If you’re after generous seating and enough space for lounging when watching TV then you can’t go wrong with a corner sofa which will provide you with both, and more. But as with any kind of sofa, not all corner styles are created equal – that’s why I found the best corner sofas for you to choose from.

As Ideal Home’s Room Decor Editor, it’s part of my job to sit-test as many different sofas available on the market as possible so that you don’t have to. And based on all the sofas I’ve tried, including many corner sofa styles, I narrow it down to the best sofas to recommend to you to make your shopping experience easier.

From the top-rated corner sofa from our best sofas buying guide to the best and most unique curved corner sofa, these are the 12 designs I’d recommend to anyone looking to add a corner sofa to their living space.

Reasons to buy a corner sofa

There are many benefits to getting a corner sofa for your living room. These are just the top ones.

1. Generous seating without cluttering

‘Corner sofas are one of the best ways to maximise seating without filling a room with multiple pieces of furniture,’ says John O’Leary, Swyft design director. ‘They naturally encourage conversation and create a more relaxed, social layout, making them ideal for modern living.’

Since corner sofas are bigger than most other sofa styles, they offer more seating space. But given the clever L shape, they take up less actual and visual space than if you were to go for two separate sofas instead.

2. Clever room dividing

If you’re looking for some clever open-plan living room ideas then investing in a corner sofa is one of the best places to start as it will perfectly zone the living space.

‘Corner sofas are particularly well suited to open-plan living spaces, where they can help define where the living area begins without the need for walls or partitions,’ says Julia Bilotta, creative stylist at Sofology. ‘By creating a natural boundary, they help make larger, open spaces feel more structured and inviting.’

3. Taking advantage of underutilised space

Corner sofas are also great because they utilise the space that often goes underutilised – the corner. And since a corner sofa slots into corners so well, it also makes for a great small living room sofa idea.

‘People often assume corner sofas are only suited to large living rooms, but they can work just as well in more compact spaces. Positioned correctly, they can actually make a room feel more efficient by using corners that might otherwise be underutilised,’ John at Swyft says.

How to choose a corner sofa

Aside from the general things to consider when choosing any type of sofa that you want to last - as a sofa should last for years to come - with corner sofas, one of the biggest things to consider is the scale.

As already mentioned, corner sofas are bigger than most but there are such things as ‘small corner sofas’, too. So just make sure you choose a style that fits your living space and doesn’t overwhelm it.

‘The best style of corner sofa depends on the layout of the room, the flow of the space and the position of key focal points such as a TV, fireplace or windows. In smaller rooms, a classic L-shaped design tucked into a corner can maximise floor space, while larger living areas may benefit from a sweeping curved sofa that creates a striking centrepiece,’ Julia at Sofology advises.

She adds, ‘In smaller living rooms, choosing a corner sofa with a lower back can help create a sense of openness, making the room feel larger while still providing plenty of space to stretch out.’

John at Swyft concludes, ‘The key is choosing a design with considered proportions so it enhances the room rather than dominates it. A well-designed corner sofa should make a space feel more inviting, not more crowded.’

Sofas are investment pieces. Working in interiors, I'm well aware that a good one doesn't come cheap. However, now and again, I come across those unicorn sofas that are not only design-forward, well-reviewed and under the £250 mark, and that is exactly what the £209 Marseille 2 seater sofa at Dusk is.

The online homeware store, Dusk, is already famous on the Ideal Home desk for delivering high-end looks with low price tags. However, right now they are holding one of their many big sales, making their luxe-looking furniture, best sofas and home accessories even more affordable.

The Marseille range of sofas and armchairs is relatively new, launching as part of the Dusk SS26 collection. At full price, the range was already incredibly affordable, with the most expensive sofa, the Marseille 3-seater, costing £449 (currently reduced to £404), and the 2-seater sofa in Latte has been reduced from £349 to £209.

The Marseille sofas are available in two colours, Chenille Ivory and Latte. The Latte colourway in the 2-seater has the biggest saving on it, with £140 knocked off the price, while the Ivory 2-seater has only been reduced by £30 from £299 to £269.

However, even at the slightly higher price, this sofa is a steal (even for a two-seater). It's a price point I've only seen rivalled at IKEA, Habitat and Dunelm, and trust me, they look nowhere near as stylish.

What makes the Marseille sofa look so expensive?

It's the sculptural arm shape that makes the sofa, and its armchair counterpart, which is currently reduced from £259 to £155, look so expensive. The curved arm is a design feature I've only seen in higher-end designs, such as the Rockett St George Ivory Boucle Fabric Curved Arm Armchair, which was priced at £1,340 but is now on sale for £670.

I also love the luxurious-looking latte colourway; however, I am holding out hope that the sofa will soon be available in the rich terracotta colourway they've launched the Marseille armchair in, priced at £233 (down from £259).

Of course, there will be compromises you have to make with any sofa under £300. In the case of the Dusk Marseille sofa, the main ones I can spot are the extra support leg poking out of the middle of the seat and the thin-looking cushions.

However, the reviews of the range rave about the comfort and design. 'The design is a little different and gets lots of compliments, it's also comfy!' writes one reviewer. 'The sofa looks so modern and stylish. Easy to assemble and so comfortable. Such good quality but not pricey at all,' writes another.

The summer sale won't be on forever, so if you love the look of this sofa or the matching armchair, I'd move fast. However, don't forget to factor in the delivery cost to the final price. For the two-seater sofa, you will need the two-man X-Large Box delivery, which should work out around £40.

Dusk also has been known to have long lead times on its furniture; however, for these particular sofas, I've found delivery slots available from 29th July.

This isn't the only item I'm eyeing up in the Dusk summer sale. Here are the other design-forward buys I'm planning to snap up to give my home a luxe look on a budget.

Last month, Ideal Home launched an exclusive collection of sofas with none other than Furniture Village. This week, I made my way to the retailer’s store on Staples Corner to try the Ideal Home x Furniture Village sofa collection in person.

As Ideal Home’s Room Decor Editor, who’s tested over 300 different sofas at this point to determine what the best sofas are, I’m known around the office for trying any sofa that happens to be in the vicinity. So, of course, I had to give the range that bears the Ideal Home name a try.

I managed to try out three out of the four sofa styles that are part of the Ideal Home x Furniture Village offering (the Cotswold sofa was not on display at the store that I visited).

While I didn’t go into the store looking to have any favourites, there was one sofa that instantly stood out for all the right reasons and frankly stole the show for me – and that’s the Gemini sofa. This new sofa style ticks so many boxes, while also exceeding any of my expectations with its cool and unique features…

Gemini sofa

As soon as I saw the Gemini I already liked the modern look defined by clean clines and a blocky construction. But it’s only upon closer inspection that all the cool hidden features reveal themselves.

For starters, the chaise conceals spacious internal storage which was a lovely surprise for me as I’m currently obsessed with all things storage – and while very few storage sofas manage to also be comfortable, this one certainly does.

The Gemini also introduced me to a slightly new take on a recliner – I’m generally not a big fan of recliner sofas, mainly because of their look which I don’t find very aesthetically pleasing, but this I could get on board with. Instead of a reclining function, Furniture Village calls it a gliding one as essentially, the seats glide out to extend the seat depth to match the chaise.

This is a controlled via a remote control - I gave it a try as you can see above - and to make sure the remote doesn’t get lost or misplaced, it’s equipped with a magnetic finish and get me attached to either the side of the sofa (which is also magnetic) or to any other magnetic metal surface.

Sienna sofa

I’ve tried the Sienna sofa before and was happy to see it included in the Ideal Home range. The quilted finish is a great alternative to a classic Chesterfield sofa, while the curved armrests have an art deco-inspired look to them.

The ergonomically shaped armrests are also perfect for supporting your head if you were to lie down on the sofa and watch TV or read a book. The comfortable design extends beyond the armrests though as the entire design of the sofa is very lounging-friendly with the perfect balance between cushiony softness and support.

If your living room is on the smaller side, the Sienna is an ideal choice owing to the elevated-of-the-floor design that comes with very slim tapered legs. Opting for a leggy sofa design like this one creates a more spacious and airy appearance.

While I was sold on the upholstery choices on display at the store, remember that any of the sofas on this list are available in a wide range of upholstery choices – I was particularly fond of some of the earthy colour options (pictured above).

Brondby sofa

Another sofa that makes for a great small living room idea is the Brondby. The compact design encourages a very upright seating style with supportive back cushions and seat cushions that are on the narrow side. But it does all of that while remaining highly comfortable.

Corners are often the most overlooked and underutilised areas of a room - including in small spaces - so opting for a corner sofa in a small lounge is actually a great way to take advantage of every last inch. That’s exactly why I really like the small corner configuration of the Brondby.

Cotswold sofa

As already mentioned before, I didn’t get to try out the Cotswold sofa IRL as it wasn’t available in the store I visited. But just based on the look of the sofa, I really appreciate the curved scroll armrests and the chunky bubble feet which put a new playful spin on the traditional, classic sofa style.

As the name suggests, the style of the sofa is rooted in country home charm and it would fit perfectly in that style of a home.

The cushions are reversible which is set to make them last longer. And on top of that, they come with a five-year plumpness guarantee which is the first time I’ve ever come across one.

All in all, I’m a big fan of the collection and I can’t wait to see which one of these sofas you end up going for and how you style it in your home.

Not every household has room for a separate playroom. Not to mention that the kids often want to be near you and the rest of the family which is why a play corner or area for them in your lounge makes sense. But how do you go about that in an open-plan living room? I asked 4 interior designers how to make a play area in an open-plan living room and they shared their top tips.

We all love open-plan living room ideas because they feel spacious and airy. But the tricky part is finding the best ways to arrange furniture in it, making it flow right - as one of the 3 Fs of interior design that’s very important - and dividing the space as it serves various purposes, one of which is often a kids’ play area.

‘One of the biggest challenges in an open-plan room is striking the right balance between creating a practical play space for children while maintaining a cohesive living area for the whole family,’ says Emma Deterding, founder and creative director at Kelling Designs.

From toy storage ideas to the best way to zone your open-plan family living room, these are the experts’ top 5 tips on creating a play zone for your little one(s).

1. Use flexible storage

Every parent will know that mess and toys scattered everywhere is the biggest challenge when it comes to children’s play spaces. Effective storage can not only help with this, it can also aid in visually dividing the open-plan space.

‘Rather than trying to separate the space completely, I would recommend using flexible storage solutions and furniture placement to subtly define different areas while maintaining a cohesive flow throughout the room,’ suggests Holly Lamont, founder and creative director of interior design studio Holla Design. ‘The key to a well-functioning play area is choosing pieces that work hard. Low-level, child-friendly storage encourages independence and makes tidying away part of the daily routine.’

On top of larger pieces of storage furniture, incorporate some storage baskets and a toy storage box. ‘Use storage that's easy for kids to access, but aesthetically pleasing for adults too, like large lidded baskets to store soft toys and smaller baskets in different sizes to store art supplies,’ says Jo Lane, founder and designer at online interior design service See Your Place. ‘You can also get great wooden boxes on wheels to store lego and games, which can be tucked under a table when not in use. You don't always need rows of primary coloured plastic boxes to make a welcoming play area.’

2. Zone with a soft rug

Rugs are generally one of the best tools to use for zoning and anchoring a space – and a play area is no exception. Just make sure that the playroom rug is soft enough. And perhaps a washable design like this Storybook Grove rug from Ruggable wouldn’t go amiss.

‘A soft rug helps establish a dedicated play zone and adds warmth and comfort,’ Holly at Holla Design says.

Emma at Kelling Designs adds, ‘A good rug is key – children naturally like to play on the floor, so creating a comfortable space for this is ideal.’

3. Add storage seating

Multifunctional furniture makes for a great addition to any multifunctional space. In this case, I - and the experts - would recommend storage seating like an ottoman, a stool or even a window seat or a bench as a hidden toy storage idea.

‘Multifunctional furniture, such as a window seat with built-in storage or an ottoman footstool, provides additional seating while offering valuable storage for bulkier toys,’ Emma at Kelling Designs says.

4. Curate toys

‘The trouble with combining two frequently used spaces in the house means there is risk of clutter and stray toys polluting an otherwise neat and tidy adult area,’ says Francesca Leat, owner, director and head designer at Francesca Leat Interiors.

In order to stop toys spreading everywhere throughout your open-plan living room, take a curational approach to your little one’s toys. ‘Take the Montessori approach and only include a small handful of toys that are easy to tidy away to encourage methodical and calm play that doesn't disrupt the rest of the space too much,’ Francesca explains.

Just make sure those toys are their favourite ones. You can then rotate the rest of the toys every few weeks.

5. Make the whole living space family-friendly

‘In my personal and professional experience, children don't usually go to a dedicated area to play but tend to stick close to wherever you happen to be and play next to you,’ Jo at See Your Place says.

That’s why Jo’s approach is to make the whole open-plan living room children and family-friendly. ‘If you make the area where you spend the most time play-friendly and have key toys and play equipment stashed close to hand, you won't then end up spending all your time carting toys from one space to another,’ she says.

My top open-plan play area picks

Holly at Holla Design concludes, ‘Ultimately, the most successful open-plan living spaces are those that balance practicality with style, creating an environment that works for the whole family.’

Earlier this week, I was scrolling through Next’s new-in section and stumbled across the just-released Next Addison modular sofa – and I was instantly impressed with the look and price point. When I say I’m obsessed with modular sofas, I’m not exaggerating – I’m modular sofas’ number one fan. So when it comes to modular sofas, I know my stuff – especially since I’ve tried over 100 of them at this point (in all fairness, it’s part of my job) and own one myself.

When searching for the best of the best modular sofas, I’m by no means easily impressed. My standards are high, given the number of sofas I’ve tried. And yet, this is not the first time I fell in love with a modular sofa from Next – last year, Next launched the Crosby modular storage sofa, and it’s become one of my all-time favourite sectionals and storage sofas.

‘A modular design offers greater flexibility, allowing customers to configure the sofa to suit their individual room layouts and making it a better fit for a variety of UK homes,’ says Next Home’s spokesperson.

Modular sofas are now bigger than a fleeting sofa trend – it’s a versatile and flexible living room seating solution that future-proofs your lounge and a category that many brands, including Next, are expanding, given its popularity.

So what’s so special about Next’s new Addison modular sofa? For starters, the sleek, curved-style sofa looks like a designer piece. And yet, it’s an affordable design – take the three-piece configuration as pictured above which will set you back £1848.

The Addison is available in two colourways and upholstery finishes – either a forest green twill or off-white oyster chenille. They’re smart colour choices to start with as green and cream/off-white are among the most popular sofa colours across the board. And it covers the bases of both a neutral and a colour without it being too bold either.

Full disclaimer, as the sofa has just dropped, I haven’t been able to test it out yet. But you best believe I will be trying it the first chance I get, hopefully soon.

Last week’s heatwave might have cooled off for now, but there is more where it came from, with temperatures set to rise into the 30s again this weekend.

When a heatwave hits, it’s instinct to try and cool your home in any way you can – whether it’s using the best fans and portable air conditioning units, or testing the viral hacks thought to beat the heat for free.

But, for all our cooling efforts, many people don't realise that the strong sunlight that these hot spells bring can also secretly damage even the best sofa. I asked the experts why this happens, and what can be done to protect your seating during the summer months.

How can a heatwave affect my sofa?

We all know that British homes aren’t built to withstand the hot weather, but it might be a surprise to learn that the heat can actually affect the appearance of your furniture too. ‘Heat doesn't just affect how a sofa looks, it can affect how it performs,’ explains Meg Holloway, founder of Maro Home.

‘Intense sunshine can fade upholstery, while excessive heat can dry out natural fibres and even some of the materials hidden inside the sofa, particularly if it's positioned beside a large window,’ she adds. So, if you’ve noticed that your sofa looks faded after last week’s heatwave, it’s simply a side effect of everything that comes with hot and sunny days.

‘Many people don't realise that the sun shining through windows can gradually affect their furniture,’ adds Magdalena Gierasinska, head of product and displays at Barker and Stonehouse. ‘Even if the damage isn't noticeable straight away, repeated exposure can leave colours looking uneven and make furniture appear older than it really is.’

Fading is a natural part of your sofa’s life cycle, but strong sun exposure will speed up this process. No matter how hard you try to cool your living room, if your seating is not protected from the sun, it will likely fall victim to the heatwave.

‘Some sofa materials are more susceptible to damage from sunlight and heat than others,’ says Julia Bilotta, creative stylist at Sofology. ‘Delicate fabrics such as velvet and chenille, along with aniline leather, are particularly sensitive to prolonged exposure to sunlight and can fade or become discoloured more quickly.’

During hot spells, our interiors naturally fall to the back of our minds as we begin to spend more time outside. However, a few preventative measures will help to keep your sofa in top condition when temperatures rise again.

How to protect your sofa during the heatwave

While sofa fading is natural, there are a few things you can do to stop the process from speeding up during sunny spells. And, if your sofa already looks a bit different after last week’s heatwave, there are some measures you can take to refresh your sofa and restore it to tip-top condition.

I asked the experts where to begin.

1. Clean your sofa

If your sofa took a hit during the heatwave, a little TLC will go a long way. ‘The first step is simply to give your sofa some care,’ advises Meg. ‘Vacuum natural fabrics gently, rotate cushions, and allow fillings to recover their shape. If your sofa has washable, removable covers, follow the care instructions carefully, as a gentle wash can make a remarkable difference.’

If dealing with leather, try a conditioner. ‘A quality leather conditioner can help replace some of the moisture lost during hot weather and keep the material pliable,’ explains Magdalena. ‘Simple maintenance like this after a heatwave can make a noticeable difference, and looking after your sofa throughout the year will help it continue looking its best for longer.’

2. Consider sofa position

Want to avoid damage ahead of July’s heatwave? Where you place your sofa could make all the difference. ‘If it's close to a window, try to move it out of direct sunlight where possible,’ says Julia. In fact, moving furniture away from walls is a clever hack that can also work to cool your home.

‘If relocating your sofa isn't an option, consider covering it with a colourfast throw during particularly sunny spells. It's important that any throw you use is colourfast, as non-colourfast fabrics can increase the risk of dye transfer in hot weather,’ she adds.

3. Rotate your cushions

‘To keep your sofa looking its best, it's also a good idea to use it evenly during the summer, and rotate and flip the cushions where possible,’ suggests Julia.

‘These simple maintenance habits can help restore its appearance and minimise the effects of everyday wear, including those that can be more noticeable after periods of hot weather.’

4. Keep blinds and curtains closed

‘The biggest difference comes from reducing direct UV exposure. Sheer curtains, blinds or UV-filtering window films can all help without making a room feel dark,’ says Meg. This simple step won’t only keep your home cool, but it will help to prevent fading caused by sunlight.

Sofa care essentials

Add these buys to your basket to tackle the next heatwave like a pro.

As one of Ideal Home’s favourite brands, and winner of the Living Room Retailer of the Year in the 2026 Ideal Home Awards, it makes perfect sense for us to collaborate with Furniture Village and launch our very own style-forward range of sofas.

We wanted to create a truly versatile collection, with a sofa to suit any style of interior, from modern country retreats to smart new-builds and everything in between. Style credentials were an all-important factor when developing the range, but that doesn’t mean sacrificing longevity and practicality. All four of the designs in our newly-launched collection are built to last – just as you’d expect from the commitment to quality that Furniture Village is so well-known for. We’re excited to finally reveal the four designs, now available in-store and online.

