It’s not just about the brand name or how stylish it looks in a showroom. A lot of what drives the cost of a sofa comes down to what’s inside it. Think of it like a good mattress or a quality pair of shoes—the materials and construction make all the difference.
1. The Seat Structure: More Than Just a Cushion
Let’s start with the seat—the heart of the comfort zone.
Block Foam: This is the most straightforward option. It’s firm, durable, and gives great support. It won’t feel like a puff of air when you sit down, but that’s part of the appeal for people who prefer structure.
Pocket Springs: These are little coil springs built into the seat base. They add subtle bounce and hold their shape well over time. It’s that extra layer of support that helps the sofa keep its “lift” even after plenty of use.
Feather Overlays: A soft, luxurious option. These sit on top of a supportive foam base, giving you a plush, sink-in feeling without losing structure. It’s the kind of seat you don’t want to get up from.
Memory Foam: Our personal favourite. It combines the best of both worlds—a soft, cloud-like top layer with the firmness of foam and spring support underneath. It gently contours to you when you sit, which feels incredible, especially if you’re not a fan of feathers.
2. Proportions That Feel Just Right
There’s a bit of an art to sofa proportions, and it affects how comfortable it feels when you sit. Generally, the lower the seat, the deeper the sofa should be—so your legs have room to stretch. The higher the seat, the shallower it can be, so you don’t feel like you’re perching on the edge.
It sounds simple, but when these proportions are off, you feel it straight away. When they’re right, everything just works.
3. Comfort is Personal (So Test it Yourself)
Everyone has their own version of what “comfortable” means. Some people love a firm seat. Others want to sink right in. That’s why we always say the best way to know if a sofa is right for you is to sit on it.
If you can, visit a showroom and test them in person. Lean back, tuck your legs up, sit how you normally would at home. You’ll know pretty quickly whether it’s the one.
So Why Do the Prices Vary So Much?
Here’s a breakdown of what you're really paying for when you invest in a more expensive sofa:
- High-quality materials (foam, springs, feathers, memory foam)
- Better construction and craftsmanship
- Design that's both functional and beautiful
- Longevity—it holds up better over time
At the end of the day, a good sofa isn’t just a piece of furniture. It’s where you unwind, read, nap, catch up with friends, or just decompress after a long day. It’s worth finding one that really works for you—and sometimes that means spending a little more to get it just right.
Our sofa specialist and CEO, David covers this subject in this video.
