Buying a Sofa From Tetrad
There's enough flair to suit an elegant interior and the linen and boucle fabrics are easy to clean. Upgrade to pillows with feathers to get even more comfort and durability.
John Lewis' own-brand sofas are well-constructed and affordable. The variety is extensive, but lead times are long.
You're a discerning buyer
You're a sophisticated buyer who values the value and quality of the furniture. You're enthralled by the idea furniture that will last for many years to come, so you're willing to pay more on one that you are confident will be worth it in the long run. You prefer traditional styles, but want something different - perhaps a unique design or fabric. There are a variety of options to choose from. The positive is that lead times on custom-made pieces can be longer, but many brands hold customer returns and ex-display sofas in stock for immediate purchase (often at a discount), and several high-street stores carry a selection of ready-to-go sofas in their best-selling designs.
If you don't like chintz then a modern sofa might be the best choice for you. You'll find a variety of different colors and materials, with some models with a leg finishes to integrate wood tones into your living room decor.
Modern designs also tend to have more straight lines, which can be a good fit for a minimalist or contemporary design. The width and height of the seats are likely to be flexible. If you're looking for back support, the sofa with higher backs is an ideal option.
A loveseat is a fantastic option to share your sofa with a partner or friends, and you might be able to purchase a matching set to create a cozy corner. It's larger than an armchair, but less so than a sofa, and is great to put your legs close to each other.
If you're a snob and appreciate the finest things, you will probably opt for a sofa that is made of natural fibers like wool or cotton. These are more expensive than synthetic materials however they are more luxurious, look more tactile and can easily be steam-steamed to remove marks. These fabrics are hypoallergenic which means you don't have to worry.
You are a lover of the finest things in life
You are someone who enjoys the finer things in life, and is willing to spend money on top-quality products. You prefer quality over quantity, whether it's grass-fed beef or hand-crafted loafers. You also love classic designs that have stood the test of time. You enjoy tea served in a china cup, and a chino-suit that perfectly. So when you're looking for a sofa, you'll need something that feels and looks like a piece of furniture in your rural cottage. A sofa made by Tetrad for instance, is a great choice for you.
They utilize natural materials, like wool for their covers, and hard wood frames. They don't make any compromises on their springs. It may seem boring, but it's important that your sofa is built to last and doesn't sag after some years of intense usage. Tetrad's sofas aren't expensive, but they're manufactured in the UK and come fully assembled, so you don't have to spend hours on the floor putting it together.
If you're the kind of person who prefers an uncluttered footprint in your home, the slender sprung back and neat curves of a Howard-style couch will be perfect for you. If you're a fan of the angular designs by Margaret Howell or The Row then a contemporary sofa with clean lines is to your taste.
If you're looking for a more affordable option, then Dunelm offers a variety of sofas in a range of styles. Sofas & Couches are generally light on pattern and concentrate on neutrals and matt velvets. They also offer a selection of seating widths and widths to ensure that you get the ideal fit for your space.
Sofa & Stuff is another brand worth considering. They specialize in patterns, and work with British institutions such as the RHS and V&A. They offer a variety of modern designs to pick from, too which means you're bound to find one that fits your style. If you prefer a traditional style, their Chesterfields made of leather are worth looking at.
You're happy to invest in quality
The sofa is the centrepiece of any living space. It's where you sit and watch TV, cuddle up with a friend or host family and friends or even relax in the afternoon. It is a place that you'd like to be comfortable, yet elegant and durable. It's crucial to think about several aspects when choosing a sofa including size, shape and color. You must also consider the fabric - whether you're choosing a smart, contemporary velvet or traditional linen.
There are plenty of options to choose from for those who are willing to pay a little more on your sofa. Designers of high-end sofas like Parker Knoll and Ercol are worth considering if you're looking for a classic design. If you're not prepared to remortgage your flat then numerous high-street stores offer a high-quality, hand-crafted sofa at a reasonable cost.
Dunelm For instance, they have a collection of more than 350 own-brand sofas that come in a variety of sizes and styles which are all priced fairly reasonably. Many of the models are available in various fabrics, arm covers, and pipe colors.
Another option is Heal's new Astrid range, which is designed with a more modern and trendy appearance, but is extremely versatile in terms of the shapes they come in and the ways you can mix-and-match two-seater, four-seater and love seat sofas with each with each other. They've done a fantastic job of balancing this type of mid-century modern aesthetic with more classic designs and they're also able to make some extremely durable and stain-resistant fabric.
It's important to remember that if you're opting for a made-to-order sofa then there's likely to be a lead time of around 6-14 weeks before your purchase is delivered to your door. This is especially true around October and November when demand tends to be higher ahead of Christmas.
As with any furniture purchase, buying your sofa online can be a bit tricky. There's lots of details that isn't visible behind the walls of your laptop screen - for instance, how soft is the fabric and how is the cushion's firmness? To know for sure you'll have to visit the showroom or request a fabric sample.
You're looking for a traditional design
If you are a classicist or you have a love of history in your life you may prefer the look and feel of a traditional sofa. These sofas are timeless and can be passed on to the next generation. They will look great in any room.
When it comes down to picking a style, you'll probably lean towards a more elegant option such as the traditional Chesterfield. This plush style is well-known for its button-tufted back and stud details which creates a timeless, luxurious feel and is stunning in velvet, a material that is sure to appeal to your style.
Another good choice for those looking for an elegantly-styled sofa is the Darlings of Chelsea Aberdeen. This sofa features rounded arms with exposed wood feet as well as the lumbar cushions, which provide excellent back support. As a bonus, it's also made in the UK and comes with a 15-year guarantee.
There are a variety of sofa brands that offer high-quality traditional designs, but you'll be better served by an British brand such as Parker Knoll, Ercol or G-Plan. These sofas are built to last therefore they're worth the investment. You can find a range of sizes, fabrics, and wood leg finishes at these stores.
Alternatively, you could go for a brand such as Tetrad which has 12 stores in the UK and sells its sofas online. It has been awarded numerous prizes for its furniture and its sofas are built to last for a long time. The frames and springs are guaranteed for 15 years.
John Lewis & Partners has various Tetrad sofas. You'll be able to see some of them marked as 'ANYDAY by John Lewis' - these are less expensive and made from less quality materials but still offer excellent value. If you're struggling for time, or just not ready to commit to a new sofa yet, they also have a selection of sofa beds that are ideal for guests who don't want to be on the floor.