The living room's centrepiece, the sofa, demands more than just a glance: it's a statement piece, a haven for relaxation, and a reflection of your style. Selecting the perfect one, however, can feel overwhelming amidst a sea of choices. But don’t stress, the Bradfords Sofa Buying Guide is here; this guide will equip you to navigate the world of sofas with skill.

Understanding the Space: Beyond Square Metres

Before diving into aesthetics, take a moment to grasp the dynamics of your living room. Consider not just the dimensions, but also the flow of traffic through the space and other items both in and outside of the space.

Ask yourself:

• Where is the television, view, fireplace etc?
• What should the sofa face towards, what should it have its back to or be open to? Consider not just what the sofa faces but what it turns its back on also.
• How do people use the space and move through the space?

By understanding these aspects, you can determine the right configuration and size for your sofa, ensuring it works in the space rather than dominates it.

Comfort: A Seat Suited to You

A sofa should be a sanctuary of comfort, a place to unwind and recharge but comfort, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. Comfort is so important but you have to think about how you sit and what comfort means to you. Do you crave plush, sink-in cushions, or a firmer, supportive seat? Do you sit, lounge or lay on our sofa – or all of the above?

Seat height, seat depth and backrest height & angle will all affect the way a sofa sits but our team will help you navigate these once you understand what is important to you about how you want to sit.

Material Musings: Balancing Desire with Durability

The age-old debate: fabric or leather? Each material boasts unique advantages and personal preference remains key; don't be swayed by misconceptions.

Modern fabric options have evolved far beyond their predecessors, now often equipped with advanced stain-resistant technology and durable fibres. These innovations mean they are just as practical as leather, particularly for households with pets or children.

Yet, leather maintains its allure, offering a timeless elegance and luxurious feel that can elevate any space. Its durability is legendary, with well-maintained pieces enduring for generations, giving rooms a sense of heritage and refinement.

But the decision extends beyond mere practicality; it's a reflection of personal style and lifestyle demands. Those drawn to the warm embrace of fabric may find comfort in its soft textures and diverse patterns and colours, while leather enthusiasts love the look and longevity it can offer from the vast array available.

Ultimately, the choice between fabric and leather is a delicate balance between desire and durability, guided by individual tastes and the demands of daily life. Solutions can generally be found from either category so keep an open mind!

The Power of Colour: Setting the Mood

The colour of your sofa has the power to transform the entire aesthetic of your living space. You can make a bold statement or go for something more subdued but you need to consider the other elements in the room and choose the roles they will play with the balance of colour.

Lighter colours can make furniture feel smaller and a room more expansive, while darker tones can create a sense of intimacy. Ultimately, ensure your sofa colour complements the existing colour scheme of your room, including walls, flooring, and decor.

Lifestyle Harmony: A Sofa For You & How You Live

Beyond aesthetics and comfort, consider how your sofa will work with your lifestyle. Who will be using it, and how often? Whether you have pets, children, or frequent guests, understanding your household's needs will guide you towards a sofa suitable for those using it.

Additionally, consider the main use of the room. Is it for casual lounging, watching movies, in a family room, or creating a more formal atmosphere in a living space? These might give and indication of how you are likely to sit on and use the sofa.

While it’s important to have an understanding of what’s important to you, there’s nothing like trying out a variety of sofas and learning about the textures and characteristics of modern materials. With so many designs on display, there is so much to explore – our team would be delighted to help you on your journey to find your perfect sofa.

With this summer shaping up to be one of the hottest on record, it’s time to make the most of the summer season by transforming your outdoor space into a haven of cool and stylish relaxation.

Check out our tips below for entertaining outdoors during the hot summer weather, showcasing how the right furniture can turn your space into an oasis. Get ready to elevate your al fresco experience!

Chill-Out Seating: Beat the Heat in Comfort

Combat the heat with cool and comfortable seating options. Look for materials that allow for airflow, like rope for sofas and lounge chairs.

Our Isora Outdoor Lounge Chair features a white rope frame, which is sure to keep you cool on even the hottest days.

Cool Dining Escapes: Alfresco Feasts in the Heat

For uncovered outdoor spaces, choose light-coloured furniture and cushions. Their lower heat absorption compared to darker alternatives ensures cooler temperatures.

If your outdoor space has a  protective covering, embrace the sophistication of dark furniture, as it remains sheltered from direct sunlight.

Crafted with UV-rated materials that stand up to the elements, our Alcala Dining Chair has a resilient aluminium frame and sleek black synthetic wicker for a modern aesthetic. The design is completed with a plush beige cushion, ensuring not only a chic appearance but also unmatched comfort. 

Refreshing Nooks: Creating Shade with Style

Designate refreshing nooks with strategically placed outdoor umbrellas or sail shades. These additions not only provide shade but also add a stylish touch to your space.

The Cedro Day Bed is the perfect option for those seeking shade by the pool, in the garden, or on the deck this summer. This plush day bed prioritises shade and adaptability and is easily adjustable. It turns into a shaded shell-type daybed or fan-shaped chairs, perfect for cocktail parties

Luminous Nights: Setting the Evening Aglow

Embrace the balmy summer evenings with strategic lighting. Solar-powered string lights, lanterns and table lamps can add a touch of magic without increasing the temperature.

Keep your outdoor space alive day and night with our Sponge Table Lamp. An elegant light inspired by the softness and shape of mushrooms, this little lamp is perfect for indoor or outdoor use.

With the built-in battery, it can easily be moved as you wish and recharged when needed. This lamp is small but mighty with a 5-hour battery life at full brightness, weather resistance, wind resistance and 3 different light modes.

Beat the Heat Entertainment: Fun in the Sun

Plan entertainment that embraces the summer vibe. Consider water-themed activities like a pool party, water balloon fights, or even a makeshift slip 'n slide.

Invest in outdoor misting systems or portable fans to keep the air circulating during your gatherings.

Amid the hottest summer, your outdoor space can become a haven of cool comfort and style. Explore our exclusive outdoor furniture sale to find the perfect pieces that seamlessly blend functionality with flair. Don't let the heat dampen your outdoor spirit – embrace the summer vibes and make every moment under the sun a memorable one!

The temporary Bradfords Outlet is now open and conveniently located under our store in Greenlane.

Take advantage of the great deals on ex-floor stock, end-of-line, and clearance items – limited stock available.

Here's a sneak peek of some of the new products from Oliver-B of Italy. The collection falls into three lines; Soul, Wild & Casa and there is newness in all three lines. The collection always features beautiful and unique designs made from solid woods and high-quality materials – creating a cohesive, and contemporary look.

INCASTRO by Oliver-B showcases the beauty of solid ash. Stocked with a wild edge finish (straight available to order) to further emphasise the beauty of the wood and focus on the uniqueness of every piece – it is a true statement piece from the Soul Collection and represents excellent value.

FLEX features an iconic, sinuous wave-shaped base and top made of solid wild oak; a wood characterized by knots and strong grain. Hand-worked by timber and metal artisans; FLEX shows its muscle with elegant ease. A unique and contemporary design from the Wild Collection.

ECLISSE is a modern and unique design. An innovative play of light is taken to a new level with the addition of a circle of LED lighting in the base of this table. The elegance then continues with the solid ash top tapering to an aerofoil type edge - a tactile and enticing look and feel. ECLISSE is from the refined and extraordinary Casa Collection.

Interested to see what other extraordinary tables we have from Oliver-B, click here.