10 Best Sofas That Will Elevate Your Living Room

Think of home, and think of…the couch. Family is important, sure, but a couch? That spells relax with a capital Lax. Sometimes outrageously expensive, sometimes surprisingly affordable. Check out are our top 10 sofas where you are sure to find the one that speaks your lounging language.

Atelier Sofa

The gorgeous, curvaceous Atelier from Coco Republic is coolly romantic in the way it wraps around you. Curves are so relaxing, and when they look this chic you’d expect to find it in an apartment on Haussman. The textures on offer are very on trend, and the optional pillows elevate the designer concept to true European elegance.

Barret Leather

BARRET Leather Sofa

Putting your feet up is never easier than with a little electrical assistance – take the Barret Leather sofa from Freedom Furniture. A strong piece from a design point of view, with leather stitched to perfection, and available in an amazing range of colours. It just needs a little extra space to lay on down.

Wilkes Modular

Wilkes Modular Sofa Group

For a home that salutes colour and energy, you could not miss trying out the Wilkes Modular by Herman Miller. A mid-century style that is at once light on its legs, while packing a huge post-modern punch. Walking in the door and seeing this in your apartment, well, you’d be so happy to be home.

Horizonte

Described as a ‘floating island with square lines’ the Horizonte from Marcio Kogan/Studio mk27 is a sophisticated take on lounge furniture. It really does appear to float, the idea extending to the sympatico customisation of a built-in coffee table extension. This is James Bond suave. You could see it fitting like a glove into an ultra-modern minimalist, or eccentric maximalist décor.

Jasper

The flagship design of the King Furniture line, the Jasper is perhaps the father of all modular design. In a range of sizes, the familiar timber armrest-tables look as clever as ever, and now they offer even more ‘add ons’ such as a wireless charging table. Cool. Very deep, very springy, they have lasted this long because they fit into every lifestyle from beach house to townhouse.

Finlay

Not everyone can afford the moon when it comes to sofas – but do not be discouraged. Fantastic Furniture has a really smart looking three seater with chaise that has ‘pulled in’ seat stitching, which adds interest, and a choice of timber or metal legs. Easy on the eye and the pocket, it is a non-precious, relaxed sofa solution.

Mateo

Rarely does one want to see something ageing – but the simple, dramatic lines of the leather Mateo sofa from Coco Republic are only going to look more beautiful in 10 years’ time. This is a confident design, with generous stuffing – especially on the arms – it would be a perfect one to fall asleep on while bingeing on Netflix. Pewter or Taupe colours – both richly rewarding.

Lexington

Lexington Leather Modular Lounge Option A 1

Ultra-modern is the best way to describe the angular, unique silhouette of the Lounge Life’s Lexington. One of the few sofas available that uses its mass to advantage, making a rather monumental statement. It has windswept arm rests too – perfect for lying back doing Wordle while the news is on. Combined with the adjustable headrests, this is multi-option sofa available in fabric or leather.

Lucia Cane

The cane detailing (which wraps around the entire piece) in the Castlery Lucia Cane sofa adds so much character that the piece just has to become a focal point in any room. The combination of the cane with the black detailing gives it an organic, breezy kind of vibe; with the potential to enhance an Asian themed or beach house décor. If you’re looking for something different, yet stylish, it’s a definite go-to.

Getaway Sofa

Here’s a sofa that says family, friends, dogs and cats. In short, it says relax and have fun. From Aussie brand Koala, the five to seven seater looks at its absolute best in gum tree green, as the timber feature panels (which are actually storage drawers) and matching feet just work so well with the forest theme. Big robust fluffy cushions, and a huge ottoman on offer, this is the one for those who just love to plonk down and chill out.

How can you tell if a sofa is good quality?

In a word: framing. A good quality frame will ensure your sofa will not only provide comfort but will last for 10 years or more. While solid timber framing is standard, there is also steel framing available. Don’t be afraid to ask to lift the sofa to give you an idea of weight, which is an indication of the quality of the framing.

What is the average price for a good quality sofa?

Everyone’s budget is different and you can certainly get excellent value for money in the secondhand sofa market. For new sofas, expect to pay upwards of $4000 to $5000 for a good quality modular sofa and $2,000+ for a two or three-seater that is made to last.

What sofas are the most durable?

If you’re talking about upholstery, it’s leather all the way. Easy to wipe down and able to take the hard knocks, leather sofas tend to age better than fabric sofas, making them ideal for family environments. For framing, solid timber or steel frames last extremely well. When purchasing, talk to your retailer about reupholstery services when the time comes. It’s a good indication of whether they are prepared to stand behind their product over time.

What are the best quality sofas to buy?

This is totally subjective and will depend on what you value, and how much you can budget for. Perhaps the easiest way to seek high quality is to ask about warranties. Look for sofas that have at least a 10-year warranty. In terms of coverings, genuine leather and natural fabrics such as linen and cotton offer a superior look and feel.

What should you look for when choosing a sofa?

Beyond choosing the right framing and fabrics for your sofa, shape and being fit for purpose is everything. If you have a family living space to fill, a modular sofa where everyone can spread out is ideal. For smaller apartment spaces, a pair of two-seater sofas might be a better option. Make sure you measure carefully, including the entranceways, before you buy.

