✅ THE COMPLETE CHECKLIST FOR ORDERING A SOFA ONLINE
(Recliners, Modular Corners & 3-2-1 Sofa Sets)
Use this checklist before ordering a sofa online — whether you buy from us or anywhere else. It’s designed to help you avoid the most common causes of disappointment.
1️⃣ MEASURE FIRST (THIS PREVENTS MOST PROBLEMS)
☐ Measure room width and depth
☐ Measure doorways, hallways and stair turns
☐ Check ceiling height for tall backs
☐ Allow space for recline or footrest extension
☐ For corners, confirm left-hand or right-hand facing
Helpful advice: Most issues happen because people measure the room but forget access. Modern recliners often need only 5–10cm behind them if they use a space-saving mechanism — but you still need space in front for footrests.
2️⃣ CHOOSE THE RIGHT SOFA TYPE FOR YOUR ROOM
☐ 3 seater + 2 seater sofa set (classic layout)
☐ Modular or sectional sofa
☐ Corner sofa (max seating, fewer pieces)
☐ Recliner sofa (manual or electric)
☐ Sofa bed (occasional guests)
Helpful advice: A sofa should suit how you actually live, not just how the room looks. UK living rooms often benefit from slightly more compact layouts with higher seating rather than deep, low sofas.
3️⃣ MODULARITY & FLEXIBILITY (WHAT IT REALLY MEANS) If a sofa is modular, it’s made up of separate sections that connect together.
☐ Seats are individual units
☐ Sections can often move left or right
☐ Corners may be reconfigured
☐ Easier delivery into tight spaces
☐ Allows layout changes later
Helpful advice:If you may move house, rearrange rooms, or add seating later, modular sofas are far more forgiving than fixed-frame designs.
4️⃣ MODULAR CORNER & LAYOUT OPTIONS Common modular layouts include:
☐ Left-hand facing corner
☐ Right-hand facing corner
☐ U-shape / double corner
☐ Chaise-end layout
☐ Corner with console or storage
Helpful advice: “Left-hand” and “right-hand” are based on facing the sofa, not standing behind it. Always picture where the longest section will sit in your room.
5️⃣ STANDARD SOFA COMBINATIONS (NON-CORNER) Popular combinations include:
☐ 3 seater + 2 seater
☐ 3 seater + 2 armchairs
☐ 2 seater + 2 armchairs
☐ 3 seater only (smaller rooms)
Helpful advice: A 3 seater with two armchairs often feels more open than a 3 + 2, while still seating the same number of people — ideal for UK-sized living rooms.
6️⃣ RECLINER COMBINATIONS (VERY IMPORTANT)Recliner layouts don’t have to be “all or nothing”:
☐ Reclining 3 seater + fixed 2 seater
☐ Reclining 2 seater + 2 recliner armchairs
☐ Recliner end seats with fixed middle seat
☐ Console recliner paired with standard seating
Helpful advice: Not everyone reclines at the same time. Mixing recliner and non-recliner pieces often saves space and money while still giving comfort where it’s needed most.
7️⃣ MANUAL VS ELECTRIC RECLINERS
Manual recliners:
☐ No power required
☐ Lower cost
☐ Simple and reliable
Electric recliners
☐ Smooth, effortless movement
☐ Ideal for daily use
☐ Easier for reduced mobility
☐ Often include USB / USB-C chargingIf electric
☐ Is a plug socket nearby?
☐ Is it a space-saving mechanism?
Helpful advice:Electric recliners are about ease, not luxury. If the sofa is used every day, electric is often worth it. Manual recliners suit occasional use and simpler setups.
8️⃣ SEAT COMFORT (THIS AFFECTS LONG-TERM SATISFACTION)
☐ Firm or soft seating?
☐ High-density foam or fibre?
☐ Pocket sprung seats included?
☐ Seat height easy to stand from?
☐ Good lower-back support?
Helpful advice:Very soft sofas feel nice at first but often lose shape quickly. Firmer seating with springs or high-density foam usually lasts longer and supports posture better.
9️⃣ BACKREST & HEAD SUPPORT
☐ High or low backrest?
☐ Adjustable headrests needed?
☐ Supportive when fully reclined?
☐ Suitable for taller users?
Helpful advice:This is especially important for recliners. A tall, upright backrest reduces neck and shoulder strain during long sitting periods.
🔟 MATERIAL CHOICE (REAL-LIFE TEST)
☐ Fabric or leather?
☐ Pets or children in the home?
☐ Easy-clean or wipeable fabric?
☐ Does the colour hide marks?
Helpful advice:Mid-tone fabrics with a fleck or texture hide wear far better than flat, solid colours — especially in busy homes.
1️⃣1️⃣ FRAME & BUILD QUALITY
☐ Steel or hardwood frame?
☐ Reinforced stress points?
☐ Tested recliner mechanisms?
☐ Designed for daily use?
Helpful advice:The frame and seat construction matter more than the fabric. A strong frame and quality internals are what make a sofa last.
1️⃣2️⃣ DELIVERY & ACCESS CHECK
☐ Do the backs come off?
☐ Will it fit through doors and stairs?
☐ Is delivery realistic (days, not months)?
☐ Help available if access is tight?
Helpful advice:Removable backs and modular sections solve most access problems in UK homes, flats, and terraces.
1️⃣3️⃣ SUPPORT, RETURNS & CONFIDENCE
☐ Real phone number available?
☐ Can you speak to a human?
☐ Clear help if something goes wrong?
☐ Showrooms available (even if buying online)?
Helpful advice:A good retailer expects questions. If it’s hard to get advice before buying, it’s usually harder after.
FINAL CHECK (MOST IMPORTANT)
☐ Does this sofa suit your room, your lifestyle, and your everyday use?If it ticks most of the boxes above, you’re very unlikely to be disappointed ordering online.
READY TO SHOP?