Sofa Budget Calculator
Find the right sofa budget based on your needs and how long you plan to keep it. This calculator helps you avoid expensive mistakes and ensures you get value for your money.
Buying a sofa isn’t like buying a coffee table. It’s one of the biggest, most-used pieces in your home. You sit on it every day. You spill coffee on it. Your kids jump on it. Your dog sleeps on it. So getting the right one isn’t just about style-it’s about value, durability, and what you’re actually paying for.
What Does a Sofa Actually Cost These Days?
In 2026, sofas range from under £300 to over £3,000. That’s a huge gap. But here’s the truth: you don’t need to spend £2,500 to get a sofa that lasts five years. And you probably shouldn’t buy a £250 sofa if you plan to keep it longer than a year.
Most people fall into one of three budget buckets: low, mid, and high. Each gives you something very different.
Under £400: The ‘Temporary’ Sofa
If you’re renting, moving soon, or just testing out a new space, a £300-£400 sofa makes sense. These are usually made from engineered wood frames, synthetic fabrics like polyester or microfiber, and cheap foam cushions that flatten fast.
Brands like IKEA, Amazon Basics, and Wayfair’s budget lines dominate this range. You’ll get something that looks fine in photos. But if you sit on it for more than 20 minutes, you’ll feel the difference. The foam collapses. The seams start to pull. The legs wobble.
One customer in Oxford bought a £350 three-seater in October 2025. By January, the cushions were flat like pancakes. The armrests were loose. She called it her ‘renter’s sofa’-and replaced it after six months.
Verdict: Only buy this if you know you’ll upgrade soon. Don’t expect it to last.
£400-£1,000: The Sweet Spot
This is where most smart buyers land. You’re not cutting corners, but you’re not overspending either. At this level, you start seeing real improvements.
Frames are usually made from kiln-dried hardwood or reinforced plywood. Cushions use high-resilience foam or a mix of foam and fiber. Upholstery might be performance fabric-stain-resistant, pet-friendly, and durable.
Brands like DFS, Made.com, and Habitat offer solid options here. You can get a 3-seater with reclining features, a chaise, or a modular design for under £900. Many come with 5-year warranties.
I spoke to a couple in Headington who bought a £750 sofa from Made.com in November 2025. Two dogs, two kids, weekly movie nights. After four months, it still looks new. The fabric repels spills. The cushions hold their shape. They say it was the best £750 they ever spent.
At this price, you’re not just buying a sofa-you’re buying peace of mind. It’s the first place you should look if you’re planning to stay in your home for more than two years.
£1,000-£2,000: The Long-Term Investment
This is where craftsmanship kicks in. You’re paying for solid hardwood frames, hand-tied springs, down-blend cushions, and premium fabrics like linen, velvet, or top-grain leather.
Brands like ScS, John Lewis, and independent makers like The Sofa Company or The Joinery dominate here. Many sofas in this range are made in the UK or Europe. Some even offer custom sizing and fabric choices.
One client in Summertown bought a £1,600 linen sofa from The Joinery in December 2025. It’s a 2.5-seater with deep seats and a low back-perfect for reading. The fabric is a natural off-white. It’s been washed twice now. Still looks great. The frame? Solid oak. No creaks. No sag.
These sofas often come with 10-year warranties. Some makers even offer reupholstery services. That means if the fabric wears out in 10 years, you can get it redone for £400-£600 instead of buying a whole new sofa.
Think of this as a 10-15 year investment. If you live in the same place for a decade, this is the only budget that makes real financial sense.
Over £2,000: Luxury or Designer
At this level, you’re paying for name, design, and exclusivity. Brands like Poltrona Frau, B&B Italia, or even local artisans charging £3,000+ for a sofa are selling status as much as function.
Yes, the materials are exceptional. Yes, the craftsmanship is meticulous. But you’re also paying for the logo. A £2,500 sofa from a designer brand might have the same internal structure as a £1,400 sofa from a well-made UK brand. The difference? A few extra inches of padding, a unique shape, and a label.
Unless you’re an interior designer or have a very specific aesthetic goal, this range rarely offers better value. You’re spending more for less practical benefit.
