We spend a lot of time in the comfort of our own homes, especially during the colder months. And since your lounge is the go-to space for relaxing, you’ll want to make it as cosy as possible.
Read on to get inspired with our cosy lounge ideas, designed to help you create a relaxing space you’ll love spending time in.
4 steps to choosing a sofa
Creating a cosy lounge begins by choosing a sofa. As the centrepiece of your living room, you need maximum comfort while staying true to your aesthetic. We spoke to Helen Joseph from our in-house interior design team to get her top tips on choosing the perfect sofa.
1. Consider the size and number of seats
The size of your sofa can impact the look and feel of your living room – too large and the sofa will be overbearing; too small and the room can feel unbalanced, and potentially smaller. Factor in the people in your household and decide how many seats you need, including any additional seating for guests.
Helen said: “Keep the sofa in proportion to the size of your room and other pieces of furniture. Consider the height of the back and arms, as this can impact placement due to radiators and shelving. Check the sofa will fit comfortably in the space you intend it to go in and think about how you’ll manoeuvre it into the space.”
It’s also important to measure doorways, hallways and staircases to avoid disappointment once your sofa arrives.
2. Decide on the colour and material
Consider the colour and fabric of your sofa. Leather or faux leather can feel cold in winter, but they are practical and long-lasting choices. Fabric sofas offer a wider colour and texture choice and more year-round comfort. A neutral fabric, such as a soft bouclé, can provide a cosy feel, while velvet is a timeless classic.
Helen said: “With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming knowing where to start. Think about the colour scheme and design direction. Create an inspiration board by collecting photos and samples to get a feel for the overall look you are trying to create.”
3. Pick the type of sofa
Think about how you prefer to relax. If you love to stretch out with your feet up, consider a recliner or a chaise end sofa. Layer with a coordinating or contrasting footstool for added comfort.
Corner sofas are also a great space-saving option, while modular sofas provide an all-round solution with greater flexibility. Equally, a sofa bed is the ideal solution for those who want to accommodate occasional overnight guests.
4. Think about upkeep
Consider the maintenance of your chosen sofa. If you have young children, you may want a wipe-clean option such as leather. If you have a pet, you’ll need to factor in pet hair and possible scratches from sharp claws.
Helen explained: “It can be tempting to choose a sofa based purely on design, aesthetics and current trends; however, functionality is a must. Sofas are arguably one of the most important pieces of furniture in your home, so they should suit the needs of your family and lifestyle to be a true investment piece.”
Where to put your sofa
To encourage maximum comfort, position sofas opposite focal points such as the fireplace or TV for a cosy, intimate setting. For a more formal feel, consider symmetry and balance by placing sofas opposite one another or pairing them with a set of occasional chairs.
When deciding where to put your sofa, map it out and remember to include your other furniture. Check there’s enough room to comfortably walk around and experiment with orientation until you settle on the right layout for your needs. There are helpful space-planning apps that let you visualise your rooms in 3D and experiment with furniture positioning.
The open plan layouts in Redrow homes lend themselves to flexible family spaces. Avoid pushing furniture against walls - by pulling a sofa slightly inwards, you can achieve a larger-looking room. You could even incorporate a corner sofa into a family space to create a relaxing, cosy snug area.
Top tips on where to put the TV
Streaming your favourite shows via broadband is simple in a new Redrow home thanks to fibre to the property (FTTP). But you may be wondering where to put the TV in the living room to maximise the screen view and aesthetic.
- Avoid high traffic areas. Minimise viewing interruptions while relaxing, making for a harmonious home.
- Position the TV away from any windows. Prevent direct sunlight and unwanted glare on the screen to ensure efficient viewing.
- Use a TV stand. By using a TV stand, media unit, or sideboard, your TV can sit at the perfect viewing height.
- Mount your TV to save space. You can tilt the angle of your wall-mounted TV for the best viewing experience. Watch the video below to learn how to fix items to your walls securely.
Does the distance from your TV matter?
Distance is key when deciding where to put the TV. You’ll need to factor in the screen size, your living room's size, and where your other furniture will sit.
If you have a 1080p Full HD resolution TV, the recommended viewing distance is around 1.5 to 2.5 times the screen size. With a 4K Ultra HD TV, you can sit closer. The suggested ideal viewing distance is roughly 1 to 1.5 times the screen size.
Our TV options
We’re in tune with what buyers want and have included a range of options to help ensure you can view your favourite shows and films.
All Redrow homes come equipped with TV points, media plates and Wi-Fi extenders. With FTTP (fibre to the premises) as standard in our homes, you can enjoy some of the best speeds in the area, which is perfect for streaming the latest in-home entertainment.
Plus, we’ve teamed up with Sky to offer an exclusive package covering phone, TV and broadband.
Top five table choices for the lounge
From having somewhere to rest your drink and snacks while you watch a film to providing a place to position a lamp, tables in the lounge can be both practical and stylish.
Coffee tables
A coffee table is the perfect addition to any cosy lounge. Consider the form or shape of your coffee table and, if space is limited, select a curved or circular design to facilitate easy movement.
Ottoman tables
An ottoman table can offer versatility in any lounge. These dual-purpose pieces serve as footstools and coffee tables, offering a stylish, practical solution. Make sure to check the size and height of your footstools against the seat height of your sofas to ensure optimal comfort.
Side tables
Side tables at either end of your sofa are the perfect spot to place a mug or glass. They should be proportional in height to your sofa to ensure they are both visually appealing and practical.
Console tables
A console table can be used as a TV stand or positioned beneath a wall-mounted TV. You may want a console table with drawers; this can provide a place to neatly store remotes, coasters, and other essentials out of sight.
A nest of tables
If you want a flexible alternative to a more traditional coffee table, a nest of tables is a great space-saving solution. Position the tables around your room to add extra surface area. They can then be used as coffee tables, end tables or display tables.
Discover the top interior trends for 2026 for more inspiration.
If you're still looking for your dream home, explore our developments and book a viewing at a Redrow show home.
You may also like:
-
- Nov 28, 2025
Smart homes and technology
-
- Nov 28, 2025
Tips on perfecting your Christmas table décor
-
- Nov 26, 2025
2026 Interior Design Trends