As Paris makes its final preparations for the Olympic games, its residents are busy with their own—packing their suitcases, confirming their reservations, and getting out of town.

Worried about the hordes of crowds and overall chaos the Olympics could bring, Parisians are fleeing the city in droves and inundating resort cities around the country. Hotels and holiday rentals in some of France’s most popular vacation destinations—from the French Riviera in the south to the beaches of Normandy in the north—say they are expecting massive crowds this year in advance of the Olympics. The games will run from July 26-Aug. 1.

“It’s already a major holiday season for us, and beyond that, we have the Olympics,” says Stéphane Personeni, general manager of the Lily of the Valley hotel in Saint Tropez. “People began booking early this year.”

Personeni’s hotel typically has no issues filling its rooms each summer—by May of each year, the luxury hotel typically finds itself completely booked out for the months of July and August. But this year, the 53-room hotel began filling up for summer reservations in February.

“We told our regular guests that everything—hotels, apartments, villas—are going to be hard to find this summer,” Personeni says. His neighbours around Saint Tropez say they’re similarly booked up.

As of March, the online marketplace Gens de Confiance (“Trusted People”), saw a 50% increase in reservations from Parisians seeking vacation rentals outside the capital during the Olympics.

Already, August is a popular vacation time for the French. With a minimum of five weeks of vacation mandated by law, many decide to take the entire month off, renting out villas in beachside destinations for longer periods.

But beyond the typical August travel, the Olympics are having a real impact, says Bertille Marchal, a spokesperson for Gens de Confiance.

“We’ve seen nearly three times more reservations for the dates of the Olympics than the following two weeks,” Marchal says. “The increase is definitely linked to the Olympic Games.”

Worried about the hordes of crowds and overall chaos the Olympics could bring, Parisians are fleeing the city in droves and inundating resort cities around the country.
Getty Images

According to the site, the most sought-out vacation destinations are Morbihan and Loire-Atlantique, a seaside region in the northwest; le Var, a coastal area within the southeast of France along the Côte d’Azur; and the island of Corsica in the Mediterranean.

Meanwhile, the Olympics haven’t necessarily been a boon to foreign tourism in the country. Many tourists who might have otherwise come to France are avoiding it this year in favour of other European capitals. In Paris, demand for stays at high-end hotels has collapsed, with bookings down 50% in July compared to last year, according to UMIH Prestige, which represents hotels charging at least €800 ($865) a night for rooms.

Earlier this year, high-end restaurants and concierges said the Olympics might even be an opportunity to score a hard-get-seat at the city’s fine dining.

In the Occitanie region in southwest France, the overall number of reservations this summer hasn’t changed much from last year, says Vincent Gare, president of the regional tourism committee there.

“But looking further at the numbers, we do see an increase in the clientele coming from the Paris region,” Gare told Le Figaro, noting that the increase in reservations has fallen directly on the dates of the Olympic games.

Michel Barré, a retiree living in Paris’s Le Marais neighbourhood, is one of those opting for the beach rather than the opening ceremony. In January, he booked a stay in Normandy for two weeks.

“Even though it’s a major European capital, Paris is still a small city—it’s a massive effort to host all of these events,” Barré says. “The Olympics are going to be a mess.”

More than anything, he just wants some calm after an event-filled summer in Paris, which just before the Olympics experienced the drama of a snap election called by Macron.

“It’s been a hectic summer here,” he says.

Hotels and holiday rentals in some of France’s most popular vacation destinations say they are expecting massive crowds this year in advance of the Olympics.
AFP via Getty Images

Parisians—Barré included—feel that the city, by over-catering to its tourists, is driving out many residents.

Parts of the Seine—usually one of the most popular summertime hangout spots —have been closed off for weeks as the city installs bleachers and Olympics signage. In certain neighbourhoods, residents will need to scan a QR code with police to access their own apartments. And from the Olympics to Sept. 8, Paris is nearly doubling the price of transit tickets from €2.15 to €4 per ride.

The city’s clear willingness to capitalise on its tourists has motivated some residents to do the same. In March, the number of active Airbnb listings in Paris reached an all-time high as hosts rushed to list their apartments. Listings grew 40% from the same time last year, according to the company.

With their regular clients taking off, Parisian restaurants and merchants are complaining that business is down.

“Are there any Parisians left in Paris?” Alaine Fontaine, president of the restaurant industry association, told the radio station Franceinfo on Sunday. “For the last three weeks, there haven’t been any here.”

Still, for all the talk of those leaving, there are plenty who have decided to stick around.

Jay Swanson, an American expat and YouTuber, can’t imagine leaving during the Olympics—he secured his tickets to see ping pong and volleyball last year. He’s also less concerned about the crowds and road closures than others, having just put together a series of videos explaining how to navigate Paris during the games.

“It’s been 100 years since the Games came to Paris; when else will we get a chance to host the world like this?” Swanson says. “So many Parisians are leaving and tourism is down, so not only will it be quiet but the only people left will be here for a party.”