Choosing a sofa can feel like a big decision, especially when each design is as considered as the next. Whether you are looking for a deep, relaxed sofa to sink into or a more refined shape to bring a sense of occasion to a room, the Sophie Conran collection has something for every home. Below we look at Coco, Cocobella, Felix, Barton, Salthrop, Henrietta, Isobel and Sophia to help you find the one that suits your space, your lifestyle and the way you like to sit.

One thing worth knowing from the outset: the collections are designed to sit happily alongside one another, and they pair just as easily with pieces you already own. There is no need to commit to a matching set.

What sofa style will suit my room best?

The overall silhouette, the shape of the arms and the detailing all change the character of a room. Here is a short guide to the personality of each design.

Coco (UK, USA) is our bestseller: casual, relaxed and easy to live with, with a soft cushion detail and a pretty bow at the back. It is at home in family rooms and relaxed spaces.

Cocobella takes its lead from Coco, with the same cheerful, laid-back feel and soft proportions. It comes in a limited palette and set sizes rather than bespoke dimensions, which is worth knowing from the start.

Felix is the more elegant and neat of the everyday shapes, with clean, tailored lines. It is less dominating in a room and works beautifully in either a fixed or a loose cover, which makes it a versatile choice for both formal and relaxed settings.

Barton (formally known as Salthrop) is a classic English sofa with rolled arms and proper, traditional lines. It is one of our deepest frames, so it loves a generous room and rewards anyone who likes to stretch out. This is based on a much-loved family original known as the Burnham Sofa. Deep and enveloping, it suits traditional, country and period interiors, and while it is happiest in a larger room, it has found its way into plenty of cosy cottages too.

Henrietta is the most formal sofa in the collection, really suited to grander rooms. It is tidy, upright and traditional, with a fixed cover and ornate legs that give it a lovely antique character. It is a faithful replica of a late eighteenth-century piece gifted to Sophie from her mother Caroline, which is part of what gives it such an authentic, period feel.

Isobel is based on the classic Howard design, the quintessential old English sofa with a curved back, low arms and a deep, comfortable seat. The original was made by Howard & Sons, the celebrated London firm founded in 1820 whose sofas became a favourite in Victorian country and town houses. It is an elegant, timeless shape that settles into almost any room.

Sophia is much more compact and upright, which makes it useful where a fuller sofa simply will not fit: hallways, dining benches, even a generous bathroom. It is extremely comfortable, with distinctive curved legs. It is currently made with a fixed cover, though we are happy to explore a loose cover if that is what you need.

A small tip: think about how the room is used and how you like to gather in it, and let that guide the shape rather than the other way around.

Are the sofas all equally well made?

Every sofa in the collection is handcrafted in the UK or USA by skilled makers, using traditional construction and quality materials. There are some differences in build between the designs, but the standard throughout is high. In general you can expect:

• Solid hardwood frames that give a sturdy foundation.
• Sprung seat bases for durability and lasting support. In Salthrop and Cocobella this uses an individual coil mechanism.
• Natural-fibre paddings and eco-conscious fabrics wherever possible.
• Removable, washable covers on most designs for easy care.

The result is a piece built to last, in both quality and looks.

Which sofa is the most comfortable?

It depends on how you like to sit. Some prefer a supportive seat, others a deep, soft place to sink into at the end of the day.

Coco is cushioned with feather for a soft, luxurious feel with gentle support, ideal for lounging.

Felix is balanced between firm and soft, giving good support while staying inviting.

Salthrop offers traditional, enveloping comfort with deep cushions. They benefit from a regular plump, but the comfort rewards it.

Cocobella is built for relaxation, with generously padded arms and back cushions for casual family living.

Sophia, despite its compact frame, is notably comfortable, with a neat upright shape that still invites you to stay a while.

Cushion fillings (feather, fibre, foam or a mix) can be specified to make any of these sit exactly the way you like.

Can I customise my sofa?

Yes, and this is where the collection really comes into its own:

• Fabric: plains, florals, stripes and GOTS-certified organic options (especially with Cocobella).
• Cushion filling: feather, fibre, foam or a blend, depending on the feel you want.
• Loose or fixed covers: Coco, Cocobella and Felix are available with loose, removable covers, easy to clean and to refresh seasonally. Sophia is currently fixed, but a loose cover can be explored.
• Size and configuration: from armchairs through to four-seaters, with modular options in some designs.

At a glance

If you would like a hand, send us a photograph of your room and we will tell you what we would suggest. It is a part of the process we enjoy.