Channel a contemporary edge: Gemini

First up we have Gemini, our quiet luxe showstopper. With its clean lines and modern silhouette, this sofa also boasts a smart feature to take comfort to the next level. At the touch of a button Gemini’s soft and inviting seats glide out to extend the seat depth and create the ultimate lounging spot.

Style it with...

Celebrate classic form: Cotswold

Bringing luxury country-house vibes, the Cotswold sofa takes a country aesthetic and elevates it, thanks to design details like the buttoned scroll arms and turned wood legs. It will instantly add elegance to any room, and comes with coordinating scatter cushions plus a matching snuggler, armchair and footstool, which means you can create the perfect combination to suit your space.

Style it with...

Go for glam: Sienna

Designed to inject contemporary glamour into a room, the Sienna has a refined design that features a higher back and curved arms for an effortlessly sophisticated look.

There’s a huge range of upholstery options to choose from – we love bold shades like the deep blue of Hudson Ocean for a touch of understated drama and decadence, especially when you match it to your walls for a colour-drenched space. For more pared-back schemes, there are gorgeously rich neutrals, such as Hudson Mink or Bella Barley White.

Style it with...

Choose timeless style: Brondby

Versatile and hard-working, the Brondby combines smart, good looks with hard-wearing upholstery options, and a compact design that makes it the ideal solution for smaller spaces. With two corner options, two- and three-seater designs and a footstool that doubles as storage, the Brondby works hard to help you make the most of every inch. This sofa range has been designed with real homes in mind, balancing style and practicality to create beautiful furniture for everyday moments.

Style it with...

Check out the full Ideal Home collection at Furniture Village. Which is your favourite?

If you’re hosting guests this summer, a comfortable sofa bed is a must-have to ensure happy, relaxed guests and right now, IKEA’s stylish LANDSKRONA sofa bed is £500 off.

IKEA is holding one of its biggest-ever summer sales, slashing prices on up to 500 outdoor and home essentials. But it is the inclusion of some of the best sofa beds that caught our eye. While sofa beds can be high-ticket items, they are an essential if you’re a household that frequently hosts.

So, if you’ve been looking to upgrade your guest bedroom ideas, it may be wise to make the most of the IKEA summer sale. Here’s everything you need to know about the LANDSKRONA sofa bed.

Having spotted the LANDSKRONA Sofa Bed was reduced from £1,199 to £699, I immediately spoke to Ideal Home’s Sleep Editor and sofa bed expert Amy Lockwood to see if this was a good deal. Having tested countless IKEA sofa beds, she’s found the Swedish brand produces sofa beds that offer a great mix of style, comfort, and affordability.

'Having spent the past five years testing some of the best sofa beds on the market, I've found that IKEA sofa beds are always great value for money. The fact that this sofa bed offers a double sleeping area - so it can sleep two guests at a time comfortably - and it has hidden storage makes it a great buy in my book,’ she told me.

The LANDSKRONA 3-seater sofa bed is made with thick grain leather on the exposed surfaces and treated fabric elsewhere. The hidden storage Amy mentions is underneath the seat, and is perfect for storing extra bed linen, duvets and pillows when not in use.

IKEA states the sofa is firm and comfortable to sit on, while its built-in slats enhance sleeping comfort once pulled out. The sofa bed comes with a 10-year guarantee, and you have to buy the legs separately.

This is not the only IKEA sofa bed to catch our attention. The recent PS collection £550 sofa bed nailed its brief of ‘playful functionality’, serving up an effortlessly stylish design. Alternatively, the Habitat Kota Sofa Bed is an affordable, yet stylish design home editors love, with Amy even going as far as to say: ‘it's hard to find a better value three-seater sofa bed than the Kota.’

IKEA Summer Sale is running until Sunday, 12 July, so don't hesitate to snag a great deal now. Alternatively, I’ve rounded up a few more stylish sofa beds for under £500 you can shop online.

IKEA sofa beds are a great value for money, even when not on sale. If you’re looking for a bed that will house extra guests and look good, too (without costing a bomb), the LANDSKRONA is a great choice.

Usually, a living room is the best place in the home to engage in some leisure time. But with the June heatwave having reached almost unbearable temperatures this week, if your living room is hot and stuffy, I can imagine you’re avoiding it. However, experts have revealed five tips to cool your living room without air conditioning, so you can enjoy it all summer long.

Sadly, the best portable air conditioners are selling out fast, and while air coolers make an excellent alternative, it’s a good idea to learn some handy tips to cool a home without relying on an AC unit.

So, I reached out to the experts to find out how to turn your living room ideas into a cooler space during a heatwave. This is what they said.

1. Check your furniture placement

First things first, you should consider where your sofa and bulky furniture items, such as armchairs, are positioned in your living room. Because a lesser-known furniture trick is that by moving your furniture away from walls and windows, you can improve airflow, which contributes to cooling.

‘One of the biggest mistakes I see is placing large furniture directly in front of windows or too close to natural light sources,' Ellie Brown, Interior Designer at Oak&More, explains.

‘Natural light is important, but so is airflow. During warmer weather, blocking the movement of air around windows can make rooms feel noticeably stuffier. Many homeowners place sofas directly in front of bay windows because it feels like the most practical use of space. But allowing light and air to move freely through the room often creates a much more comfortable environment.’

2. Turn off appliances

‘Obviously, we've all still got households to run during a heatwave, but appliances like tumble dryers, dishwashers, ovens and even gaming PCs generate extra heat, which can really add up, especially in smaller homes or flats,’ says Angus Struthers, Managing Director at BOXT.

‘It's worth avoiding these kinds of heat-producing appliances during the hottest part of the afternoon, especially in smaller homes or flats where heat builds up quickly.’

In a living room, there are plenty of appliances that can cause excess heat in your home. From TVs to stereo systems, consoles, smart home devices, and even lighting. To prevent overheating and save money on your energy bills, ensure all your living room appliances are unplugged when not in use.

3. Block the heat at the window

If you have a south-facing living room, you’ll probably already be aware of using thermal curtains and blinds to block out heat and sun glare. During a heatwave, it is a good idea to keep your curtains drawn during the hottest part of the day to keep heat out. Using blackout or thermal curtains does this job more effectively.

‘For me, this is always the first step: stop the heat getting in. I keep blinds or curtains closed on any windows getting direct sun during the day. Something like Duette blinds works really well because of the honeycomb design as it traps air and acts as an extra layer of insulation at the window, which helps keep rooms noticeably cooler,’ says Simon Browne, product expert at Luxaflex.

4. Consider fan placement

Even if you have one of the best fans at your disposal, if you position it wrong, all you will do is blow hot air around your living room.

‘With hotter days, many households also rely more heavily on fans. While fans are far cheaper to run than air conditioning, their placement still matters. A fan placed near an open window during the hottest part of the day can actually pull warm air inside, making the room feel hotter. Positioning fans to circulate cooler air in the evening or directing airflow across your body rather than the whole room can keep you comfortable without unnecessary energy use,’ says Stuart Middleton, consumer energy expert at So Energy.

You can also place a frozen bottle of water or a bowl of ice in front of your fan to create your own air conditioning effect. As the air is blown over the ice, it evaporates, cooling the air around it.

5. Check windows and doors are sealed properly

Lastly, if your living room is constantly getting too hot, despite your best efforts, you should check to see whether heat can enter through any window or door seals.

‘If a room never seems to stay cool, even after you’ve kept external windows and doors shut, it’s worth checking the actual windows and doors. Old windows, warped doors, failed seals, or poor glazing can all let warm air in. A well-fitted window or external door should help control the temperature indoors. If there are draughts in winter, there’s a good chance heat is getting in during summer too,’ says Darren Coates, windows, doors and roofing expert at SolarFrame.

Air conditioning alternatives

If you haven't been able to get your hands on a portable AC, these tips can help cool your living, making it a more comfortable area of the home this summer.

Next's Palma sofa bed has been one of the brand's bestselling overnight hosting solutions for a while now, and it's easy to see why.

Stylish, multifunctional, and reasonably priced, it's little wonder this fold-out bed gives many of the best sofa beds on the market a run for their money.

However, Next just upped the ante even further by adding *hidden storage* to this popular buy. To my mind, that makes this space-saving sofa bed even more of a game-changer for a small home.

The Palma sofa bed is already a great option if you want to host overnight guests but don't have much floor space.

It's a fold-out design, which means it concertinas up into a two-seater sofa in seat form, but, once extended, creates a double-bed-sized sleeping area. And the two-seater model's compact footprint means it works well in a small living room or home office.

However, when I bought my first sofa bed, the one thing I hadn't factored in was how much space the extra guest bedding would take up in my home.

Most sofa beds require a good mattress topper to make them more comfortable, and these can be bulky to store. Plus, there's the extra guest duvet, pillows, and bed linen that need to be stashed somewhere.

That's why the new Palma storage sofa bed is such a dream for a small home. Unlike the original Next Palma Sofa Bed, which has stylish wooden legs beneath the seat, this new version features a hidden storage drawer at its base.

This drawer provides the ideal storage space for all your guests' bedding – both whilst they're staying with you, and once they've gone home.

As of writing, this new launch comes in two colourways. A boucle fabric in a light 'natural' shade, and a deep 'forest green' colourway in a jumbo chenille cord.

Both make a stylish addition to any home and look set to follow in the popularity of the original Palma sofa bed, which gets rave reviews from Next shoppers.

'We moved into a two-bedroom flat, but the second bedroom is quite tiny,' shares one reviewer of the standard Palma sofa bed on the Next website. 'We didn't want a full bed to take up the entire space all the time, so got this Next sofa bed to roll out when we have guests. It looks really premium and lush!'

'Excellent quality product,' says a second reviewer. 'Looks lovely. Like all sofa beds... firm to sit on and firm to lie on, but it is still comfortable. Very impressed with how easy it was to construct (only needed to add the legs) and the speed of delivery. Well done Next!'

And that £599 price point is definitely another big tick in the new Palma storage sofa bed's favour.

Whilst it's still an investment, as someone who's spent the past five years testing the best sofa beds and best chair beds on the market, I can assure you it's actually a very reasonable price compared to similar options. I've included a few alternatives below so you can compare.

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A living room, no matter the size, should be a cosy, relaxing and inviting space to walk into. While a small living room naturally lends itself to that cocooning feeling, there are things that can make a small living room unwelcoming and best avoided.

Separating the good small living room ideas from the bad ones can be challenging since your lounge needs to do a lot, and if the space is limited, fitting everything in is a challenge. I always try to look at it as a fun challenge that pushes me to be more creative. But if you try to do too much or go the other way and don’t do enough, the room can end up feeling unwelcoming.

That’s why I’ve called on interior designers to break down what makes a small living room unwelcoming and share what to do instead to avoid or fix an uninviting look and feel.

1. Don’t overcomplicate things

Although even a small living room needs to be functional and tick a lot of boxes, a common mistake people make is trying to make the space do too much given the compact dimensions.

‘Trying to make the room do too much results in it being filled with too much furniture,’ says Francesca Leat, interior designer and owner of Francesca Leat Interiors. ‘Work with the space you have and don't try to make the room something it isn't. An overly cluttered living room that has been filled with furniture to serve as a dining and office space can feel claustrophobic.’

Franky Rousell, CEO and founder of sensory-led interior design practice Jolie, explains the importance of having some empty - also referred to as negative - space, ‘The key is to be intentional. Negative space is often overlooked, but it's one of the most powerful tools in a small room. Leaving areas of visual calm allows the eye to rest, helping the brain and nervous system feel more settled. I always prioritise a few meaningful pieces in a small room, rather than filling every corner.’

2. Invest in high quality pieces of furniture

Opting for something of good quality and comfort goes for all furniture you’d put in your small lounge, but the seating especially – go for the best sofa that’s made to last and also looks and feels super comfy and therefore inviting to sit on.

‘Work with what you have and focus on making that beautiful and functional first. Don't rush the process and look to invest in good pieces over time even if it means sitting on the floor before you can afford a good sofa,’ Francesca Leat says.

3. Steer clear of a single overhead light

‘Poor lighting is a major factor,’ says interior designer Bilal Rehman. ‘A room that relies on a single overhead light can feel flat and harsh rather than inviting, particularly in the evening.’

If you’re looking for the right lighting for your small living room, opt for a layered approach which combines several different sources of light dotted around the room. ‘Layered lighting is essential. Combine ambient, task and accent lighting through table lamps, floor lamps and wall lights to create warmth and depth,’ Bilal adds.

4. Don’t go too sparse

As already mentioned, an overly cluttered space is a big no-no if you’re aiming for a welcoming feel in a small lounge. But the opposite extreme isn’t going to work in your favour either.

‘I think being too sparsely furnished is a common mistake people can make,’ says Jo Lane, founder and interior designer at online interior design service See Your Place. ‘You still need all the functional pieces of furniture in a small space that you would have in a larger space, otherwise it starts feeling less homely.’

‘For example, don't skimp on a sofa side table if you're worried about space, just pick one that's not too bulky. Think about how you will use the room, for example having somewhere to display treasured items (a sideboard in a larger space, which could be swapped for a wall shelf in a smaller space), or somewhere to put down your drink, and make sure this need is met whatever the size of your space, so that your space will feel comfortable and liveable,’ Jo advises.

My top picks for a welcoming small lounge

Creating a space that’s well balanced and is (but also looks and feels) considered is the key to an inviting and stylish living room, even if it’s on the smaller side.

When it comes to small space hosting ideas, IKEA is having an absolutely storming year.

The brand already launched one of the best sofa beds I've seen hit the market this year in its PS 2026 sofa bed design, and now it's launched one of the best chair beds I've seen in a *long* time.

In fact, I think the uber contemporary Skiftebo Chair Bed is set to become a design icon of the future, and I can't believe this designer-look small-space solution is only £250.

The Ideal Home team first set eyes on the Skiftebo Chair Bed when our news writer, Kezia Reynolds, flew over to IKEA's design headquarters in Älmhult, Sweden, to cover the launch of the brand's new IKEA PS 2026 collection.

Designed around the central theme of 'playful functionality', the IKEA PS 2026 collection is fun, practical, and – like all of IKEA's range – incredibly well thought through in practical terms.

The collection is also jam-packed with small-space-friendly designs, of which the Skiftebo chair bed is certainly one.

Many of us don't have the space in our homes for a larger sofa bed, and for those of us living in smaller spaces who still want the ability to host a guest, I think a chair bed is the ideal solution.

A chair bed certainly feels a lot more 'intentional' than offering your guest a blow-up mattress, even if it is one of the best air beds on the market.

Plus, as designer of the Skiftebo chair bed, Matilda Lindstam Nilsson, shared with Kezia at the IKEA PS 2026 launch, a chair bed is designed to offer 'many functions in one'.

In the case of the Skiftebo, this means that by night it can be unfolded to become a spacious single sleeping space, whilst by day it doubles up as a very stylish and contemporary accent chair.

And its space-saving build was something Matilda factored in from the start of the design process. 'Of course, you can place it in the living room if you have a big house,' says Matilda, 'but my first thought was to design it for small spaces.'

That means this chair bed has a small footprint that makes it perfect for squeezing into a home office or kids' bedroom.

Although, to my mind at least, this chair bed is far too stylish to let the kids have all the fun!

After all, unlike a lot of chair beds that are on the market, IKEA's Skiftebo isn't just functional furniture. Instead, it features design details that really elevate it into a statement focal point in a room.

I think its design-led look makes it appear a *lot* more expensive than you'd expect from its very reasonable £250 price point.

'It has a lot of IKEA identity,' agrees Matilda, 'it's modern, and we worked a lot with the details to make it smart, functional, and playful.'

From the button detailing and the metal frame that supports the back cushions, to the removable and washable cover that makes for easy maintenance, it feels like every aspect of this chair bed's design has been well considered.

And it's that attention to detail, alongside its contemporary yet timeless design, that I think will make it an IKEA cult classic of the future.

That said, this isn't the only stylish and modern chair bed on the market. I've rounded up a few of my favourite alternatives below so you can compare what's out there and decide if IKEA's new Skiftebo launch is the one for you.

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It’s that time of the year again – Ideal Home’s Living Room Awards are back for 2026. Judged by an expert panel of Ideal Home editors, today we celebrate the brands and designs across 16 different categories that have impressed us the most this year.

From the best sofa of 2026 to the best TV and even the top living room lighting idea, this year’s winners cover all the bases. So if you’re looking for some inspiration for your lounge, this is the perfect place to start.

A living room is a multipurpose space that needs to be versatile, as well as comfortable and stylish – and these are only a few of the criteria the judges took into consideration when making their decisions, along with innovation, practicality and value for money.

Best Sofa: King Living

King Living and its sofas never cease to amaze me – so it’s no surprise that the brand takes home the top prize for the best sofa for the second time in a row.

The new King Living Delta 5 sofa, launched earlier this year and based on the brand’s existing Delta sofa, really impressed me and the judges with its cleverly integrated storage.

Storage sofas tend to be quite bulky but you’d never be able to tell this sofa comes with storage. And you often have to sacrifice high levels of comfort with storage styles – but not this one. The fact that it’s also modular and beautifully curved all made this a clear winner.

Highly commended: Schplendid Lionel sofa, DFS Cinesound Rowe 2 Corner 2 with 2 Consoles in Oyster Moretta fabric

Best Use of Colour: Benjamin Moore

In recent years, people have been getting bolder with colour and paint ideas in their homes. Colour capping is one of the more recent paint trends – and one that Benjamin Moore’s single-handedly pioneered.

‘I love Benjamin Moore’s concept of colour-capping – the use of multiple tones from the same colour family in a single space is a great way to achieve a layered, elevated look,’ says Ideal Home’s Editor in Chief, Heather Young.

‘And because the tones are all taken from the same family, there’s little risk of clashing colours which makes it achievable for even novice decorators.’

Best Furniture: La Redoute

We love small living room ideas here at Ideal Home, especially the creative and clever ones that don’t sacrifice style either. And the La Redoute Matheo Hideaway Cabinet Desk ticks all the boxes.

Not only is this hideaway cabinet desk extremely clever and space-saving (which I love to see), but it also looks so stylish owing to the arched shape and rattan inserts.

Highly commended: Danetti Giotto Natural Ceramic Coffee Table, Sofa.com Ciel Console Table

Best Wallpaper: Little Greene

Whimsy is a word that’s been on everyone’s lips lately – more specifically bringing whimsy into our homes. And Little Greene’s Lily Pads - Hopper Wallpaper is the perfect way to inject some charm and whimsy to your living room walls.

‘I fell in love with this wallpaper the second I saw it,’ Heather says. ‘I was won over by the lily pads and waterlilies even before I spotted the otters! I’m a big fan of blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor, and this design is the perfect way to do it.’

Highly commended: I Love Wallpaper Woodland Whisper Panel Wallpaper in Cream

Best Storage: Hammonds

As already mentioned, living room furniture needs to be versatile - and this is especially true when it comes to living room storage ideas. And few storage solutions are as versatile and stylish at the same time as the Hammonds Tavira in Olive Green. It looks sleek and uncluttered as there are no door handles distracting the eye and the olive green colourway also looks extremely sophisticated.

‘This solution is designed to create a versatile combination of storage and curated display spaces. The palette of muted finishes, from soft neutrals to richer statement tones have been chosen to bring a sense of calm and the customisable options, including shelving, cupboards and drawers, will help keep any living room organised,’ Heather says.

