If you're investing in your space, Wayfair couches make an excellent long term investment, with an abundance of choice, from spacious ones for families, to sectional styles perfect for renters to reconfigure their scheme.

And with help from Wayfair's head of accent and entertainment Matthew Alleva, we've rounded up nine of the best Wayfair couches that range from budget-friendly and petite to splurge-worthy and movie-night-ready. You can save up to a whopping 65% off living room seating in the Wayfair sale with an extra 10% off if you sign up for Wayfair's email newsletters.

Alex Duncan, head of upholstery at Wayfair also recommends using the custom filters on the site to narrow down your search for small couches. Do you have dimension restraints in your living room? Frequent guests in need of a pull-out bed? Since there are seemingly endless size, fabric, and color options, filtering by your needs will seriously cut down the number of pages to scroll through.

The good news is that on selected items, you'll qualify for free white glove delivery which means that Wayfair will deliver the item, carry it item to a room of your choice, assemble it (if needed), and remove all packaging. 

The best Wayfair couches

FAQs

If you want to elevate your living room setup even further, these Wayfair rugs will provide extra coziness and visual appeal.

Let's get straight to the point here: spring cleaning season is basically here, and a lot of us don't have the time to dedicate an entire weekend to cleaning our house. And who wants to spend their time doing that anyway? I'm always searching for game-changing cleaning hacks to help make chores feel, well... like less of a chore, and this (not so) little gadget is one that has popped up on my FYP so many times now that I just had to do a little digging myself. Gone are the days of relying on an upholstery cleaner spray to deep clean your soft furnishings, that's all I'll say.

This cleaning gadget is perfect for renters and homeowners, whether you purchased all of your furniture yourself or your landlord owns it all. The Bissell Little Green upholstery cleaner can help deep clean pretty much any soft surface in your home. Yep, that old dusty rug you're attached to can finally look new again. And the sofa that you spend 90% of your waking hours lounging on. Your patio cushions can also get a refresh.

With over 39,000 five-star reviews, buyers are “in awe” of how it makes old fabric look brand new. It's currently on sale for less than $110. If the price sounds steep for a cleaning tool, I get it. But I was both impressed and disgusted at how much dirt it managed to collect around my space. Scroll for the slimy deets.

What can you use it to clean?

You can use this gadget to scrub down a bunch of stuff around your home. Nearly anything with a soft surface can handle its powerful clean. That includes:

• Rugs
• Carpets
• Couches ⁠
• Armchairs
• Bar stools
• Dining chairs

• Pillows
• Chaise lounges
• Mattresses (and toppers!)
• Car interiors
• Patio furniture cushions
• Bed frames
• Curtains

4 reasons to buy this Bissell upholstery cleaner

1. It's nice and compact
Unlike most carpet cleaners, which are bulky (and definitely not small space friendly), this one is super lightweight. It comes in at just over 9.5 pounds, meaning you can carry it easily around your apartment and clean everywhere that needs a good scrub. It has a 7.25-inch width that won’t take up tons of room in your cleaning cabinet either.

 2. It's powerful and requires zero effort from you
Considering its size, it has seriously strong suction and spray, which you just can’t match by scrubbing your couches manually. Lots of happy customers have praised this, with one being “shooketh and bewildered to witness how much power/suction this little guy has.” Talk about being blown away. Another agreed: “Suction is perfect, almost completely dry when I am finished.” So, once you’ve cleaned, you can go back to watching your fave shows ASAP.

3. It's PERFECT for pet owners
If you have pets that are getting their grubby paws everywhere, or even puppies that are still *ahem* training, it’s super efficient for cleaning up after them. “No stain, no smell, nothing," wrote a reviewer. "Would absolutely recommend especially for pet owners.” It can handle much more than dirt, too. Many reviewers have been thrilled with how well it vacuums hard-to-see pet hairs.

4. Let's be real: It looks cute
I’m low-key loving the sage green shade it comes in. So much cuter than a boring black or gray.

I don’t know about you, but I always fall into a rut when I’m searching for a new couch. When I was younger, I used to think the right couch only needed to be comfortable enough to sit on. I laugh at myself now that I know comfortability is one of many components you have to take into consideration.

Of course, you have to consider a couch’s material, size, color, style, and (the most daunting of all) price.  Whether you’re scouring websites, vintage stores, catalogs, or show rooms for your new living-room companion, sticking to your budget can be quite the tricky task.  For this reason, 25Home.com has become my go-to because the retailer prides itself on making affordable luxury furniture. Its pieces are Scandinavian inspired and made with great attention to detail, and the brand’s neutral yet unique designs ensure there’s something for everyone.

But don’t take my word for it. After one scroll through the site, its couch section alone will have you spoiled for choice. So I’ve done the hard work for you and picked my favorite 20 styles that will add dimension, character, and style to any living space. 

Whether you're looking for the best corner sofa you can find on a budget, or a compact chaise sofa for a small living room, we've rounded up the most comfortable ones on the Real Homes team's radar in this guide. 

There are contemporary L-shaped sofas for a modern home, classic corner sofas to add character to a period property, and options that you won't be able to resist curling up on for a movie marathon. 

And, while a corner sofa doesn't come cheap, we've done our best to compile options that combine the holy grail of style, comfort, and affordability, meaning you can stretch out and relax knowing you have one of the best deals going.

For plenty of sofa buying advice, you can scroll to the end of this guide or browse our guide to the best sofas of all shapes and sizes, but if you're keen to see which corner sofas we've tried, tested, and rated, just scroll down to see our top picks.

Best corner sofas and l-shaped sofas

If you're looking for a corner sofa for a small living room, then the Holly sofa is well worth having on your radar, with the design available in a versatile range of size options including an extra small 203cm width, all the way up to the more spacious, yet still compact, 266cm width option.

In fact, everything about the Holly design has small-scale living in mind, from the stylish high-legged design that lifts the sofa frame clear of the floor to add visual spaciousness, to the space-saving thinner armrests and not-too-deep-or-too-shallow seat depth.

The wide variety of sizes and configurations on offer is also matched by a broad choice of over seventy upholstery options, including some great family-friendly smart velvets and cottons, textured boucles, leather and linen-mix options. And the contemporary style has just enough of a nod to Mid-century design that we think it will work brilliantly in either a modern or period home. There's also a matching armchair and upholstered footstool to complete the look.

In our opinion, this sofa also offers just the right mix of squish and support. The feather-wrapped foam seat cushions are just deep enough to curl up on, and if you prefer to sit upright then the soft-yet-firm back cushions have your back. And it's not just the cushions doing the support work either, the high frame means you can lean back securely without the cushions gradually deflating like many models. We also liked the high armrests which mean there is back support if you like to sit sideways with your feet up too, although that height does make reaching for the coffee table a little harder. 

On the flip side, if you're looking for a large corner sofa, then Habitat's Hendricks corner sofa offers a whole lot of lounging space for its relatively affordable price point; perfect if you have multiple housemates, family, or friends to seat comfortably. 

There are two corner sofa size options available, both generously proportioned with 65cm deep seats that are great for stretching out all which ways, and while the colour choices may be limited, Habitat's luxe-look velvet upholstery comes in some great shades that lend statement style to this contemporary design. 

What's more, we loved the comfort levels on all the models we tested. The seat is deep, especially if you're on the shorter side, but we found it very comfortable for sitting or lounging, with comfortable seat cushions that have a nice amount of sink, and soft yet supportive back cushions. The padded armrests are also super comfortable, with the low arms a great height for resting your head for a nap.

Although the back may be a little low in height for some, this low profile design also works especially well in an open plan room where it won't interrupt the flow from one zone to another, delivering a designer look without the designer price tag.

The most affordable corner sofas tend to be quite modern in appearance, but if you're after seating that's a little more timeless – and that won't break the bank – then the Cory sofa's blocky build could well fit the bill. 

Having tested a few models in different upholstery options – with both the classic back cushion or scatter back cushion design – we've been impressed by their comfort levels, with a seat depth that's the perfect compromise between loungey and upright to keep both sitters and curler-uppers content, and supportive back cushions with good height armrests.

There's also a good selection of sizes on offer, including symmetrical corner sofa and L-shaped options, although with all configurations you will need to be able to accommodate the sofa's fairly generous 280cm width, so this probably isn't the first choice for those with small living rooms. Bear in mind its bulky, low-to-the-ground design will also make it feel visually heavier, so it's best suited to a room with plenty of space to accommodate it.

Although, if space isn't an issue, then this model also has a wide range of coordinating furniture available, including a matching footstool, armchair, and swivel chair, alongside multiple sofa and sofa bed options.

The downsides? Upholstery options are very limited, and lead times can be lengthy. 

Ever fancied reclining on a cloud whilst catching up on your favourite Netflix series? MADE's Samona sofa aims to offer just that, with super soft, enveloping seat cushions that feel like sinking down into a deep puffy duvet and generous proportions that make it akin to climbing into bed in your living room. 

That said, those super soft cushions did split opinion on our team, with some reviewers loving the enveloping experience, and others finding the whole thing a little too soft and claustrophobic for their liking... 'like being eaten alive by your sofa'... 

If you're looking to find a sofa that's super sink-in-able though – and you don't mind doing some regular plumping of those fibre and feather-filled cushions – then this option comes in at a good price point, especially for the generous corner sofa version. Just bear in mind that this sofa is big, with a 340cm width that may not be the easiest to accommodate in a smaller home.

We tested the cotton and linen mix upholstered sofa, which in two light shades has a luxe-looking designer feel (although bear in mind the seat cushions aren't reversible, so spillages won't be easy to hide) or there are darker velvet options, including a rich pistachio green that caught our eye. There's also a matching ottoman or footstool available separately for putting your feet up.

The Brondby corner sofa strikes a good balance between modern design and a look that won't date, making it a useful all-rounder for many homes.

Available in either a 247 x 247cm square configuration or an L-shaped set-up, its medium-sized frame also makes it a versatile solution for most living rooms, with its shallower seat depth eliminating some of the bulk that larger corner sofas can add.

That does mean this design is perhaps better placed for sitting up straight on than curling up on, a feature that's emphasized further by the slightly firmer foam seating that offers more support than some 'sink-in' seating, but as long as you don't mind sacrificing a little lounging space, this is a well-priced option that can often be found with a hefty discount in Furniture Village's fairly regular sales.

As one of brand's best-selling corner sofas, this model also comes in a wider fabric selection than some of its other offerings, with thirty upholstery options available, as well as coordinating furniture in the form of a footstool and armchair.

The Bailey sofa is one of John Lewis & Partners' bestselling sofa designs, and with its compact frame and on-trend Scandi-inspired looks, it's easy to see why. 

The sofa model also comes in a wide range of sizes and configurations meaning it's easy to find an option to suit your home, including this left or right-hand facing L-shaped sofa configuration.

Turned wooden legs lift the sofa frame clear of the floor to add spaciousness to a smaller room, whilst over 120 upholstery options make easier work of finding a fabric to love. 

Comfort-wise it offers a good in-between seat depth at 58cm – not too deep or too narrow – and the medium-firm sit is fine, if a little uninspiring, lacking some of the squish and sink-in-ability of other options on this list.

Snug's corner sofa-in-a-box arrives flat-packed, making it a great option for apartment dwellers, or those with awkward access. The brand also does away with long lead times, with most products available for delivery in well under seven days; perfect if you need some stylish seating, fast.

You will need to do some self-assembly on delivery, but there are no tools needed, and we found putting Snug's furniture together super quick and easy based on our Snug Rebel sofa-in-a-box review. Plus, it means this corner sofa is equally easy to disassemble and rebuild; a big bonus if you're renting or likely to move house anytime soon.

The sitting experience is on the firmer side, with more of a bouncy seat that you sit on top of rather than sinking into, but it's still perfectly comfortable, and the curvaceous design certainly looks the part, offering stylish and contemporary seating that has a lot of built-in conveniences. Snug also offers a great range of coordinating furniture to create a whole easy-to-pack-up living room suite.

The only downsides? At well over £2,000 for the smallest corner sofa option, you are paying for the convenience this option offers, however, if access is tricky or you're on a short deadline, that could well prove invaluable.

If you're looking for a corner sofa that doesn't scream contemporary, then Sofa.com's Bluebell sofa is one of the most affordable (yet still comfortable) classic sofas we've come across. 

Rolled arms, turned wooden legs on castor feet, and piped upholstery pack in plenty of traditional detail, but the Bluebell is also equipped for the modern world, offering low-maintenance feather-wrapped foam instead of traditional all-feather seat cushions to maintain shape and cut down on plumping.

As one of Sofa.com's bestselling designs, this sofa also comes with a whole host of options to really make it your own. There are over ninety great-looking upholstery fabrics, four choices of leg finish, and plenty of configuration options, plus plenty of coordinating furniture, including a matching armchair and footstool.

IKEA's Soderhamn sofa is all over Instagram for a reason, and that's because it delivers a cool and contemporary look at a very affordable price point, especially if you're looking for a large seating area. 

The modular flat-packed design is also brilliant for homes that have awkward access as it can be built in situ, and the sectional units offer a wide scope to create the configuration that works best for your home – whether that's corner, L-shaped, or U-shaped –  plus it can easily be reconfigured to suit a new interior if you move home.

We're also far more impressed by its comfort levels than we expected to be from its admittedly pretty thin seat cushions, mainly due to the mesh seat frame that allows for a little sink and makes the sitting experience gentler than expected. Those seats are deep, and very low though, so the style won't be for everyone, but if you don't mind your feet not touching the floor then the loose lumbar cushions make for a relaxed yet comfortable reclining position.

The standard upholstery options are limited, although IKEA's replacement covers are a brilliant option for families and anyone who wants to extend their sofas lifespan beyond the inevitable spillages. If you want to switch things up a little more, then Stockholm-based Bemz has built an entire brand offering covers to restyle IKEA's most popular sofa designs, with over 100 upholstery choices available for the Soderhamn, plus a great range of legs to swap out the default chrome the sofa comes with. 

How to choose the best corner sofa for you

The best corner sofa for your home will depend on a range of factors, not least the size of your living room, your lifestyle, and of course, your budget. So what are the key things to consider when shopping for this super-spacious investment?

How big should your corner sofa be?

It may sound obvious, but size is one of the most important aspects to consider before falling in love with your dream couch. 

Generally speaking, you may want the most spacious corner sofa your room and budget will allow, but it's also important to make sure you measure carefully to ensure your sofa is going to work in your space.

It's easy to fall in love with a roomy L-shaped sofa in a spacious furniture showroom, but back home that family-friendly corner sofa might make your living room feel cramped and cluttered. 

A top tip is to measure out where the sofa will go in your room using masking tape to mark out all dimensions. As well as width, make sure to consider the height of the sofa – especially if you want to place it under a window sill or beneath existing architecture - and its depth to ensure there is plenty of space to walk around it comfortably. 

