I organize the Before & After series and cover DIY and design. I joined AT in October 2020 as a production assistant. I have an MA in Journalism from the University of Missouri and a BA in Journalism from Belmont University. Past editorial stops include HGTV Magazine, Nashville Arts Magazine, and local magazines in my hometown, Columbia, Missouri.
I organize the Before & After series and cover DIY and design. I joined AT in October 2020 as a production assistant. I have an MA in Journalism from the University of Missouri and a BA in Journalism from Belmont University. Past editorial stops include HGTV Magazine, Nashville Arts Magazine, and local magazines in my hometown, Columbia, Missouri.
The festive season is rolling in fast, and if you need a budget-friendly way to host overnight guests this Christmas, I recommend getting John Lewis‘s most affordable sofa bed on your radar pronto.
As Ideal Home’s Sleep Editor, I’ve tested numerous sleeper sofas for our guide to the best sofa beds money can buy, and one thing I can tell you is this multifunctional furniture is *expensive*. It isn’t uncommon for a top-of-the-range sofa bed to cost well over £2000.
In contrast, the John Lewis Clapton sofa bed costs a very welcome £349, and the even better news is it’s currently on sale, so you can snap up the sofa bed that 5-star reviewers have dubbed ‘exceptional value for money’, for just £299 right now.
John Lewis
Clapton Fixed Back Small Sofa Bed
The Clapton sofa bed is a part of John Lewis’s more affordable ANYDAY range, and having tested it in store, whilst it does look and feel a little basic compared to the brand’s more expensive designs, it still feels like a solidly built option.
If you’re looking for hosting solutions for a small guest bedroom or bijou home office, its compact footprint and armless design also make it a brilliant space-saver.
Another bonus is its angled backrest, which has two back positions so that it can be adjusted to suit upright sitting or lounging.
It comes in three colourways – including steel grey and a natural cream upholstery – but, like many of the sofa bed’s 5-star reviewers, I loved the teal upholstered option. In person, this colourway is a far richer and deeper jewel tone than it looks online, and makes this look a much more expensive piece of furniture than its £299 price tag might suggest.
(Image credit: John Lewis)
‘Great quality product,’ says one 5-star reviewer on the John Lewis website. ‘Really like the fabric and sturdiness of the sofa bed. It’s comfortable as a sofa, looks more expensive than it is, and converts easily into an almost double-sized bed.’
‘Looks more expensive than the price tag,’ agrees another happy owner. ‘Perfect for me and for when my family stays over at Christmas.’ ‘Well-made and attractive,’ shares a third owner, ‘exceptional value for money.’
As a fellow 5-star reviewer sums up, ‘I had researched sofa beds for ages, but so many had bad reviews. This one is good quality and a fair price. It’s firm with a slight bounce to sit on and quite firm to lie on.’
In my testing experience, that firmness is standard for a sofa bed under £1000, and it’s nothing some of our top tips for how to make a sofa bed more comfortable can’t sort out.
(Image credit: John Lewis)
As with any sofa bed, I recommend snapping up one of the best mattress toppers on the market in the upcoming Black Friday sales to use on top of it. That will also help to mask the join between the seat and backrest when this click-clack sofa bed is folded flat.
‘The seat is lovely and firm, and conversion to a sofa bed is very easy,’ says one final happy owner. ‘The sofa is light enough for me to pull it away from the wall to convert. It will need a topper… for sleeping, as you can feel the join, but I expected this. It’s a great size for a single occupant. I love the colour. This is exactly what I wanted, at a great price.’
However, if you’re not convinced the Clapton sofa bed is the option for you, fear not, this isn’t the only affordable sofa bed on the market. I’ve included two more of my tried-and-tested recommendations below for comparison.
Habitat
Habitat Roma Double Fabric Chairbed
Sofa width: 121cm
Sleeping area: 121 x 190cm
Upholstery options: 2
In my opinion, the Habitat Roma Chairbed is the John Lewis Clapton’s closest competition. There’s a reason it’s one of the best chair beds I’ve tested, and that’s because it’s stylish, super compact, and great value for money. It also offers a little more sleeping space than the Clapton, with just shy of a small double bed’s worth of reclining room.
John Lewis
Clapton Fixed Back Small Sofa Bed
Sofa width: 182cm
Sleeping area: 110 x 182cm
Upholstery options: 3
As many of the Clapton sofa bed’s reviewers mention, this sofa bed is a tight squeeze for two sleepers. It’s 110cm wide, which is roughly midway between a standard 90cm width single bed and a standard 135cm double bed, coming in just below a 120cm small double bed. However, it’s a generous option for one overnight guest.
Habitat
Kota Large Sofa Bed
Sofa width: 189cm
Sleeping area: 123 x 189cm
Upholstery options: 6
Another alternative is the Habitat Kota sofa bed. This sleeper sofa is larger still, with enough seating for three and a 123cm width sleeping area. I also found its Chesterfield-style padded seating had a little more give when I tested in store. However, just like the Clapton, you’ll want to add a good mattress topper to increase its cushioning and protect the upholstery.
As of this week, Robbie Williams can add the title of furniture designer to his existing professional accomplishments as the iconic singer and songwriter reveals his first ever lounge chair design created in collaboration with Dutch furniture brand Moooi, called the Introvert Chair.