Highly commended: Cox & Cox Halds Adjustable Shelf Unit

Best Paint: Ronseal

Anything that makes life easier and a job like painting quicker gets a thumbs up from us here at Ideal Home. And that’s exactly what Ronseal’s One Coat Everywhere paint does as it can be used on everything from walls and skirting boards to radiators and more.

This almost miracle-sounding formula doesn’t require any primer, all you need is one coat (as it says on the tin) and you can use it on all surfaces – what’s not to like?

Best Speakers: Ruark Audio

These days, even tech can be stylish and aesthetically pleasing, as well as functional. Ruark Audio’s R410 All-In-One Music System impresses in both regards which is why it makes for the best living room speakers.

‘With its grown-up, midcentury-style looks, and its impressive audio, this speaker looks just as good as it sounds,’ says Ginevra Benedetti, Ideal Home’s Deputy Editor for Print. ‘The OLED screen shows you what’s playing, whether it’s DAB or FM radio or streaming your favourite tunes.’

Highly commended: Samsung QS90H Soundbar

Best Occasional Chair: Sofa.com

I fell in love with Sofa.com’s Stellar Armchair as soon as I first saw it in person a few months ago. It looks like a high-end designer piece with its organic, curved shape and built-in side table. And it’s very comfortable, too! I actually really want one for myself. And the judging panel very much agreed.

‘One for my wish list, this curvy beauty features an ingenious built-in side table – the perfect perch for a vodka martini,’ Ginevra says.

Highly commended: Pottery Barn Remmy Swivel Armchair

Best Lighting: Philips Hue

We already saw the appetite for recreating the cinema experience in one’s lounge during last year’s Ideal Home Living Room Awards. And it’s a living room trend that isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. The Philips Hue Play Wall Washer creates the cinematic experience right in one’s living room while being super compact.

‘Designed to sit on either side or behind your TV, illuminating the wall behind it with light, you can link it to what you’re watching or listening to with the Hue Sync function (on the Hue partner app) and the colours will automatically change to enhance your viewing experience,’ Ginevra explains.

Highly commended: BHS Dougie Rechargeable Picture Wall Light in Brass

Best Flooring: Alternative Flooring

Carpets can get a bad rep for being old-fashioned but a design like Alternative Flooring’s Wool Candy proves that it certainly isn’t the case. It provides enough intrigue with the striped pattern but since it’s a such a timeless motif, it won’t overpower a living room and will still look quite neutral.

‘After years of plains, it’s such a joy to see that pattern carpet is having a comeback. There are three different striped patterns (and who doesn’t love stripes?!) in a choice of four jolly colourways – perfect for adding a bit of fun to your floor,’ Ginevra says.

Highly commended: Ted Todd Hutton Herringbone & Wide Plank, Knot & Grain Driftwood

Best Floorcare: Shark

Speaking of flooring, it won’t clean itself. And if you’re after a convenient and easy tool to help you keep those floors spotless then the winner of the ‘best floorcare’ category, Shark’s PowerDetect Speed Clean and Empty Pet Pro Cordless Vacuum IA3241UKT, is the one to go for.

‘Lightweight and seriously easy to use, this new Shark vacuum is ideal for everyday grab-and-go cleaning,’ says Lauren Bradbury, Ideal Home’s Content Editor for House Manual.

‘It’s always charged and empty whenever you need it, thanks to the convenient auto-empty base, and it performed exceptionally well during debris testing. It’s also kitted out with Shark’s most impressive technologies for enhanced cleaning – and it’ll look good doing it!’

Highly commended: Dyson V16 Piston Animal Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

Best Scent: Nkuku

The best home fragrance is quite a subjective topic. For example, I’m personally not usually a big fan of rose fragrance. But Nkuku’s Oakmoss & Rose Home Fragrance Collection perfectly balances the rose notes with the earthiness of oakmoss which is beautifully grounding and makes for the perfect living room fragrance, whether you ordinarily love rose or aren’t a fan.

‘Not only does this candle smell incredible, but the hand-blown glass vessel container adds interest and makes it ideal for reuse as a tealight holder or vase once the candle is finished,’ Heather adds.

Best Fire: Direct Stoves

There’s nothing that creates that cosy living room feeling quite like getting a fire going. The traditional design of the Direct Stoves Axon Bolesworth 5kW Wood Burning / Multifuel Ecodesign Stove impressed the judges – and it’s making me feel cosy just looking at it.

‘This wood-burning stove has been given a contemporary look thanks to its clean lines which will work in modern or traditional homes. It boasts impressive heat-efficiency, too, perfect for cosy nights in,’ Heather says.

Highly commended: Solus iX Electric Fire

Best Window Dressings: 247 Blinds

The design of the Twist&Fit Wooden Blinds by 247 Blinds impressed the judges largely with its easy installation which is also completely renter friendly since it doesn’t require any drilling into the wall or windows. Instead, the extremely clever design uses a tension headrail instead.

But aside from that, the style of these Venetian blinds is timeless so it's pretty much guaranteed it will never go out of style.

Best TV: Sky

While a TV has traditionally been seen as quite the investment, the Sky Glass Air proves that there can be such a thing as a great affordable TV. So if you’re working with a tight budget, this is a TV that won’t break the bank.

‘Perfect for those on a budget and a cinch to use, Sky's more affordable TV is hard to beat. All you need is a Broadband connection and a Sky subscription, and you have endless TV viewing with excellent picture quality at your fingertips,’ Ginevra says.

Highly commended: Samsung S99H OLED TV

Retailer of the year: Furniture Village

From sofas and armchairs to coffee tables, storage and even lighting, Furniture Village has everything one could need when furnishing a living room in one place, making life so much easier. That’s exactly why the title of the top living room retailer of the year is only fitting.

‘Furniture Village is a destination store for living rooms, with an impressive range of products and styles. The knowledgeable staff are on-hand to offer expert advice and guide you when finding the right solution for your space,’ Heather says.

Highly commended: Sofology

The Judges

Our panel of judges is comprised of Ideal Home editors who have the expertise on everything to do with living room furnishing, decor and more.

Congratulations to all the Ideal Home Living Room Awards 2026 winners, as well as those highly commended! And if you’ve been thinking about a living room makeover, now you know where to turn. See you next year!

Ever since its release two years ago, IKEA’s DYVLINGE swivel chair has become one of the brand’s bestsellers. And while I’ve always liked the shape and the comfortable design of the armchair, I could never quite get on board with any of the available colourways. But with the new launch of the beige colourway, that’s a thing of the past.

Selling for £199 a piece, the DYVLINGE design is also known as IKEA’s anti-stress armchair. But truth be told, I’ve always been quite stressed by the stark colours that the bestselling swivel chair came in – a bright orange, bold green and black.

I’m by no means against colour, but these particular shades are very bright. And I'm also no maximalist - which the former two colours are perfect for - and a dark black armchair would take too much visual space in a small living space like mine.

On the other hand, the just-dropped beige IKEA DYVLINGE chair is so much more versatile as this neutral shade will go with any style of living room and any living room colour scheme – and between the timeless silhouette, high levels of comfort and now a more palatable shade, I’m seriously tempted by this living room seating idea.

It still comes in the same corduroy fabric which is perfect for injecting some interesting texture into your lounge.

Part of IKEA’s archival NYTILLVERKAD collection, the DYVLINGE swivel chair is set to be one of the future classics. And this more universal colourway makes it even more likely to become one.

Although, the design’s future spot in the IKEA hall of fame is already pretty much guaranteed, since the DYVLINGE chair is based on IKEA’s MILA swivel armchair, first launched in 1967.

The only potential downside of the DYVLINGE swivel armchair is that it doesn’t actually have armrests. For many, this is not an issue – but if you prefer your living room accent chairs with armrests then Habitat’s Dawson swivel chair boasts a very similar design to the IKEA DYVLINGE and it comes in a neutral colourway, too – as well as more statement colourways like electric blue, red and charcoal.

This sellout Habitat swivel chair usually retails for £200 but with the code RED20 applied at checkout, you can currently get 20% off, making it only £160!

Are you thinking of adding either of these retro 1970s-inspired swivel armchairs into your living room?

Eclectic, care-free and full of character, it's no wonder that boho-inspired rooms will always be on trend. This home decor style exploded in the 1960s and 70s and is back with a more refined neutral colour palette and lashings of texture in 2026.

Boho living room ideas rely heavily on adding the right accessories to a relatively neutral backdrop, so are ideal if you live in a rental property or want to zhush up your space without a full reno project. Whether you have a grey sofa or white walls, a berber rug, some IKAT pattern cushions and a mango wood side table will transform a room into a dreamy boho space.

The best part is that this season, the high street is full of gorgeous bohemian-spirited homeware. At John Lewis, rustic home decor was a key theme for Spring/Summer 2026, centred around natural materials and rich neutral colours, while Next leant into gorgeous textures in a neutral colour palette with its new N.Premium range. Here are the best pieces that will help you nail the 5 things every boho living room should have in 2026.

Side tables are truly having their moment right now. I've recently noticed, while trawling my favourite homeware sites looking for things I really don't need, that there's been a huge rise in funky kitsch side tables. You know the ones: they boast funky shapes, add colour that you otherwise wouldn't dare to inject into your decor and better yet: make a statement in a room.

An easy way to add a little fun to your interiors, this is your sign to buy that funky side table you spotted and haven't stopped thinking about since. The Urban Outfitters Martini Side Table is just one of the funky side tables going viral on social media at the moment, and this trend isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Kitsch side tables are coming in thick and fast from some of our favourite stores, such as Dunelm and Anthropologie.

Gone are the days of your coffee table ideas being your living room centrepiece. Why not let your side table take over as we've found 6 striking designs on the high street, with prices from £99. A low price to pay for a statement piece...

Will you be dipping your toe into this playful homeware trend with one of these statement designs? I've got my eye on that mermaid tail!

I’m becoming known around the office for my love of well-designed storage seating, whether that’s a storage sofa, a stool, an ottoman or a chair. So imagine my excitement when I came across Next’s Clemmie storage accent chair.

As Ideal Home’s Room Decor Editor and someone that lives in a very compact space, clever storage solutions are something I’m very passionate about. Whether that’s well-designed storage sofas, small living room-friendly coffee tables or storage armchairs like the Next Clemmie.

Available in two different colourways - a cream boucle selling for £375 or sage green weave retailing for £350 - the chair is designed with sphere-shaped legs in light wood and a removable seat which reveals hidden internal storage. The shape of the chair is very chic and uncomplicated, and will look right at home in any style of living room – it’s the most versatile piece of furniture I’ve seen in a while.

Recently, Next has been killing it with great small living room ideas – I still can’t get over the Next Crosby modular storage sofa, which remains one of my favourite storage and modular sofas I've tried. And the brand is now branching out into storage accent chairs, too – and frankly, Next doesn’t have a whole lot of competition in this field.

And yet, we all need plenty of storage space in our homes, especially when it comes to living room storage ideas.

‘The simple truth is that, no matter the size of our homes, you can never have enough smart storage,’ confirms Rohan Blacker, founder of sustainable sofa brand Schplendid. ’Whether you have a family home bursting at the seams or are lucky enough to have a generously proportioned living space, keeping clutter at bay is key to making the room feel calmer and easier to live with.’

Even though I’ve said that it’s difficult to find a storage armchair that’s as impressive as Next’s Clemmie, if you’re after some alternatives, these are the 3 that also get my stamp of approval.

Are you planning on investing in a clever storage armchair like the Next Clemmie?

Perhaps more than any room in the home, the living room is the space where we really want to express our individual style and personality. And for a decor that is packed full of style, personality and flair, you’d be hard-pushed to beat a boho living room scheme.

Derived from the word ‘bohemian’ (meaning an unconventional, artistic and free-spirited person), boho living room ideas are a true reflection of that definition, with an eclectic, care-free and colourful vibe that feels warm, characterful and easy-to-live-with (as well as being low-effort to put together).

There are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to creating a boho style living room scheme, it’s more about going with the heart and what 'feels’ right than following a strict agenda. But there are some key components that are must-haves in any boho scheme, so include these in your living room, and you’ll have it nailed.

1. Pattern mix

Relaxed, eclectic and free-spirited, boho style is defined by its ‘no rules' approach. Mix patterns and textures, combining colourful ikats, two-tone weaves, vibrant embroidery, crochet and macramé for a multi-layered look. Give living rooms an anchor point with a woven rug at the centre, tactile cushions and throws draped on sofas and armchairs, and tapestries hung on the wall.

2. Natural Materials

Incorporating natural elements into a boho scheme is a must. Choose upholstery and soft furnishings in washed linen and cotton, slubby wool and bouclé that feel good to touch and comfy to rest against. Combine textures and materials to add visual contrast, from smooth wood, stone and marble to more tactile rattan.

3. Layered lighting

Plenty of natural light during the daytime will enhance your room's soft decor and chilled-out vibe. At night, use understated ambient living room lighting ideas to make the space feel cosy; place wall lights, lanterns and lamps at different levels to create pockets of light around the room rather than illuminating the whole space at once.

4. Comfy seating

Comfort is key in a laid back living room scheme like this, so choose generously-sized, curvy sofas and chairs with deep seats and chunky arms that you can really sit back and relax on. Double up with sturdy side tables and foot stools that can be used to perch on or rest a tray.

5. Eclectic picks

The decorative details pull a boho scheme together, whether they're exotic artwork, vintage treasures or trinkets picked up on travels. Display favourite things on shelves, surfaces, along a mantel or on the wall, keeping to a curated collection rather than overfilling the space.

6. Calm background

Colour, pattern and texture are at the heart of this look, but the calming, neutral backdrop allows these bolder elements to shine. Warm-toned neutrals such as cream, sand or taupe are the perfect neutral living room ideas to keep things light and are the perfect foil for earthier olives, ochres, russets and browns.

These are all the ingredients you'll need to create the ideal laid back living space with eclectic charm.

Get the look

John Lewis has just launched a *very* stylish new sofa bed. In fact, I think this ingenious modular design could become a design icon of the future.

As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I've sat on a lot of sofa beds in my time, but over the past five years testing the best sofa beds on the market, I've never seen anything like the brand's latest launch.

What's more, the John Lewis Innovation Living Cozy Pad Sofa Bed hides an emperor bed's worth of sleeping space. That's bigger than a super king bed, and a *lot* of space for overnight guests to stretch out!

Why is this sofa bed so unusual? Because it's a modular design. That means the back cushions and armrests can be detached, and the two layers of seating can be disassembled to create one *enormous* 200 x 200cm sleeping area, or two separate, equally generous single beds.

Or, you can also do a little rejigging of its LEGO-block-like pieces and create a daybed that's perfect for movie nights curled up under a duvet.

When it's in sofa form, the structure is held in place by a minimalist stainless steel frame. Pair those clean lines with the quilted olive green upholstery, and you get a multifunctional sofa bed that looks extremely high-end indeed.

Its modular design is a simple idea on the surface, but one that I haven't seen executed this well before, and the fact that it's designed by Danish brand Innovation Living explains why.

I already dubbed one of the brand's sleeper sofas the most stylish sofa bed on the market, and I think this new launch now gives that Scandi rattan number a run for its money.

Plus, the brand's clever Cubed 140 Sofa Bed was Ideal Home readers' most-shopped sofa bed last year. And little wonder. I've always found Innovation Living's designs to be stylish, practical, and brilliantly designed, so I have no doubt this new launch will be of the same great build quality.

And although in bed form it may look a little 'basic', I actually think that's one of its strengths. There can be a lot of problems with uneven sleeping areas, complicated mechanisms, and armrests that get in the way of sleeping with your average sofa bed.

In contrast, the Innovation Living Cozy Pad simply focuses on providing one giant, well-padded sleeping area.

And whilst this sofa bed certainly isn't 'cheap', its £1649 price tag is what I'd term 'mid-range' in the sofa bed world. When I first saw its distinctive designer look, I was actually expecting it to cost about double that amount, so I do think it's a reasonable price for the combination of stylish good looks, quality, versatility, and its game-changing take on what a sofa bed can be.

But, of course, there are more affordable options on the market, even though, in my opinion at least, they might not *quite* have the same design-icon status that I think the Innovation Living Cozy Pad Sofa Bed is likely to have in the coming years.

Shop alternatives

If, like me, you love the look of this contemporary modular sofa bed but can't quite justify its price tag, I've rounded up some of the most stylish budget-friendly alternatives below.

This week, Habitat shared with Ideal Home that the brand’s made-to-order sofa service is being paused until further notice. This means that popular Habitat sofas such as Hendricks and Fenner have been pulled from the site and made unavailable – and it’s not yet known when the situation will be resolved.

Habitat launched its made-to-order sofas last May. As part of the launch, the brand introduced new sofa styles and a number of Habitat's existing bestsellers became made-to-order, such as the aforementioned Hendricks, which used to be included in our guide to best sofas as our pick for the best value sofa. Habitat has paused the made-to-order sofa service because its furniture supplier entered administration this March.

All the affected customers who had placed orders for made-to-order sofas were contacted as soon as Habitat learned of the news. The brand reports that they’ve apologised to the customers, offering a refund alongside a gesture of goodwill.

Fortunately, Habitat also offers a range of ready-made sofas which are still available, and some of them are even more popular than the made-to-order styles. This includes one of our favourite sofas - and the best budget sofa from our guide - which is the bestselling Julien sofa.

But if you’ve had your eye on one of the Habitat made-to-order styles, I found the best ready-made alternatives you can invest in instead. And most of them are currently available with 20% off when you apply code FURN20 at checkout.

If you had your heart set on something made-to-order for your living room sofa ideas, we'll keep you up to date with the situation and any good value alternative we recommend on the high street.

As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, it's my job to research and test the latest sleep-related products, including those that make hosting overnight guests a possibility.

This includes keeping track of all the best sofa beds on the market, and there's one sofa bed in particular that I think is especially worth shouting about right now.

That's DUSK's Hudson Sofa Bed, a three-seater sofa bed that retails for a surprisingly budget-friendly £339 and is steadily racking up a roster of 5-star reviews from impressed owners.

In fact, two of the Hudson's five upholstery options are already sold out, so if you're looking for an affordable overnight hosting solution, I think this is definitely a sofa bed to have on your radar sooner rather than later.

Why do I think the DUSK Hudson sofa bed is worth spotlighting? Firstly, because of that affordable price point. This is a large three-seater sofa bed that costs just £339, and whilst that certainly isn't pennies, it is *extremely* affordable compared to most sofa beds of this size.

For reference, the slightly larger Julien Sofa Bed from Habitat costs £850, and the three-seater Bromley Sofa Bed from Darlings of Chelsea retails at over £2000. You'll see why I think DUSK's Hudson is *very* affordable in comparison.

Second, the Hudson is stylish. At this price point, most sofa beds I've come across feel and most certainly *look* pretty basic. In comparison, the Hudson's modern silhouette and slim build make for some very stylish seating.

The upholstery options are on trend, too. The off-white boucle fabric and olive green colourway may be sold out, but, personally, I love the timeless striped upholstery and the rusty terracotta hue.

And third, this sofa bed gets *great* reviews from shoppers who've taken the plunge and invested. DUSK is an online-only retailer, so trying its furniture out in person can be tricky, and honest online reviews are extremely helpful. The number of 5-star reviews this sofa bed has amassed is very reassuring.

'Surprisingly high quality given the cost,' shares one happy owner, 'I love the way it looks and feels in our spare bedroom.'