And don't just measure the room where your sofa will (hopefully) end up - unless you want a stressful few hours come delivery day! Ensure your chosen sofa will fit through doorways, around bending hallways, or up flights of stairs. Most retailers list packaging dimensions on their sites, so ensure these match the access you have. 

And if your access is tricky? Don't think that that means you have to rule out a corner or L-shaped sofa; modular sofas that are delivered in sections are great options for adding a large amount of seating to difficult rooms.

You'll find more top tips for planning your living space in our round-up of the best living room layout ideas, as well as style inspiration in our modern living room ideas and small living room ideas sections.

What's the most comfortable corner sofa?

Just like finding the best mattress for you, finding the most comfortable sofa for you will depend a lot on personal preference, and there is nothing that can quite replace going into the showroom and sit-testing a few of your favourite styles. We've rounded up the most important things to look out for when considering comfort.

Cushions
Sofa cushions come in a range of materials and constructions, but the two most commonly found are foam and feathers. 

A foam cushion is more generally used at the budget end of the market and offers a fairly firm sit depending on the type used. The benefit of foam is that it's quick to spring back into shape after being depressed, although over time you may find a depression in your favourite sitting spot. 

At the other end of the scale are feather cushions. These are generally more expensive but provide a more plumptious seat, although the feathers can gradually shift so you'll need to do more plumping. 

Generally speaking, the happy place is with the best of both worlds, and many sofa manufacturers now offer foam cushion cores that are wrapped in a layer of soft feathers - providing comfort and retaining the sofa shape.

Height
If you're using a sofa to zone a room, then a low-to-the-ground model can offer a great way to create dedicated areas without breaking up the space too much, but, the flipside is that (once past a certain age perhaps) low seating can be harder to get up from and can encourage you to sprawl more than sit.

Ergonomically, the recommended seating position is to have your thigh bones parallel to the floor, which for most of us means sofa seating that's a roundabout knee height when standing.

Backrest
Whilst some love the look of a low-profile sofa, if you're lounging for long then adequate back support is going to make sitting more comfortable. 

Look for models that have a dedicated backrest, rather than sofas that offer a low back and then rely on taller cushions to provide support.

How to clean your sofa

You've found the perfect couch for you, plumped the cushions and planned the Sofa-based Netflix marathon. But what happens when disaster strikes and your new sofa gets its first spillage? Never fear. Our guide to how to clean a sofa will have you sorted pronto, along with our round-up of the best upholstery cleaners for your sofa fabric type.

Want more living room inspiration?

Find out how best to use your space in our guide to how to design a living room, or stay on top of the latest trends and easy decor updates on our dedicated living room ideas page. And if you're struggling with how to make the most of a compact lounge, then find top tricks and tricks in our guide to how to choose furniture for a small living room.

How we chose the sofas included in this guide

To find the best corner sofas for all budgets we walked multiple miles around multiple sofa showrooms and toned our glutes doing sit test after sit test to try out all the latest releases, plus grilled the Real Homes team for their expert knowledge, along with their friends, and their friend's friends, to find out how their sofa choices are holding up to the rigours of day to day life. We also take into account the wider views of those who own each product, whether that’s via online reviews or social media. Click here to find out more about how we review products on Real Homes.

Looking for the best chaise sofas? As one of the key pieces of furniture in the living room we know choosing a new sofa can be a difficult decision. After all, a sofa needs to fulfil a lot of criteria, including suiting your decor, your budget, and, most importantly, being a place to relax and get comfortable. And with most options proving a fairly hefty investment, it's a purchase we all want to get right.

You'll find plenty of options in our guide to the best sofas you can shop right now, but if you want a little more bang for your buck, then a chaise sofa can be just the ticket. A chaise sofa features an L-shaped seat design, with that extended section offering some oh-so-vital extra lounging space and allowing you to kick back and relax with your feet up at the end of a long day. However, not every sofa model comes with a chaise option, and not all chaise sofas are created equal, which is where this round-up is designed to help.

Whilst nothing can beat going to test out a sofa for yourself – after all, one person's 'too soft' can be another person's 'just right' – it can be useful to have a few tips on where to start in your search, plus not all sofa showrooms are within easy reach for everyone.

That's why we've done the legwork to help to narrow down the options in the hunt for the best chaise sofa. We've walked multiple miles around multiple sofa showrooms and tried and tested all of the bestsellers, toning our glutes with sit-test after sit-test. We've also read multiple reviews from existing owners, grilled the Real Homes team for their expert opinions, and considered upholstery options, lead times, and, of course, pricing when coming to our verdicts.

For in-depth buying advice just scroll to the end of this page, but if you're ready to start shopping now then you'll find our edit of the best chaise sofas available right now – in terms of style, price, and budget – listed directly below.

Best chaise sofas tried and tested: stylish, comfortable, and affordable

A reasonable price point, wide range of upholstery options, great selection of coordinating furniture and 'just right' comfort levels that offer both squish and support, plus a seat depth that works for either sitter-uppers or curler-uppers, mean the Holly chaise sofa comes top of our list as a great all-rounder. 

Its stylish high-legged design lifts the sofa frame clear of the floor to add visual spaciousness to a smaller room, whilst the narrow armrests maximise seating space without adding too many inches to its overall footprint. Plus, the chaise section isn't as deep as many options, so it makes a great option if you're working with a compact space. Those tapered legs also mean the design has the versatility to work well in a contemporary home and enough refined elegance to blend perfectly into a period property.

The seat cushions feature our favourite hybrid construction (find out more about choosing your sofas cushion fill in the buying advice at the end of this page); in this case, a feather-wrapped foam mix that offers a layer of sink-in comfort with a low-maintenance supportive foam core that won't need plumping, whilst the feather-filled back cushions offer squish that's supported by a high back frame, so you get comfort without too much deflation. We also liked the high armrests which mean there is back support if you like to sit sideways with your feet up too – although that height does make reaching for the coffee table a little harder. 

We tested a velvet upholstered model, which may have made the sitting experience a little softer than alternative fabric options, and liked the tactility velvet adds to the otherwise quite structured frame. However, there are 70+ upholstery options to choose from, including some great family-friendly smart velvets and cottons, textured bouclés, leather, and linen-mix options, plus two shades of leg colour to create a look you love.

Ever fancied reclining on a cloud whilst catching up on your favourite Netflix series? MADE's Samona sofa aims to offer just that, with super soft, enveloping seat cushions that feel like sinking down into a deep puffy duvet and generous proportions that make it akin to climbing into bed. 

That said, those super-soft feathers and fibre mix cushions did split opinion on our team, with some reviewers loving the enveloping experience, and others finding the whole thing a little too soft and claustrophobic for their liking... 'like being eaten alive by your sofa'... 

If you're looking to find a sofa that's super sink-in-able though – and you don't mind doing the regular plumping that those fibre and feather-filled cushions are going to require – then this option comes in at a good price point.

We tested the cotton and linen mix upholstered sofa, which in two light shades has a luxe-looking designer feel (although bear in mind the seat cushions aren't reversible, so spillages won't be easy to hide) or there are darker velvet options, including a rich pistachio green that caught our eye.

• Save with one of Real Homes exclusive MADE discount codes.

You are going to need a slightly larger living room for this option, as at 280cm this is one of the widest chaises in our round-up, but that does mean generous seating space, and for the long-legged amongst us the chaise section is one of the longest too.

Having tested a few models in different upholstery options – with both the classic back cushion or scatter back cushion design – we've been impressed by their comfort levels, with a seat depth that's the perfect compromise between loungey and upright to keep both sitters and curler-uppers content, and sink-in yet supportive back and seat cushions, plus good height armrests. 

And, unusually, that goes for the chaise sofa bed version too, which was barely distinguishable from the dedicated sofa in terms of seat comfort – somewhat of a rarity if you're looking for a multifunctional sofa that will allow you to host guests without compromising on your own comfort if the sofa bed also needs to be your main living room seating.

The potential downside is the shortage of upholstery options. We weren't blown away by either the slightly-too-shiny Dallas woven chenille or the slightly too thin Cosmos polyester option, although all are versatile neutrals. But, as long as you're happy with grey or beige (and statistics show most of us end up playing it safe this way) then this sofa still remains a good all-rounder at a great price point that's well worth considering, especially if you time your purchase with one of Furniture Village's fairly regular sales.

If you're looking for a chaise sofa that's a little more classic in style, then the Bluebell from Sofa.com could be right up your street. 

Rolled arms, smart piping, turned wooden feet and castors give this sofa plenty of period charm, which makes it a great fit if you're looking for seating that will work in a Victorian terrace or Edwardian townhouse – or you want to add some character to a new build.

The cushions are a good mix of hybrid materials, with seat cushions made from feather-wrapped foam to give that authentic traditional sink-in feel (without the constant plumping or flattened seats of pure feather cushions), and the feather & fibre back cushions – although a little prone to deflation – were still comfortably supportive, they may just need a little extra TLC to keep them in shape.

As one of Sofa.com's bestselling styles, the Bluebell also benefits from a wide range of coordinating furniture and a wealth of 90+ upholstery options, making finding a suitable colour and fabric an easy proposition. Just bear in mind that upgrading the fabric will mean some steady jumps in price.

It's rare to find a chaise sofa that's under £1,000 (at full price this option comes in at just a smidge over) so we weren't expecting great things from Habitat's Hudson, but although it doesn't come top of our list in comfort terms, we were still pleasantly surprised by the seat comfort, with this foam and fibre option offering a firmer sit than most other options on our list, but still a good amount of softness for the price.

If you're renting, or likely to move house anytime soon, then this option also offers the invaluable benefit of allowing you to swap the chaise from one side to the other, and it really couldn't be simpler; the base of the chaise section is actually a footstool base, so all you need to do is transfer that from one side to the other, and then swap the longer chaise cushion (this is all one piece) and the seat cushion over.

The downside is the lack of upholstery options, with only three colourways on offer, and one of those a slightly hard-to-cordinate bright yellow. However, despite the low price point, an effort has been made with the details, with the Chesterfield-style buttoned seat and bolster cushions adding some welcome detail.

A leather upholstered sofa always means an increase in price, however, leather's added durability and handsome good looks still make it a very popular choice, and we think MADE's Luciano leather chaise is a great option to consider.

The tan leather model we tested had the perfect amount of bounce and squish-factor to the seat, whilst we found the angled backrest to be super comfortable, soft and supportive, unlike many leather couches which can be fairly rigid. The armrests are also nice and wide, and the slanted angle of the internal arm makes it comfortable for lying down and resting your head on the armrest when you're ready to activate full lounge mode (if you're not the person who lucks out with the chaise section). 

The three colour options of leather upholstery also feel great to the touch, with a soft, buttery feel and a matt velvety texture that's a world away from the cheaper looking leathers you generally find at this price point. And, all are great desaturated neutral shades that look much more luxe than their price tag suggests. 

We were a little less impressed by the velvet upholstery options, and although we couldn't test a velvet option in person, the online reviews are more of a mixed bag, with many suggesting it seems a much firmer proposition than its leather counterpart. Other than that the only other downside is that you might need to be prepared for a bit of a wait. MADE usually has fairly long lead times, and it's not uncommon for those waits to get a little lengthier after you've ordered if stocks are low. Something to consider if you need somewhere to sit pronto.

• Get a better deal with one of Real Homes exclusive MADE discount codes.

IKEA's Soderhamn sofa is all over Instagram for a reason, and that's because it delivers a cool and contemporary look at a very affordable price point. 

The modular flat-packed design is also brilliant for homes that have awkward access as it can be built in situ, and the sectional units offer a wide scope to create the configuration that works best for your home, plus it can easily be reconfigured to suit a new interior if you move home.

We were also far more impressed by its comfort levels than we expected to be from its admittedly pretty thin seat cushions, mainly due to the mesh seat frame that allows for a little sink and makes the sitting experience gentler than expected. Those seats are deep and very low though, so the style won't be for everyone. But, if you don't mind your feet not touching the floor then the loose lumbar cushions make for a relaxed yet comfortable reclining position.

The standard upholstery options are limited, although IKEA's replacement covers are a brilliant option for families and anyone who wants to extend their sofas lifespan beyond the inevitable spillages. If you want to switch things up a little more, then Stockholm-based Bemz has built an entire brand offering covers to restyle IKEA's most popular sofa designs, with over 100 upholstery choices available for the Soderhamn, plus a great range of legs to swap out the default chrome the sofa comes with. 

Offering more sofas that can cope with tricky access requirements, are sofa-in-a-box specialists Swyft. The brand's flat-pack designs make getting your new sofa to its final destination a stress-free experience, with each box far more likely to fit through narrow doorways, tight hallways, and up multiple flights of stairs than a fully-built sofa. 

Having tried and tested a good selection of Swyft models (see our Swyft Model 02 sofa review and Swyft Sofa Model 03 review) we can also confirm that self-assembly is a fairly easy process, with no tools needed (although plenty of cardboard to dispose of in the aftermath). Plus, if time is of the essence and you're looking for a sofa with quick delivery, then a Swyft sofa is likely to be one of the fastest options going. In-stock designs arrive in under 7 days and can be delivered in just 24 hour hours if you buy direct from the Swyft website with next-day delivery – a rare attribute in the world of sofas where seating is usually built to order which means long lead times.

The Model 02 sofa is more traditional in style, and although it's not technically a chaise, a matching chaise footstool is available to turn it into one, with the added benefit that it can be swapped from side to side or used as a freestanding ottoman if you decide to switch up your living room layout. 

The seating is a little on the firmer side, but we found it a happy compromise for those who want both a sit-up sofa and seating that's deep enough to curl up on if required. And, whilst upholstery options are a little limited, they're all great shades and fabrics, with our review team giving Swyft's stain-resistant technology a good run through and all tests resulting in spotless sofas to date! 

If you have the space to work with then you're unlikely to regret opting for more sofa to stretch out on, especially if you have multiple housemates, family, or friends to seat comfortably. 

A large sofa generally means (a lot) more expense though, which is probably why the great value Kendrick sofa is one of Habitat's most popular designs, offering spacious seating at a very affordable price point compared to other designs of this size.

What's more, we loved the comfort levels on all the models we tested. The seat is deep, especially if you're on the shorter side, but we found it very comfortable for sitting or lounging, with comfortable seat cushions that have a nice amount of sink, and soft yet supportive back cushions. The padded armrests are also super comfortable, with the low arms a great height for resting your head for a nap.

Although the back may be a little low in height for some, this low profile design also works especially well in an open plan room where it won't interrupt the flow from one zone to another, delivering a designer look without the designer price tag.

And, while the colour choices may be limited, all are great shades in Habitat's luxe-look velvet upholstery that lend statement style to this contemporary design. 

