A cinema sofa is built for one thing: settling in for the evening. Deep seats, big full-back cushions and room to stretch out make it the closest thing to a private screening room in your own living room.
But cinema sofas are big, and buying one that's too large (or too small) is an easy mistake. This guide covers what a cinema sofa is, the sizes available and what to check before you order.
What is a cinema sofa?
In the UK, a cinema sofa usually means a large, deep, lounge-style sofa with oversized full-back cushions, rather than a sofa with reclining seats. Most are modular or come with footstools or a chaise, so you can put your feet up and stretch out.
Typical features include:
- Deep seats you can curl up or lie back on
- Full-back cushions that support you from your lower back to your head
- Footstools or a chaise for stretching your legs
- Modular sections, so you can arrange it to suit your room
Cinema sofa vs recliner sofa
A recliner sofa uses a manual or electric mechanism to tilt the back and raise a footrest. A cinema sofa does the same job with depth, cushions and footstools instead.
- Choose a cinema sofa if you like to curl up, lie down or share the space, and want a softer, more relaxed look.
- Choose a recliner if you want individual reclining positions and a more upright seat when you're not reclining.
We sell both: browse our cinema sofas, or see leather recliners like the Milan 3 Seater and the electric Turin 3 Seater.
How to choose the right size
Cinema sofas come in a range of sizes. Our Cinema Modular Sofa and Luxe Cinema Sofa, for example, each come in four sizes:
- Small: a 3-piece chaise layout
- Medium: 3 parts
- Large: 4 parts
- Extra large: 4 parts
The MovieNight Cinema Sofa comes in regular or large, while the Sofaflix comes with a matching footstool and the Chelsea L Shape Cinema Sofa comes with an added footstool.
If you want a deep, sink-in sofa for film nights in a more traditional shape, the Sienna range comes in sizes from a love seat to a large U shape, with medium and large footstools to match.
To work out which size you need:
- Count heads. How many people regularly watch together, and do they sit up or lie down? Allow more space for stretching out.
- Measure the wall. Measure the space along the wall the sofa will sit against, and how far it can come into the room.
- Allow for depth. Cinema sofas are deeper than standard sofas. Check the depth on the product page and make sure you still have room for a walkway and a coffee table.
- Check the viewing distance. As a rough guide, sit 1.5 to 2.5 times the screen's diagonal size away from the TV. For a 65 inch screen, that's roughly 2.5 to 4 metres.
What to look for in a cinema sofa
Cushions and comfort
Full-back cushions are what make a cinema sofa so comfortable for long viewing. Look at what the cushions are filled with: high-density foam seats keep their shape, while foam and fibre back cushions feel softer. The Sofaflix, for example, combines high-density foam seats with eco-friendly foam and fibre back cushions for a medium-firm sit.
Many cinema sofas, including several of ours, come with full-back cushions only, so small scatter cushions aren't included. Add your own throws and cushions to finish the look.
Footstools and chaise ends
A footstool turns any seat into a lounger and doubles as extra seating when friends come round. Separate footstools are more flexible than a fixed chaise, because you can move them or tuck them away. The Belmont Boucle Cinema Couch comes with separate footstools.
Fabric
You'll spend hours on a cinema sofa, so choose a fabric that feels good against your skin. Boucle and velvet are cosy and soft, while chenille and cord are practical choices for busy family rooms. Compare them in our sofa fabric guide.
Modular sections
Many cinema sofas are modular, so you can arrange the pieces as a corner, a U shape or a straight run with footstools. Separate sections also make them much easier to deliver.
Getting it through the door
Cinema sofas are big, so check the route into your room before you order. Measure every door, hallway, staircase and tight turn between the front door and the living room, then compare them with the size of the largest single piece. If you're unsure whether a sofa will fit through your entrance or corridors, ask us for the size of each part before you buy.
Delivery is free to the room of your choice across UK mainland, so our team will carry it in for you. See our delivery information for timings.
Cinema sofa FAQs
What is the difference between a cinema sofa and a normal sofa?
A cinema sofa is deeper and more lounge-like, with oversized full-back cushions and usually footstools or a chaise. It's designed for long, relaxed evenings rather than sitting upright.
Are cinema sofas comfortable to sit upright on?
They're designed for lounging, so the seats are deep. If you're shorter or prefer to sit upright, add a few firm cushions behind your back.
Do cinema sofas come apart?
Most do. Our Cinema Modular and Luxe Cinema sofas arrive in 3 or 4 parts depending on the size, which makes delivery and moving house much easier.
How much space do I need for a cinema sofa?
It depends on the size and layout. Measure the wall and how far the sofa can come into the room, and leave about 75 to 90cm for walkways. Mark the shape out on the floor with masking tape to see how it feels before you order.
Ready for film night? Browse our full range of cinema sofas, or read our L shape vs U shape guide if you're planning a bigger layout.