'I’m thrilled with it,' says another 5-star reviewer. 'Easy to put together, comes in a box, so no issues getting through my difficult front door, great value, fab style and design. I don’t usually leave reviews, but feel the product deserves it.'

'Great value for money,' shares a third owner, 'looks lovely in our room and comfy. I wouldn’t want it as an everyday sofa, but it's perfect for occasional use.'

This echoes what the Ideal Home team felt upon testing the Hudson sofa bed. Our reviewer, Thea, who regularly hosts friends and family in her small apartment, agreed with pretty much all of the online reviews.

In her DUSK Hudson sofa bed review, Thea noted that she found the Hudson a little tricky to assemble by herself (in comparison, we found the Swyft Model 08 Sofa Bed *far* easier to assemble – plus there's the option of white glove delivery where the delivery team do it for you – but then the Swyft model is over four times the price of the Hudson).

Thea also agreed that as a sofa, the Hudson's seating is a little too firm for comfortable everyday use, but found it perfect as an occasional seat. And her 6'4" brother did struggle with the length of the sleeping area: the Hudson's armrests don't detach, so he was forced to sleep diagonally to find enough leg room. As one reviewer notes, 'great for sleeping on – as long as you’re not more than 5’7" tall.'

I'd also recommend factoring in adding one of the best mattress toppers to your purchase for some extra sleep comfort and to protect the sofa bed's upholstery, but this is the case with pretty much all sofa beds.

Overall, for £339, I think those little niggles are to be expected. And if they're things that you can live with, then, like so many of this sofa bed's 5-star reviewers, I think that the DUSK Hudson Sofa Bed is a great buy.

To show you what I mean, I've rounded up a few alternatives below so you can compare the Hudson with its main competition on the market.

Shop alternatives

When you compare prices, I certainly think that the £399 DUSK Hudson Sofa Bed ends up looking like a great deal. And the striped upholstery is actually currently reduced to just £271.

As one of its happy owners sums up, 'I wasn’t 100% sure about how this would work out given the low price, but I am delighted with this sofa, it is sturdy, looks fantastic, and is great value for money.' You can't say much more than that!

We all love IKEA for affordable yet stylish pieces of furniture and decor – but the one issue is that many IKEA pieces are instantly recognisable as exactly that, IKEA pieces. But you don’t have to worry about that when it comes to the newly released IKEA LILLESÄTER sofa. No one would ever guess that this stylish, modular, curved sofa is IKEA – or that it costs only £599, which is the price of the compact three-seater.

If I’m being honest, I’m not always the biggest fan of IKEA sofas. I love IKEA for a lot of its other furniture and home decor, but I find some of its sofas lacking in the comfort department - I’m looking at you KLIPPAN and SÖDERHAMN. The sofa that I regularly recommend as the best sofa from IKEA is the STOCKHOLM 2025 – is it a coincidence that it’s a modular sofa? Of course not! Modular sofas are always my go-to for versatility and longevity. But with the launch of the new LILLESÄTER sofa, which is also modular, my top IKEA sofa pick might be changing.

Full disclosure, I haven’t had the chance to try this sofa in person just yet. But already there are a few things that have impressed me about the LILLESÄTER sofa. Apart from its modular design, I also like the curved, organic shape, which is currently one of the biggest sofa trends.

The stain and spillage-resistant performance fabric, available in off-white and yellow, is another great feature – so even though the upholstery is fixed, it’s easy to just wipe it clean with a damp cloth. The affordability of the sofa is another plus – as already mentioned, prices start at £599 for the yellow three-seater and £650 for the off-white version. But a £799 or a £850 four-seater is also available, as well as large-scale five- and six-seaters.

The overall design is very reminiscent of King Living’s Aura modular sofa. I still prefer the King Living Aura sofa as I own a King Living sofa myself - specifically the King Living 1977 - and can attest to the high quality, innovation, comfort and style of the brand’s sofas, the award-winning Aura sofa included.

The Aura also comes with a 25-year steel frame warranty, while IKEA offers a more standard 10-year warranty, and the King Living design features removable covers so you can easily change the look of your sofa and choose from over 200 fabrics, colours and finishes.

But if King Living’s higher price point, starting at £3,002 for a two-seater currently on sale for £1,490, is not within your budget and you’re after something affordable that still looks stylish, then the IKEA LILLESÄTER sofa is a good alternative.

Alternatives with a similar look

There are hundreds of sofas currently available on the market, catering to different aesthetics and customer needs, with many of them ending up looking much the same. But once in a while, a sofa design that’s innovative and different from the rest comes along and manages to truly impress me – and that’s precisely the case with the just launched King Living Delta 5 storage sofa.

Storage sofas generally have a bad rep for two things – being bulky in order to accommodate the internal storage space and for being uncomfortable as usually high levels of comfort are sacrificed to the storage system during the design process. But the King Living Delta 5 is neither bulky nor uncomfortable – on the contrary! It feels as comfortable as any regular sofa, not too hard or too soft. And the off-the-ground design with tapered legs doesn’t give away the storage compartment that’s hiding within.

‘Storage is seamlessly integrated under the seats without adding bulk, while refined proportions, softened geometry, and high-quality suspension ensure exceptional comfort,’ explains Chris Cooke, head of design at King Living. ‘The under-seat storage compartment is deep and generous, fitting within the sofa's existing design. Instead of adding bulk, it uses space that's already there. Visually, the storage is hidden.’

And on top of everything, it’s also modular – and if you know me, you know I love a modular sofa. King Living and I go way back (well, about two years, really) as this is the brand that I’ve purchased my much-loved modular sofa from, the King Living 1977, which, just like the Delta 5 sofa, comes with removable covers. Yet another huge benefit! So, based on my personal experience with my own sofa and having tried over 100 different modular sofas, I can confidently say that King Living is among the best at making modular sofas.

The Delta 5 sofa design is based on the brand’s existing Delta sofa, one of King Living’s bestselling modular sofa designs which I’ve tried before at the brand’s London showroom, and based on this experience can also judge the comfort levels of the new Delta 5 since the structure stays the same as the previous version (which is still available and not going anywhere) – but it’s been given a few updates.

What’s the difference between the new and the old Delta sofa?

‘The original Delta, launched in 1998, established the modular philosophy that a sofa should be reconfigurable and adapt to the way people live. Delta 5 honours that foundation and builds on it significantly while evolving the aesthetic. Delta 5 introduces a softened, curved silhouette with new round chaises and curved corner modules, allowing configurations like an S-shape that weren't possible before,’ Chris at King Living says.

Curved sofas have been one of the biggest sofa trends of the last couple of years, and one that doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. And since the original Delta features an angular, almost midcentury modern-inspired look, giving the Delta 5 a curvy makeover makes complete sense. And it makes the sofa look more contemporary. But what’s also great is that the new Delta 5 modules are fully compatible with the Delta sofa as well, so you can merge the two if you like.

The King Connect Bracket is another new addition which allows you to readjust the back cushions to either gain more back support or allow for a deeper, more loungy set up.

And lastly, a new accessory was added to the line-up – while the existing Delta sofa was already compatible with a few smart home features, including a wireless charging side table and a touchless gesture-control smart light, the new drop also introduced a bolster headrest for extra neck support.

As for the price point, it’s by no means cheap, starting at £3678 for essentially a three-seater; however, this is a sofa built to last, and it comes with a 25-year frame warranty. And King Living is currently running a sale which includes even the new sofa design – so instead of the said £3678, you can now pay only £1490.

The only downside is King Living’s delivery lead times. As the brand is based in Australia, its sofas are manufactured in Asia, and it can take up to three months from placing your order for your sofa to arrive. That’s how long it took for mine to be delivered. So bear that in mind when purchasing.

Storage sofa alternatives

In my job as Room Decor Editor here at Ideal Home, I look at and try so many different sofas day in, day out. So it’s difficult to impress me when it comes to sofas, as I’m sure my colleagues would confirm. But learning and writing about the King Living Delta 5 sofa felt like listing one amazing benefit after another – it’s like this sofa is too good to be true. And yet, it really is that good!

Habitat has just reduced the price of its bestselling sofa bed to under £180 in the sale, and I think this space-saving design is definitely worth snapping up whilst it's at such a low price.

As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I've spent the past five years testing out some of the bestselling sofa beds on the market, and the Habitat Roma Chair Bed is right up there as one of the best value sofa beds I've come across.

And that was *before* the current 20% off discount was applied. Usually around £220, this popular chair bed is now under £180 in selected colourways.

The Habitat Roma is one of my top recommendations in both my guide to the best sofa beds and the best chair beds you can buy, and that's all down to its winning formula of compact, space-saving design (perfect for small homes), a wide range of stylish colourways, and its budget-friendly price tag

This chair bed usually retails for between £210 and £310, depending on the size and upholstery you choose. In the world of sofa beds, that's already very affordable, but thanks to Habitat's current 20% off sale, selected lines are now even more of a bargain.

The lowest-priced option is the Habitat Roma Single Fabric Chairbed in grey, which you can now snap up for just £168, but there are plenty of other great colourways with discounts too.

One of my favourites, the cream boucle fabric Roma chair bed, is currently out of stock, as is the vibrant cobalt blue Roma chair bed that caught my eye as soon as it launched. (Or at least, they're currently out of stock for delivery to my address: if you're based elsewhere in the country, you may be luckier, as stock availability can differ).

However, thankfully, plenty more of my favourite shades are both reduced *and* in-stock online.

Now it is worth noting that this chair bed is on the firmer side. In my opinion, it's definitely best used as an accent or occasional chair rather than everyday seating, and you will want to add one of the best mattress toppers for some extra cushioning when you transform it into a bed, but, as several 5-star reviewers on the Habitat website note, it's a great value option for the occasional overnight guest.

'We bought this for when our son comes home for the weekend,' says one happy owner. 'It will be ideal. Ordinary single bedding will fit perfectly. I will take the advice of another reviewer and get a mattress topper, as the base is quite firm. We bought it in green, and the colour is lovely, as is the fabric. It was very easy to convert to a bed, and back again to a chair... looks very modern and stylish. Would definitely recommend.'

'Really nice colour and it definitely looks more expensive than it is,' shares another 5-star owner.

And as one of the owners notes, 'price was fantastic compared to others we looked at. If you need a spare bed that won’t take up too much room, this is the one. I’m one very happy shopper.'

If you only need to sleep one overnight guest at a time, I think this affordable chair bed is a great buy. And if you need more space for your visitors? The good news is these more spacious Habitat sofa beds also have money off right now.

I feel like the Easter bank holiday often takes me by surprise, and this year is no exception. The four-day event falls on the first weekend of April in 2026, and as March seems to be flying past in the blink of an eye, that means Easter has crept up on me without my realising.

If you're in the same boat – and you've suddenly realised you have Easter guests to host – then you might be scrambling to sort out sleeping solutions for any overnight visitors.

That could mean you're frantically googling for the best air beds to host friends and family during the long weekend, or you're on the hunt for one of the best sofa beds to put relatives up in style.

If it's the latter, then what you might only now be realising is that many sofa beds come with long lead times. Not very helpful if that means your new sleeper sofa won't arrive before your Easter guests do.

But all is not lost. As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I've tested dozens of sofa beds from dozens of stores, and I know there are still a few places you can score a top-rate sofa bed with delivery before Easter.

These are three of my top recommendations for where to shop sofa beds with both Next Day and 7-Day delivery options.

Swyft | 24-Hour Delivery

Swyft has some of the speediest sofa bed deliveries on the market, with many of its lines available with 24-hour delivery.

You'll need to check the availability of the particular model you have your eye on, as some upholstery options take longer to be delivered than others, but there's always a great range of quick delivery options.

In my experience – I'm the happy owner of the Swyft Model O8 Chair Bed, one of the best chair beds on the market, especially when it comes to fast arrival – the delivery process is also super smooth and easy, with great communication, friendly delivery teams that will build your new furniture in your room of choice, or very easy self-assembly if you prefer to slot your new sofa bed together with Swyft's no-tool technology yourself.

And even better, the sofa bed and chair bed designs are stylish and practical. They're not necessarily cheap, but I've found my chair bed an investment worth making.

John Lewis | 7-Day Delivery

Alternatively, John Lewis has a great range of sofa beds, and, even better, the John Lewis website has a filter that allows you to narrow down your selection to just those sofa beds that have 7-day delivery available.

You'll need to be quick, but that still gives time to ensure your sofa bed arrives before Good Friday and any Easter guests have a bed for the night.

I rate the Innovation Living Cubed Sofa Bed or Innovation Living Cane Sofa Bed as some of the best in the John Lewis range, and both are available with quick delivery, but there is also a good selection of other styles to choose from.

Habitat | 7-Day Delivery

Habitat's quick-delivery sofa beds are a little trickier to navigate, as delivery times can vary by postcode. However, there are options available with 7-day delivery – you may just need to add your preferred model to your basket to see the exact delivery dates available.

The payoff for a little faffing about to uncover each sofa bed's stock availability is that the brand's sofa beds are a *lot* more affordable than both Swyft and John Lewis. Below are three of my top Habitat picks.

Now all there is to worry about is making sure there's enough Easter eggs to go round!

When I told the Ideal Home team early that I couldn't understand why anyone would buy a coffee table without any storage, I didn’t expect the response that it was met with. Pretty much everyone disagreed with me, and nearly all of them pointed out that their coffee tables had zero storage. But I won't be swayed. I stand by my argument that every coffee table should have some sort of storage space.

Perhaps it’s because I live in a small space, which makes me appreciate every extra storage solution all the more. But I think a coffee table with no storage space is a missed opportunity. And I certainly think when choosing a coffee table for a small living room, it needs to have some form of integrated storage.

I’m not asking for a lot. It doesn’t have to be anything particularly complicated, even just an extra shelf will do, in my opinion. However, with so many clever storage coffee table designs available, if you are currently in the market for one, I’d be inclined to recommend one of the more innovative and stylish storage coffee tables. And I’ve rounded up 9 of my top picks below for you to peruse.

My storage coffee table top picks

Helen Ashmore, head of design at Laura Ashley, agrees with my point of view, ‘Modern homes tend to lean two ways, either having a smaller footprint with compact spaces, or having an open-plan layout, so furniture needs to work hard to make an impact. Coffee tables with storage are not just a nicety, but they have increasingly become essential as they sit at the heart of the living room, often the most lived-in and multifunctional spaces within the home. Designs that incorporate storage allow you to maintain a sense of calm and order, and all without compromising on accessibility.’

What the other experts say

While they make a great small living room idea, as well as a good open plan living room idea, my colleagues’ main counter argument I was met with is that having that built-in storage invites more clutter – so if the space is there they will feel the need to fill it with stuff, but if they don’t have the storage space it will force them to declutter. Another point was that they incorporate living room storage in other ways, such as shelving, sideboards, TV units and console tables.

Holly Lamont, founder and creative director of interior design studio Holla Design, adds, ‘I don’t think storage coffee tables are essential, but they can be very useful. Where I’m more cautious is when a piece becomes too focused on function at the expense of how it looks and feels in the space. A coffee table sits at the centre of a living room, so proportion, material and shape matter just as much as practicality.’

I believe that this is a fair argument and would also stress the importance of choosing a good and stylish storage coffee table that incorporates said storage solution in a seamless way.

Holly continues, ‘In my own work, I often lean towards upholstered ottomans instead. They offer hidden storage in a much softer, more flexible way and they create an opportunity to introduce pattern, texture or colour.’ And this is another idea I am fully on board with. In fact, I believe that in a way, it’s another take on a storage coffee table, just upholstered and offering extra seating at the same time.

So what do you think? Storage coffee tables – are they an essential part of modern living rooms or not?

This season, I've noticed nesting coffee tables are having a moment. Whether it's a smart way to add extra storage to a living room or to create a striking focal point with a semi-nested version, I've seen so many stylish versions popping up in the Spring/Summer homeware collections this year.

These new nesting coffee tables are nothing like the retro nesting side tables you might remember from your Nan's front room. They are anything but old-fashioned, with many featuring unique organic shapes and luxurious finishes. In fact, I'd go as far as to say they're one of this season's more practical breakout living room trends.

What's not to love about them? For the price of one coffee table, you get 2, sometimes even 3 or 4 mini tables that can be pulled out when guests are around, or they can be staggered together to create a theatrical tiered effect.

From mid-century inspired burl wood versions to velvet-covered nested ottomans, I've rounded up some of the best-looking versions on the high street right now.

Even though I’m a Room Decor Editor with some very strong opinions when it comes to home decor and interior design, I’m also susceptible to being influenced on social media. And I have the perfect example, I’ve fallen in love with a TV stand on wheels, thanks to social media, and I don’t even own a TV! However, I think it’s such a clever solution that if I had a TV, I would definitely want one of these.

Creative ways to hide a TV are becoming increasingly popular – from investing in an art-displaying TV like the cult Samsung Frame TV, available at Amazon, to covering a regular TV with a piece of wall art. But the Pedestal Moon Rollin’ TV stand, equipped with castor wheels and featuring a sleek, modern design, makes a contemporary feature out of the TV, while also offering the option to hide it when not in use, since you can wheel it out of sight.

But since the original design by Pedestal is selling for £290 for the colourful options - content creator Harry White of @mr.harry.white on TikTok opted for the electric blue colourway as seen in the video above - and £395 for the chrome variation, I took it upon myself to find a more budget-friendly alternative. Sure enough, I found one on Amazon.

Retailing for £112.56, Amazon’s rolling TV stand comes in stylish chrome finish - chrome is still one of the biggest home decor trends of the year - with a contrasting shelf in wood veneer for anything from decor to TV accessories. It fits a flat screen TV from 32 inches to 75 inches.

While the review section is a bit of a mixed bag, several customers have enjoyed the product. One wrote, ‘This mobile TV stand was very easy to assemble and the instructions were clear, so the setup only took a short time. The design is modern and stylish, and it looks great in the room. It feels stable and sturdy when holding the TV, and the wheels make it easy to move around, which is very convenient. Happy with the purchase.’

I think it makes for the perfect small living room idea. But also, if you live in a stair-free flat like me, you can take your TV from one room to another – so you don’t need multiple TVs for all the rooms in your home. Just wheel your living room TV to the bedroom, the dining room or the bathroom.

Can you see why I’m so obsessed with this piece of tech equipment? It’s clever, it solves several problems and it’s stylish. It ticks so many boxes!

Dunelm is nailing it in the furniture department right now, but I think I've just found the MVP in the new collection. If you like the Soho Home look, but not the price tag, then you'll want to listen up. The beautiful Amina Chenille Ball Foot Tub Chair at Dunelm looks almost identical to Soho Home's Blair Tub Armchair with one crucial difference: the price.

If you're wondering where to buy an armchair on a budget at the moment, Dunelm has some great options. The Dunelm green chenille armchair is priced at just £165, serving champagne looks for lemonade money. I can see it styled up as an accent chair in a living room, or as an elegant perch as part of your hallway ideas. Its deep, rounded seat oozes comfort and quality.

With so many similarities to Soho Home's Blair Tub Armchair, which comes wrapped in velvet instead and costs £995, I couldn't help but shout about this mega find. And I've not even got to the best part yet. The Dunelm chair comes in 3 colourways — an olive green in chenille, a neutral beige in chenille and a velvet option that's tan with a unique zebra print back.