• Get an even better deal by making the most of Real Homes exclusive Habitat discount codes.

The Barbican chaise sofa offers slightly retro vibes that make it perfect for a mid-Century inspired home, or, with its pale oak legs and grey upholstery it can work just as well in a contemporary Scandi-inspired home. 

It's compact proportions and high-legged design also make it a great chaise option for a smaller space, with the sofa frame lifted well clear of the floor to add visual spaciousness. Plus, the slightly shorter chaise section allows for lounging without taking up too much space. 

Like most of John Lewis & Partners sofas, this design also comes in a wide range of upholstery options – over 125 in fact! – which should make choosing a colour to match your decor, and a fabric to match your lifestyle, a far easier proposition.

There are two leg options as well, either light wood or dark, plus plenty of matching furniture options. And, if you're looking for the ultimate in versatility, there's also a chaise sofa bed version available for overnight hosting.

How to buy a chaise sofa

Decided a chaise sofa is for you? It can be easy to rush in and throw your cash at that dreamy velvet chaise sofa in the showroom window, but a little prior planning can ensure that your investment is a sound one long-term and that there are no nasty surprises on delivery day. Read on to find our top tips for chaise sofa shopping.

Measuring up for a new sofa

Just like with any sofa – or large furniture purchase – the first step to finding the chaise sofa of your dreams is getting your measurements right. 

You'll need to make sure the sofa fits well into its destination room, and looks in proportion to the room size, whether that means going a little smaller so as not to overwhelm a small living room, or going big enough that seating doesn't look lost in a larger room or an open plan layout.

A good rule of thumb is to use the two-thirds rule, so if your sofa will be pushed back against a wall, opting for a sofa frame width that's two-thirds of the wall length tends to work well. This also leaves enough room for side tables or standing lamps to frame the sofa. 

There are no hard and fast rules to sofa sizes. Although a two-seater is obviously smaller than a three-seater, there can still be huge differences between one sofa model's 'three seats' and another models, so always check the specifications before assuming something will fit.

Opting for a chaise sofa means you'll also need to consider the chaise depth. There's no standard measurement for the chaise section, with options ranging from roughly 150–220cm. If you're tall, you may want to consider a longer version to ensure you have plenty of leg room to stretch out, but you'll also be limited by room depth. You want to make sure there's plenty of space to walk around the furniture easily, and that nothing feels too cramped – a sure-fire way of making a small room appear smaller.

Using newsprint on the floor to mark out a sofa's footprint can be a useful way to visualise how much space those measurements will really take up. And don't forget to think about the sofa's frame height – especially if it needs to fit under immoveable architecture like a windowsill. If every inch counts, then remember that skirting may push a sofa a little further into the room too.

For added versatility, you might also want to look for a 'reversible' chaise sofa that allows the chaise section to be swapped from the left to the righthand side. This can be especially useful if you're likely to move house in the foreseeable future and want to invest in an option that has the flexibility to be adjusted to a different room layout.

Choosing a sofa style

Next up there's the style to consider. If you're updating a worn-out couch then you might already have furnishings and decor that you want to work with. If you're starting from scratch, then the world is your oyster. Either way, as one of the largest pieces of furniture in the living room, the sofa is likely to set the tone for the whole room, and as an investment piece it's an item that you're unlikely to want to update very often, so opting for a style you won't tire of quickly is important. 

Clean lines, boxy frames, and low-to-the-ground silhouettes tend to create a more modern feel, whilst classic details like roll-back arms, Chesterfield-style pin-tucks, or castor feet will work well in a period property, and add character to a new build.

If space is at a premium then a high-legged design will often work best as it lifts the sofa frame away from the floor to create a feeling of spaciousness. Because the eye can travel under the sofa – potentially all the way to the wall skirting – this will also make a small room feel much bigger. A sofa with a low frame that sits on the ground can be useful for grounding a larger room or open-plan space.

If space is tight then consider armrests too. Wide armrests will take up a lot of extra inches of floor space, so narrow options could be a space-saving solution. Some sofas also have the option of removing the armrests completely, which can be a useful way to get more seating into less space.

What's the most comfortable sofa?

Once you've decided on a sofa size and style, it's then all about comfort. Obviously, nothing beats being able to go into a store to test seating in person as height, weight, and personal preference will all have a bearing on how comfortable any individual finds a particular sofa. However, there are a few key points that are worth zoning in on during your search to find the most comfortable chaise for you...

Seat depth and height
In our experience sofa sitters tend to fall into two camps; those who prefer to sit upright with their feet on the floor, and those who instantly curl up or lay down when they hit the couch. How comfortable a sofa is for either preference tends to come down to seat depth – a seat of 60cm+ depth is likely to make it hard for even the longest of legs to touch the floor, so you'll be tipped into a lounging position or need to curl up to get comfy, whereas a shallower seat depth means you can sit with your feet on the floor and still be supported by the backrest. In our tests we found around a 55cm seat depth offered the best of both worlds, but this will change depending on your height.

If you're a fan of cushions – and we certainly are for the cosy-factor – then make sure to look for a sofa that has enough depth to fit some in, shallower sofas are likely to mean you might have to remove throw cushions before you can get comfortable. 

Your own height may also affect the seat height you prefer, with longer legs potentially preferring a higher seat that allows the thigh bones to be parallel to the floor when the legs are bent at the knee in a sitting position. And mobility will also play a part; low-to-the-ground sofas can be much harder to get up from.

Backrest
Next up it's the backrest. A higher sofa back is likely to be more supportive and potentially more comfortable to sit on over long periods of time, however many people prefer the modern silhouette of a lower-backed model. When testing the backrest look to see how high the sofa frame is and not just the cushions. Over time the cushions are likely to sag a little and deflate, especially if they're not fully supported by a frame behind them.

Armrests
Don't forget about the armrests when you do your sit test. You might want armrests that are the perfect height for, well, resting your arms, or you might prefer lower options that can form a comfortable headrest for an afternoon nap or high armrests that you can lean against to sit horizontally on the sofa. If you regularly use a side table for drinks then think about ease of access too; higher armrests can be an unnecessary obstacle in reaching for that cup of tea.

It's easy to focus on seat comfort when testing a sofa, but it's worth checking the arms to see how well padded they are too. If you can feel sharper or harder edges through the padding then these areas are likely to wear more quickly when the sofa's in use.

Seat and back cushions
Possibly the most important part of the comfort of a sofa is the amount of squish it can offer, and finding that elusive Goldilocks 'just right' can be easier said than done. A lot of this comes down to the seat filling, with three main options on offer; feather, foam, and fibre, which can be available singly or in combination. Each has plus and minus points which we'll cover below.

Are feather, foam or fibre sofa cushions the most comfortable?

Why is one sofa so much more comfortable than another? A large factor tends to be the material that offers the cushioning, and in sofa terms that generally means feather, fibre or foam. Which option is right for you will tend to depend on personal preference, but budget and lifestyle factors will all come into play too. We've broken down the main pros and cons of each below.

First up, feather. Feather seat cushions are often heralded as a luxury option, with a just-plumped feather cushion offering that deep sink-in feeling that many of us dream of when we picture the perfect sofa. However, that luxuriously soft seat can often be short-lived affair, with the plumped air gradually deflating out of the cushion to leave a rather flattened and hard clump of feathers that needs daily (if not hourly) plumping to look and feel its best. 

Foam is pretty much the exact opposite of feather, bouncing back into shape after it's been sat on and requiring very little maintenance. There are different densities of foam so the feel can vary, but generally this is the firmest option; you're likely to feel like you're sat on top of the sofa rather than sinking into it, as such it can be a good option if you prefer plenty of support.

Fibre is the man-made and vegan-friendly alternative to feather. A fibre cushion is made from hollow-fill polyester fibres that are blown into the seat cushions so that pockets of air are formed which makes for a much softer and more sink-in feel than foam. As you sit and compress these air pockets the seats will mould to your body shape. This means you will need to plump fairly regularly to maintain the aeration though, and cushions can tend to become a little flatter over time.

In an effort to achieve the best of both worlds, some of the most popular cushion types are now hybrids that offer a keeps-it-shape foam core wrapped with an outer layer of feather or fibre for that sink-in-comfort. In our tests, majority of the team tended to prefer a hybrid seat cushion for some squish-factor with a foam back cushion for reliable support, but it's well worth testing as many options as possible to find your personal preference.

How to choose sofa upholstery options

Whether you prioritise looks or comfort, upholstery is always going to be a big factor in any sofa purchase, whether you're looking for a fabric that's easy to maintain or just the right shade of pistachio green to achieve that Pinterest board vision. 

Upholstery can also affect both the feel of the sofa – looser weaves have more give that can affect how soft or firm the sofa feels to sit on; something to bear in mind if you're store testing a sofa in a different fabric to that you'll end up opting for – and the sofa's price, with velvets and leathers generally adding quite a significant increase to a sofa's cost.

Then there's the type of upholstery covering to consider. Most sofas have fitted and fixed covers, but some options offer slipcovers or removable covers that make for much easier washing – and potentially mean you could update your sofa's look in the future. This generally means a slightly higher price tag, but it can be a money saver in the long run if it means you only need to refresh covers rather than swap out the entire sofa. It's also a much more sustainable option.

Think about finishing details too. Piped edges both look smart, and help give the sofa cushions a little more structure so they keep their shape better.

You'll find plenty of top tips in our expert guide to choosing the best sofa fabric including which are the best upholstery options for pets and families, and for creating a statement or keeping things neutral.

Don't forget about delivery access

The measuring doesn't just stop at working out what size sofa will best fit your room. There are also access measurements to consider; which means all of the entrances and angles between your front door and the destination room. If you have a wide hallway this may not be a problem, but narrow access routes, staircases, and tight corners may limit the sofas you can consider. 

Most manufacturers list the access requirements for each sofa model in the product specifications, or they can be discussed with a customer advisor, but this is well worth considering before you place your order to save the time, expense, and stress of a sofa delivery that doesn't fit.

And if your access is tricky, don't despair. It's a common problem and as such there are solutions. Many brands offer sofas that can be broken down and built-in situ (either by you or, for a charge, the delivery service) for just this reason, as well as dedicated flat-packed sofas, like IKEA, Snug, or Swyft that come in easily maneuverable sections to make light work of trickier access.

Another bonus is that many of these flat-packed sofas also offer super quick lead times (although you'll likely be limited in upholstery options as a compromise) which leads on to our next point...

Remember to factor in sofa lead times

You've found a sofa you love, and it fits! And it comes in just the shade of raspberry red you've had your heart set on! And then lead times are mentioned and you realise you're going to be sitting on a beanbag for a looonnnng time waiting for it, because lead times mean the length of the wait between your ordering your sofa and it actually being built and delivered to your door. And they can be lengthy, with the average wait from order to delivery anywhere from 4–16 weeks.

There are manufacturers which specialise in fast turnarounds – check out our guide to sofas with quick delivery to find out more – but in most cases, this will mean a smaller selection of sofa styles and upholstery options to choose from. After all, a sofa is pretty big, so it's not something a manufacture can store ready-built in every shade of velvet under the sun, so if you want something a little more bespoke, then that will mean a wait for it to be built. On the plus side, this can make a sofa with a lead time a more sustainable choice, as nothing is being created without a guaranteed end-user.

It does mean you need to plan ahead though. Lead times get especially long in the build-up to Christmas when everyone is thinking about hosting, so shop out of season and you may not have as long a wait as anticipated.

How we chose the sofas included in this guide

To find the best chaise sofas for all budgets we've walked multiple miles around multiple sofa showrooms and toned our glutes doing sit test after sit test to try out all the latest releases, plus grilled the Real Homes team for their expert knowledge, along with their friends, and their friend's friends, to find out how their sofa choices are holding up to the rigours of day to day life. We also take into account the wider views of those who own each product, whether that’s via online reviews or social media. Click here to find out more about how we review products on Real Homes.

The Vax SpotWash Home Duo cleaner promises to be a 'must-have cleaning companion', capable of handling mess in your car, on your carpets, and on hard floors. Kitted out with several cleaning attachments including antimicrobial tools, this cleaner should, in theory, hold the secret to serene cleanliness across your home. We tried it out ourselves to establish just how handy it really is, and whether it's worth your investment.

In our quest to find cleaning products that are worth their initial cost, this Vax SpotWash Home Duo Cleaner is certainly a popular choice with those who have already tried it, according to reviews online. It's also very aesthetically pleasing, with clean water leaving one tank and returning in various shades of grey and brown in the dirty water tank.

As far as design is concerned, this cleaner is nice and compact too, though this is an indication that, unlike larger carpet cleaners, it's designed for spot cleaning and smaller areas. If you already have the best vacuum cleaner, could this little helper be the remedy for spills and stains on carpet, upholstery and hard flooring? 

We put it to the test at home to find out, including checking how it dealt with accidents and historic dirt. 

Specifications of the Vax Spot Wash Home Duo Cleaner 

• Model number: Vax SpotWash Home Duo Spot Cleaner ‎1-1-142576
• Capacity: 0.72 litres
• Weight: 4.5kg
• Accessories: Extra Wide 2-in-1 Wash Tool and Crevice Tool, Messy Clean Up Tool, 250ml bottle of VAX Spot Washer Antibacterial Solution
• RRP: £130 

Unboxing the Vax Spot Wash Home Duo Cleaner

The Vax Spot Wash Home Duo Cleaner comes in a compact cardboard box, and upon opening it everything was packed with cardboard, giving it eco-friendly unboxing credentials (something we love). 

The various tools and parts that come with this cleaner make it feel like a full cleaning set, which would be capable of tackling all sorts of stains on different textures. First impressions prove just how compact this cleaner is and how easy it would be to stash away (attachments included!). 

The design of the model allows the hose to neatly tuck into the body of the model, with clips to hold together all of your cables too. To give you a full rundown of the attachments at play here, you have the extra wide 2-in-1 tool, which is great for getting up residual dirt on carpets and sofas and the messy clean-up tool which is best for spills and standalone stains. 

From there you have the carpet cleaning attachment, to force stains and dirt to the surface, and the same design for hard floors. The crevice tool is great for all those edges and corners you can't quite squeeze into and there's also an informative user guide, which is always great if you're new to tools like this. 

Who will the Vax Spot Wash Home Duo Cleaner suit?

Busy family homes are the target audience for this cleaner. You can keep it in your cupboard and wheel it out anytime, like for a spillage on your kitchen floor or to tackle your stairs when they are looking a little discoloured. It's very portable, which means you can clean your car properly with it too, though note it does need plugging in unlike Vax's cordless ONEPWR SpotlessGo Spot Washer.

Though it's marketed as being great for anywhere, the tank is small, and it's definitely best used for spot cleaning or small surface areas. It is not designed for a full carpet or floor clean, but rather spills and small stains on practically any surface. 