What You’re Really Paying For
Here’s what separates a £300 sofa from a £1,500 one:
- Frame: Particleboard vs. kiln-dried hardwood
- Cushions: Low-density foam vs. high-resilience foam + down blend
- Spring system: Elastic webbing vs. hand-tied sinuous springs
- Upholstery: Polyester blend vs. performance fabric or natural linen/leather
- Warranty: 1 year vs. 10 years
It’s not magic. It’s materials. And the difference shows up over time.
How to Decide Your Budget
Ask yourself these questions:
- How long do you plan to keep this sofa? (If less than 2 years, go under £400. If 5+ years, aim for £600+.)
- Who uses it? (Kids? Pets? Guests? Higher traffic = need better fabric and cushion support.)
- Do you care about comfort or just looks? (A sofa that looks great but feels like a brick isn’t worth it.)
- Can you test it in person? (Never buy a sofa online without sitting on it first. Cushion firmness is personal.)
- Is delivery and assembly included? (Some cheap sofas charge £50+ to deliver. That’s part of the cost.)
Most people underestimate how much time they spend on their sofa. If you watch TV every night, read before bed, or host friends for dinner, your sofa is a daily utility. Treat it like one.
Where to Look for Deals
Don’t buy at full price. Most brands have seasonal sales:
- January: Post-holiday clearance
- May: End of financial year
- August: Back-to-school / summer sales
- November: Black Friday and pre-Christmas
Check outlet stores, showroom floor models, and overstock sites like Sofa.com’s clearance section. A £1,200 sofa might drop to £700 if it’s been on display for six months. Same quality. Lower price.
Also, consider buying a sofa set (sofa + two armchairs) as a bundle. You’ll often save 15-20%.
What to Avoid
Here are three common mistakes:
- Buying based on color alone: A bright blue sofa looks amazing in a showroom. In your living room with afternoon sun? It fades fast. Stick to neutrals if you want longevity.
- Ignoring the depth: A shallow sofa (under 85cm) is fine for sitting upright. But if you like to stretch out? Go for 90cm+. Depth matters more than you think.
- Not checking the legs: Plastic or thin metal legs? They break. Solid wood or metal with a wide base? That’s what lasts.
Final Rule of Thumb
If you’re buying a sofa to last 5+ years, spend at least £600. If you want it to last 10+ years, spend £1,000+. Anything under £400 is a short-term fix. Anything over £2,000 is a luxury.
There’s no magic number. But there’s a clear pattern: the more you spend above £600, the longer your sofa will serve you-and the less you’ll spend replacing it.
Your sofa is one of the few things you’ll sit on every day for years. Don’t treat it like an impulse buy. Treat it like a home investment.
Is a £300 sofa worth buying?
Only if you’re renting for less than a year or need a temporary solution. A £300 sofa usually has a particleboard frame, low-density foam, and synthetic fabric. It’ll flatten within months and likely won’t survive heavy use. It’s not a long-term investment.
What’s the best sofa budget for families with kids and pets?
Aim for £700-£1,200. Look for performance fabrics like Crypton or Sunbrella-these repel stains, resist claws, and are easy to clean. Avoid velvet or light colors. Choose a tight weave, firm cushions, and a solid hardwood frame. A 5-year warranty is a must.
Should I buy a sofa online or in-store?
Always sit on it first if you can. Online shopping works for standard sizes and if you’ve owned a similar sofa before. But cushion firmness, back height, and arm depth are personal. Visit a showroom, test 3-4 models, then compare prices online. Many stores match online deals in-store.
Do expensive sofas last longer?
Yes-if you’re comparing similar styles. A £1,500 sofa with a hardwood frame and hand-tied springs will outlast a £500 sofa with a particleboard frame and elastic webbing. But a £2,500 designer sofa isn’t necessarily more durable than a £1,400 well-made one. Pay for quality, not just the brand.
Can I save money by buying a floor model?
Absolutely. Floor models are often discounted 20-40% because they’ve been on display. Check for wear on the fabric, loose seams, or scuffs. If the frame and cushions are solid, you’re getting a nearly new sofa at a fraction of the price. Many stores offer the same warranty on floor models as new ones.
Next Steps
Start by measuring your space. Write down the width, depth, and height of the doorway and stairwell. Then, decide how many people will use it daily. Visit a local showroom. Sit on at least three sofas. Test the arms, the back, the cushions. Ask about the frame material and warranty. Then compare prices online.
Don’t rush. The right sofa doesn’t just fit your room-it fits your life. And that’s worth waiting for.