There aren't many differences in style between these two chairs. While their price tags differ massively — we're talking £862, to be exact — the main difference is in quality. As you'd expect, the Soho Home chair is wrapped in luxury, thanks to its birch wood feet and frame, its feather and down cushion fillings and the brass effect finish. The Dunelm version looks high quality, but underneath its layers, you'll find a mix of plywood and rubberwood, with polyester and foam cushions.

These chairs also differ in height, with the Soho Home chair sitting at 85.4cm tall and the Dunelm version at 75cm. In my opinion, it is the ball feet of the Dunelm tub chair that make it appear more expensive.

The Dunelm version comes in 3 colours and 2 fabric options, so if green velvet didn't take your fancy, then there are other choices. The Soho Home option also comes in three other colourways, including rust, lichen or mustard — all in velvet.

With mostly good reviews, bar one, the Dunelm tub chair has impressed shoppers. 'Gorgeous tub lounge chair, perfect for small corners. Not suitable if you are tall as it’s definitely smaller than I anticipated' claims one reviewer, which should urge you to measure your space before purchasing. Most shoppers say it's chic and soft, but one person did find something negative — the zebra-print option arrives slightly darker in colour than it appears on the site.

This tub chair is a stylish way to fill a corner. Whether that's in your bedroom by a bay window, a living room for an extra seat for guests, a hallway as somewhere to slip your shoes on or even a home office for typing all day. It's the perfect small-space saviour.

If paired with a small side table and a battery-powered lamp, it'll create the perfect cosy corner — for unwinding with a book or for your clothes to live on (in style, albeit!).

We predicted 2026's living room trends, and it should come as no surprise that low-profile furniture was right up there. This is a seriously simple way to give this space a new lease of life, while investing in something that's bang-on trend.

Trends come and go. As we become infatuated with a new look or in this case colour, be it butter yellow or cherry red, other previously loved colours will fall out of favour. To help you keep ahead of the colour trend cycle I asked four colour and interiors experts what living room colours are going out of style in 2026, and these are the four that kept coming up.

These were once among the go-to living room colour schemes, but in my experience, changes in colour trends are rarely a complete U-turn. Instead, they are a steady evolution to new tones and shades.

‘The living room is a space that works really hard,’ says Tash Bradley, director of interior design at Lick. ‘It’s where we socialise, where we unwind at the end of the day, and for lots of people it’s also where they work. Because it holds so many different moments in our weekly routines, people want colours that support that feeling rather than flatten it, and are leaning towards warmer, more soulful colours that bring life and warmth into the room. There’s a growing understanding that colour is emotional. It’s something we respond to and connect with, rather than choosing purely because it feels neutral or safe.’

So bearing that in mind, these are the four living room colours going out of style this year, and the shades replacing them.

1. Beige

We’ve been talking about grey being one of the main living room colours going out of style for the last couple of years. But now, the neutral that replaced grey, beige, is also falling out of favour and there are new shades replacing beige in 2026.

‘One colour direction I’m definitely seeing fall out of favour in living rooms is those very safe beiges that don’t have much depth to them. In the colour consultations I do, people often tell me they chose them because they felt like the easiest option, but quite often they sit slightly grey and can end up draining the energy from a space,’ Tash at Lick explains.

What’s replacing it: Brown

Brown properly arrived on the scene last year as Pantone named Mocha Mousse its colour of the year for 2025. But it doesn’t seem like the brown colour trend is going anywhere anytime soon. Instead, it’s replacing beige as the popular earthy neutral shade people are decorating their living spaces with.

‘Brown is emerging as a sophisticated alternative to black and grey,’ says Helen Shaw, international director of marketing at Benjamin Moore. ‘Deep chocolatey tones, such as Benjamin Moore’s colour of the year 2026, Silhouette, offer a rich and versatile option. With subtle charcoal undertones, it can anchor a variety of interiors, creating depth and sophistication.’

2. Sweet pink

With the release of the Barbie movie, Barbiecore was one of the biggest home decor trends a few years ago, making Barbie-coded sweet, ‘girly’ shades of pink very popular. But as the Barbiecore trend faded away, so has the appetite for those kinds of pink.

‘Pink has had an interesting evolution,’ says Marianne Shillingford, creative director and colour expert at Dulux. ‘The sugary, bubble-gum variants are slipping quietly away.’

What’s replacing it: Earthy pink

But is not completely out of the picture. On the contrary, pink living room ideas are rising in popularity – it’s just a different kind of pink that people are opting for in their living rooms (and their homes in general).

‘Earthy pinks are another direction I’m seeing a lot of. Shades like Pink 08 have real depth and character, and they bring warmth into a room in a really subtle way,’ Tash at Lick explains.

Helen at Benjamin Moore adds, ‘Plaster pinks and soft dusky rose shades add an earthy, grounded feel while providing a perfect foundation for layered decor and evolving personal style.’

3. Saturated primary colours

Only just last year at the height of dopamine decor, bold, primary colours were enjoying a lot of popularity. But this enthusiasm for primaries is fading in 2026.

‘Colour trends are gently shifting this year. While bold, highly saturated hues were popular in the early 2020s, these are now giving way to more nuanced and versatile shades,’ Helen at Benjamin Moore says.

What’s replacing it: Burgundy

So what nuanced shades are replacing primary colours? In general, you could call them the more grown-up and sophisticated shades of those primaries. One particular hue that everyone’s currently loving is burgundy.

‘We’re welcoming colours with generosity – burgundy, rich reds, and berry tones are sweeping back in with confidence, think Finest Burgundy and Auburn Embers . These hues bring a sense of intimacy and sophistication, but also comfort. They feel indulgent without shouting, and they’re helping us rediscover drama in a way that feels grown-up and grounded,’ Marianne at Dulux says.

4. Brilliant white

Even though going for the best white paint is almost the default for many, the stark, brilliant shade of white can feel a little too cold and clinical which goes against the current desire for warm, cosy and comfortable homes and living rooms.

‘I’m seeing a huge shift away from stark whites in living rooms this year, largely because people are gravitating towards spaces that feel warmer and more comforting,’ says Lucy Steele, senior brand manager and resident colour expert at Valspar Paint. ‘While those shades have long been popular for their clean and modern look, they can evoke a cold or clinical mood within a room, and homeowners are avoiding this in areas designed for relaxing and spending time together.’

What’s replacing it: Soft blue

In more general terms, brilliant white is being replaced by warmer shades of white, off-whites, creams and taupes. But when it comes to the lounge, blue living room ideas are increasingly more popular and soft shades of blue are becoming almost the default choice for living room walls.

‘Blue feels like an old friend rediscovering new ways to surprise us. It’s not barging in or demanding attention, instead, it’s gently reminding us why we’ve always loved it. With the Dulux colours of the year 2026, Rhythm of Blues, we’ve leaned into blue’s ability to meet us exactly where we are. Blue has this natural ability to settle into a home as if it’s always belonged there. It carries trust, tranquillity and a sense of stillness, yet it never stops evolving with us. It’s calm without being cold, elegant without effort, and endlessly adaptable,’ Marianne at Dulux says.

Helen at Benjamin Moore concludes, 'Rather than fleeting microtrends, the focus is now on colours and designs that have lasting appeal and flexibility over time.'

The quiet luxe living room may be a look that we’ve seen before, but every now and again, this timeless trend has a resurgence – and it’s easy to see why.

Quiet luxury is an elegant look that focuses on pieces that are considered and of high quality. It is sophisticated without being stuffy, serene without being bland, and is ideal for living room ideas when you want to create a relaxing space that feels luxurious yet comfortable at the same time.

In this home decor trend, colours are gentle, materials are textured, and less is definitely more. These are the six ingredients you’ll need to nail this beautiful look in your own living room.

1. Choose furniture with gentle curves

In a scheme where less is more, curved furniture pieces can create a feeling of softness and elegance. Whether it’s rounded sofas or side tables, these curves will help evoke a harmonious feel for a room that’s perfectly designed for relaxing in.

M&S's Cocoon curved sofa is available in a range of natural hues, from pale cream and soft grey-green to deep burgundy or burnt orange, and upholstered in a tactile chenille.

Carry the soft silhouettes from upholstery onto solid furniture. We love Next's Natural Arches Mango Wood Effect Corner Shelf and its Natural Arches Side Board, which combine flowing shapes with natural materials – another key element of a quiet luxe living room.

2. Make it oversized

Including soft textures such as rugs can instantly make your room feel cosy, so opt for an oversized rug that spells luxury. It should be large enough that it doesn’t just cover the flooring in front of your furniture, but goes generously underneath it, too. The 18-inch rug rule can help you find the right fit for your space.

When buying a rug, prioritise those with understated patterns in natural materials – whether that's soft wool and cotton or something more textural like jute or seagrass – and a neutral colourway.

John Lewis Skye jute rug will blend perfectly into a neutral-toned living room, bringing tonal interest to the space.

3. Choose luxe materials

This trend is all about luxury, so make sure your large items of furniture and key accessories whisper sophistication and high quality. Marble, velvet, bouclé and leather will all work well to create that effortlessly elevated and thoughtfully curated look.

If budget doesn't stretch to investment pieces, using these more expensive materials in smaller ways – such as these marble bookends from Dunelm or a bouclé cushion like this from M&S – is a great way to make your living room look more expensive on a budget, helping you to achieve that quiet luxe living room aesthetic without breaking the bank.

4. Go for abstract art

While clutter and unnecessary items are to be avoided, a few well-chosen decorative pieces can add interest to the minimalistic, quiet luxe living room. Abstract art can bring pattern to neutral walls, but keep the colour palette limited to reflect the rest of the room.

Get the look

5. Focus on texture

Just as when bringing quiet luxury into your bedroom, texture is key.

Add depth to your living room look with textured pieces that draw the eye. Anything touchy-feely will help create an inviting atmosphere – whether it’s a bouclé chair like this from Next, a rough wood table or fluted wall panelling, along with linen, jute and woven materials.

6. Embrace soft colours

Creating a serene, calming space means starting with a neutral colour palette and injecting a few gentle colours. Steer clear of anything too cold, like all-white schemes, and instead opt for sandy beige, earthy brown and limited touches of rust and black.

Lick's Greige – available on B&Q – or Farrow & Ball's Skimming Stone – also on B&Q – would provide the perfect base for a quiet luxe living room.

Get The Look

Will you be giving your living room a quiet luxury upgrade?

In my opinion, there are lots of advantages to having a small home: less cleaning, lower heating bills, and far less furniture to buy. However, as we all know, there are also some downsides. For me, the main problem with my small house is the lack of space to host guests.

I spend my working life reviewing the best sofa beds, but can I fit one in my own home? No. For the most part, once they're extended, a sofa bed is too large to fit in my small living room or guest-bedroom-slash-home-office.

Thankfully, all is not lost. I've put a roster of the best chair beds through their paces, and am happy to report their smaller scale is perfect for those of us with limited floor space. The only problem is that chair beds tend to be a lot harder to find than sofa beds.

That's why I was so pleased to see DUSK's new Soho Chair Bed launch. At first glance, I wouldn't have had any clue it hid a single sleeping space under its seat, and even better, this multifunctional hosting solution is only £379.

There are some great chair beds on the market, but one of the common themes is that – at least at the more affordable end of the price spectrum – they tend to be very modern and more suitable as accent chairs rather than seating you can cosy up on.

DUSK's new Soho Chair Bed offers a much more classic design, and at a price that won't break the bank.

The armchair is designed in a similar style to the brand's bestselling Soho seating collection, and features generously proportioned seating, armrests, and padded back support.

It would look great styled with the rest of the furniture set in a larger home, but for me, it's the perfect solution for my small guest bedroom that also doubles as my home office.

This room gets swamped by a full-size single bed, but a chair bed is the perfect solution for hosting occasional guests, while allowing me more space to use the room for other purposes once it's folded away.

And by the looks of it, transforming this chair from sitting to sleeping is super easy. You simply pull out the lower trundle section to create the single sleeping space.

My colleague Thea has the DUSK Hudson Sofa Bed in her own home, and although she says it feels quite firm for sitting and sleeping, it's nothing a good mattress topper can't solve. At this price, I imagine the Soho Chair Bed will have a similar feel. And, like all of DUSK's furniture range, it offers very stylish design considering its budget-friendly price tag.

The only downside is that there are currently lead times for this product. The natural beige colourway is available from April, but the olive green and grey upholstered options aren't available in May. Perhaps not ideal if you have guests coming to stay this Easter.

I've rounded up some in-stock alternatives below, but if you're looking for an affordable chair bed that offers a classic 'traditional' armchair design, I think DUSK's new launch is well worth having on your radar.

Shop alternatives

White walls and white-painted spaces, including living rooms, have earned a bit of a bad rep in the last couple of years as being boring, safe or even sterile in some instances. But as someone who’s decided to paint my living space walls white (with a lot of thought and consideration going into it), I can confirm that there are plenty of ways to make a white living room interesting – and interior designers and experts agree.

Of course, it all starts with choosing the best white paint for your particular living space, based on the type of light the room receives – if your lounge is north-facing, then a warm-toned white is recommended, while a south-facing space will do better with a cool-toned shade. But once you get the right shade of white, it’s all about the styling and decorating from there.

‘White living rooms are perennially popular, and rightly so, as with the right styling and accessories they are anything but a “safe” or boring choice,’ says Jo Lane, founder and designer at online interior design service, See Your Place. ‘We’ve been conditioned to think that white is too obvious – as in, I don’t know which colour to paint my room so I’ll just paint it white.’

Holly Lamont, founder and creative director of interior design studio Holla Design, continues, ‘A white living room only feels flat when it lacks intention. When you remove strong colour from the walls, every other element has to work harder, and that is where the design becomes interesting.’

1. Create a layered palette of soft shades

When it comes to white, layering is the key to success – layering of textures but also colours, ideally soft, muted tones rather than starkly contrasting ones. Which is also why starting off with a soft, warm white that's replacing brilliant white as of late is ideal, for example Farrow & Ball's most popular white shade.

‘Once you’ve got the right white on your walls, build up your scheme with some pale neutrals, and then introduce gentle colour in a muted palette. Like a plaster pink or a soft sage green. That way you’ll end up with a calming layered palette. For me, the biggest mistake you can make with a white living space is using overly vibrant colours directly against it. The contrast often feels a bit too harsh,’ Jo at See Your Place says.

2. Add greenery and natural materials

‘When I think of white I look to Mediterranean interiors,’ Jo says. This reference is an easy one to follow as natural materials and greenery are plentiful in Mediterranean homes so they make sense for white living room ideas, too.

‘Bring nature indoors – greenery is brilliantly transformative against white,’ says Lucy Mather, interiors expert at homeware brand Arighi Bianchi. ‘It adds life, movement and colour in the most effortless way. My favourite ideas to try include a tall olive tree in a woven basket, oversized leafy plants in different sizes and fresh flowers in tall, sculptural vases.’

Emma Deterding, founder and creative director at interior design studio Kelling Designs, continues about the inclusion of natural textures, ‘Natural materials such as warm woods and woven rattan, and metallic accents in brass or matte black will create depth and add warmth to the space.’

3. Create contrast with statement furniture

Where you can create contrast - in fact it’s encouraged – is through pattern and tones of those natural materials, best taking on the form of statement pieces of furniture.

‘Introduce contrast with statement furniture – white walls make darker pieces look incredibly sophisticated. A deep navy sofa or dark walnut sideboard creates instant definition within a space. Or try black-framed accent chairs and matte black lighting fixtures – the contrast will keep the room feeling intentional rather than washed out,’ Lucy at Arighi Bianchi says.

4. Incorporate colourful, patterned and textured accessories

You can have even more fun with smaller accessories like cushions, vases and light fixtures, as well as larger ones like rugs and and curtains – this is where colour, pattern and texture are all welcome. As long as they’re cohesive and all work together, of course.

‘Pattern is powerful here, so introducing bold prints in the form of bold floral cushions, a geometric rug or even striped linen curtains or blinds will help to add rhythm and eye-catching detail. Texture is really important here too, so introducing finishes in materials such as velvet, wool, linen, boucle and leather will add a tactility that will prevent the room from feeling sterile,’ Emma at Kelling Designs says.

5. Inject personality with art

Similarly to those smaller (and bigger) home accessories, art is also the perfect tool for bringing colour, pattern and a sense of personality into your living space. And white walls are the perfect backdrop for hanging wall art.

‘Artwork plays a crucial role in a white scheme. In a neutral space, art has room to breathe and can bring personality, narrative and scale in a way that coloured walls sometimes compete with,’ Holly at Holla Design explains.

Lucy at Arighi Bianchi adds, ‘Use art to anchor the space – statement artwork looks particularly striking against white walls because it doesn’t have to compete. Go bold with oversized abstract canvases, a curated gallery wall, black-and-white photography, or framed fabric or textile panels for tactile softness.’

6. Pay attention to lighting

Giving enough thought to your living room lighting ideas is key in any lounge but especially in a white living space because it’s the right lighting that will make the space feel cosy and warm. Lamps and light fixtures are also another opportunity to make your white living room look more interesting.

‘Lighting is everything in a white room. If it’s too cool, it feels clinical, so opt for warm-toned LED bulbs and multiple light sources. Try a mix of table lamps at varying heights and a statement floor lamp, paired with wall lights to add softness. This layered approach will create pockets of cosiness – especially in the evenings,’ Lucy at Arighi Bianchi says.

My top picks for a white living room

‘When used intentionally, white can be incredibly refined. The difference lies in the layering. With the right mix of texture, material and contrast, a white living room feels curated and confident rather than simply neutral,’ Holly at Holla Design concludes.

As a millennial, I'm all too aware of the baggage that comes with the colour pink. In the space of 20 years, it went from a colour I avoided like the plague for being too 'girly' to suddenly being on everything from my favourite coffee shop cup to my kitchen pans. In my thirties, I was ready to leave pink behind, until I discovered its potential as the ultimate warming neutral for my living room walls.

When I moved into my Victorian flat conversion last year, the living room was painted light grey. It looked smart and elegant, but felt cold and unwelcoming. I wanted to recreate that glow you would see coming out of a cosy restaurant or pub window at night. Pink living room ideas were far from my mind as I flicked through yellow paint swatches, creamy whites, and even considered magnolia. However, I soon realised only one colour could give me that cosy warmth I craved: pink.

But it had to be the right pink. I didn't want a Greta Gerwig Barbie Pink; I was on the hunt for an earthy neutral that looked like a freshly plastered wall. The paint that hit the mark was Masquerade from Little Greene.

Masquerade is a beautiful powder-hue pink with earthy undertones. I first spotted it in Zoe Ball's living room and kitchen, and I loved how it provided the perfect background to all her colourful belongings without being overwhelming.

As soon as the pink paint shade was on my living room walls, it felt like a completely different room. The room felt warm and cosy. The plaster pink worked as a neutral that made any colour you put next to it feel richer and more sumptuous. Our moss green sofa looked more inviting, and the golden yellow rug more luxurious. Every time I walk into the room now, it feels like a warm hug that makes my shoulders drop.

'Often reserved for bedrooms, soft pinks are an inviting, charming colour to use in living spaces, they provide a warm, elegant atmosphere that’s perfect for relaxing or entertaining,' explains Ruth Mottershead, Creative Director at Little Greene. '‘Masquerade’ provides warmth to a space whilst remaining light and airy, making us feel uplifted and calm.'