If you want to seriously transform your entire carpeted area in your home, then I would look for a bigger model, like the Bissell Proheat 2x Revolution Pet Pro carpet cleaner. Those with pets are also likely to love this cleaner, as it brings up hair that's buried into surfaces very easily. 

Or, if you want to effortlessly clean a hard floor, you should check out the Vax ONEPWR Glide, battery powered floor mop and buffer.

What's it like to use the Vax Spot Wash Home Duo Cleaner?

To get started, you'll need to fill the water tank of your machine up to the fill line with warm water. Add the solution that comes with your purchase, and screw on the top and refit it into the main unit. It's easy to release the attachments to swap out to something else. I started by using the widest 2-in-1 tool to tackle an area of carpet in my communal hallway that definitely needs some love. 

After turning the tool on, I used the trigger underneath to spray the cleaning solution onto the (grotty looking) carpet. I targeted the areas with the worst discoloration, and was impressed straightaway with the dirt it pulled up. Once the cleaner comes into contact with the floor, the suction works on the surface and pulls up the water with the dirt combined. I kept going in the same direction until all the water was gone, and my tank was filled with brown debris as a result. 

I loved seeing how effective this cleaner was thanks to the two-tank design. I think the fact that you can see the grime in your machine will definitely be a motivating force that keeps you on your cleaning routine, as you can see all ranges of hair and tiny bits of muck being effectively pulled up. 

The only downside is that the water tank is relatively small, even when I filled it with enough water for a larger surface area, it only took me about half an hour to need a refill. Again, this is not uncommon for a spot washer, but if you are trying to tackle a bunch of stains around the house, expect the odd trip to the tap.

As well as large-area cleaning, I tried out the Vax Spot Wash Home Duo on a chocolate stain on my upholstered coffee table. I used the crevice tool as the stained area was very small, and I was very impressed by how quickly the stain came up, even on a cream material.

Cleaning and maintenance 

The dual-system design of this model does make clean-up a little bit of a faff. This is to be expected, but it's still quite a process, and not something to be done in a rush, like if you spill wine before a night out. To clean your tank, you need to empty it down your sink or toilet, and then rinse the tank to get rid of all the nastiness. Then, to make your hose feel brand new again, you need to remove your attachment and submerge the hose into a bowl of clean water. Turn your machine on and let it run this clean water through the system, to get rid of any residual dirt. Once that's done, you should have a completely clean tank and hose.

Though it took some time to do, I was glad that the cleaning process was so thorough. The idea of a dirty machine sitting in storage gives me the shivers, and it's nice to be able to see your machine being cleaned too. It also means you'll avoid any damp smells from arising. 

How does it rate online?

I wanted to test this particular machine after seeing the rave reviews about it online. It has a 4.5-star rating out of 5 on Amazon, and dozens of photos of water tanks filled with brown, sludgy water (always a good sign!). Users on Amazon liked that there was no overwhelming smell of the cleaning solution, that you don't need to exert yourself too much to get fantastic results and that the suction was so strong. 

Others who felt lukewarm about their purchase cited that they felt there was a long process with using this machine, which I would agree with. It takes time to use and clean up with this device, which not everyone has time for. 

On the Vax website, there's an overwhelmingly positive response for this cleaner, with users saying how effective it was to help clean up after their pets, and to keep carpets as good as new. 

How does it compare to similar models and predecessors?

There's a very similar model from Vax to compare the SpotWash Duo to, which is the Vax SpotWash Spot Cleaner CDCW-CSXS. On paper, the two look extremely similar, with the dual tank design, and the draw of multiple attachments. During testing, though it's not marketed as multi-surface, the Spotwash Spot Cleaner also excelled at cleaning a variety of surfaces. That means the crucial difference between these two is that the latter has added a 2-in1 cleaning tool, meaning that cleaning your car, for example, will be a lot easier. However, both of these cleaners are too small for cleaning large areas.

When it comes to affordability, the Spot Wash Home Duo is £10 more expensive than the Vax Spotwash CDCW-CSXS. For that price you do get an extra tool included, which is handy if you're looking to get into crevices but if you're stretching your budget, it feels like the difference between the two besides the design is negligible. 

If you're looking for a spot cleaner with a larger capacity, then the Bissell SpotClean Pro is worth your attention. It can be filled with 2.9 litres of water before you start cleaning, meaning that the surface area you can cover when tackling stains or dirt will be much larger. 

If you're looking to give your entire carpeted area a once-over, then an alternative larger model like the Bissell Crosswave Cordless Max is more suitable. It works wonders on carpets and is adept for larger areas. For pet lovers, it also has the same talent for picking up hair. 

Is the Vax Spot Wash Home Duo Cleaner worth it?

The Vax Spot Wash Home Duo Cleaner is as impressive as it looks, with the dual tank system working expertly to bring up dirt and grime in your home. It's super effective when it comes to stains and general cleaning, and also has an extremely thorough cleaning process, so that your machine stays pristine and you can use it for years into the future. It's an affordable price, especially given just how many attachments you receive, and the fact that there's an included bottle of cleaning solution means you can get going straight away.

The qualifier with this machine is that it is a little too small for large surface areas, so if you've moved into a new place and need to totally revamp your carpets, you might prefer a full-siz carpet cleaner instead. However, if space is at a premium, and you tend to only deal with small spills, borrow a carpet cleaner for a deep clean, then keep this on hand for weekly mishaps and upholstery refreshes.

For a genuinely useful cleaning companion, this cleaner is truly a great choice, especially if your household is prone to stains and spills. 

About this review, and the reviewer 

I think this has to be one of my favorite DIY projects to date, it has really transformed the space and made the kind of impact I'd only ever dreamed of having. 

I have always wanted to upholster a headboard, and have seen so much inspiration for unique DIY headboard styles and designs. The one element I was sold on was having a scalloped edge. I love the continuous curved design, and it was either going to be incorporated as a headboard, or painted on our walls. I’m so glad I did the headboard!

Total project cost: Approx £177 (materials only)
Level of DIY skills needed: intermediate
Time spent: Approx 6 hours 

Main bedroom before

The bedroom was a little drab to say the least, in need of some color, texture and personality!

You will need:

• 18mm plywood
• 2” foam I got mine from Dunelm
• 4m Barrier cloth fabric
• 4m Fabric
• Electric knife
• Electric Staple Gun
• Spray Adhesive
• Wooden battens
• Screws
• Heavy Duty Velcro 

1. Design it

This headboard design consists of 10 curved edged panels, attached together at the back with wooden batons. I managed to secure them to the original headboard, so it didn’t need to be secured to the wall.

I wanted to create separate panels, so that it could be easily adjusted or moved in the future. 

2. Get the supplies

I bought 18mm plywood from our local sawmills which would be used for the 10 panels I needed. I also bought 2” upholstery foam which would provide the cushioned part of the panels. The other materials included 4m of barrier cloth and 4m of my chosen fabric (Soft textured corduroy) from JustFabrics.  

3.  Create the shape

To get my measurements sorted, I had to measure for the two types of panels I needed. I planned to have 2 floor-length panels for the ends, and shorter panels that would attach to the original headboard, and lie behind the mattress. The end panels would be 150cm tall,  and the other panels would be 115cm tall.

For the width, I measured the distance between our two bedside mirrors and settled on having it 190cm wide.

I had the plywood cut into 17cm strips at the sawmills so it was easier to transport, but this can be done at home with a table saw or circular saw.

I drew around a jar to create the curve for the top of the panels, and used a jigsaw to cut the excess ply off.

 I repeated this process for all 10 panels, using the first as a template for the rest.

Once all of the panels were cut to size, I used them to trace the shape on the foam so that it could be cut to size too. I used a marker pen and marked about 1cm wider than the panels to ensure all of the edges would be cushioned.

I used an electric knife to cut out the foam panels, which I thought would be easier than it was. My handling of the electric knife could really do with some work, but although they were slightly wonky, they worked out well in the end.

4. Add foam

I used spray adhesive to secure the foam panels to the plywood panels. Spray adhesive needs a few minutes after being sprayed to become tacky before both parts are put together. The floor-length panels needed extra foam added on to fill the gaps, but once the barrier cloth and fabric are attached, you won’t see a difference.

• 10 storage headboards – stylish buys for small homes

5. Wrap it up

The next step was to wrap each panel with the barrier cloth and the fabric. This was done using a staple gun and trimming off the excess fabric. The fabric needed to be pulled taut, to prevent sagging or creases, and it was important to use quite a few staples to stop it from ever unraveling.

I tested out the position of all the panels when they were wrapped in the barrier cloth. I did this to check the height, and made sure it all fit into place.

When wrapping the final fabric, it was important for me to make sure the curved edge was smooth, and no folds or pleats were noticeable from the front. I used quite a few staples at the top especially to keep it as neat as possible.

6. Attach together

After completing all of the panels, it was time to attach them together.

I did consider velcroing each individual panel to the original headboard, but because of the size and height of the new headboard, I knew wooden batons would make it even more secure.

I used screws to attach the batons to the back of the panels, squeezing the panels together whilst doing it. I wanted to make sure there weren’t any gaps when the headboard was in place.

The last thing to do was to add heavy-duty velcro to the panels and the existing headboard. Once put together, the headboard was secure.

This process can be used for so many different designs and fabrics. Go wild and design your own DIY upholstered scalloped headboard!

Spotting sofa damage can be upsetting. But, knowing the cost to reupholster a couch can manage your expectations on whether to fix your furniture or replace it altogether. By pricing up the fabric and labor involved you can be better prepared to know whether to put a downpayment on a new purchase (and ditch the old one) or give your existing chair some TLC.

While most of the best sofas have a guarantee or warranty for damage, we're sure you've experienced trying to do the admin for an insurance claim... And that's if your accident is covered under the policy. If it's just a slither of fabric that's gone astray - you might seek to sort of the issue yourself.

Of course, there are many variables that might affect the cost to reupholster a sofa. Materials like leather or suede for one might be more expensive to source than cotton or velvet. That's the outer covering sorted, but it's what's on the inside that counts too. So it's important to inspect the internal layers and condition which could add extra expenditure.

The cost to reupholster a couch

'Sofas cost between $500 and $4500 to reupholster.' says Anderson Gibbons, VP of marketing, Revolution Fabrics.

'The average cost of reupholstering a sofa is $1800. This includes your new fabric cost and labor costs associated with reupholstering. Usually, fabric ranges from $10-$70 a yard with labor costs ranging from $40-$100 per hour. If you need to refresh your sofa, reupholstery is the way to go.'

It is worth it to reupholster a couch?

'Yes, It is always worth reupholstering your furniture if your frame isn't broken or damaged. You support local workroom professionals and save potentially perfect furniture from a landfill. This is a more sustainable approach to furniture than buying new every time your fabric is damaged or worn out.' says Anderson Gibbons, VP of marketing at Revolution Fabrics.

'The best way to know if your sofa is worth reupholstering is to talk to a local upholsterer near you. They can best evaluate if your furniture is worth saving or if it’s time to buy a completely new sofa.'

'Ask the upholsterer to quote the reupholstery job and then cross-reference the reupholstery quote with what your sofa would be to purchase new. When it’s cheaper to reupholster, it's worth reupholstering. That's how you know if it's worth reupholstering your existing sofa or to buy a new one.'

Factors affecting the cost of reupholstering a couch

Sofas come in all shapes and sizes, from L-shaped suites romantic loveseats and the best sofa beds, when posing the question 'how much does it cost to reupholster a couch?', it can be like asking 'how long is a piece of string?'

However, there are some factors that can make it easier to price up. Here Mike Fairman, CEO of Checkatradegives us an idea of what can influence the total bill.

• Size of furniture – A wooden dining chair with a padded cushion will cost significantly less to completely upholster than a three-seater sofa.
• Type of furniture – An antique Regency armchair with craftsmanship dating back over 200 years may prove to be a more complex job than a 1970s piano stool.
• Type of fabric – Italian leather will always be more expensive than white cotton, and for faithful restorations, it may be that original fabric will need to be sourced, all of which impacts the price you’ll pay.
• State of the furniture – If your piece is structurally sound and you just want a new look, then this will cost less than if your chair or sofa requires spring, castor, or wood repairs before the reupholstering can begin.

Can I reupholster my sofa myself?

'Reupholstering a couch is a big job, but it's definitely something you can tackle yourself,' says Dori Turner, Real Homes blogger.

'Start by choosing a fabric that will hold up to everyday wear and tear. Instead of removing all of the old fabric at once, I recommend working in sections. Remove one section of fabric at a time and use the old fabric to make a pattern for the new fabric, cutting the new fabric an inch to two inches bigger around to make sure there's enough to cover. Use a staple gun to attach the new fabric to the base of the couch.'

'For the cushions, you can again use the old fabric to help measure and create a pattern for the new material. I recommend adding a zipper to the back of the cushion covers so they can easily be removed and washed should they get dirty.' 

'If you want to add some interest, add cording around the cushions and on the arms of the chairs. You can make the cording yourself by cutting strips of your fabric, wrapping it around cotton cording, and sewing it together or you can purchase pre-made cording in a complementary color to your fabric and sew it to your cushions.'

What other costs are involved in reupholstering a couch?

'Reupholstery rarely involves just the cost of the fabric and with your furniture being stripped down it’s the perfect time to also fix the interior and framing.' says Fairman.

This includes:

• Replacing damaged springs
• Re-webbing sagging springs
• Replacing padding
• Frame repair or modifications
• Refinishing and mold mitigation
• Transportation costs

'You should ideally budget 20-25% extra for these items as it’s not always possible to see how damaged a sofa is until it’s been stripped down and some essential repair work may be required.'

Why reupholster a sofa instead of buying new?

'You will almost certainly be able to find a new sofa or chair that’s cheaper than upholstering your old one,' says Fairman.

'However, that will be reflected in the cheap quality of the new furniture. Reupholstery is only worthwhile for furniture that is well made, as poorly made furniture tends to have low-quality frames and interiors which will be unlikely to last in the long term.'

'Reupholstering furniture gives you more freedom to create new styles for your home and can be achieved quicker than the time it takes to have a new made-to-order sofa delivered.'

'You’ll even be helping the environment as the old furniture won’t need to be sent to a landfill and fewer emissions will be generated than making a brand new sofa.'

How much does it cost to reupholster a leather sofa?

Even the best leather sofas, are susceptible to tears. You have to remember that leather is made from animal skin, and being a natural product, it can age over time and needs to be moisturized. But even with the best care, mishaps and misfortune can happen.

'The price to reupholster a leather sofa costs $600-$4500, depending on the size and cushion types. Leather loveseats will be less expensive than larger multi-piece sectionals. The quality of leather also matters. High-end leather will cost you $200-$750 per hide.' says Gibbons.

