After my post a couple of weeks ago about how to buy a sofa I wanted to show you a few that I really like at the moment. After all, now that you know how to go about choosing one, you might as well indulge in a little fantasy modern sofa shopping. Also if you order now then you’ll have it for Christmas and I don’t know about you but I’ve reached that age where the thought of new furniture for the big day is probably more exciting than the thought of a new outfit.
I have partnered with Love Your Home for this post as it was Leigh Harmer, a former interior designer who co-founded this company a few years ago, who gave me the tips on how to buy a sofa. I also spoke to him for a piece I wrote in the Daily Mail on a similar subject so he definitely passes the test of “knows what he’s talking about”.
It was this company I turned to when I was writing about the best sofa beds. As regular readers will know, it’s an ongoing problem to find a modern sofa bed that looks nice, folds out the right way and is comfortable. I have recommended sofa beds to clients from here before and see that there is a now a new version which is great if you have a big spare room or want to install a sofa bed in the sitting room.
The key points to look out for on this model are that the arms are narrow, giving you more internal space and there is loads of storage too. If you want something smaller try Sophie (pictured below or Disraeli above). The seat cushion on the Sophie is one single piece so that it’s easier to pull on and off when you’re converting to and from. Note also the narrow arms. The buttonback sofabed above will work brilliantly in a sitting room as it’s grown up enough to sit with the rest of the furniture whereas many sofabeds do give themselves away and are best in the spareroom where they will be only occasionally sat on.
While we’re on the subject of sleeping, an upholstered headboard is definitely the way forward. I have spent ten years with an iron bed and it’s not the most comfortable when you want to sit up and read. I love the monochrome pattern that this Lola bed has been upholstered in.
Finally, back to sitting. I love the idea of an orange velvet sofa but I grant you it’s not for everyone. Now if the orange is a bit scary, then there are masses of other options. I’m currently dreaming about peridot green but there are lots of lovely greys too including two “house greys” one dark and one light. This one has the aforementioned narrow arms so you get more sitting space, legs, which means you see more floor space, which means your room will look bigger and a generally pleasing clean-lined shape.
Any of these tickle your fancy? Don’t forget to read the tips on how to buy a sofa if you haven’t already.
I love how often you post and your taste. Thank you for suggesting so many tips and ideas, there’s always something to inspire.
Thank you so much for saying that Sarah, it means a lot XK
The orange sofa totally tickles my fancy Kate. It’s sinfully gorgeous against that blue. I’d say go for it 🙂
I know that it won’t fit in many interiors, but this mid-century orange sofa is simply perfect 🙂
I do enjoy your articles, especially the beautiful rooms and house hunter but I am
sorry to be rather negative and say that there is an element of ‘ sameness’ about the
articles of late. I would like a bit more choice in the ranges that you introduce and I don’t always like scandi either.
Also you often recommend London shops and I no longer live in the capital.
Hello Karen, I’m sorry if you’re finding the blog less interesting at the moment. As you know I publish five times a week and it’s just me writing. I do try to keep a mix of styles and prices with a balance of articles between lighting, furniture, flooring as well as how to guides and things to buy, but as I’m writing fundamentally about things I like then I guess there is bound to be an element of sameness. As for London shops, I’m pretty sure that everything I recommend is online so you can buy it anywhere and, where possible, I include shops that have stores outside London, Norr11 and Rose and Grey for example are both in Manchester and I write about High Street stores too. The dilemma is should I publish less often to make it seem more varied, or keep up the (sometimes punishing) schedule and hope that readers will dip in and out and find a balance over a period of time? I guess that’s something I have to think about, with best wishes, Kate
What an absolute gem of a find – thanks for sharing Kate!