How to choose a 'neutral' pink

While Masquerade was the pink I fell in love with, there are so many gorgeous pink shades that can act as a neutral in a living room (and beyond). Take Farrow & Ball's Dead Salmon, which shifts from a deep salmon pink to a lovely mushroom colour depending on the light, or Coat's Factor Fifty, a plaster pink that has developed a mini-cult following thanks to its versatility.

What all these colours, including Masquerade, have in common is the gorgeous earthy undertones that make them so versatile and effective as a warming neutral. 'The right shades of pink, with earthier, warmer undertones, provide a wonderful canvas on which to layer other colours. These shades don’t compete but offer real depth that a brighter, more classic neutral doesn’t,' explains John Law, Creative Director, Interiors at Woodhouse & Law.

'We usually opt for pinks with earthy, more beige undertones as they can help ground a space rather than brighter shades as these are strong colours in their own right,' John explains.

If you're still not convinced by the idea of pink as a neutral, you can dip your toe in by opting for a paler shade. For example, the paint colour I choose from Little Green comes in three shades, Masquerade, Masquerade - Mid and Masquerade - Light. The lighter variations are even more subtle shades of pink, and I was almost persuaded to go for the mid shade. However, the earthiness of the true colour won me over.

Standing in my newly painted living room, I'm still a little surprised I convinced my partner to paint our living room pink. However, as the afternoon sun hits the walls and brings out those warm red undertones, he'll be the first to tell you what a beautiful neutral colour it is.

Ditching my preconceived ideas of pink and going all in with an earthy pink in the largest room in my house is one of the best decisions I've made. If you're on the fence about pink, take the plunge, as I promise the finished result is worth it.

Other pink paints to try

During her time in the I'm a Celebrity jungle at the end of last year, presenter and podcaster Vogue Williams made no secret of the fact that she missed her family terribly, along with the creature comforts of home, so the fact that she's combined both loves to create a new sofa collection with Sterling Home should come as no surprise.

Take a look at Vogue's Instagram account, and you'll soon see her keen eye for design and deep passion for interiors over the years, in the homes she has shared with her husband Made in Chelsea alumnus Spencer Matthews and their three young children.

'I've always loved interiors,' explains Vogue. 'It's where I get to be creative, there's no right or wrong - it’s just about what brings you joy,' she says. She has clearly relished the opportunity to get hands-on with the design aspect of this new collection with Scotland's biggest furniture store, Sterling Home: 'It's been so much fun blending striking looks with a collection made for everyday living,' she says. It has to work for you and your family, not just look gorgeous!'

The new 18-piece collection does just that - infusing her fresh and contemporary style with her love for comfort on family-friendly designs, ranging from the best sofas and armchairs laden with plush scatter cushions, with several coordinating footstools.

Each piece is named after a variety of well-known locations in London (where Vogue now lives) and her favourite places in Ireland, which she originally calls home, featuring a range of sturdy, yet super comfy pieces in a wide range of durable fabrics.

The showstopper is easily the sumptuous, contemporary-styled pillowtop Howth sofa range. Named after the seaside peninsula in the north-east of Dublin (Vogue's hometown), the Howth sofas come in a choice of up to 23 different fabrics from boucle to linen-look, including the signature wide stripe pattern in four colourways.

There are four sofa styles to choose from in the Howth range - a medium or large sofa, a large chaise sofa, and an extra-large sofa alongside a coordinating loveseat and a footstool, too.

Next up is the Bayswater sofa - with its relaxed, curved shape and slouchy armrests, it's the kind of design that you know will be one you'll sink into. Available in extra large, large and medium sizes, it too has a loveseat and footstool to match, all of which can be made in your pick of 19 fabrics from chenille and boucle to faux linen.

Then there's the Piccadilly swivel chair, which coordinates beautifully with both the Carnaby and Bayswater ranges, offering a structured, yet ever-so-slouchy look (thanks to all the throw cushions) for a statement armchair - it makes the perfect addition to a small living room, when you want an extra seat but don't have a whole lot of space for one.

Finally, the Carnaby sofa - a more structured design that taps into the high-end, quiet luxe look that has been dominating the high street recently. With its curved edges and back, this three-sized sofa range (medium, large and extra large) also features a curvy footstool, the aptly named Pebble. Again, this range comes in a great choice of fabrics - 19 neutrals in total - so you're bound to find a look that you love.

Working with Vogue to create the new collection was a no-brainer for Sterling Home, with the brand's director Euan Graham citing her 'passion, personality, and flair for design perfectly match what our customers love.'

The ranges are available to view in any of Sterling Home's nine stores in Scotland, but if you can't make it in person, they're all available to buy online now.

Next has just launched a new colourway in its bestselling Palma sofa bed, and I think this gorgeous shade is exactly what 2026 calls for.

Whether it's bedding trends or colour trends, this year, earthy tones are in. As are deep reds, and the new Next Soft Twill Rust Brown Palma Double Sofa Bed combines the best of both with its beautiful rust-red upholstery.

Plus, this sculptural sofa bed with its eye-catching curved backrest is only £499, which, in terms of the best sofa beds on the market, is a bargain indeed.

I thought Next's Palma sofa bed was a great buy when it first launched, in a white boucle upholstery. However, I have to admit, white isn't the most practical choice for seating, let alone a piece of furniture guests will be sleeping on, so it's great to see it reimagined in a more practical colourway.

Luckily, this is one of those occasions where practicality doesn't mean any loss of style points, as this rust-red colour is big news in interiors this year, reflecting a return to shades that are inspired by nature.

It's perhaps no surprise then that this sofa bed has already amassed a fan club, with Next shoppers rating it an average of 5 out of 5 stars, and considering its mix of space-saving practicality, stylish good looks, and affordable price tag, it's easy to see why.

'Bought for spare room/office and very happy I chose this one,' says one 5-star reviewer of the Palma sofa bed on the Next website. 'It is so nice, lovely colour, very sturdy, and is quite chic looking. Very happy customer!'.

In fact, the Palma sofa bed now comes in a range of ten colourways, with easy-to-style, grey, navy, and olive green upholstery options, as well as more unusual black and white striped and even a faux fur cow print option!

Plus, this sofa bed isn't all about looks. Like most click-clack sofa beds, it will likely need the addition of one of the best mattress toppers to make it a more comfortable guest bed, but Next shoppers are still impressed by its build quality and functionality, as well as its compact space-saving design.

'Bought this for my son’s loft bedroom, so had to be compact to fit up the loft stairs,' shares one happy owner. 'Perfect size and great quality fabric. Easy to convert to a bed. Looks stylish. The bed is fine for occasional use.'

'Looks as good as in the photos,' says another 5-star reviewer. 'Really easy to put together, cleverly designed pocket to house the legs, which easily screwed in... very sturdy... very comfy.'

And also a very good price. I've rounded up three of my tried-and-tested alternative options below, but as you'll see, the Next Palma sofa bed gives them all a run for their money in terms of style, practicality, and affordablity.

Shop alternatives

All in all, I still think the Next Palma sofa bed is a great buy. And now it's available in this new on-trend colourway, there's even more reason to shop.

We all want our living rooms to feel stylish, welcoming and reflective of our personal taste. It's a space that needs to work hard, both practically and aesthetically, and keep up with our ever-changing needs and tastes.

Aside from having the top 2026 living room trends on your radar, it's just as helpful to be aware of the things making your living room look dated. You'd be surprised to know how even small design missteps can stop a room from reaching its full potential.

With that in mind, I've rounded up five things that could be making your living room look outdated and asked interior experts how to fix them asap.

1. Matchy-matchy furniture

If your living room furniture all comes from the same range, in the same fabric and finish, it could be one of the biggest things making the space look dated. Buying everything as a set was once the easy option, but interiors have since moved on, and overly coordinated rooms can now feel flat and lacking personality.

As Sarah Ross, Founder and Creative Director of Addison Ross puts it, 'when everything matches too perfectly, a living room can start to feel flat and dated. Today’s interiors are much more about layering and personality.'

A matching sofa, armchairs, coffee table and side tables might feel ‘safe’, but it can make your living room feel more showroom than relaxed - a far cry from the lived-in feel most of us want from cosy living room ideas.

What to try instead: Mix up materials

Instead of replacing everything at once, look to mix furniture styles, shapes and materials going forward.

Helen Ashmore, Head of Design at Laura Ashley, suggests: 'Mixing upholstery shapes and styles, layering in different materials and introducing patterns as an accent will create a more personal feel. Think found, gathered and curated as opposed to perfectly coordinated and designed within an inch of its life.'

Even changing up cushions and throws can help break up a uniform look. Whether you're embracing hygee living room ideas or trying a more modern look, let your personality shine through.

2. All-grey walls and furniture

Grey living room ideas will always have their place, and if you're still a firm believer in them, that's OK - living room colour schemes are ultimately down to personal preference after all.

But, as Helen emphasises, it's the cool, darker tones of grey that are one of the living room colours going out of style. 'They once felt like the safest option, but they can really leave a living room feeling flat and unwelcoming,' she notes.

Following on from the point about matchy-matchy furniture, an all-grey suite combined with all-grey walls is much more likely to create a hollow, empty-shell feel - definitely not what most of us want in our living spaces.

What to try instead: Warmer tones

These days, interior designers prefer to lean into warmer hues to open up living spaces and make them feel more welcoming.

'Whether you opt for a subtle accent on accessories, or choose something bolder on the walls or a statement sofa, it's about creating a balanced and harmonious design that's reflective of your personality, rather than sticking to one single safe colour,' Helen says.

And if you do want the grey, then keep it - just try to balance it out with warmer hues in the rest of the space.

3. Poor lighting

It's no secret that living room lighting ideas are a key player in how the space looks and feels overall, yet they're still overlooked by many. Relying on a single overhead ceiling light is a sure-fire way to make a space feel flat, uninviting and, ultimately, outdated.

'Bad lighting instantly ages a space,' John Law, Creative Director of Interiors at Woodhouse & Law says. 'With today’s wealth of portable and rechargeable options, from table lamps to wall lights, there’s no excuse for relying on a single ceiling light or the location of a socket.'

Harsh, central lighting can cast unflattering shadows and drain warmth from the room, making even beautifully styled spaces feel lifeless - especially in the evenings, when the living room should feel at its cosiest.

What to try instead: A layered approach

A more modern approach is layered lighting, which combines multiple light sources at different heights. Floor lamps, table lamps and wall lights all work together to add depth, warmth and flexibility.

If rewiring isn’t an option, rechargeable and plug-in lamps are an easy upgrade that can instantly make your living room feel more current. Always opt for warm bulbs as well - labatory-style blue lighting should be on a permanent if you want to create a comforting home, especially in the living room.

4. Tech-heavy layouts

It’s easy for the TV and media unit to become the main focus of a living room, but designing the entire space around them is a living room faux-pas, and a commonly-made mistake when deciding where to put a TV.

When the layout revolves solely around the television, the room can feel more like a viewing space than somewhere to relax, entertain or unwind - which is why many designers are now encouraging a more balanced approach. 'Your living room shouldn’t be designed around technology alone,' Helen confirms.

Be it oversized black screens, bulky units or visible wires - these are the elements that dominate a room and leave little space for personality to shine through.

What to try instead: An alternative focal point

Rather than letting the TV dictate the entire layout, try introducing other focal points that draw the eye.

Danielle Le Vaillant, Head of Photography & Film at Cox & Cox, suggests, 'if you can’t hide the television inside a cupboard or better still banish it to another room, ensure you have an alternative focal point by making the most of a fireplace, or introduce a beautifully styled console table to draw the eye.'

Styling shelves, adding artwork, or incorporating softer materials like wood and textiles can help shift the focus away from screens and create a living room that feels more inviting and less tech-led.

5. Hard lines at the windows

While sleek shutters and sharp, minimal blinds have dominated living room design for years, there's been a shift in recent years back to the fabric window dressings "of old". The clean lines of shutters and blinds still have their place for many, but some designers are moving towards softer finishes that add warmth and movement.

It's true that there are no "wrong" window treatment ideas - just like the colour scheme, it comes down to personal preference. But if you are conscious of your living room looking outdated, and you've opted for blinds or shutters, be mindful that this might be what's throwing the room off-balance.

What to try instead: Softer window dressings

Bringing in softer window dressings is one of the easiest ways to update your living room without a full redesign.

'Curtains and blinds with gentle movement or in beautiful prints, sheer layers, braids or decorative tiebacks all help to create a more inviting, lived-in feel,' Helen notes. 'They work beautifully in the living room, where a relaxed feel is paramount.'

You don't need to splurge out on a fancy pair of curtains either. Pro tips to make living room curtains look more expensive include adding a lining to sheer drapes, and upgrading the small details, be it the tiebacks or curtain pole.

So which changes will you be making to bring your living room into the here and now?

Alongside her television appearances and radio shows, there’s no denying that Amanda Holden is known and loved for her glamorous style. Now, it’s easier than ever to bring some of that sparkle home, as the star has launched a new collection with DFS with several of the best sofas I've seen for that glam look.

The way we decorate and furnish our homes has an undeniable impact on our mood, so a living room refresh might help if the winter blues are starting to get on top of you. Amanda’s collection couldn’t have come at a better time, with bold colours and fun slogans for those who want to inject some dopamine decor, and tactile textures for more neutral living room ideas. It’s the perfect antidote to these grey days.

With a range of sofas, accent chairs and scatter cushions to choose from, there is something to suit all styles, needs and budgets. ‘I wanted to cover all bases,’ explains Amanda. ‘There are riskier elements alongside more formal elements, and splashy sofas alongside comfier, deeper sofas. So I do think there’s something for everybody here, and they’re all gorgeous.’

While the collection features an eclectic mix of designs and seating options, each one is personal to Amanda in their own way, as the range draws on her own interests and personal style. ‘Each sofa suits different aspects of me,’ she says. ‘I don’t have one defining thing about me – I’m all over the place!’

The collection’s first theme – Showstopper – is the most eye-catching in the range, drawing on Amanda’s love for musical theatre with its velour materials and dramatic colours. ‘The showstopper is my utter favourite and the name suits it so much,’ says Amanda.

Featuring a velvet teal sofa in four-seater, three-seater, or two-seater options, a tropical accent chair, fluffy pink pouffe, and statement scatter cushions, it’s the most maximalist look in the collection.

‘I’m really influenced by 60s and 70s colourways,’ says Amanda. ‘I love colour so much that I think teal and orange are neutrals! So colour-wise, the Showstopper sofa is my absolute favourite. And I’ve already found a place for the fluffy pink pouffe in my beauty room!’

If bold colours and maximalist motifs aren’t usually your style, don’t be put off. The Showstopper range has plenty of colourways to choose from. ‘If people do their research on the collection, they’ll see that everything is available in different colours and patterns,’ explains Amanda.

Continuing the musical theme, the collection’s second look – Olivier – pays homage to Laurence Olivier, namesake for the prestigious Olivier awards. Made up of a range of sofas, including corner, cuddler and four-seater options, and an arm chair, this look takes a more subtle approach to luxe, with toned down patterns or plain velvet fabrics.

‘I love leopards and have them all over my house, so we included a leopard option for the Olivier sofa,’ says Amanda. But the chic colourways of pale pearl and oyster, give it a luxe spin.

The final look – Luvvie – is the collection’s cosy counterpart, with a palette of cream and gold and a soft chenille finish. ‘The Art Deco style is prominent in my house, and I love the look of it so we incorporated that here,’ says Amanda. ‘Buying a sofa is a big ask,’ she adds, ‘so if you’re less brave than me and want neutrals, this style will sit comfortably with everybody.’

‘The whole process was so hands on. I went to the factory and even had a go at making a sofa,’ says Amanda. ‘So someone, somewhere has a sofa with a message from me stuck to the lining!’

The collection is available to shop in full online now, before dropping in-store on March 11th.

Last summer, I downsized from a two-bedroom flat to a 22 sqm2 studio. While I also downsized from two people to just me, which made the process a little easier, it wasn't a straightforward transition. What I was now working with was a space roughly the size of a large room in a house, and people are often surprised that I managed to create ‘zones’ within the small space, including a living area. Where there is a will (and a stylish sofa needing a home), there is a way. This is how I faked a ‘living room’ in my studio flat.

I believe these tips are helpful if you live in a studio flat, but also for anyone in need of small living room ideas – because if I can do this in my tiny studio, anyone can do this in an actual lounge, no matter how small.

Living in a small space has really pushed me to be more creative than ever before. But also more attentive to what I’m buying and bringing into my space – not only to avoid cluttering it but also to get pieces that fit just right which is one of the ways I've used to make my studio look bigger than it is. If they’re too big, they won’t fit, and if they’re too small, then valuable space that could have been utilised is wasted.

1. Strategically arrange your furniture

The most effective move in creating my living area was finding the right living room layout for my space, one that defined the area. I’ve played a lot with the furniture positions, switching up where the sofa went before landing on this arrangement that I think works the best.

Firstly, I removed the middle section of my modular sofa, the King Living 1977 made up of three modules, and turned it into a chair facing the now two-module sofa at an angle. The back of that chair now clearly separates the living area from the dining zone and the rest of the space.

Having a focal point of the area is also key. In my case, it’s the coffee table - or rather the Salem side table from La Redoute which I use as a coffee table - as I don’t have a TV or a fireplace which would also otherwise suffice.

Taking advantage of the architectural features of your space and working with them is also something I’d recommend. I have a large bay window and the edge of it also defines where the living area ends and the dining nook starts.

2. Choose the right furniture

To use furniture to help you define your living space, you first need to invest in the right kind of furniture in the first place. As I already said, I was able to rearrange my sofa because it was modular – and that’s exactly why I’m such an advocate for the best modular sofas. They’re versatile, flexible, and they can grow and change with you.

Similarly, since I’m not working with a lot of space, most traditional coffee tables were simply too big. So instead, I opted for something that was marketed as a side table but works perfectly for my space. The side table design also works great in a compact space, as it has cut-outs, which makes the piece more airy as you can see through it.

Lastly, I took months to choose my sideboard because I wanted to take advantage of every inch of my bay window, where it slots in perfectly. I didn’t want it to stick out too much, and it couldn’t be too tall either, as that would obstruct the window and the natural light, which is very much against all the small living room design rules.

3. Use the rug to define the zone

A rug is an easy yet invaluable tool in defining a ‘zone’. And it really was both of those things in my home. Choosing the perfect size is crucial here, though. The universal rule of having at least the front legs of your sofa and chairs on top of the rug still applies here.

Or you could even take it further and have the entire pieces of furniture on top of the rug, while respecting the 18-inch rug rule. I opted for the former method when picking the size of my Origins Berber knotted chain rug from Hug Rug as I really like my wooden floors and wanted to keep as much of them on show as possible.

4. Use your lighting

The placement of your lighting can also help you define the area, as well as make it feel cosy at the same time. First of all, it’s key to include more than one source of light - ideally three, in fact - even in such a small space as mine.

I’m lucky to have more than one ceiling light in my space and their placement is perfect – there’s one just in the centre of my living area and all I’ve done is cover it with an origami-style lampshade from Dunelm to make it look prettier and diffuse the light, even though I rarely ever use the ‘big’ light.

I then placed a ValueLights floor lamp next to my sofa which I think reinforces that traditional ‘living room look’. And I have a table lamp currently on the floor next to my sofa which nicely illuminates that gap between my sofa and my bed – but I would like it to sit atop a side table, I just haven’t found the one to place there just yet.

Shop my ‘living room’

I hope that my experience of faking a living room in my studio flat gives you some ideas for your own space, and that it was in some way useful and inspiring.

