Choose a sofa that will complement the room like this Padstow sofa by John Lewis

Measure the space you’ll use for seating, as well as any openings they’ll need to squeeze through, so you don’t get stuck getting them in.

While a three-seater and armchair suits most homes, you may prefer a couple of compact two-seaters, and a sofabed is a good idea if you have regular guests.

Families with young children should consider dark fabrics and removable, machine washable covers to quickly get rid of mess and stains. Brightly coloured materials can go out of fashion quickly so stick to classic shades or a traditional stripe design.