromising comfort is inevitable and this indicates that it may not be the right fit.
• Test drive – Remove coats and shoes and pretend it is a home environment, stay seated for long enough to assess its true comfort.
• Support matters – For those experiencing back issues, select a sofa with lumbar support or explore suitable recliner options.
• Modular designs – Modular sofas can be incredibly functional and provide a good financial choice for individuals anticipating home relocations.
• Size flexibility – If you can't find the perfect fit for your space, it may be beneficial to ask about custom size options. This can be particularly useful for unique or challenging spaces where standard sizes may not be suitable.
• Timeless appeal – Consider that trending colours may not withstand the test of time, so it can be a good option to use accessories to bring these in instead.
• Lifestyle – Always keep in mind that your sofa needs to be suitable to your living environment, especially if you have children or pets as you may need to consider durable fabrics that are easy to clean.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a brand-new sofa to elevate your living room for 2024 and beyond, we’re here to help. By combining trends and expert insights, we can help you discover the sofa you desire at Barker and Stonehouse.