'Real leather is durable, strong, and should last 5-25 years on the sofa. Faux leather is a cheaper way to avoid the added costs of real and high-end leather but doesn’t hold up as well. Faux leather is known to “delaminate” or “peel”.'

'It’s best to consult an upholstery professional before ordering leather hides for your sofa reupholstery. They’ll be able to tell you the exact amount of hides needed, and costs, to reupholster your leather sofa.'

When reupholstering a sofa isn’t the right decision

'If you bought your furniture brand new and it was not too expensive then I would bet my favorite hammer that reupholstering isn’t a good option for you,' says Richardson.

'Why? Because the quality of the frame and interiors (the padding or stuffing) would likely be of a quality that, no matter how much money you spent, it would still be a flimsy sofa with a very short life expectancy. A good deal of modern furniture is never intended to last a long time and, sadly, it’s part of our ‘throwaway’ society today.'

'But that’s a different topic entirely and one I’m passionate about so I’d better not start on this now! However, if your modern sofa is of good quality and solid, but the covers are worn thin, and the foam is showing underneath, it will be worth your while getting the item reupholstered.'

'You do need to be prepared to spend money on it – but when you do, that sofa will last a long, long time. It could become the family heirloom your great, great – even great! –  Grandchildren look at fondly and remember you when they do.'

'If there is a pattern on the fabric, you may require more meterage to pattern match. Additionally, fabrics used to cover modern furniture needs to be treated with Fire Retardant – so if it isn’t already that will need to be factored into your budget.'

Wondering where to buy a sofa bed? We've rounded up our first ports of call when looking for a stylish sleeper sofa, whether you're searching for the best place to buy a corner sofa bed (a tricky style to find!), a space-saving futon, or just the cheapest sofa bed around.

If you're in need of some style inspiration before you buy, then check out our guide to the best sofa beds on the market first. This buying guide features the Real Homes team's top picks of the best sofa beds across the board, plus the lowdown on the key details to look out for when sleeper sofa shopping.

But if you're looking for something more specific - perhaps you have an exact colour in mind, or specific size requirements you need to satisfy - then this edit of sofa bed retailers will help to kickstart your search for the perfect piece of furniture.

Where to buy a sofa bed

The Swedish homeware giant is often our first port of call when it comes to design-led furniture at refreshingly affordable prices, and IKEA sofa beds are always worth a look.

In past years we've found the brand's sleeper sofa range has been a little bit hit and miss, with some very affordable - the two-person IKEA Hammarn sofa bed is just £99! - yet very firm options that haven't always reflected the brand's usual design aesthetics. However, its showrooms are brilliant for testing before you buy, and it's one of the few retailers where you can test and walk away with your sofa bed the very same day.

If you're looking for some extra sleeping space in a larger bedroom or playroom we do love the IKEA Hemnes day bed. It definitely looks more like a bed than an archetypal sofa bed, but it makes a great lounging spot during the day and extends into a properly comfortable double sleeping space at night. Plus it offers super useful storage and matches with the rest of the very popular Hemnes bedroom furniture range.

The Argos sofa bed offering now includes the Habitat range, which has increased the options available considerably and injected some contemporary style into the collection.

Prices start from a super reasonable £60 for a chair bed and around £100 for an entry-level double sofa bed in the brand's own label designs, although the low prices are achieved by offering ready-to-buy models only, so you won't get much choice on upholstery at this retailer. 

Argos' lack of showroom space also makes testing before you buy pretty difficult. On the plus side though, its off-the-shelf, online-only formula does mean your sofa bed is likely to be delivered pretty fast.

The simple yet effective Habitat Patsy single sofa bed at £150 is one of the retailer's most popular lines, alongside the bargain £580 Habitat Reagan Right Corner Sofa Bed with fold-out design and handy storage chaise, and the chunky Habitat Kota Sofa Bed that adds colourful comfort to a contemporary room.

The John Lewis sofa bed range features a really good mix of styles, from classic-look sofas with hidden pull-out mattress that echo its bestselling sofa designs, to ingenious contemporary solutions from sub-brand Innovation Living.

A good selection of showrooms across the country mean you're usually not too far from being able to test a model out, and many options come with a large selection of upholstery choices on offer.

A good range of price points are also on offer, from the affordable £299 Clapton Fixed Back Sofa Bed to the smart Innovation Living Cubed 140 Sofa Bed that we think is perfect for a home office/guest room, and the versatile Bailey Double Sofa Bed that matches perfectly with John Lewis' most popular living room furniuture range of the same name.

Although you may pay a little more for a Sofa.com sofa bed than some of the other retailers on our list, the investment is well worth it in terms of choice and quality. 

The sofa specialist has developed its sofa bed collection from its bestselling sofa designs, including the popular Bluebell sleeper sofa with its elegant turned wood feet, and the laidback loose-cover Isaac corner sofa. 

Unusually, the brand offers a similar level of versatility with its sofa bed offering as it does in its sofa range, with a fantastic diversity of size options in each sofa bed model - generally including loveseat, two-seater, two-and-a-half-seater, three-seater and more - plus a great selection of upholstery choices, from relaxed linen to smart velvet or leather upholstery.

The sofa bed range also features Sofa.com's usual seat cushion quality - made from foam cores wrapped in feathers - that make for a really comfortable sitting experience.

The MADE sofa bed collection has over eighty models on offer, so it's a great place to get a feel for which kind of style of sleeper sofa you prefer, especially if you're a fan of modern design, as most of its range errs towards contemporary.

On the downside, there are only two showrooms across the country - in Yorkshire and London - so trying before you buy can be difficult, and it always pays to doublecheck the lead-time before you buy as many lines have quite a long wait for delivery.

Design-wise MADE's Haru Small Sofa Bed is one of the most luxe-look compact sleeper chairs we've come across for its £299 price tag. Perfect for a kids bedroom, additional seating in a boudoir, or an extra accent chair in the living room, it only sleeps one but upholstered in colourful canvas or stylish velvet, it's a chair bed you won't want to hide away. And for only £80 more there's the Haru Large Double Sofa Bed which sleeps two.

If your tastes are more classic, then the Orson Chaise End Sofa Bed with turned wood feet and rolled back arms is a great option to consider at a very reasonable £1199. Plus there is some handy hidden storage under the chaise section.

Bag the best price with one of our Made discount codes.

If you want the ultimate flexibility in your upholstery choice, then a Sofas & Stuff sofa bed may well be the option for you.

Unlike most other retailers on our list Sofas & Stuff offer thousands of fabric choices, - in fact, they offer to upholster in any fabric in the world! - from statement florals to smart pinstripes and, of course, more great neutrals than you can shake a stick at. 

Sofa bed styles are classic and brilliant for period properties. We love the traditional detail of the Upperton Sofa Bed that's available in relaxed loose covers for a laidback, slouchy feel or fitted upholstery for a smarter look, plus the plump seats and rolled back arms of the Alwinton Sofa Bed.

The best thing about the Next sofa bed range has to be the ease with which you can test its most popular models out. Most large towns now have a Next showroom on a retail park or in their town centre, so getting to sit and sprawl across the actual sofa bed you're hoping to buy can be an easy reality. 

Designs are simple and contemporary classic, meaning they're pieces that are likely to weather changes in interior styles and stand the test of time well.

There are also some good leather options, from the versatile Michigan Leather Occasional Sofa Bed that comes in a range of subtle tones, to the compact Stamford Leather Occasional Sofa Bed.

There may not be the biggest selection of styles on offer, but Dunelm sofa beds and chair beds are very affordable, with a basic single futon starting from £129.

The product choice is mainly contemporary, with limited but colourful upholstery options that can make a useful budget addition to a kid's or teenager's bedroom.

Although Dunelm stores are plentiful across the UK, it can be tricky to find shops that have a good sofa bed selection on display, so trying before you buy is sometimes difficult. 

Comfort can also sometimes take a backseat to affordability, with most designs made with a fold-out click-clack mechanism and fairly firm foam seating, but if a bargain fold-out bed is your mission, this could be a store worth trying. 

If you're an apartment dweller, or just live somewhere with awkward access, then the Swyft sofa bed in a box has been designed with you in mind. 

Perhaps better known for its sofa-in-a-box, Swyft's Model 04 sofa bed is its first sleeper sofa offering, and the simple no-tools self-assembly and compact packaging mean it can be delivered to any room - including up tricky flights of stairs. 

Although there is only one mid-Century influenced sofa bed style currently available, this model comes in seven good colour options, with two neutral linen blends and five on-trend shades of velvet. 

This design is fairly expensive for a sofa bed that doesn't have a dedicated pull-out mattress - in this design, the seat pulls forward and the back folds down to form the sleeping surface - but the option is all about convenience, with Swyft able to deliver your guest's new favourite overnight bed within just 24 hours. 

If you love the laidback look - and are willing to pay for an investment piece of furniture - then the Loaf sofa bed collection offers some super comfortable options that you'll be very happy to snuggle up on in their sofa (or chair) form. 

If you only need a single bed's worth of sleeping space, then the plumptious Pudding Love Seat Sofa Bed is an accent chair you'll be happy to give pride of place in your living room, whilst if you want more room there are several good corner sofa beds on offer, including the versatile Chatnap Modular Corner Sofa Bed to which you can add or subtract sectional sofa units to create a design bespoke to your home, or the Cloud Corner Sofa Bed which combines contemporary design with Loaf's usual super comfy feather-wrapped foam seat cushions.

What else should you know about sofa beds?

Not yet convinced a sofa bed is for you? We've rounded up 11 reasons why a sofa bed is better than a sofa to put any concerns... to bed... And if you want some more top tips on what to look out for when buying, make sure to have a read of our full guide to how to choose a sofa bed. 

Created by two former Dyson staff members, the Lupe Pure Cordless is a cordless vacuum cleaner with futuristic good looks. If Apple made a vac, it might look a bit like this. Built to last and to deliver great performance, this new-to-the-market cleaner is definitely worth your attention, but is it the one for you? 

Our review will help you make up your mind. I’ve tested a wide selection of vacuum cleaners on carpet, parquet, tiles, stairs and upholstery, and challenged them with mud, fluff, light debris and pet hair to give you the lowdown on how efficiently they’ll do the job, how easy they are to use, and how much space they’ll take up in your cupboard. 

Can’t wait to buy? Use the link below to buy the Lupe Pure Cordless direct from the manufacturer then, check out our best vacuum cleaner guide for more top floor cleaning options.

• Buy the Lupe Pure Cordless vacuum cleaner

Lupe Pure Cordless vacuum cleaner specifications:

•  Maximum power: 400W 
•  Cable length: not applicable 
•  Dimensions: H114.5 x W17.5 x D26cm 
•  Weight: 4.6kg 
•  Noise: not available 
•  Energy rating: no ratings for cordless vacuums 
•  Dustbag capacity: 1 litre 

Who will the Lupe Pure Cordless vacuum cleaner suit?

Homes of all proportions, fans of vacs that stand rather than having to be propped up, and aficionados of modern design.

What is the Lupe Pure Cordless vacuum cleaner like to use?

It doesn’t take long to get set up and cleaning with this vacuum cleaner, and it’s fuss free to operate as an upright or handheld. 

Hard flooring, carpet and stairs
I tested the Lupe Pure Cordless on a variety of surfaces in my home, and required it to pick up a range of stuff you don’t want hanging about on floors and furniture including fur, dust, breakfast cereal, hair, and mud. The results were impressive and speedy over all the large surfaces. Stairs were a little trickier. Cleaning them with the attachments wasn’t a problem, but using the cleaning head was a bit awkward as it’s sizeable and proved somewhat unwieldy. 

Unlike some vacuum cleaners I’ve tested, the Lupe Pure Cordless didn’t save its best work for either of carpet and hard flooring, but performed equally impressively on both. Moving between the two wasn’t a hassle either. There’s a brush bar switch along with the rest of the controls. Its default setting in on, so all I needed to do was switch it off for long pile carpets or delicate floors. Easy.

I couldn’t claim cleaning with this vacuum cleaner didn’t demand some exertion. Pushing it over the floor did need a bit of effort. This won’t be a problem for many, but it isn’t the best vac if one of your buying criteria is that vacuuming requires as little pushing as possible.

When it came to cleaning under furniture, there was no problem, and the Lupe Pure Cordless got up to the edges of rooms well, making whole-house cleaning a much quicker task.

Attachments
When I opened the beautifully designed box (on which more below) in which the Lupe Pure Cordless arrives, I found it came with a crevice tool and upholstery tool. At first glance, I wondered if I’d feel a little short changed compared to other vacuums, as many offer a large collection of attachments. In practice this wasn’t the case as both tools are equipped with a brush that can be slid into place when required. In other words, two tools are really four. There was also an accessory mount included for the pair to avoid the return trip to the cupboard (and the scramble to find what I wanted) as I moved round the house.

The attachments were easy to fit to the cleaner. The hose just had to be detached, and then the required tool fitted on to the end. Using them did prove to be a two-handed job, however. It’s necessary to hold the handle on the main body of the vacuum when you’re cleaning with the hose. If you’re used to another vacuum where you have your non-vacuum hand free to, for example, hold up a cushion, or smooth upholstery, you might find this – as I did – a down side.

The hose isn’t particularly lengthy, so I found it necessary to keep moving the vacuum to get to all the fur-covered areas of the sofa. There was no faulting the fur pick-up itself with the upholstery tool, on the other hand, and the seats were soon ready for the cats to recommence their demanding sleeping schedule.

To use the attachments with the vacuum as a handheld, it was a matter of floorhead off, wand on to the hose, then attachment on to the wand – all very neat. To reach to clean high up, you’ll be lifting a weight of 0.5kg with the main body of the machine in one hand and the wand handle in the other, and I didn’t find this awkward.

Manoeuvrability
The Lupe Pure Cordless went where I wanted it to when I was cleaning the floor. Unlike some other cordless designs, or a plug-in upright, the weight is located in the middle of the machine, so I did find that took a little getting used to, but was fine once I was in the swing of it.

Carrying it around and up and down the stairs was comfortable. Its neat dimensions meant I could keep it close to my body so there was no strain. There is, though, one aspect to be aware of when you’re moving it: you need to pick it up by the main body, and not the handle at the top of the wand, which could well be the way you’re inclined to grab it.

Power and debris removal

Full marks to the Lupe Pure Cordless for its vacuuming power. It lifted all sorts of dirt well, on all sorts of surfaces. What’s more, it scattered very little, meaning one pass was enough even when it had a pile of Rice Krispies to deal with or lots of muck to get rid of. As discussed above, the Lupe Pure Cordless does the job efficiently whatever the floorcovering, so it doesn’t matter if your home is mostly carpet, almost all hard flooring, or mixes the two. And when you move to a new flat or house, you won’t get caught out with a vacuum that’s not top notch for whatever you inherit flooring wise.

