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3+2+1 Sofa Sets: How to Choose a Matching Living Room Suite

3+2+1 Sofa Sets: How to Choose a Matching Living Room Suite

Buying a matching sofa set is one of the quickest ways to make a living room feel finished. Instead of hunting for a sofa, then an armchair, then trying to match colours and styles, you choose one collection and every piece is designed to sit together. This guide explains the different types of sofa set, how to work out which pieces you actually need and what to check before you order, using the sofa sets we sell at Sofa Bargain as examples.

What is a sofa set?

A sofa set, sometimes called a lounge suite, is a group of seats from the same collection. The best known is the 3+2+1, which means a 3 seater sofa, a 2 seater sofa and an armchair. You will also see smaller combinations such as a 3+1 (a sofa and an armchair) or a 2+1, and sets that add a pouf or footstool. Because every piece shares the same shape, stitching and fabric, the room looks planned rather than pieced together.

Why choose a matching set?

  • A finished look: each piece follows the same design, so the colours, arms, legs and stitching match.
  • Seating for everyone: a set spreads seats around the room, which suits families and anyone who has friends over often.
  • Flexible layouts: separate pieces can be moved around more easily than one large corner sofa, and can face each other or a TV.
  • Easier to get into the house: individual sofas and chairs are usually simpler to carry through doors and up stairs than a big one-piece design.

Sofa sets in our range

Here are some of the sofa sets you can browse on Sofa Bargain right now. The details come from each product page, so always check the page itself for the latest sizes, colours and delivery information.

Prestige 3+2+1 Sofa Sets

Our Prestige 3+2+1 Sofa Sets range is the place to start if you want a full living room suite. The London Prestige Sofa Set, pictured at the top of this article, is offered as a 3 seater, a 2 seater and an armchair, so you can build the arrangement that works for your room. The 3 seater measures about 238 x 96 x 70 cm, the 2 seater about 191 x 96 x 70 cm and the armchair about 98 x 90 x 80 cm.

Not every Prestige set follows the classic 3+2+1 layout. The Miami Prestige Sofa Set pairs one large curved sofa, about 320 cm wide, with two matching armchairs. Its back is fully upholstered, so it looks finished from every angle and can stand in the middle of a large or open-plan room rather than against a wall.

SereneLounge 3 + 1 Seater Sofa Set

If you need a spare bed as well as a sofa, the SereneLounge 3 + 1 Seater Sofa collection combines a 3 seater sofa bed with a matching club chair. The sofa measures 235 x 95 x 86 cm, unfolds into a bed of 133 x 196 cm using a DL folding system and has storage for bedding. The chair measures 107 x 92 x 86 cm. See the SereneLounge 3 + 1 Seater Sofa Set M84 for an example.

Windsor 2 + 1 Seater

For a smaller living room, the Windsor 2 + 1 Seater collection pairs a 2 seater sofa with a club chair in a wingback style. The 2 seater measures 150 x 90 x 103 cm and the chair 85 x 90 x 103 cm. The seats combine continuous springs with soft T30 foam. Take a look at the Windsor 2 + 1 Seater M84.

Wimbledon Sofa Bed Set

The Wimbledon Sofa Bed Set collection is made up of an armchair, a 2 seater sofa and a 3 seater sofa bed, with a Chesterfield-inspired look: deep button tufting, diamond stitching and scrolled arms. Its low backrest keeps the room from feeling crowded. There is also a matching Wimbledon corner sofa bed and U shaped sofa bed if you prefer one large piece. See the Wimbledon Sofa Bed Set K07.

Brighton Sofa Bed + Armchair & Pouf Set

The Brighton Sofa bed + Armchair & Pouf collection adds a pouf to the usual sofa and chair. The sofa bed measures 245 x 97 x 92 cm and opens into a 195 x 125 cm sleeping area with a bedding container. The armchair is 108 x 89 x 85 cm, and the 102 x 64 x 40 cm pouf works as an extra seat, a footrest or a table. See the Brighton Set M97.

South Lakeland Sofa Set

The South Lakeland Sofa Set collection has a simpler, modern style, with velvet upholstery, wide armrests, seats based on wave springs and black metal legs. The South Lakeland Sofa Set BL14 is shown in dark grey velvet.

Which pieces do you really need?

Count the people, not just the seats

Think about how many people use the room on a normal evening, then add the guests you usually have. A couple in a flat may only need a 2+1, while a family of four or five will make good use of a full 3+2+1. If you often have people to stay, a set that includes a sofa bed, such as the SereneLounge, Wimbledon or Brighton, saves buying a separate guest bed.

Measure the room

Add up the widths of every piece in the set and compare them with your walls, leaving space to walk around them and to open doors. Marking each piece on the floor with masking tape is a quick way to see whether the layout works. Our guide on how to measure a room for a corner sofa uses the same approach.

Plan the layout

A common layout puts the 3 seater facing the TV or fireplace, with the 2 seater and armchair at the sides to make a U shape around a coffee table. In a narrow room, try the sofa and the 2 seater facing each other with the armchair at the end. Curved designs like the Miami work best with space around them, so they suit larger rooms.

Check access on delivery day

Measure doorways, hallways and any tight turns on the stairs before you order, especially for the 3 seater, which is usually the largest piece. Our guide on how to measure access before delivery walks you through what to check.

Choose a fabric you can live with

Because every piece is upholstered in the same material, the fabric choice matters more with a set. Colours can look slightly different on different screens, so contact us if you need an exact shade. Our guide to durable sofa fabrics can help you decide.

Ordering and delivery

At the time of writing, the sofa sets in this guide show as pre-order on their product pages, and the delivery time varies by collection. Delivery times can change, so always check the delivery information on the product page before you order, especially if you need the furniture by a particular date. Cushions shown in the photos may not be included, so check each product page for what comes with the set.

The bottom line

A matching sofa set gives you a living room that looks put together and enough seating for everyone. Choose a Prestige set for a full 3+2+1 or a statement curved sofa, the SereneLounge, Wimbledon or Brighton if you want a sofa bed in the mix, or the Windsor 2 + 1 for a smaller room. Browse our Prestige 3+2+1 Sofa Sets and Sofa Beds & Loveseats to compare sizes, colours and fabrics.