A Guide To
Designing Your
Perfect Bespoke Sofa

Your living room deserves a centrepiece that combines style, comfort, and individuality – and nothing accomplishes this better than a bespoke sofa!

In this concise guide, we'll explore a range of Oliver Matthews’ bespoke sofa styles, fabrics, sizes, fillings, and accessories to help you find the perfect match for your living room. 

Discover the advantages of investing in a bespoke sofa as we delve into various aesthetics and colour palettes. From superior quality and durability to limitless customisation options, a bespoke sofa offers a unique masterpiece that reflects your taste and stands the test of time. 

Join us as we navigate the world of bespoke sofas and transform your living space.

Choose Your Style of Sofa

When it comes to selecting a bespoke sofa, style is everything. You'll be delighted to discover a diverse range of styles to choose from for a bespoke sofa, corner unit, armchair, or chaise-end sofa.

With approximately 40 different styles available, including Colosseum, Kensington, Pavilion, and many more, you'll find the perfect initial shape and form for your sofa. Each style possesses its own unique character and design elements, catering to a variety of tastes and interior aesthetics.

Whether you prefer a simplistic design or a more extravagant statement piece, these style options set the foundation for your bespoke sofa before delving into the selection of materials, colours, and stuffings. The range of styles ensures that there's something to suit every individual's preference, allowing you to create a truly personalised and tailored piece that harmonises seamlessly with your living room's overall design vision.

Choose Your Sofa Size

The flexibility of bespoke sofa design extends beyond style, encompassing a wide array of size options tailored to your specific needs. With a bespoke sofa, you have the option to create a sofa of any width, meaning you have the freedom to accommodate the dimensions of your living room perfectly. 

Measure your room to determine how much space you have available for the sofa. Consider the layout of your living room and the placement of other furniture to ensure the sofa fits harmoniously. A large sofa may be suitable for spacious rooms, while smaller sofas or sectionals can work well in compact or open-plan living areas.

The seat depth and height are crucial for achieving optimal comfort. Consider your preferences and the needs of your household members. If you prefer a more relaxed and casual seating experience, opt for deeper seats. For those with back issues or who prefer a more upright position, choose a sofa with a higher seat height and firmer cushions.

You can choose from four-seat, three-seat and two-seat options, ensuring optimal comfort and a personalised seating experience. For those seeking a corner sofa, all of our models are available with the option of a curved, square, or angular corner section, allowing you to maximise space and create a cosy and inviting seating arrangement.

Choose Your High-Quality Fabric

When it comes to selecting the fabric for your bespoke sofa, consider both style and practicality. The right fabric can enhance the overall aesthetic of your sofa while ensuring durability and ease of maintenance. We offer over 5,000 luxury fabrics to choose from, including designer upholstery from leading fabric houses Clarke & Clarke, Romo, Prestigious Textiles, Warwick, as well as our own range of materials.

Some popular fabric options include:

Luxurious Velvet

Velvet is a timeless and luxurious fabric choice that adds a touch of opulence to any sofa. Its soft and plush texture creates an inviting and comfortable seating experience. Velvet is available in a wide range of colors, from rich jewel tones to muted neutrals, allowing you to customize your sofa to match your desired color palette. Keep in mind that velvet requires regular maintenance to prevent crushing or matting of the fabric.

Durable Leather

Leather is a classic choice that exudes sophistication and durability. It ages beautifully and develops a unique patina over time. Leather sofas are easy to clean and maintain, making them ideal for households with children or pets. Opt for full-grain or top-grain leather for the highest quality and longevity. Leather sofas work well in both traditional and contemporary settings, offering a timeless appeal.

Versatile Linen

Linen is a versatile fabric that offers a relaxed and casual vibe. It has a natural texture and a slightly wrinkled appearance, adding character to your sofa. Linen is highly breathable, making it ideal for warm climates. It comes in various colors, ranging from soft neutrals to vibrant hues. Keep in mind that linen may require more frequent cleaning and is more prone to wrinkling compared to other fabrics.

Practical Microfiber

Microfiber is a synthetic fabric known for its durability and easy maintenance. It is resistant to stains, spills, and fading, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas or households with children and pets. Microfiber sofas are available in a range of colors and textures, including suede-like finishes. They offer a practical and budget-friendly option without compromising on style.

Choosing the Filling for Your Bespoke Sofa

Choosing the right filling for your bespoke sofa is essential for creating a comfortable and enjoyable seating experience. Whether you prefer the support of foam, the indulgence of feather or down, or a combination of both, selecting the right filling ensures that your sofa provides the perfect balance of comfort, style, and durability for your home. 

Consider the level of comfort and support desired when selecting the filling for your bespoke sofa. Different fillings offer varying levels of firmness and resilience, allowing you to customise the seating experience to your preference.

Some fillings to consider include:

Foam Filling

Foam fillings are popular choices as they provide excellent support and maintain their shape over time. High-density foam offers a firmer feel and extra support, while softer foam provides a plush and cosy seating experience. Foam-filled cushions also have the advantage of being low maintenance and resistant to sagging.