You’ll get up to 60 minutes to vacuum when the battery of this vacuum cleaner is fully charged. To get the most out of one charge, you’ll need to keep the machine on its eco setting or normal – par for the course with cordless cleaners. The Lupe Pure Cordless does have a third setting of max which is for particularly dirty areas, but I found this wasn’t a must-use either with normal household dirt, or the tough cleaning up I challenged the machine with.

When it comes to charging up the battery in the first place, this takes three and half hours. If you’re drawing up a short list and this is one of the criteria, it’s worth noting that this charge time gives the Lupe Pure Cordless an advantage over some rivals, and puts it on level pegging with others.

To switch between power settings, as well as turn the vacuum on and off, and turn the brush bar on and off, you do need to bend down to around the middle of the machine. I didn’t find this to be the easiest arrangement, although the buttons themselves are clear and comfortable to operate. The plus point, though, was that I didn’t find I ever switched the vacuum on merely by picking it up, which I have found an issue when an on button is located on the handle.  

Dustbag removal
Who wants to struggle with a bin full of grot? No, me neither, and the Lupe Pure didn’t let me down on this score. The process of emptying was simple. The bin has a generous capacity, too, of a whole 1 litre, and I appreciated the fact that this meant longer between trips to the bin.

Handy features

You only get the unpacking and assembling experience with a new vacuum once, but it’s worth knowing that it’s a good one with this model. The Lupe Pure Cordless arrived in a box of modest proportions, into which it was tidily packed. Taking each part out, identifying it, and putting it together to make up the vacuum was a piece of cake. 

The battery can be charged either on or off the vacuum, and I preferred to put the vacuum away and just have the battery out and on charge. Having the option of either when you’re charging means this vacuum suits all storage situations and plug positions, which is a plus. 

As you’d expect from a vacuum cleaner that’s been designed for long-term ownership, when the battery reaches the end of its life – as these types of batteries inevitably do – it is replaceable. This isn’t the case with all cordless vacuums. 

In fact, it’s not just the battery that can be swapped when the time comes. Lupe says that all key parts are replaceable as the company supports long-term ownership. It also says that as technology moves on it will make upgrades available for key components.

Allergy sufferers in the household?
The Lupe Pure Cordless has a HEPA filter to deal with fine dust and allergens. It promises to capture 99.99 per cent of all microscopic dust particles. It also has washable lifetime filters. 

Storing

At H114.5 x W17.5 x D26cm, the Lupe Pure Cordless isn’t a cupboard hog. Credit, too, for the fact that as an upright, it stays, er, upright, and doesn’t have to be propped up to store (or when you pause while vacuuming), nor need a stand for attachment to the wall.  

How does it rate online?

The Lupe Pure Cordless is a brand new vacuum cleaner, so as you’d expect, it hasn’t garnered a whole lot of reviews yet. Nonetheless, those who have invested are delighted with their purchase and on the Lupe site it gets an average score of 4.78 out of five. 

The vacuum’s users acclaim its long cleaning time before it needs recharging, its suction power and hence cleaning results, and find the waste bin easy to empty. The niggles from these customers are very small: some would like a motorised stair tool while a couple mention that it comes at a premium price point (the company does point out in response that it has been ‘built for long-term ownership using the best components and latest technology’). 

And how does it rate against similar vacuum cleaners?

The cost of the Lupe Pure Cordless puts it among the most expensive vacuums you can buy. Comparing like for like, its running time exceeds some of the competition, and is just a little less than some others, while it boasts a quicker charge time. In terms of dust bin capacity, it stands out and will cut down on how often you have to perform this chore. Rivals in this part of the vacuum market come with more features and extras, but if you don’t mind sacrificing some of these in the service of sustainability, its cleaning results should definitely recommend it to you.  

• Buy the Lupe Pure Cordless vacuum cleaner

 About our review – and our reviewer: 

Sarah Warwick has specialised in homes and interiors for over 20 years. She was Executive Editor of Ideal Home magazine, and has written for nationals, magazines and websites including Real Homes, Homebuilding & Renovating, Grand Designs, Homes & Gardens, Houzz, The Guardian, House Beautiful and Country Homes & Interiors. She put the vacuums through their paces all round the house, on all sorts of dirt and debris, and a variety of flooring and surfaces.  

More on vacuum cleaners:

• Want a Dyson vac after all? Read our Dyson V7 Absolute cordless vacuum cleaner review
• Best handheld vacuum cleaners
• Looking for a bargain? Browse our vacuum cleaner sale page which is regularly updated with the best deals around

When we saw that Aldi's famous scalloped armchair was back in store we didn't need to look twice. A cult favourite, boasting plush scalloped edges and generous cushioning, this armchair is a winner in our books. What's more, the velvet storage stools that are also available in the range are tempting us to give our interiors a serious refresh. 

Although the aesthetic of these beaut pieces would suggest high-brow designer furniture, the prices reflect the usual bargains available at Aldi. So, keep scrolling to discover the purse-pleasing price tag and check out the colourways available.

• Want more living room ideas? Check out our design gallery for inspiration

Not only is the inviting upholstered seat tempting us, but we're also on board with the way the design boasts tapered gold legs. We're getting a bit of an Art Deco vibe. We're even envisioning how we would style ours... Picture this: The Navy Velvet Scalloped Armchair, £79.99, the Kirkton House Velvet Storage Stool, £24.99 and a statement floor lamp. Obviously finished off with a bit of indoor foliage because you know we're loyal supporters of the hero house plant. 

Check out those beaut colourways! You can get your Kirkton House Velvet Storage Stool, £24.99 in a choice of pink, navy or royal blue. We are huge fans of the way that functionality meets style in this piece, providing a healthy storage space that doubles up as an occasional seat or footstool. Oh, and the turnover lid also converts the stool to a small table that has a wipeable top. Is there anything that this staple furniture piece doesn't offer?

Read more: 

• Best armchairs: 10 stylish seats for every room
• Living room storage ideas: 12 ways to quickly tidy up your space

Why choose Scandinavian furniture? When furnishing and decorating your home, the first thing you should consider is how you want to feel in your space. And if you would love a little more time for relaxation (and who wouldn't?), Scandi is the style for you. 

To sum up the look, it is minimal, functional and clean, usually with a neutral palette and soft, natural textures to add interest (and cosiness!). Scandinavian furniture comes in all shapes and sizes, but in general we're talking pale woods, simple lines, angled legs and functional shapes. 

And so, in the latest episode of the Real Homes Show, our Style Editor, Anna Morley, reveals how to create the Scandi-style look in any room of your home, and on a budget. And we've done an edit of the best Scandinavian furniture you can buy –from sofas to dining tables, beds to desks. You're most welcome. Or Varsågod, as they say in Sweden.

• Scandinavian design ideas: 17 ways to get all the hygge vibes in your home

If you're after an affordable, stylish sofa that's perfect for small spaces, the House by John Lewis Sweep is the perfect option. Creating a tranquil, airy feel in your living room, it's just what you need to open up your living room and make it seem bigger.

What size is it?

This John Lewis sofa would be ideal for smaller living rooms as it's just 136cm wide. The design is slimline too, with thin arms and space underneath the sofa, which is a must when picking out furniture for a smaller room. If you like the style and shape of this sofa but are after something bigger, it does come in a medium size and a large size too. 

Which room will it suit?

Literally any. This shape oozes Scandi style, but it would fit into any existing scheme. Obviously, if you went for the blue upholstery it's going to be more of a statement piece, but this John Lewis sofa does come in grey, too , if the pared back look is more what you're after.

Colour and finish options?

As mentioned, you can pick between blue or grey. Both are quite cool-toned, and will look different under different lights, too, so order a swatch first to see what the colour and the fabric looks like in your space. 

Assembly required?

This will be delivered to be assembled at home

If you have got more of a budget, the Sweep sofa comes in leather too. 

If you are after a more budget-friendly dining table, you can't go wrong with Dunelm. They have some gorgeous pieces at amazing prices, but we chose the Torino dining table as the best...

What size is it?

It seats four comfortably, six at a squeeze so it would be good if you have guests over occasionally but on the daily don't need loads of space. It's also quite narrow too so could be a good choice if you are fitting this into an open-plan kitchen.

Which room styles will it suit?

There is definitely a Scandi vibe here with the tall, tapered legs and the grey finish. We can imagine this with some spindle back chairs around it, each with a sheepskin thrown over and a vase of bare branches in the middle. Oh look how convenient, Dunelm make the exact chairs we made in mind.

Colour and finish options?

Grey is your only option here. But if you eventually get bored of the grey this would be the easiest piece of furniture to paint. 

Assembled required?

There is some self-assembly required. 

Creating a kids' bedroom that's both practical, stylish AND approved by the kids, can be a nightmare. Keep things simple with this Scandi style bed and you're sure to be on to a winner...

What size is it?

This La Redoute single bed is 190cm long. With the additional shelf at the foot of the bed, the mattress is slightly smaller, and so this is really a bed for a child, rather than an adult solo sleeper. 

Which room styles will it suit?

Have you ever seen a simpler style bed? With no headboard and a simple wooden frame, this Scandi style design is perfect for a kids' bedroom where space is limited.

Colour and finish options?

This bed is only available in an oak-stained solid pine, perfect for adding warmth to any bedroom scheme. 

Assembled required?

This is delivered for self assembly.

If there's ever a space where you need to feel calm and at ease, it's at your desk. Build yourself an airy, light and bright working space, starting with this simple, pale wood desk...

What size is it?

This stylish desk is 110cm long and 55cm wide, making it an ideal size for either a desk space in a bedroom or for you very own home office. The secret white drawer and open shelf is perfect for stowing away a laptop. 

Which room styles will it suit?

This simple style will most certainly sit back in any scheme, but with a clear Scandi feel, a room with a pale colour palette, minimal fuss and soft textures will help to create the ultimate pared-back, relaxed vibe in your work space. 

Colour and finish options?

Oak is your only option for this one. But the white secret drawer helps to give it more contemporary twist.

Assembled required?

There is some self-assembly required. 

The Vitra Eames Rocking Chair is iconic, and the playful, functionality of the design feels as fresh as it did when it was introduced 60 years ago. 

What size is it?

At 63cm wide and 76cm tall, it's the perfect size to fit into a cosy corner, where you can rock 'til your heart's content with a good book and cosy blanket. The rockers do take up a little extra space though, at 81cm long, so ensure your space is big enough to avoid a bump on the head!

Which room styles will it suit?

This is definitely an investment, but you'll be able to move it around your house and use it in every room over the years as this is a style that will never date. The moulded, recyclable shell is designed for every body shape, and so will be comfy for everyone in your home. From the living room to the hallway and kids room, part of this chair's beauty is in its simplicity.

Colour and finish options?

This bad boy is available in a plethora of colours - pinks, yellows, blues, greens, black, white, to name just a few. You can also customise the chair legs, with silver and matt black being the most popular options. 

Assembly required?

You'll need to assemble this at home.

Looking for a really affordable desk chair? This Habitat Ginnie desk chair would be perfect...

What size is it?

This seat height is 45cm high, so be sure to check that this is an appropriate seat height for your desk. You can move the seat up and down, allowing more flexibility and letting you use this as a spare dining chair when necessary. 

Which rooms will it suit?

The best desk chairs can be a little... cumbersome and aren't the easiest on the eyes, but this one is a great combination of style and practicality. The seat reminds us of a classic Eiffel chair, but then the base has everything you would want from a modern desk chair. 

Colour and finish options?

Available in orange, grey, mustard and white.

Assembly required?

You'll have attach to seat and legs at home.

Our pick of the best sofa bed comes in the form of the House by John Lewis Show Wood sofa bed; here's why we love it...

What size is it?

At 224cm wide, this is a good-sized living room sofa, and with a simple click-clack design mechanism, it opens out easily into a double bed. You just fold down the back, pop out the legs and there you go, an emergency bed in a matter of minutes. One reviewer mentionned that this sofa is quite heavy, so you may need two people to put it together. 

Which rooms will it suit?

This comfy sofa will sit back nicely in most living room schemes, or if you're looking to get the most out of your spare room, you could transform it into a cosy snug that you can turn into a bedroom in a matter of minutes. As with all John Lewis sofa beds, this one comes with a 15-year guarantee, meaning that if anything should break or go wrong with your sofa John Lewis will repair or replace it for you. This means that if you tire of it in the living room, you could simple move it to a spare room and get more for your money.

Colour and finish options?

This is available in Topaz Light Grey and Topaz Navy

Assembly required?

Yes, you'll have to attach the legs yourself at home.

Bedside tables aren't just for placing a single glass of water, they can be a storage cabinet in their own right, and this scandi style design ticks all our boxes... 

What size is it?

At 75cm high and 45cm wide, its long legs make it stand up tall and become a really noticeable piece of furniture in your space. The Cairn bedside table is made of layered, stackable, modular storage trays, so you can make your piece lower or higher as desired. Each tray is great for storage, making it just as practical as it is stylish.

Which rooms will it suit?

As this can house a tonne of storage, and is made up of modules which you could move around your room,  it's perfect for smaller, contemporary bedrooms. They'll help to maximisie the space you have and help to keep clutter as bay, too.  Choose the lowest height and place the other modules around the space and this will be perfect for a kids' bedroom, too. 

Colour and finish options?

This is available in this gorgeous ombre-effect pink, or cool ombre-effect grey.

Assembly required?

Yes, you'll have to fully assemble this yourself at home.

More on Scandinavian style...

• Scandinavian bedroom: 13 cosy ideas for long winter nights
• Real home: a Scandi style extended semi in Sheffield

A big-ticket purchase for most, there are a lot of different factors to consider when it comes to choosing a sofa or armchair for your living room.

While the style of sofa and your choice of fabric require careful thought, the importance of good-quality upholstery shouldn't be downplayed – particularly if comfort is a priority.

With this in mind, we have put together a comprehensive guide to help you choose upholstery that will fit with your living room design and satisfy you in terms of comfort. 

Once you're ready to shop you'll find the Real Homes team's guide to the best sofas a great place to start.

Where should I start when buying upholstery?

Don’t order a settee or armchair online without first trying it out in person, as you need to check it is comfortable and will also be able to see the full range of fabrics in store. 

‘For such an important purchase, it’s essential to shop around and review all your options,’ advises Sarah Massouh, founder of Willow & Hall. ‘Focus on companies that value craftsmanship and offer at least a 10-year frame guarantee.’

Before you go shopping, gather together any 
paint or fabric swatches that reflect the design of your room, and take measurements of the space. Use your current upholstery as an indicator of size (width/length, depth and height) and to help you visualise the proportions.