Habitat has just launched a new £299 sofa bed, and its retro vibes sum up a look that the brand says is going to be *big* this year.

Yep, it may be 2026, but as the modern world becomes an increasingly over-stimulating and unpredictable place, Habitat has picked up on a collective hankering for simpler times, and hip 1950's and 1960's styling is back.

The clean-lined Habitat Theo Fabric 3 Seater Clic Clac Sofa Bed, with its simple silhouette, smart buttoned back seating, and dark wood legs, encapsulates the look perfectly, and it's not the only retro-inspired piece in the new Habitat collection that's making an impact.

As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I've spent the last five years testing out the best sofa beds on the market, and during that time Habitat has emerged as one of my go-to stores for stylish, practical, and *affordable* sofa bed designs.

Habitat's Kota Three-Seater Sofa Bed has been a bestseller for years thanks to its generous seating and *very* affordable price tag, and the new Theo sofa bed looks to draw inspiration from its build, whilst offering a much cleaner, sharper, and, in my opinion at least, a far higher-end designer appearance.

It offers seating for three and a simple clic-clac transformation that enables the backrest to fold down into two sections to create a sleeping area that's somewhere between a standard single bed and a small double.

Habitat isn't the only brand to have embraced Mid-Century styling in its sofa bed ranges; both the John Lewis G Plan Vintage The Fifty Four Sofa Bed and Swyft's Model 02 Sofa Bed look like they could have stepped straight out of a Mad Men episode, but Habitat's retro design is (by far) the most affordable option I've come across.

And the new Theo sofa bed isn't the only 1950's and 1960's inspired furniture Habitat has on offer. The brand also recently launched the Albers furniture collection, which, thanks to its super sleek chrome metal styling, couldn't get more retro if it tried.

Shop Habitat's 1950's inspired furniture collection

Personally, I'm loving this return to the hip vibes of the 1950's and and 60's, and Habitat's affordable price points mean you can invest in some cult classics of the future without breaking the bank.

A couple of weeks ago, I was lucky enough to get an IRL preview of Dunelm’s collection of homeware for this spring and summer. And I’m happy to report that my two favourite pieces from the new range - the Dunelm Harmon side table and the matching Harmon coffee table - were just released online and are available to buy. At last!

Even though I got my hands-on experience with these pieces only two weeks ago, I’ve in fact been waiting for them to drop for a couple of months now, ever since seeing it in Dunelm’s spring/summer 2026 lookbook at the end of last year.

So what’s so special about this side table and coffee table? For one, they both come with hidden storage (and I don't understand why anyone'd buy a coffee table without storage these days), which makes them the perfect small living room ideas – all you need to do is lift the tabletop to reveal plenty of internal storage. But the big crowd-pleasing feature is that they double up as a chessboard too. They don't come with the chess pieces but you can buy those quite inexpensively – like these £4 chess pieces from Amazon.

The practicality of the storage paired with the super stylish chequerboard design on the tabletop which turns into stripes along the sides is just chef’s kiss. The chequerboard looks super chic but it also lends itself perfectly to a game of chess or draughts, no extra chess board needed.

The fact that both the side table and the coffee table are made from wood, with the chequers made with differently coloured woods (a combination of mango wood and pine), is what elevates this design and makes it elegant and grown-up, rather than childish.

But I suspect that these pieces won’t be available for long as they are so unique and budget-friendly – the side table is selling for just £149, while the coffee table retails for £379. They just have that ‘viral’ factor and I predict they will soon be among the brand’s bestsellers, especially the side table – I reckon that one will go out of stock first, as even the smallest of spaces can fit it in and it’s under £150.

One of my other top picks from the collection, the £449 Dunelm Pondus coffee table made with cherry marble and mango wood, is already sold out – so trust me when I say the Harmon range won’t hang around for long. Better get yours while you can if you want one.

Dunelm has been killing it lately pretty much with every drop from its new collection, whether it’s the clever, sellout Dunelm fridge organisers or the innovative, rechargeable lighting range which I was also introduced to at the press showcase. And now the Harmon side and coffee tables! I love to see it.

This is the time of year that most brands drop their new collection for the spring/summer season, and it was while scrolling through Habitat’s new-in section that I stumbled upon an absolute gem of a design – the Habitat Harriet Coffee Table and Pouffes.

This is one of the best coffee tables for a small living room I’ve seen in a while, not to mention the perfect guest seating solution. Made from solid wood, the £200 round coffee table comes with three pouffes upholstered in off-white boucle, which slot perfectly underneath the coffee table when not in use.

When you have guests around and need extra seating or simply want to rest your feet on a stool, you can pull out one or all of the pouffes from underneath the table. So ingenious and yet so simple!

In all fairness, this is not the first time I’ve seen a design like this. Last year, a new, Singaporean homeware and furniture brand called Castlery launched in the UK. And as much as I was impressed with the brand’s sofas, I was also won over by the Hugg Square Nest of Coffee Table (shown below).

This coffee table in fact, won the brand a Good Design Award in Japan in 2025. The key differences between the Castlery and the Habitat versions? For one, the Habitat one is a lot more budget-friendly, selling for £200, while the Castlery design is currently on sale for £829, down from £919.

There is a slightly cheaper ‘rectangular’ version, as the brand calls it - I’d say it’s more of an oval shape - for £649, which features only two pouffes rather than four, as well as a side table variation with one pouffe for £359, down from £399.

Secondly, the difference is in size. While the Castlery square coffee table measures 110 centimetres in width and depth, the Habitat Harriet is only 80 centimetres in diameter, as it’s round. That makes it more suitable as a small living room idea than the rather sizeable Castlery Hugg coffee table. But if you have the space, the Hugg does come across as a more premium product.

Are you tempted by this incredibly clever coffee table design from Habitat? For £200, it’s a bargain given the dual purpose if you ask me.

This week, popular sofa and furniture brand Swyft announced that from next week, the brand’s going to increase its prices across all of its categories and products. The Swyft price increase comes into effect on Monday, 2nd February. That can only mean one thing – you have until Sunday, 1st February to take advantage of the current pricing.

If you’ve had your eye on anything from Swyft’s best sofas to its amazing sofa beds, as well as loads of other furniture the brand has on offer, now is the time to commit and invest. This is the first time the company has increased its pricing since 2022. And while the amount by which the prices are set to rise will vary from product to product, it’s all going to be under 5%.

‘We have kept our overall pricing the same since 2022 and not compromised on quality or service in that period,’ says Keiran Hewkin, co-founder and CEO of Swyft. ‘Unfortunately, as with every sector, inflation does impact our ability to continue to deliver everything our customers have come to expect. So we are going to put a small 3-4% increase through (1% per year annualised since 2022) to ensure we don’t ever compromise our product or our industry-leading next-day and nominated-day delivery.’

As Kieran mentions, Swyft is well-known and loved for its speedy 24-hour delivery service, as well as for its ‘sofas in a box’ which are easy to assemble and make it easy to fit them into any home, no matter how small.

I’m particularly fond of the brand for its best modular sofas, a popular category for Swyft and one that keeps growing as Swyft launched the Model 13 ‘cloud’ sofa at the end of last year.

Now that payday is here and we all actually have some money to spend, here are mine and our Sleep Editor, Amy Lockwood’s top Swyft picks we recommend shopping for before Monday, 2nd Feb. Now is a great time to buy, also because Swyft's winter sale is still on, but will end at the start of next week.

Top Swyft picks

Are you planning on taking advantage of Swyft’s current pricing before it goes up from next week?

As a Room Decor Editor, I look at homewares and furniture on a daily basis, including accent and armchairs. I regularly include them in my pieces and whenever I do, I always know where to turn for stylish and comfortable chairs that look more expensive than they actually are. So if you’re wondering where to buy armchairs and accent chairs without breaking the bank, these are the 6 brands and retailers that I swear by.

From the best swivel chairs to generous snuggle chairs, accent chairs are an easy way to give your home an update – whether it’s in your living room or the corner of your bedroom (likely acting as the clothes chair).

While most of us love the look of a designer armchair, the budget is often not there to invest in one. So instead, you can go to these places that I regularly rely on for reasonably priced chairs. You can thank me later!

1. Habitat

Habitat is the perfect place to look for living room accent chair ideas – and many of the brand’s designs reach viral status. Pieces from Habitat’s ongoing collaboration with Morris & Co. are always popular with its customers, but nothing was as sought after as the Habitat x Morris & Co. Merton Sunflower Fabric Armchair which has sold out and come back to stock multiple times – even our Digital Editor, Rebecca Knight fell in love with it so much that she bought it when it finally did come back.

But it’s the retro-style Dawson Fabric Swivel Chair in electric blue corduroy that’s currently holding the title of Habitat’s bestselling accent chair. Not only does it look super stylish, but it’s also super comfortable and perfect for curling up with a nice book.

2. Next

One of the great benefits of shopping at Next is that the retailer stocks products from other brands, as well as its own-brand range. And that applies to accent and armchairs, too. MADE, Laura Ashley and even Cath Kidston are all available here – in fact, Next brought Cath Kidston back to us and made it even cooler with a rebrand. So now there are such cute yet stylish pieces on offer like the Cath Crest Cream and Green Lilly Accent Chair.

But Next is also one of the best places to go for stylish swivel chairs – whether it’s the cloud-shaped yet sleek Otis chair which I’m currently loving in this faux fur upholstery finish, or the low settee-style Lucca chair that’s a good budget alternative to the iconic Togo by Ligne Roset, available at Heal’s.

3. John Lewis

Similarly to Next, John Lewis is another retailer that has a wide range of other brands on offer. But for the most part, I actually go to John Lewis for its own-brand accent chairs.

The chrome and chocolate brown velvet Hoxton armchair was one of my absolute favourite pieces from John Lewis’ autumn/winter 2025 range that I would have got for my own home if I had the space. The brand’s collabs are also a great source of stylish accent chairs, whether that’s with Sanderson or Sophie Conran, resulting in such chic designs as the beautifully striped Cocobella armchair, which is available in several colourways and which I also love in its sofa form.

4. Dunelm

Dunelm is the Ideal Home team’s go-to for any budget-friendly decorating and furnishing needs. When it comes to accent and armchairs, the brand has a wide range available, some of which are great affordable alternatives for pricier, well-known designs.

But some are popular bestsellers in their own right, much like the Dunelm Beatrice snuggle chair which has gone super viral and has had several makeovers in different upholstery options. But the wide stripes as seen below are still the most popular.

I still regularly get obsessed with some of the brand’s newcomers, too. From the autumn/winter 2025 collection, it was all about the textured Dunelm Finn chair which everybody at the Dunelm collection preview went crazy for because it’s super popular, stylish and it’s under £170.

5. Sofa.com

Given its name, Sofa.com is known for its range of best sofas – and it’s one of the best places to buy a sofa and one that I regularly recommend to people. But Sofa.com has a lot more to offer, which includes accent chairs among other things.

I recently had the opportunity to visit the House of Sofa.com, a London townhouse filled almost exclusively with the brand’s pieces. This is where I was able to try the organically shaped and super clever Stellar Armchair, and I instantly loved it. The silhouette and design with a built-in side table make it look so high end. The same goes for the generously sized Hockney armchair which I really like for the contrast in texture.

And I can rarely say no to a lovely swivel chair, especially not when it looks like the Sofa.com Quinn armchair, boasting Art Deco-inspired style.

6. MADE

Pretty much every MADE chair looks like a high-end designer piece which is enough to get me on board. Aside from the MADE website, most of the brand’s pieces are also available at Next and John Lewis which makes it even easier to shop them.

I’m particularly a fan of the Jude armchair which features a design that looks like the chair is made up of a few plump pillows or cushions put together and it’s reminiscent of the much pricier Buchanan Studio Chair which retails for over £3000, while the MADE version is just under £600.

Did you manage to find your dream accent chair on this list? Don’t worry if not, because these brands have a lot more accent chair styles where these came from.

Now, a sofa bed is a great piece of multifunctional furniture. However, if you've ever struggled to find a sofa bed you *truly* like enough to invest your hard-earned cash in, then I feel your pain.

As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I've spent the past five years testing hundreds of sofa beds for my guide to the best sofa beds on the market, and there *are* some great sofa beds out there. But, they're rare.

For every sofa bed I've tested that's been comfortable enough to sit *and* sleep on, plus looked stylish enough that I would be happy to give it floorspace in my home, there have been at least twenty that have felt rock hard to sit on and a little... functional... to look at.

Thankfully, I think 2026 is going to bring us a new option for hosting overnight guests, and it comes in the form of the daybed.

Now, daybeds in themselves are nothing new. In essence, they're a bench seat of sorts, usually topped with a single mattress that can be sat on during the day and slept on at night.

But what is new is that in 2026 I'm suddenly seeing a whole lot more options hit the market, and many of these options are *stylish*.

The main benefit of a daybed is that you can pack them with cushions during the day to turn them into a sofa of sorts – and arguably choosing your own cushions means you can tailor the look to your home far more than you can with a sofa bed – but, most importantly, they feature an *actual* mattress, which means they become a true bed at night.

That means there's none of the firm foam or lumpy pull-out mattress you often get with a sofa bed. Instead, with a daybed, your guests will be sleeping on a 'proper' mattress.

Whether you want to invest in one of the best mattresses on the market or the best budget mattress for your daybed is up to you, as most come without the mattress included, but to my mind, this makes a daybed a sofa bed alternative that's well worth considering.

There are also an increasing number of daybed options that feature two single mattresses stacked on top of each other during the day, and that can be transformed into a double bed at night.

Six of the best daybeds

Is a daybed something you'd consider incorporating into your guest bedroom ideas, or even your small living room ideas this year?

If I hadn't already kitted out my spare bedroom with one of the best chair beds, it's definitely an option I'd be considering.

Plus, a daybed would be the perfect place to store my ever-growing cushion collection – although I probably don't need any more excuses to buy new home decor!

Stacey Dooley has just reminded us that paper lampshades aren't just for student houses; when done right, they are a timeless, Scandi lighting feature that will elevate any room. Her white, paper dome is perfect for diffusing warm, cosy lighting this winter.

Take it from me, Stacey Dooley is a style icon, and her takes on the biggest and best home decor trends are a constant source of inspiration for the Ideal Home team. From her sleek paint collection with COAT Paints, to a bang-on-trend dark wood kitchen, Stacey’s home is the perfect mix of warm, homely and stylish.

In a recent Instagram post celebrating her daughter’s birthday, I couldn’t help but notice Stacey’s giant paper lampshade in her living room. Here’s why I think it’s the perfect choice for your living room lighting ideas.

I don’t know the exact lampshade in Stacey’s living room, but I’ve done some digging, and I believe it is HAY Rice Paper Shade (was £104, now £83.20 at Holloways of Ludlow). While on the pricier side, HAY’s contemporary, sleek style is worth the investment if you can afford it. Alternatively, John Lewis's 60cm paper lampshade is just £25, and a great budget alternative.

Stacey Dooley’s interior style is effortlessly cool, and her Scandi-style lampshade is reflective of that. Its huge size dominates the room, making it a clear statement piece; however, it does not overpower her living room. Instead, it perfectly complements her green and cream-painted walls.

Paper shades have a natural look, which is perfect for creating a relaxing atmosphere and adding to your biophilic design ideas. This is largely because of the way they diffuse light. As light passes through the paper shade, it softens, creating that warm, cosy atmosphere we all crave during the colder months.

‘Paper lampshades have a quiet simplicity and lightness to them that has made them enduringly popular. Most often designed in sculptural, curved forms, they lend a softness that balances larger-scale forms without visual heaviness,’ says Mara Rypacek Miller, Founder of Industville.

‘As a result, they work beautifully as a statement piece while still allowing the rest of the room to breathe. Paper shades also boast a unique organic texture and a connection to the outside, being made from a natural material. This materiality immediately establishes a feeling of serenity, encapsulating Scandi or Japandi style beautifully.

‘The cloud-like silhouette also scatters light in a soothing and nuanced way, providing a calm and uplifting atmosphere. This makes paper shades ideal for spaces where mood matters most, such as living rooms, bedrooms and dining areas, where ambient lighting helps the room feel relaxed and inviting.’

How to style paper lampshades

The beauty of paper shades is that they are so easy to style and will happily suit any living room colour scheme; however, they do lean towards more minimalist interiors than maximalist ones.

‘Paper lampshades tend to suit minimalist, bohemian, and contemporary interior styles, ones that embody quiet luxury. They’re versatile, though, and can weave seamlessly into many interior styles - especially in living rooms and bedrooms where the cosy feel is desired. Low light is not suitable for every room, in kitchens and offices, where lights need to be illuminating for functionality, paper lampshades may not be suitable,’ says Laura Rich, Creative Lead for Product at Furniturebox.

‘Scandi-style interiors are increasingly popular, and paper or light material lampshades exude that minimalist, functional style typical of a Scandi, ‘hygge’ or cosy way of living. Soft, diffused glow lighting promotes a sense of wellbeing, prioritising comfort and warmth, and steers away from maximalism and extravagant textures and patterns.’

If you’re a fan of this style, I’ve tracked down a few more stylish options so that you can get the look, too.

If you’re on a mission to make your home feel cosier, a paper lampshade can really help. Offering soft, diffused light with a cloud-like look, they are a stylish choice for any living room.

A living room should feel cosy and relaxed all year round – but it’s something we all naturally crave during the cold winter months. If you find your lounge lacking that cocooning feel as you enter the new year, you’re in luck because I asked 7 interior designers to tell me how they go about making a living room cosy. And they had some thoughts.

They all agreed that it all comes down to these 5 non-negotiable cosy living room ideas and design elements they always focus on, whether it’s their own living room or a client’s.

‘A living room should be a sanctuary, somewhere where you can truly switch off from the outside world and feel safe, calm and at ease,’ says Emma Deterding, founder and creative director of Kelling Designs. ‘As the heart of the home, I always focus on designing a space that supports rest, connection and those all-important daily rituals. Balance and flow are crucial as they'll make sure the room feels calm from a visual perspective.’

1. Layer your lighting

Choosing the right living room lighting ideas is crucial for making the space feel cosy. The key? Go for multiple, layered sources of light and opt for warm lightbulbs.

‘Lighting is fundamental to everything I do,’ says interior designer Bilal Rehman. ‘I avoid relying on a single overhead source at all costs. Instead, I build the room through layers of lighting. The principle is simple – light should exist at different heights and in different corners of the room. Table lamps at eye level, a floor lamp beside seating, and subtle wall lighting all help to create a softer, more intimate atmosphere. Everything should be dimmable and warmer in tone. The aim is never full illumination, but a more comfortable, evenly lit space.’

2. Mix textured textiles

‘I am a strong believer that sometimes what a space is missing is not colour, but texture. A cream or even white room can feel incredibly cosy if the surface itself has depth,’ Bilal Rehman explains.

Even the queen of interior design herself, Kelly Hoppen has declared texture to be the most important element of any room. And it’s one that also makes for a cosy look and feel.

‘Texture does a lot of the heavy lifting,’ says Gemma Samuels, founder and creative director of Ankka. ‘I focus on softness and weight. Upholstery matters enormously. I lean towards fabrics that invite touch – bouclé, velvet, brushed linens, wool blends. I like rooms that feel layered rather than flat. That might be through a textured rug underfoot, curtains with a bit of weight and movement, timber elements, stone, leather, or even subtle wall finishes. These layers add depth and a sense of richness without clutter.’