Feather and Down

If you prefer a more traditional feel, consider opting for feather or down fillings. These natural materials offer a luxurious and indulgent seating experience with a soft and enveloping feel, perfect for those who prioritise comfort. However, it's important to note that feather or down-filled cushions require regular fluffing and maintenance to maintain their loft and shape.

Combination Fillings

Another option to explore is a combination of foam and feather/down fillings. This hybrid filling provides the best of both worlds, combining the support and durability of foam with the plushness and comfort of natural materials. It creates a balanced seating experience that offers both support and softness.

Matching Aesthetics and Colour Palettes

When selecting a bespoke sofa, it's crucial to consider the existing room aesthetics and colour schemes. Your sofa should harmonise with the overall design, creating a cohesive and visually pleasing space. Taking into account the style, theme, and colour palette of your room will ensure that the sofa seamlessly integrates into the existing decor.

If your room features neutral tones, such as whites, grays, or beiges, a sofa in a complementary shade will add depth and sophistication. Neutral-colored sofas offer versatility and timeless elegance, blending with various color schemes and allowing for the easy incorporation of accent colors through cushions and accessories.

On the other hand, a contrasting color can create a focal point and inject a vibrant energy into the space. Bold-colored sofas can make a striking statement and become the centerpiece of the room. Jewel tones like emerald green or sapphire blue add drama, while vibrant shades like mustard yellow or coral bring a playful and energetic vibe.

Consider using color swatches or consulting with an interior designer to find the perfect hue that enhances the room's overall aesthetic.

Finishing Touches: Personalise Your Bespoke Sofa

When selecting a bespoke sofa, the opportunity to add unique finishing touches is an exciting aspect of customization. Studs, buttons, or contrast piping can elevate the aesthetics of your sofa and make it truly one-of-a-kind. You can also choose the style of foot to best complement your new bespoke sofa.

Studs

Studs are decorative metal or upholstery nails that can be applied along the edges or outlines of the sofa. They add a touch of sophistication and create visual interest. Consider options such as antique brass studs for a vintage look or polished silver studs for a contemporary feel.

Buttons

Button tufting is a classic design element that creates an elegant and tailored appearance. You can choose to have buttons placed on the backrest or seat cushions of your bespoke sofa, adding depth and texture to the overall design. Opt for matching or contrasting buttons to complement your chosen fabric or add a pop of color.

Contrast Piping

Piping, also known as welt, is a decorative trim that outlines the edges of the sofa's cushions or body. Choosing contrast piping in a complementary or contrasting color adds visual interest and can highlight the sofa's design details. It's an opportunity to create a cohesive look or make a bold statement.

Sofa Legs & Feet

The feet or legs of your bespoke sofa are not just functional but also contribute to its overall aesthetic appeal. Feet are available in various materials, including wood, metal, or acrylic. Each material creates a different visual effect and can complement different interior styles. For example, wooden feet add warmth and traditional charm, while metal feet offer a sleek and contemporary look.

Also pay attention to the design of the feet, as it can significantly impact the sofa's overall style. Options range from simple and minimalist to ornate and decorative. Choose a design that aligns with your desired aesthetic and enhances the sofa's overall appearance.

Finally, consider the height of the feet in relation to the sofa's seating height. Higher feet can create a sense of openness and spaciousness, while lower feet can provide a grounded and solid look. Additionally, ensure that the height of the feet is compatible with the desired seat and armrest height for optimal comfort.

Why Invest in a Bespoke Sofa

Bespoke sofas offer unparalleled qualities and craftsmanship that set them apart from mass-produced alternatives. Each piece is meticulously crafted by skilled artisans, ensuring exceptional attention to detail and superior quality. The use of premium materials and precise tailoring result in a sofa that exudes luxury and sophistication.

Our sofas are built to withstand the test of time, using high-quality materials and robust construction techniques. With proper care, a bespoke sofa can become a cherished heirloom that lasts for generations, providing comfort and style for years to come.

With a bespoke piece, you have the opportunity to customize various aspects, such as size, shape, upholstery fabric, and details like trim or tufting. This level of customisation ensures that your sofa fits perfectly into your space, reflecting your unique style and preferences.

Design Your Perfect Bespoke Sofa with Oliver Matthews

Investing in a bespoke sofa is an investment in quality, craftsmanship, and individuality. With its exceptional design, durability, and the ability to tailor every detail to your liking, a bespoke sofa becomes a focal point of your living space, elevating both comfort and style.

By taking the time to explore your options and making informed choices, you can create a sofa that truly reflects your style and enhances your living space. Invest in a bespoke sofa and elevate your home decor to new heights.

Our luxury bespoke sofas are built to the very highest standards, using only the finest and most high-quality materials. We offer a full design service – simply visit our showroom to see your choices in person or give us a call on 01707 661919 if you have any questions or need further advice.