Sofa test 2025: VOGUE shows the most beautiful models

Before choosing a sofa, it's worth carefully measuring the available space in your living room. Large U- or L-shaped corner sofas or corner sofas are particularly well-suited for spacious rooms – they often offer not only ample seating but also practical storage thanks to integrated storage boxes. These models can also often be used as a bed – ideal for relaxing evenings.

Your new sofa should not only be comfortable but also blend harmoniously with your decor. Consider which style best suits your space—whether classic, modern, minimalist, or with a touch of vintage. The material also plays a major role in the overall effect: While fabric upholstery tends to have a more homely and soft feel, leather or faux leather lends the room a more sophisticated touch.

How soft or firm should it be? Pay attention to the depth of the seat and the upholstery – this determines how comfortable you really are when sitting or lying down. Those who enjoy reading or entertaining may appreciate a slightly firmer seat. Those who prefer a more lounge-like feel should opt for a sofa with soft upholstery and a deep seat. Adjustable headrests or backrests can provide additional comfort.

Which cover suits your everyday needs? Leather has a high-quality feel and is easy to care for, while fabric covers have a more comfortable feel. If you have children or pets in the household, a robust, durable fabric that's easy to clean is recommended. Many manufacturers now offer special covers that are particularly resistant to stains and pet hair.

It's also worth considering the color choice: Do you want a subtle tone that blends well with other furnishings, such as gray, beige, or brown? Or should the sofa be the room's colorful focal point? A rich dark green or warm terracotta add stylish accents without being overpowering. In any case, the color should match your personal style and the overall concept of the room.

How expensive should a sofa be?

The price range for sofas is wide – high-quality models usually start at around 1,000 euros, but designer furniture can cost several thousand euros. The price depends largely on the material, workmanship, manufacturer, and origin. Those who invest in quality benefit in the long run: Durable upholstery, hard-wearing covers, and a timeless design make a good piece of upholstered furniture a piece that will provide years of enjoyment. Especially with brand-name or designer pieces, you're paying not just for aesthetics, but also for precision craftsmanship, high-quality materials, and often sustainable production conditions. Those who choose consciously are therefore not only making a stylistic decision – but also a sustainable one.

What is the advantage of modular sofas?

Modular sofas can be flexibly adapted to both the size of the room and changing needs. Individual elements such as footstools, chaise longues, or corner units can be added or rearranged. This makes them ideal for open-plan living spaces or for anyone who likes to rearrange their design. Even large living areas and 5-seater sofas can be individually configured with modular sofa elements when a little more space is needed.

Is a sofa bed worth it?

If you regularly have guests staying over or space is limited, a sofa bed is a clever solution. Especially in small apartments, where every square meter counts, a stylish sofa with a bed function can serve multiple purposes. Make sure you choose a high-quality mattress or folding mechanism – some models are surprisingly comfortable and suitable for everyday use. Read about our favorite models here .

What should you pay attention to when buying a sofa online?

Pay attention to precise measurements, informative product images, and—if possible—free fabric samples. Transparent return policies and customer reviews are also important. Some shops even offer 3D views or AR features to virtually position the sofa in the room. For larger models, such as corner sofas, it's also worth checking the installation dimensions to ensure it fits harmoniously into the existing space. You can find our favorite online furniture shops here .

Which materials are particularly easy to care for?

For those who value everyday practicality, microfiber fabrics are a good choice: They are stain-resistant and easy to clean. Leather is also robust and durable – although more susceptible to scratches. For pets or children, a durable fabric with high abrasion resistance (e.g., over 20,000 Martindale) is recommended.

What does Martindale mean and why is it important?

The Martindale number indicates how abrasion-resistant a fabric is—the higher the number, the more robust it is. For normal households, values ​​of around 15,000 and above are considered sufficient; for heavy use or pets, 30,000 to 50,000 are recommended. This rating is especially worthwhile for upholstered furniture that is subject to heavy wear—for example, in households with children or pets.

What should you consider when choosing the seat height and depth of a sofa?

Seat height and depth significantly determine seating comfort. A higher seat height makes it easier for older people or those with knee problems to stand up. Seat depth, in turn, influences the sitting position: Deep sofas invite lounging and relaxing, while narrower seats promote a more upright posture – ideal for reading or working, for example.

Which sofa fits best in small apartments?

In small apartments, compact sofas or two- to three-seaters are often the best choice. Models with narrower armrests or delicate frames appear lighter and take up less space. Modular sofas offer additional flexibility: Individual elements can be added or rearranged as needed without cluttering the room.

How do you properly care for a sofa?

Proper care will extend the lifespan of your sofa and ensure it stays beautiful for a long time. For a leather sofa, we recommend regularly removing dust with a slightly damp cloth and using special leather care products to keep the material supple. Woven fabrics should be vacuumed regularly and treated with special textile cleaners as needed. Dark colors such as anthracite or dark gray in particular look elegant and are less susceptible to stains. In general, seating furniture should be protected from direct sunlight to prevent the colors from fading. If that's not possible, opt for a lighter model, such as white, beige, or light gray. Important: Different care tips may apply depending on the material and color – checking the manufacturer's recommendations will help you choose the right method.