3. Choose comfortable seating

The seating in your living room is central to the space that everything else revolves around – so your best sofa and armchairs need to be super comfy and lounging-ready in order to help create that cosy look and feel. And with relaxed lounges being the biggest, overarching living room trend this year, it’s no surprise that deep-seated sofas are rising in popularity as they are perfect for cosy living rooms.

‘Comfort is non-negotiable, so prioritise inviting seating such as sofas and armchairs that you can truly sink into,’ Emma at Kelling Designs says.

Kate Guinness, founder of Kate Guinness Design, adds, ‘A comfortable sofa with lots of lovely cushions and a comfy footstool/ottoman is really important. The sofas in the sitting room of our London house were made extra deep as we’re both tall, with removable and washable covers – essential for a busy family with small children.’

4. Create a sociable layout

It’s not just about the individual pieces and elements – a cosy living room is also created by the way everything is brought together. Especially the way the living room furniture is arranged.

‘I think people underestimate layout,’ says Noor Charchafchi, founder of Celine Interior Design. ‘Cosy doesn’t mean small, it means connected. I’ll often pull furniture slightly closer together to create a proper conversation area, and I’ll make sure there’s somewhere to put a cup of tea, a book, or a candle, because it’s those little details that make a space feel like it’s been designed for real life.’

Jo Lane, founder of online interior design service See Your Place, continues, ‘For me, cosiness lies in how you arrange your living room furniture, and how you accessorise it for maximum comfort. It’s creating an intentional space with every detail considered for comfort; a classic U-shaped seating layout to make it a sociable space which brings people together.’

5. Add personal touches

Adding pieces that are special and meaningful to you is where that warm, inviting feel of cosy living rooms often lies. Whether it’s decorative pieces collected during travels, coffee table books or artwork that’s connected to happy memories, a living room will never feel entirely cosy without these elements.

‘I think about what makes the space personal. Books, art, objects with meaning – these are what stop a living room from feeling like a showroom. I encourage clients not to rush this part. A room becomes cosy over time, as it absorbs life, habits, and memories,’ Gemma at Ankka explains.

Noor at Celine Interior Design adds, ‘It might be even a scent that feels familiar. Cosiness isn’t just about styling, it’s about creating a room that feels like you. That’s always the goal, whether it’s my own home or a client’s.’

Cosy living room top picks

Gemma at Ankka concludes, ‘Cosiness is a feeling built through intention, restraint, and care. When a living room reflects the people who live in it and supports how they want to feel at the end of the day, warmth follows naturally.’

In 2026, living rooms are set to become much more relaxed and comfortable compared to previous years, when some lounges were designed and decorated in a more put-together, formal way to receive guests. This shift is also reflected in sofa choices, and it’s given rise to the deep-seated sofa trend.

In previous years, sofas with shallower seats and higher back support that would make you sit more upright were generally the more popular, go-to styles. But the sofa trend of styles with more generous, deeper seats that started in 2025 is what’s going to define living rooms in 2026.

‘People want sofas you can truly relax on, for movie nights, socialising or working from home,’ says Monika Puccio, buying director at Sofa Club. ‘Comfort is no longer a compromise on style. From our own sales, we’ve definitely seen growing demand for deep, generous designs that feel luxurious but effortless.’

The January and winter sales are one of the best times to buy a new sofa, much like I did a couple of years ago. So if you are thinking of investing in your next best sofa, I’d recommend making it a super comfortable, generously sized one with deep seats – and experts do, too.

The benefits of deep-seat sofas

A relaxed feel is the overarching living room trend of 2026. Sofas are the biggest piece of furniture in most living spaces, so a deep-seat sofa is one of the best ways to create that vibe in your own lounge.

‘Sofas with extra-deep seats are gaining popularity for their luxurious, cocooning feel, offering a more laid-back, lounge-like experience that’s perfect for both unwinding and socialising in a relaxed setting,’ says Martin Waller, founder of Andrew Martin. ‘Their generous proportions invite you to stretch out fully, making them ideal for lazy afternoons or cosy evenings in.’

Nicky Emlick, creative director at Sofa.com and founder of interior design studio N M Design, continues, ‘Comfort has overtaken minimalist aesthetics as a driving force in furniture design in recent years, deep, lounge-style sofas are a perfect fit for maximising relaxing with ease.’

They work especially well in larger living rooms, cinema rooms or as an open-plan living room idea, ‘Really great for open plan living, designed around function and everyday use. Often these sofas are modular, with adaptable configurations, allowing the consumer to build a seating area to accommodate their needs, allowing the sofa to grow as they move or acquire larger spaces. Deeper sofas can double up as cinema chairs, recliners and daybeds,’ Nicky adds.

My top picks of deep-seat sofas

How to fake a deep-seated sofa

Of course, the one downside of a deep-seated sofa is that it’s big and takes up more space than other styles of sofas. So if you don’t have the space or don’t want to buy a new sofa, there are a few ways to fake the deep-seated look, according to experts.

1. Add an ottoman

One way is to add a large ottoman to your sofa set-up. ‘We are seeing a rising trend in pairing standard-sized sofas with oversized upholstered footstools,’ says Kellie Wyles, head of upholstery at DFS. ‘When coordinated with the main sofa, a footstool offers a place to rest your feet, or provides a coffee table, and effectively extends the seating area for extra guests. It delivers all the warmth and invitation of a larger lounge set-up, without requiring as much space.’

2. Opt for a low-profile, scatter-back sofa

Another option is to choose a sofa that has a lower profile and/or comes with scatter back cushions as these styles create the illusion of being larger and deeper than they actually are. ‘You can create the illusion of a deeper sofa by choosing low-profile designs with plush cushions and a relaxed shape,’ says Shelley Cochrane, accessories buyer at Furniture Village. ‘Choose a sofa with a scatter back for that sink-in feeling without increasing the overall footprint of the sofa.’

3. Add cushions

And lastly, some experts recommend layering your existing sofa with scatter cushions to trick the eye into thinking there’s more space on the seats than there actually is. But you have to be careful with this one as going overboard can overcrowd the seats, which is, in turn, counterproductive.

‘A great way to fake a deep-seated sofa look is to use a couple of layers of cushions to dress it,’ says Jo Lane, interior designer and founder of online interior design service See Your Place. ‘This will make even smaller sofas feel generous and give the illusion of depth. Just be careful to choose smaller cushions so you don't overfill your seating space.’

Shelley at Furniture Village concludes with some final styling tips for incorporating a deep-seated sofa into your living room, ‘Balance is key. Deep-seated sofas are visually substantial, so it’s a good idea to pair these with larger furniture – substantially sized coffee tables and oversized lamps so that the sofa doesn’t look out of proportion. A large rug that extends beyond the sofa will also help anchor it within the room.’

As we welcome 2026 into our lives and our homes, with the new year also arrives a fresh set of looks and trends that you’re soon going to see everywhere and are likely to become obsessed with – not all of them, of course, but the few that resonate with you and your home’s aesthetic. This includes new living room trends for 2026.

This round-up of home decor trends for the living room makes for the perfect source of inspiration if you’re planning a lounge refresh or a full-blown makeover in 2026, including the living room colour schemes that are going to be all the rage and the stylish decor that will become a must-have.

The overarching theme of 2026 living rooms is a relaxed, comfortable feel. All of the individual materials, furniture and other trends contribute to creating this vibe. ‘In 2026, living rooms are becoming softer, calmer and more emotion-led,’ says Kelly Collins, interior designer and Swyft’s head of creative. ‘We’re seeing a real shift away from stiff show-home styling towards spaces that feel restorative, layered and genuinely comfortable.’

1. Embrace the blues

Blue is the world’s favourite colour so blue living room ideas have always been popular. But this year, blue is having a major moment as the colour of the year. So if you are looking for living room colour inspo, blue would be at the top of the list of recommendations.

‘With Dulux naming three shades of blue as its colours of the year, we’re already seeing a strong appetite for incorporating these light, breezy hues into the home,’ says Kellie Wyles, head of upholstery at DFS. ‘Dusty blues, in particular, create a beautifully soft and welcoming look. They pair effortlessly with warm beiges for a pared-back scheme, complement pastels for a fresh, chic aesthetic, or contrast strikingly with bold red stripes or florals for a charming, cottage-inspired style.’

Chloe Barrow, interior expert at Laura James, continues, ‘Blues are coming out on top as a key trend. From soft teals to moody ink blues, these colours are bold, but equally work beautifully with lighter neutral pieces. Many in the home and interiors world are referring to this as the ‘new modern coastal’. It’s about evoking that sense of calm we’re all after.’

2. Incorporate metal finishes

2025 was the year of chrome furniture and accessories like lighting. And while chrome is not going anywhere anytime soon, more metal finishes are coming to the fore this year to join it – from bronze as seen on this Laura Ashley table lamp sold at John Lewis to distressed brass as seen on this Cox & Cox decorative tray.

‘High-shine finishes are giving way to more tactile, nuanced treatments like softly patinated brass, bronze and richly textured metals that lend warmth, depth and a handcrafted quality,’ explains Mara Rypacek Miller, founder of Industville.

3. Go big with large-scale sofas

In the spirit of comfort and cosy lounging, the biggest new sofa trend is just that – sofas getting bigger and sofa seats deeper as sales of larger-scale sofas like Sofa.com's new Sloane sofa are already rising.

‘We’ve seen a clear uplift in demand for deeper, more generous sofas. People are spending more intentional time at home, and comfort is no longer a compromise to style. A deep sofa signals permission to relax, to sprawl, nap, host, switch off. That mindset shift is directly influencing purchasing decisions,’ Kelly at Swyft says.

She adds, ‘Let the sofa be the anchor. Keep surrounding furniture lighter visually with slimmer coffee tables, softer rugs, low lighting. And don’t overcrowd it with cushions; deep sofas look best when they’re allowed to breathe and invite you in.’

4. Indulge in delicious browns

2025 was the year of brown as Mocha Mousse was introduced as the Pantone colour of the year. But this cosy, earthy and gourmand colour trend is not going anywhere this year – especially when it comes to living rooms and sofas like this Habitat Hawley sofa, browns are still among the most popular, go-to shades.

‘Deep brown tones are set to continue their reign into the new year. As people seek deeper connections to nature and comforting, grounded interiors, earthy chocolate and coffee hues remain a go-to choice for creating rooms that feel instantly warm and cocooning,’ Kellie at DFS says.

5. Opt for natural textures with linen

Natural materials and textures have been favoured in living room design for the past couple of years. But 2026 is all about tactile, organic and slightly rustic materials and finishes with washed linen being crowned as the first ever Etsy texture of the year, a choice that many other interior experts second.

‘Living rooms this year are favouring materials that feel quietly luxurious,’ says Rohan Blacker, founder of sofa brand Schplendid. ‘At the heart of this shift are high-quality linens, chosen as much for how they stand the test of time as for how they look. Great linen has weight, movement, and a specific texture that adds depth and dimension to the overall scheme of the room. It drapes beautifully, holds its shape, and only improves with time. In living rooms, specifically when it comes to sofas, which are expected to cope with being used daily, high-quality linen delivers longevity as well as presence.’

6. Invest in low-profile furniture

Low-profile furniture that exists close to the ground somehow feels both retro and modern at the same time. Or perhaps the key is in taking inspiration from low 1970s furniture and making it relevant to right now, turning it contemporary.

‘Low-slung furniture has gained significant popularity in recent years due to its ability to create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere,’ says Alex Bridgman, CEO of furniture brand Bridgman. ‘By being closer to the ground, these sofas exude a sense of comfort and informality that complements modern lifestyles. They are perfect for open-plan spaces, offering a seamless look while fostering connection and conversation.’

7. Illuminate the space with vintage-inspired lighting

From 70s-style lamps to Art Deco-inspired silhouettes, one of the biggest lighting trends for 2026 is vintage-inspired lamps and fixtures but with that modern twist again, much like this new H&M Home metal table lamp.

‘For lighting, chandeliers, sconces and sculptural statement pieces reinterpret vintage silhouettes with updated proportions, simplified lines and elevated detailing,’ Mara at Industville says.

Helen Pett, brand ambassador at Arteriors, continues, ‘We are seeing the continuation of Art Deco influences, with nods to flapper girl skirts coming through swinging fringed detailing on chandeliers. Customers are embracing fixtures with jewel-like qualities – smoked glass, vintage brass, and aged steel that catch the eye and anchor the space.’

8. It’s all about the curves

Curved furniture and curved sofas have been among the biggest living room trends for the last couple of years. But it’s clearly a look that’s here to stay, at least for quite some time, as we’re still not growing tired of the curvy silhouettes.

‘Curves may be topping trend forecasts, but they’re more than a passing style,’ says Tom Raffield, lighting designer and founder of Tom Raffield. ‘Curves add a sense of movement, softness, and timelessness to any corner of the home. They create a visual flow that makes spaces feel more open and inviting. In living rooms, soft lines can make a space feel more relaxed. Organic shapes create a visual flow that makes spaces feel more open and inviting. In living rooms, soft lines can make a space feel more relaxed.’

9. Warm up the room with amber glass

As already mentioned, a relaxing and warming living room is the mood we’ll be striving for in 2026. Lighting is a crucial tool in creating an ambiance and by opting for warm-coloured glass lamps and light fixtures like brown or amber glass, you’ll be one step closer to a cosy living room.

‘Reflecting a growing desire for design that soothes the senses, coloured glass has gained popularity in interiors, and more specifically, in the ways we light our homes. Mocha-smoked glass is trending due to the rich and more inviting glow that it offers compared to traditional clear or grey smoked glass. Its amber tones infuse spaces with a warm, enveloping light that instantly transforms a room’s atmosphere and makes spaces feel cosy and intimate,’ Mara at Industville says.

10. Go modular

Modular sofas have been enjoying much popularity over the last two or so years. And as a huge fan of modular seating like my King Living 1977 sofa, I can confidently say that they’re here to stay. If anything, more living room furniture is going modular too, from storage units to coffee tables.

‘The resurgence of modular furniture also speaks to people’s desire for flexibility; homes need to evolve with how people actually live,’ Kelly at Swyft says.

Josh Branigan, furniture and home interiors expert at furniture and homeware retailer Cuckooland, adds, ‘Modular furniture continues to grow in popularity, making it easier to adapt layouts as needs change.’

11. Be bold with rugs

Statement rugs have been growing in popularity over the past few months, with designer rug brands like Nordic Knots and Layered making this a major interiors trend for 2026, too.

‘Rugs are the perfect way to add warmth by introducing a softer feel underfoot,’ says Lizzie Mosley, creative director at Hug Rug. ‘No longer just a backdrop, flooring will take centre stage in interior design in 2026. Think bold rugs with vibrant colours and patterns that bring an impactful statement to living room floors. A thoughtfully chosen rug can balance a living-room whilst also transforming the mood of your space from the ground up. Designers will also be embracing texture-maxxing by layering rugs with each other.’

Monika Puccio, buying director at Sofa Club, concludes, ‘2026 is all about comfort, warmth and personality. Living rooms are becoming more relaxed and expressive, moving away from anything overly minimal or formal. Curved shapes, layered textures and sofas that invite you to really lounge are key, as people want homes that feel calming and lived-in.’

As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I've spent the past five years testing sofa beds from multiple retailers, and during that time I've learnt three key lessons.

One, sofa beds are *expensive*. Two, most of them just aren't comfortable enough to use as everyday seating in the living room, no matter what the retailer might promise. And three, even the best sofa beds tend to lack the much-needed storage space to stash spare guest bedding.

That's why the IKEA FRIHETEN sofa bed is such a rare find. At only £599 for the chaise version, which comes with hidden storage space, this is a *very* affordable buy compared to the competition.

When I tested it in store, I found the £550 FRIHETEN Three-Seater Sofa Bed the most comfortable for everyday use. That's because it offers the most padded seating, but the fact that this sofa bed design is also available in a storage chaise *and* an even rarer corner sofa version is pretty unheard of.

However, despite its many plus points, I don't think the FRIHETEN is perfect. Obviously, whether you like the way a sofa bed looks comes down to personal preference, and whilst I do like the shape of this sofa bed, it's a little basic.

Plus, although they're pretty inoffensive, I certainly don't *love* the four upholstery options it comes in. As such, I've rounded up my three top IKEA FRIHETEN sofa bed alternatives below.

Now, my alternatives are more expensive than the FRIHETEN. We may as well get that out in the open straight off the bat. As I've said, it's very tricky to find a good sofa bed for a budget-friendly price. One of the main reasons IKEA sofa beds are definitely worth considering is that they're *so* affordable compared to alternatives.

However, if you're considering buying the sizeable FRIHETEN, my guess is you're looking for a sofa bed for use in your living room rather than one that will be tucked away, out of sight, in a home office or guest bedroom.

And if the sofa bed you choose is going to be on display in your main living space every day, then in my opinion, it can be worth investing a little more to get a sofa you *really* like the look of.

These are the three options I think are well worth weighing up as an IKEA FRIHETEN alternative.

Alternative 1: Habitat Julien Sofa Bed

Like the IKEA FRIHETEN, the Habitat Julien sofa bed is *spacious* and offers plenty of seating space.

The three-seater IKEA FRIHETEN measures 225cm in width, which the brand estimates will seat three comfortably. The Habitat Julien sofa bed is marketed as a four-seater. It measures 238cm in width, which means you get a lot of seating.

It's also another affordable option, especially right now, as it currently has 20% off in Habitat's winter sale. Plus, although it currently only comes in two colourways, in my opinion, both velvet upholstery options look far more expensive than their price tag suggests.

And, as the Habitat Julien sofa bed was only launched in 2025, I'm hoping there will be more upholstery options on their way in 2026.

Alternative 2: Heal's Oswald Sofa Bed

Heal's Oswald sofa bed is by far the most expensive alternative to the IKEA FRIHETEN, but it has a lot going for it.

Like the FRIHETEN, it's a three-seater sofa, measuring 222cm in width, and it's equally generous in bed form. The FRIHETEN offers an almost king-size sleeping area, measuring 144 x 199cm, whilst the Oswald offers a true king-size sleeping space, with 152 x 222cm worth of space for guests to stretch out. That's pretty unheard of in the world of sofa beds, where scrimping on sleeping space is the norm.

Again, upholstery options are limited to just four colourways, but having seen them in the flesh, the Oswald's fabric options are of high quality, and, in my opinion, are likely to wear better and last longer than the FRIHETEN's budget-friendly materials.

Its mechanisms for unfolding the bed were also far smoother and felt more robust than the FRIHETEN, and the Oswald also offers generous hidden storage space.

Alternative 3: Swyft Model 12 Chaise Sofa Bed

But what if you're on the hunt for a chaise sofa bed? Well, you could pull up an upholstered footstool to one of the options above, but if you want a true chaise, Swyft's Model 12 Chaise Sofa Bed is the one I'd put on your radar.

The Model 12 comes in a much wider selection of upholstery options than the IKEA FRIHETEN, and similar to IKEA's chaise, it offers hidden storage space in the chaise section, thanks to a lift-up top.

Plus, this sofa bed is delivered flat-packed, which makes it suitable for those of us with awkward delivery access, and it's super easy to assemble thanks to Swyft's no-tool locking system – far quicker than assembling an IKEA flatpack, in my experience.

Ultimately, whether you opt for the IKEA FRIHETEN or one of these IKEA FRIHETEN alternatives, I don't think you'll be disappointed with the sit-sleep space you invest in.