PROPERTY: Classic v Contemporary

0 Comments | Sunday Mirror, Jan 11, 2004

pounds 850

Hereford chaise longue, Laura Ashley (0871 2302301)

pounds 325

Ektorp 3-seater sofa with floral loose cover, Ikea (0845 355 1141)

pounds 1,285

Notting Hill 3-seater sofa, Oka Direct (0870 1606002)

pounds 549

Lofa compact sofa with red anti-stain cover, Habitat (0845 6010740)

from

pounds 859

Uno 3-seater sofa in soft blue fabric, from a range of material and leather sofas by Bo Concept (0845 605 0565)

pounds 899

Cordoba compact 3-seater sofa, Furniture Village (0800 7 830 830)

pounds 325

Klippan 2-seater sofa with black leather loose cover, Ikea (0845 355 1141)

pounds 1,399

Mickey large 2-seater sofa in grey felted wool, Marks & Spencer (0845 603 1603)

pounds 299.99

Aubergine 3-seater sofa, Index (08457 444 444)

from pounds 653

Marl grey 2-seater sofa, from Bo Concept

(0845 605 0565)

10 THINGS TO THINK ABOUT BEFORE BUYING A SOFA

1. MEASURE to make sure the sofa will fit through your front door and living room doorway. Ask the showroom - it might offer you a pre- order site visit.

2. CHECK that the sofa comes with Scotchguard stain treatment or leather protection treatment within the price.

3. GET a guaranteed delivery date - you don't want to take a day off only to be let down. Some stores make you wait three months for delivery, while others can get your order out in 10 days.

4. THOSE cream covers look fab in the showroom, but are they machine- washable and guaranteed against shrinkage?

5. ENSURE the sofa feet won't scratch wood floors or make marks on your lush carpet.

6. SQUASHY sofas are comfortable, but will you tire of shaking out the cushions every day to make them look presentable?

7. ASK for a breakdown of what the fillings and fabric are made of - some fillings might cause allergies to asthma sufferers.

8. CONSIDER your seating arrangements: two matching sofas might look great in the showroom, but back at home a sofa and two chairs might work better in your room.

9. IF you opt for a sofa with removable covers, find out if you can buy a second set.

10. A SOFA bed is useful, but they are heavier, and despite what the manufacturer says, are never as comfy as a standard sofa.