Traditional Formal Back or Plump Pillow Back?

Whether you want a soft squish or a more upright sit we have the options for you. Our Maple & Cooper collections come with a choice of back cushions so you can personalise your Sofa to your ideal comfort level and aesthetic. But how do you know which one is right for you?  Well we’ve broken down the pros & cons of each style below to help you make the right choice. After all a new Sofa will last years to come so you want to be comfortable from day one!

Pillow Back Sofas

Our Pillow Back Sofas are made up of 5 large back cushions (or 4 depending on your Sofa size) . These cushions create a comfortable and inviting seating area as well as bringing a relaxed, casual vibe to your living space. So what are the pros and cons of Pillow Back?

Pro – Style

Pillow Back Sofas offer a more casual feel and can be a great choice for a stylish place to read or watch TV. Our Pillow Back Sofas allow you to mix and match the colour of your cushions, picking a different fabric on one side to create a unique, customised look personal to you.

Pro – Comfort

Pillow Back Sofas are generally softer than other types of Sofas, making them a good choice for lounging. You can easily sink into the soft squish of a Collins & Hayes Sofa and with the addition of adjustable cushions, you can really make a space that’s comfortable for your personal needs.

Con – Maintenance

Pillow Back Sofas will require more maintenance than Formal Back Sofas. To keep the cushions looking and feeling good, you will need to occasionally flip, rotate, and fluff them.

Con – Support

Pillow Back Sofas may not offer the same level of support and structure as other types of Sofas, which could be a disadvantage if you’re looking for something to support your back or head.

Formal Back Sofas

A Formal Back Sofa, also known as a “tight-back” Sofa, is characterised by its clean, structured back cushions. A Formal Back Sofa features a more tailored, streamlined appearance. So let’s get straight into the Pros and Cons of a Formal Back Sofa.

Pro – Support

A Formal Back Sofa tends to have a firmer back compared to the Pillow Back Sofa. With less cushions and less movement you will find this type of Sofa more supportive on your back and head. A Formal Back Sofa will provide a more upright and consistent sit rather than sinking down into your back cushions.

Pro – Maintenance

Fewer Sofa components means less risk of wear and tear. It also means there are less cushions for you to plump and fluff up each day. Formal Back Sofas also tend to be easier to clean as there are fewer nooks for dust and debris to accumulate.

Con – Limited Customisation

The Formal Back design does limit your ability to change the look of your Sofa compared to Pillow Back options. There are less personalisation options meaning it wont be as unique or as easy to change up at different times of the year.

Con – Less relaxed Look

The clean, tailored lines of a Formal Back Sofa create a refined, sophisticated look, ideal for formal or traditional interiors. Whilst the more structured and polished appearance might suit some, if you are looking for something more casual or informal it may lack the cosy, relaxed feel of a Pillow Back Sofa.

So there you have it, the Pros and Cons of each Sofa. Which style would suit you best?