10 simple neutral sofas for under £3,000

I haven’t done a minimalist sofa edit in a while now, so I thought it was worth sharing a new feature on the best simple and neutral sofas.

A sofa is a huge investment buy, and while some of the big Scandi brands might be the dream, not everyone has the budget to match. So I’ve constrained the budget of this edit to under £3,000, seeking out a selection of affordable designs that don’t compromise on style – or comfort.

Starting from £725, I’ve rounded up 10 neutral sofas for the minimalist home – many of which I’ve sourced in the past for clients and one which I have in my own home! So you can be sure that these have the CSH seal of approval and haven’t just been picked at random. Each one has been chosen for a particular feature or elegant design detail, from space-saving delivery to hidden lumbar support.

That being said, when it comes to choosing a sofa, it always pays to try before you buy. A number of these brands have showrooms where you can sample their designs in person, and many offer free fabric samples so you can test the colours and textures against your existing decor or new scheme. All these look the part, but it’s also important to consider: your personal preferences when it comes to cushion firmness (feather wrapped foam will be a little more forgiving and squishier than foam only, although they will require more plumping over time); the type of armrests (if you like reading you might want a lower, wider armrest to lean on while you read); the height of the back compared to your own height (a lower back might look cool but it can offer less support, especially when watching TV); and of course, not to be forgotten, how you’re going to get the sofa through the front door and into your home (especially if you’ve got a tight, tricky hallway!).

Most of these designs come in lots of different colour ways, and with some you can customise the size, legs or details, offering plenty of options for everyone. If you search the product name on the brand’s website you’ll also likely find a version of the same sofa with a chaise section, but for now the focus is on 10 simple neutral sofas for under £3,000. Let me know which catches your eye?

1. Ottilie Modern Sofa, from £1,833, Love Your Home – One of my favourite neutral sofas that I’m always recommending to clients; I love the slim, elegant arms and the thin profile of the frame. The contemporary, minimal style doesn’t scrimp on comfort either – with extra deep and high, feather wrapped cushions. Available in 2, 2.5, 3 and 4 seater as well as a corner version in 100 different fabrics and colours
2. Wave sofa, from £2,018, Adventures in Furniture – The gentle curve of the arms adds a subtle, nuanced detail to this simple sofa. Choose between standard comfort foam cushions or upgrade to lux feather and foam. There’s also an option for loose covers. Available as a 2 or 3 seater as well as a corner version in hundreds of colours
3. Swyft Model 03, from £1,680, John Lewis & Partners [AD – affiliate link] – No need to worry about whether you can fit this sofa through the front door; this modular sofa comes delivered in a box and uses a simple Swyft-lok mechanism that makes assembly quick and easy. Available in medium, large and grande in four colours
4. Douglas low arm two seater sofa, £1,799, British Design Shop – A newer version of my sofa (pictured), with lower armrests. Handmade in the UK, the Douglas was designed by Russell Gillott and features a hardwood frame, lozenge shaped cushions and lumbar support in the back. We have the additional footstool, which transforms the sofa into a cosy corner sofa. Available as a 2 or 3 seater as well as chaise version in over 90 fabrics
5. Tortona sofa, from £2,349, Heal’s – Designed by Danish duo Says Who exclusively for Heal’s, this timeless sofa features powder-coated steel legs and elegant French seam detailing. Available as a 3 or 4 seater as well as corner chaise version
6. HAY Hackney sofa, £2,699, Insidestore – Offering the perfect balance between modern and traditional, with a wooden frame featuring a coil spring system wrapped in down and polyurethane foam for comfort. Available as 2 or 3 seater in multiple fabric options
7. Clara sofa, from £1,495, Arlo & Jacob – A simple, understated design with a slender frame and deep, feather-filled cushions. Available in small, medium, large and grande in multiple fabric options
8. Swyft Model 01 large 3 seater sofa, £995, John Lewis & Partners [AD – affiliate link] – A clean form with boxy arms and mid-century style legs, this sofa, like number 3, comes delivered in a box for easy assembly. Available in medium and large in eight colours
9. Luna sofa, £1,399, John Lewis & Partners [AD – affiliate link] – A slim, compact frame with tapered legs, plump cushions and crescent-shaped arms. Available as a 2, 3 and 4 seater with chaise section in nine colours
10. Miro 3 seater sofa, £725, Made.com [AD – affiliate link] – This rounded arms of this sofa give it a soft appeal, while the metal legs make it feel bang up to date. Available in five colours