How much should I pay for a sofa or armchair?

While you can easily find a sofa for under £500 –  we've even identified some of the best – or pick up an armchair for less than £200, bear in mind that it will require reupholstering in the future and may end up costing you more in the long run. 

As cheaper models don't offer the same quality as pieces made using traditional methods, it's also worth remembering that they may not take well to attempts to reupholster. 

Get more expert renovation advice and home inspiration to your inbox every week by signing up for the Period Living newsletter.

How is the best quality upholstery made?

If you are on the look out for quality craftsmanship, take some tips from Kate Tansley, creative director at Multiyork: 

• Look for something handcrafted using traditional methods;
• Choose a hardwood frame (such as beech);
• Cheaper sofas are made using softer woods such as pine, cedar and redwood, which are more likely to warp;
• The frame must be joined with dowlings and screws, not just glue;
• Cheaper couches may be made from particleboard;
• High tensile steel springs are preferable.

Once the frame has been built, the back and base are either webbed, with a series of coil springs added to the web, or, more commonly these days, fully sprung using serpentine springs, which from a continuous zig-zag pattern. ‘Webbing or mesh can sag over time and put unnecessary strain on the frame,’ adds Kate.

The piece is then padded to create the finished shape, and covered in fabric. Materials used for padding can include wool fleece, wool felt and horsehair, layered with interlinings and canvas.

How can I check that a sofa or armchair is good quality?

A well-made piece of upholstery should be heavy – to test it, try to lift it at the corner – and it shouldn’t rock or bend. Press lightly along the arms and under the cushion, around the seat and backs – these should be well padded and you shouldn’t be able to easily feel the wooden rails.

Also examine the finish of the cover – the fabric should be pattern matched and the valance and back panels hand sewn.

What difference do the springs make?

The springs control how firm or soft the seat is, and the best way to discover your preference is to try 
out the different options. Paul Staden, CEO of 
Sofa Workshop, advises: ‘For a softer sit, look for coil-sprung seats and fishmouth edges, which offer comfort and support right up to the edge of the seat, while for more upright pieces, choose heavy gauge serpentine springs.’

Which sofa filling should I opt for?

How upholstery is filled has a big impact on both the way it feels and the support it offers. The different options each have their pros and cons, but overall the choice of filling really comes down to which you find the most comfortable.

Feathers

‘A high-
grade duck feather cushion is one of the most comfortable options; the naturally curved feathers mould around the body and offer a sumptuous feel for a sofa or armchair you can just sink into,’ says Multiyork’s Kate Tansley.

‘Duck feather-filled cushions do require a little more aftercare than other options, however, as they need regular plumping and turning to keep their shape.’

Lower-grade feather cushions can clump with use, so some designs are mixed with man-made fibres to reduce the problem.

Fibre

Fibre-filled cushions tend to be a cheaper option than feathers and still offer a soft feel but with more support. They consist of man-made hollow-core fibres, pumped full of air for fluffiness.

To keep the couch looking its best, the cushions will need regular plumping and turning, but usually not as frequently as with feathers.

The cheapest fibre-filled cushions have a reputation for flattening quickly and requiring ever more plumping over time, but many manufacturers are now using high-quality fibre, which offers much greater longevity.

Foam

For a more structured sofa or armchair style and maximum support, opt for foam. There are a number of different options available, including hybrid cushions, which are wrapped in feathers or fibre for a softer look and feel.

Be wary of the cheapest polyurethane foams, however, which can flatten over time.

‘For a very supportive and quite firm sit, opt for reflex foam, which keeps its shape well and needs little maintenance – just a simple turn every two to three months,’ says Willow & Hall’s Sarah Massouh.

Choosing an upholstery design

Upholstered furniture comes in a range of well-known traditional styles, from button-back Chesterfield couches to low-armed Howard sofas and tall-sided Knole settees, as well as countless classic shapes more loosely inspired by historic designs.

When choosing an upholstery design, bear the following design tips in mind:

• In general, curvy sofas and armchairs are better suited to a traditional living room while seats with squared edges fit better in a more contemporary space.
• Designs with a bigger gap between the floor and the base tend to look more sophisticated, while loose cover sofas with skirts suit relaxed country-style schemes.
• Scroll or swan-neck arms are great for leaning on and lend an elegant look, while pea arms are a neat solution that help save space in small rooms, but don’t offer much support to lean against.
• Scroll or swan-neck arms are great for leaning on and lend an elegant look, while pea arms are a neat solution that help save space in small rooms, but don’t offer much support to lean against.

What should I look for in an upholstery fabric?

There are plenty of hardwearing fabrics to choose from, whether traditional jacquard weaves, damasks, crushed velvets or leathers that improve with age.

‘How a fabric wears depends on the sort of fibre it is made from, how tightly the yarn is spun and how closely the yarns are packed in the weave,’ says John Kitching, director of Northcroft Fabrics.

‘Silks are satisfactory for drawing rooms where they receive light wear but wool, cotton or synthetics will give much harder wear for everyday living. As long as they are tightly woven, most kinds of velvet are very durable as the wear is taken on the end of the pile tuft.’

‘Check the fabric’s capabilities,’ adds Sofa Workshop’s Paul Staden. ‘All fabrics have these noted in the swatch books, along with composition and rub tests. Upholstery fabrics for domestic use must hit minimum 10,000 rubs, but most come with at least 20,000 rub counts.’

In addition, an upholstered item should have a ticket that displays its fire resistance. Upholstered furniture for domestic use must pass the cigarette and the match test or, if it is made from more than 70% natural fibre, can be used with a fire retardant lining so long as it passes the cigarette test. Other fabrics can be backcoated with fire retardant chemicals.

Should I go for a plain or patterned fabric?

When it comes to choosing upholstered furniture, make sure it is in a design you genuinely love and feel you can live with for a long time, as fashions change regularly. While plain colours are more versatile, pattern wears stains and damage better.

If pattern is your preference, be sure that the print you choose suits the piece it is covering. For example, traditional fabrics will look better on classic pieces, while neutral fabrics work well on contemporary designs.

You should also consider the scale of the pattern – a big, bold print will go better in a large room, while delicate designs are more suited to a small living room.

‘Fabrics are a great way to capture the character of a period home, and archive prints from companies such as Sanderson or Morris & Co will add colour and pattern without throwing your decorating scheme out of line,’ says Multiyork’s Kate Tansley.

‘In additon, many contemporary patterns contain traditional motifs, so you can reference a style era without recreating it.’

Pet-friendly fabrics

If you have pets, you will need your fabric to be particularly hard-wearing. Thick leather is ideal as pet hair and light dirt can be wiped off. However, many companies offer a stain guard treatment for fabrics, which repels stains, as an optional extra.

If you have cats, you may want to avoid fabrics with an open weave, such as linen, as they can get their claws into it. They are unlikely to pluck velvet, but it will pick up their fur so you’ll need to keep a lint roller to hand.

Wool is a hard-wearing fabric choice, but pet hair can really bed into it, making it difficult to remove with a lint roller.

• Find the best pet hair vacuum cleaner to keep your upholstery looking good

Are fixed or removable covers best?

When upholstery is described as ‘loose cover’ it means that all of the fabric can be taken off for cleaning or replacing. On a ‘fixed cover’ settee or armchair, the frame will be tightly covered with fabric that can’t be removed. Loose cushion covers can usually still be removed, however.

‘What’s best for you depends on your lifestyle and the look you 
want – if you prefer a relaxed feel and have young children or pets, then removable washable covers may be better. But a more formal-style piece really needs to be tight covered,’ says Sofa Workshop’s Paul Staden.

‘Removable covers offer more design flexibility, though,’ adds Janus Cooper, managing director of Tetrad. ‘They are a great option if you are likely to want to change the look of your couch over time.’

Find more tips on choosing a sofa fabric in our specialist guide.

How to care for upholstery

‘You can extend the life of your upholstery and maintain its quality and comfort with some simple regular maintenance,’ says Clive Kenyon-Brown, chief executive at Duresta.

‘All cushions should be turned and interchanged regularly to distribute wear. Feather or fibre cushions especially should be plumped up daily and their position interchanged to maintain their appearance and allow the fillings to recover.’

‘As well as plumping cushions to keep them in shape, it’s important to vacuum the fabric regularly to remove dust, as if left it can become ingrained and rot the fibres,’ advises Sofa Workshop’s Paul Staden.

‘A weekly brushing stimulates the pile and helps prevent pressure marks and shading through everyday use, particularly on velvets, which should be brushed in the direction of the pile. You should also have upholstery cleaned every year to 18 months, dependent on use.’

Tetrad’s Janus Cooper adds: ‘Many loose-cover settees and armchairs are washable, but for fixed covers I recommend dry clean only.’ Having cushions dry-cleaned separately can result in a slight mismatch of colour on the furniture. Any cleaning should be done to the whole piece to balance the effect.

‘For leather pieces, you should avoid vacuum cleaning,’ adds Janus. ‘Instead, dusting furniture regularly with a soft cloth or brush will stop the dust and dirt that causes premature wear from accumulating.’

To keep your couch looking like new, position it out of prolonged direct sunlight, as the fabric colour will fade. Some fabrics do 'pill' easily, but tend to settle down over time.

Find the best upholstery cleaners in our buyer's guide, and find out how to clean upholstery in our step by step guide.

Options for reupholstering

The frame of quality upholstered pieces often outlasts the fabric and fillings by many years. For this reason, some manufacturers offer a renovation service for their own designs and may even guarantee the price of refurbishment at the time of original purchase.

Not all manufacturers offer a re-upholstery service, but there are many small firms around the country who update sofas and armchairs, so check local directories and contact two or three for quotes.

As well as updating the fabric, the upholsterer can repair any damage to the frame and springs, and refresh the filling to make your settee or armchair as good as new.

Expect to pay around £300-500 for a simple armchair or small sofa, up to and over £1,000 for a larger couch or more intricate design.

Looking for more living room inspiration?

• 12 statement velvet sofas
• How to create the best living room layout
• 8 inspiring traditional living room ideas

A footstool is top of the list when it comes to versatility in the living room and can be used as extra seating, or even as an impromptu occasional table. If yours is looking a little run-down, consider reupholstering with a gorgeous fabric and the help of our guide to how to re-cover a footstool.

For more inspiration and tips on how to choose upholstery, take a look at our guide.

• Footstool (above), The Dormy House

Everything you will need to re-cover a footstool

Use our checklist below to ensure you've got everything you need to re-cover a footstool.

• Ripping chiselor tack lifter
• Staple remover
• Pliers
• Measuring tape
• Staple gun
• Tack hammer and tacks
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Scissors
• Fabric
• Piping cord
• Hessian
• Foam for extra stuffing, if required
• Fire-retardant spray

1. Remove the unwanted fabric

Begin by ‘ripping down’ or stripping off the old fabric covering and trimmings. This can be hard work and time-consuming if the previous upholsterer was over-zealous and has used an excessive number of tacks or staples to secure the fabric. Tacks are best removed with a ripping chisel or tack lifter.

2. Prise out old staples

Take out all tacks and staples. Use pincers to pull out nails and tacks that have been knocked hard into the frame. A staple remover lifts out unwanted staples. Long-nose pliers can prise out those that are difficult to reach. Now inspect the padding: add more, depending on whether a firm or soft finish is required.

3. Measure up new fabric

Use the discarded fabric to measure for the new upholstery. If you have added more padding then allow extra fabric to accommodate the increased depth. Lay your chosen fabric over the stool making sure it is positioned centrally and smooth out wrinkles. Secure in place with upholsterer’s skewers or pins.

4. Staple fabric to frame

Start in the middle of a long side and staple the fabric to the frame. Continue stapling from the middle but leave the corners. Do the opposite side keeping the fabric pulled tight. Pull fabric over corner to create a pleat and staple. Fix the opposite corner. Continue working from the corner towards the middle.

5. Add a decorative piping

Piping can be used to conceal fixings. Cover a piece of piping cord in fabric of your choice – a complementary colour will create a contrast. Cut lengths of fabric about 4cm wide. Strips can be joined together at an angle to create a tidy join. Pull the finished piping tight as you staple it in place.

6. Cover the bottom half

Measure and cut fabric to cover the lower part adding a 10cm turning allowance. Turn over 5cm and make a hem. Place right sides together so concealing the fixing. Staple in place against the piping. Keep the fabric pulled taut. Use pieces long enough to cover each side. Avoid bulky corners by pleating the fabric neatly.

7. Secure the underside

Turn the footstool over to fix the fabric to the underside. If you can unscrew the legs this will make the job easier. Use a piece of hessian to cover the bottom. Tack cloth to the middle of one side then pull firmly as the opposite side is secured. Repeat on other sides. Fold hessian to form corners and tack in place.

8. Add and fix some trims

For a finishing touch attach beaded trim or fringing with a glue gun. If you’ve never used a glue gun before, practise first. If in doubt attach trimmings with needle and thread or secure with gimp pins (tiny painted pins which come in a range of colours to fasten trimmings inconspicuously).

Looking for more up-cycling ideas and inspiration?

• How to paint kitchen cabinets
• How to restore old wooden furniture: clean, repair and refinish
• How to use a colour wheel for interior design and colour scheming

Are you looking for ideas for a tricky renovation? Take inspiration from Kim and Lewis Holmes' characterful converted schoolhouse in East Yorkshire, filled with interesting artefacts and unusual antiques. Find out how the couple salvaged and reused everything –  from the tiles and bricks and tiles on the old toilet block, to the dark wood panelling in the hall – giving the old school and their antique finds a new lease of life. 

Browse more real home transformations, and find out how to renovate a house in our guide. See more Christmas houses on our dedicated page, too.

Kim and Lewis’ first impressions of the old village school were not encouraging. All the doors and windows had been flung open to ‘warm it up inside’, one of the interior walls was covered in black mould and there was a dilapidated toilet block in the yard. ‘It was quite grim, and not what we were looking for at all,’ recalls Kim. ‘But by the time we had looked round we were really excited about its potential.’ 

The fact that the building had been empty for three years and was showing signs of decay, and that it still looked like a school – with old gym equipment and sliding doors – was seen as a challenge rather than a problem. ‘We liked the idea of taking a tired old building and reinventing it,’ says Kim. ‘We wanted a project and this certainly needed some work.’

Lewis and Kim were expecting their son Django at this point, but moved in and prepared themselves to live on a building site while they took out fake beams and old units in the kitchen, removed a dividing wall and demolished the outside toilet blocks before starting work to reconfigure the interiors of the rest of the property.

The kitchen was originally the schoolmaster’s house, the dining room was a gym, and the living room and main bedroom were classrooms. Kim and Lewis wanted to turn the area that had been used as a tea room into a living space and renovate the entire property using reclaimed materials.

‘We salvaged everything we could, including the roof tiles and bricks from the toilet block, and then sourced slates, beams, old bricks, stone and church fittings to include in the renovation,’ says Lewis. ‘We were both working full time and raising a family, so we did the work as and when we had time.’

In the first few years, the couple insulated the ceilings and built a mezzanine in the living room to create an office and library, ingeniously using the steps, ornate gothic panelling and screen from a reclaimed pulpit to create the upper level. The pulpit staircase wasn’t quite high enough to reach the mezzanine so Lewis built it up, adding reclaimed columns, beams and four chunky stone steps.

With the mezzanine firmly in situ, the couple could move on to fit salvaged panelling, repair doors and windows, install reclaimed beams, build a new kitchen and lay reclaimed wood floors insulated with lambswool. ‘We literally took the wool off the sheep’s backs on my father’s farm and laid it under the floors,’ says Kim. ‘There’s always some formaldehyde present in older properties and the wool helps to absorb it, as well as allowing the building to breathe and keeping the place warm.’

Lewis also built furniture and adapted cupboards using bits and pieces from his workroom, at the back of the old school. Complementing Lewis’ craftsmanship are Kim’s upholstery skills. She is adept at finding battered old chairs, which she strips back to basics and re-covers. 

‘People used to stuff chairs with all kinds of things – I found a complete horse’s tail inside one, and another was full of silk stockings!’ she says. Kim also makes soft furnishings, restores wooden furniture by painting and ageing it and, as an artist, she has been able to create paint effects and trompe l’oeil ‘stone’ walls, as well as the colourful paintings that hang in the dining room. The result is a unique family home, full of history, character and cost-saving ideas.

‘We recycle and reclaim just about everything,’ says Kim. ‘We buy and sell antiques all the time and have gradually replaced things to suit the house. Some things we bought years ago, including the 17th Century Indian door, which we’ve been storing until we had somewhere suitable. If you see something you really like, you have to be impulsive or it will be gone.’ 

While Kim collects artefacts, paints her pictures and upholsters old furniture, Lewis salvages building materials, makes furniture, and carries out repairs to the school. ‘I grew up in a Victorian gardener’s cottage and learnt from watching my dad recycle things, so it was natural for me to want to do it as well,’ says Lewis. ‘It’s shocking what people throw away; we try to reuse as much as possible. Recycling is something of a hobby for us – we love it.’

Christmas is one of the few times of year when Kim and Lewis down tools and enjoy the fruits of their labours. ‘We have the family round on Christmas Eve and we all play games then crowd into the kitchen to prepare the homegrown vegetables,’ says Kim. ‘Then on Christmas Day I always wake up early to light the fire, turn the tree lights on and set out the presents. It’s champagne and smoked salmon for breakfast before the whole village goes to the pub for a couple of pre-dinner drinks. The house really lends itself to Christmas – there are often 14 of us at the table.’

But this could be the last Christmas Kim and Lewis spend at the Old School. ‘We’ve decided to sell the house and make a fresh start in the wilds of Scotland,’ says Kim. ‘We’ve always wanted to be self-sufficient, creating our own electricity, growing vegetables, keeping animals and sustaining ourselves as much as possible. We’ll be sad to leave – it’s a wonderful community here – but if we don’t do it now we might regret it.’

More inspiring converted homes to explore:

• A renovated schoolhouse makes the perfect family home 
• A Cotswold barn conversion with beautiful vintage-style interiors
• A cow byre is transformed into a colourful family home

Given a blank slate of a room, many of us struggle to visualise how best to decorate it – not just in terms of colour scheming, but also in picking out new furniture, whether you're furnishing the entire room from scratch or matching new pieces with existing ones. Which style to go for? Which upholstery fabric type and colour? And this is before you've even got to picking out accessories, such as lighting, rugs and pictures. 

And what if you want to go further than just choosing pieces that will look nice together? What if you want to create a defined interior style that can give your whole home a cohesive look?

Well, we might well have found the solution – a new app from Maisons du Monde called 3D at Home. Harnessing augmented reality, you can use it to visualise a wide selection of MdM products in your own home – in other words, you point your phone's camera at the room concerned and pop in images of the furniture you like to see how they look in place. There are more than 600 products available, all modelled in 3D from every angle that you can look at in a 360° room view then, handily, order via your mobile. 

Want to get more help and see the furniture in the flesh? You can go along to a Maisons du Monde store – there are four UK concessions, in London, Leicester, Manchester and Birmingham – and ask the sales team about the Decor Workshop; there, they can sit you down for some expert advice, and you can check out colour and texture samples. 

Or, go online to design your project. Using the online Decor Workshop tool, you can draw a plan of your home and see it in 2D or 3D, then decorate and redecorate to your heart’s content with a selection of Maisons du Monde furniture and decor. In a few minutes, you can bring your idea to life. Clever.

Thinking about a new dining set for your open plan kitchen or a new dining table kitchen diner? Or are you considering entertaining in your garden and want to create the perfect outdoor dining area? From choosing the right shape to selecting the most practical materials, we cover all the important points to consider when choosing your dining furniture. 

• 10 best traditional dining tables
• 10 best traditional dining chairs
• 10 best contemporary dining chairs
• 10 best contemporary dining tables
• 10 best dining sets

How to choose wooden dining furniture

Wood has all the qualities of a beautiful natural material, and every piece is individual. Remember, though, that solid wood tables can be heavy, and can naturally warp in a centrally heated home, as well as fade in sunlight. Wood can be finished with lacquer, however.

Wood veneers are glued onto an inner board. This generally makes them more stable than solid wood, and lighter, which is useful if you like to move the position of your furniture frequently. Veneers can also create fabulous effects.

High-gloss furniture has a modern feel and is hardwearing, but can be scratched more easily than wood and veneers. Glass furniture is good for small, dark rooms as it will let the light flow through the space, making it feel bigger, but it can also be scratched more readily than wood.

If you are choosing dining furniture for an outdoor area, nothing beats the durability and robustness of a teak dining table.

Choosing dining seating

Wooden chairs are the practical choice for dining rooms, but opt for upholstered designs for extra comfort – leather, or a quality lookalike, is the best choice in busy family homes. Alternatively, consider dining chairs that have a metal frame.

Match existing wood tones if you’re adding a new dining or occasional table to a scheme. Wooden chairs should match the wood of tables, if you choose them, but chairs in materials such as polypropylene with metal legs can create a great-looking combination with a wood table. Dark woods have a more traditional effect but can also give an oriental or masculine feel. Choose paler oak or pine for a country feel, or in a dark room.

Alternatively, and for a more streamlined look, consider dining benches. They can come in either wood or an upholstered finish, such as velvet, which will look especially stylish in an open-plan kitchen or an outdoor living space. In a garden or decking area, opt for lightweight, stackable chair designs that will be easy to move indoors when needed. 

How to choose the right dining furniture style

Tables with clean lines will create a contemporary look and will work well as part of an ultra-modern kitchen design; for on-trend Mid-century style, pick a design with softly rounded edges and tapering legs. If you’re after a rustic effect, chunkier legs and tabletops will help you achieve this.

Choosing the best dining table shape

Think about the shape of your dining table carefully, considering the shape and size of the room it will occupy. Round tables are great for entertaining, and are easier to move around in smaller rooms. An oval shape is also a good way of saving space without sacrificing much table area. Extendable tables are worth considering, but always check how easy the mechanism is to operate first.

How much will dining furniture cost?

As with other types of furniture, there is a wide range of prices available for every budget, but as a rule, expect to pay £50 for a plain pine or metal table, £500 for an oak table, and £1000 for a large solid wood or extendable table.

Read more:

• The best wooden outdoor furniture: seating, storage and more
• How to choose garden furniture
• How to restore old wooden furniture: clean, repair and refinish

Fancy yourself a master embroiderer, or just need to quickly stitch that hole in your beloved throw cushion? Either way, a sewing machine can make the job all the quicker, and will give you better quality results. 

If you’re looking to invest in a sewing machine for your home, then there are several things you’ll want to consider before making a decision on which one to buy. If you are venturing into the world of extensive projects such as home furnishings and upholstery, you may want to consider a machine with an advanced range of stitches that are compatible with thicker, heavier fabrics. However, if you’re a beginner, starting out with a simpler machine with fewer sticking options is a good way to learn the basics before taking on bigger projects. 

We’ve picked out our top five choices for sewing machines that are great for beginners and those looking to take the next step in stitching. Of course, a more advanced machine will cost a little more than the basic ones, so you’ll want to make sure it has everything you need before making the investment. But if you think you’ll only use your machine occasionally, a cheaper machine should provide you with everything you need. 

You’ll want to decide whether you want an electronic or computerised sewing machine. Electronic works with a foot pedal and feels more traditional, but computerised machines are generally much easier to use (if you’re not a technophobe) and work extremely well for both beginners and more advanced crafters as the preset configurations and efficient stitch selection process save time in the long run - you’ll be able to create a number of stitches at the touch of a button. But, for those who want to learn from scratch, an electronic sewing machine could be more fun to use.

If you want to try your hand at stitching, then the Brother AE1700 is one of the best sewing machines for beginners. It is a traditional electronic machine with foot pedal, but is incredibly intuitive to use. It has a generous 17 stitches so you can experiment and learn new techniques and an automatic bobbin winder means all the fiddly stuff is eliminated from the stitching process. It makes our number one spot for being a great all-rounder for both novices and those that are more advanced, with an affordable price tag. It is low maintenance and reliable with a very informative DVD that will make learning to sew fun for everyone.

Those who are constantly fixing up items of clothing or want to try something a little more complex like cushions and curtains, this high-speed machine is great for intermediate crafters who want to try something new. For such a heavy duty machine it is surprisingly quiet which means you won’t annoy the whole house when you’re practising your sewing skills every weekend, the only annoying thing about this machine is it has no automatic needle threader and only 11 stitch settings. However, for frequent dressmaking or repairs, this machine will serve you well.  

This machine was featured in The Great British Sewing Bee and is a reliable machine that provides 24 different stitches and a 2-speed foot pedal. Keen embroiderers may not like the fact that this machine doesn’t have a lot of decorative stitches, but if you’re looking to build up your confidence and speed, this is the machine for you. It doesn’t have a slow speed option though, so if you are a complete beginner, we recommend trying out a machine like the Brother AE1700 before advancing to one like this. If you’ve been taking classes for some time or want to revisit skills you learnt in the past, this machine will quickly help you get to grips with your sewing skills.  

This computerised sewing machine opens up a world of options for both beginners and more advanced sewers with 225 stitching programmes and 7 one-step buttonhole programmes. This is by far one of the easiest sewing machines to use as it has an automatic needle threader and drop in bobbin system. You can programme in letters so that the machine can create personalised embroidery on almost any fabric. Even beginners have found this machine a worthwhile investment that will give you the confidence to turn your hand to more complex projects. 

If tech isn’t really your thing, then this is an impressive sewing machine without any unnecessary faffing about. It switches on quickly and easily so you can get on with sewing whenever the mood strikes you. It’s a versatile machine that is quite capable of stitching a whole range of fabrics from delicates to denim and other heavier materials. We recommend this machine for beginners and those who don’t have the patience for the fiddly side of sewing, however someone more experienced may prefer a machine with more advanced stitching options.  

This pretty, early 20th-century dining chair was heading for the skip when I noticed its potential. All I needed to do was give it a fresh coat of paint, and to reupholster a new seat, covering it in an elegant linen fabric.

Before stripping down the old upholstery, estimate how much fabric you will need while it still has its original form and shape, and allow a little more to take extra stuffing into account. Strip the dining chair down layer by layer with a ripping chisel or similar. Make a sketch or a diagram to show the construction and, if possible, take some photographs. Use this stripping process to see how to put the upholstery back together again.

Related articles: How to upcycle furniture | How to upcycle a wooden settle | How to choose upholstered furniture

 To reupholster a dining chair, you will need:

• Tack hammer
• Jute webbing
• Scissors
• Upholstery tacks
• Hessian
• New or replica animal hair stuffing, if required
• Wadding
• Large eye needles and Twine
• 1m upholstery fabric
• Fire retardant interliner, if required
• Braid
• Studs

1. Fix the jute webbing: For comfort, the chair’s webbing must be taut and well secured to the frame. Shave or sand sharp inner edges on the rails to avoid chafing against the webbing. To stop the wood splitting, arrange jute strips in a criss-cross pattern and don’t tack too close to the frame edge. Secure webbing with at least five tacks at each end.

2. Attach first sheet of hessian: Tack a first layer of hessian on top of the webbing to prevent the stuffing dropping down through the gaps. If the wood is very hard it can be difficult to get the tacks in, so try making a pilot hole first with a bradawl; it makes the job take a little longer but reduces the frustration of bent tacks.

3. Place stuffing on seat: Originally this Edwardian dining chair would have been stuffed with horsehair. You may have been able to salvage some of the old horsehair stuffing and given it a clean (as above) but if not, artificial horsehair or other animal hair mixes that look and feel as good as the real thing are available.

4. Attach second sheet of hessian: Tack on another layer of hessian to hold the stuffing in place. For efficacy it’s important to keep the tack hammer face clean and smooth: rub it against coarse abrasive paper to lessen dents and pitting, then smooth it on fine abrasive paper. If you find small tacks tricky, hold them in the teeth of a comb as you knock them in.

5. Echo the Edwardian look: To create the Edwardian shaped seat use horsehair to make an edge roll. Lay stuffing on the edge and enclose by folding hessian over. Make sure there are no lumps and that the stuffing is even and pulled up to the edge. Use twine and a large-eyed needle to sew in place. The stitches will support the shape and maintain the firmness.

6. Make finish smooth with wadding: Cut a piece of wadding that is slightly oversized. This will make a soft, smooth surface ready for the decorative finishing fabric. Hold the wadding in place with a few well-placed tacks – not too many because the tacks that will secure the top fabric will also go through and secure the wadding.

8. Add the final flourish: A pretty ribbon of braid gives an elegant finish. Apply with a hot glue gun or stitch it into place. To add a little panache, this braid was attached using decorative black upholstery studs. Buy more studs than you think you will need – there might be wastage if you are fixing into particularly hard wood.

Top tips:

• Checking out antiques shops and local auctions is one of the best ways to come across discarded furniture such as dining chairs. Dealers and most buyers will usually walk away from items that need money spent on them, but if the chair is structurally sound, reupholstering the seat is a great way of reinventing the piece, and getting creative.
• Any original horsehair from the seat that’s still springy can be reused – stuff it into a pillowcase, tie up the top, and machine wash on a quick programme at a low temperature. Add a little fabric conditioner so the horsehair will be easier to work with once it is dried. You may need to supplement with extra stuffing – new horsehair is scarce these days and expensive, but synthetic horsehair is available.