As Moooi is a luxury brand, it’s no surprise that the Introvert Chair by Robbie Williams is selling for £3460 a pop at Holloways of Ludlow. But there is more to this chair than meets the eye.
Just based on aesthetics alone, it’s one of the best swivel chairs I’ve seen – because yes, it comes with a rotating swivel function.
(Image credit: Moooi)
Of course, we’re used to seeing collections from celebrities, but it usually involves something on a smaller scale like home accessories, as is the case with Amanda Holden’s QVC range, or paint, much like Stacey Dooley’s collaboration with COAT. But instead, Robbie just went straight into designing furniture with Moooi.
Moooi
The Introvert Chair by Robbie Williams
Designed to be ‘part sculpture, part sanctuary’ rather than simply a chair, the Introvert Chair (as the name suggests) is created for introverts or for anyone who needs to disconnect from the hectic everyday life. That’s why it boasts a comfortable wraparound design aiming to be reminiscent of a hug, with soft yet tactile upholstery in soothing ivory, made with a blend containing alpaca, virgin wool and cotton. It’s a comforting and ‘quiet’ design, but a statement one at the same time.
‘The Introvert Chair is more than just a place to lounge, it’s a whole mood,’ Robbie says. ‘In a world that rarely slows down, we often crave a place of respite, and this chair is just that. Its soft fabric and gentle curves create a sanctuary that offers complete comfort and calm, reminding me of the power art and design have… not only in shaping our spaces, but in transforming how we feel within them.’
If you like the look of Robbie Williams’ Introvert Chair but can’t quite justify the price tag, I found a handful of similar-looking swivel chairs that are much more budget friendly. But who knew that even a Soho Home armchair like this one could one day seem like the affordable buy?!
Sofa Village
Atrani Teddy Boucle Swivel Accent Chair
Complete with a similar bubble upholstery effect, this boucle chair looks the closest in design to Robbie’s design.
Next
Hague Swivel Accent Chair
If you’re willing to forego the textured finish, this Next design is the one I’d likely go for. It just looks so sleek and like a designer piece without the crazy price tag.
Dunelm
Elena Scalloped Swivel Chair
Featuring a more traditional and classic look compared to the Introvert Chair, this Dunelm swivel is a popular one with customers. So much so that after it sold out, many eagerly anticipated its return.
A luxury lounge chair designed by Robbie Williams may not have been on my 2025 bingo card, but (perhaps surprisingly) I’m here for it, especially as the design is something a little different.
When it comes to creating an interior that feels both classic and effortlessly modern, few materials capture the essence of timeless style quite like linen. Known for its soft texture, natural lustre, and relaxed elegance, linen décor strikes a perfect balance between comfort and sophistication. Whether you’re refreshing a living room, bedroom, or entire home, this versatile fabric can bring warmth and texture to any space. From choosing the right linen lounge chair to layering with other natural elements, here’s how to embrace linen for a look that will never go out of style.
Linen naturally lends itself to calm, neutral colour schemes — think shades of ivory, beige, sand, taupe, and soft greys. These hues create a timeless foundation that complements both contemporary and traditional interiors. When selecting linen décor, stick to this muted palette and allow the texture of the fabric to take centre stage. If you want to add a touch of contrast, layer in earthy tones such as olive green, rust, or charcoal to give the room depth and interest while maintaining a cohesive and enduring aesthetic.
Linen’s tactile texture is what makes it so inviting. Unlike smooth, synthetic materials, linen has a natural irregularity that gives a lived-in, organic feel. Use this to your advantage by layering different weights and weaves throughout your space. For instance, pair a lightweight linen curtain with a heavier linen sofa or armchair. Combine cushions, throws, and upholstery in varying finishes — from soft-washed linen to coarser, rustic styles — to create a space that feels rich and authentic without looking overdone.
A timeless interior is built on well-crafted, enduring furniture. Incorporating a linen lounge chair is a perfect way to introduce both comfort and elegance into your living room. Linen upholstery works beautifully on chairs and sofas thanks to its breathable nature and ability to soften with age. Select pieces with clean lines and classic silhouettes that can transition seamlessly between interior trends. The simplicity of linen furniture ensures it remains stylish even as tastes evolve, making it a smart long-term investment for your home.
To enhance linen’s organic charm, pair it with other natural materials like timber, stone, jute, and rattan. A solid oak dining table or a woven jute rug can add warmth and structure, while a marble coffee table provides a sleek, modern counterpoint. This combination of textures creates harmony and balance — a key characteristic of timeless design. The result is a space that feels both grounded and luxurious, with each element contributing to an overall sense of natural beauty.
Linen cushions, bedspreads, and curtains are simple yet powerful ways to weave this fabric into your décor. For bedrooms, opt for linen bedding sets that exude relaxed elegance and comfort. In living areas, mix plain linen cushions with subtle stripes or muted patterns to add visual interest. Because linen is breathable and durable, it’s ideal for homes that value both practicality and beauty. Its effortless drape and subtle sheen can elevate even the simplest spaces into serene retreats.
Linen interiors are at their best when kept simple and uncluttered. Avoid over-accessorising — instead, allow the natural beauty of the fabric and your key furniture pieces to shine. Choose décor items with purpose, such as ceramic vases, minimalist lighting, or a textured throw blanket. Remember, the goal is to achieve a timeless look, not a trend-driven one. Minimal styling highlights the quality of your materials and gives the room an air of refined ease.
One of linen’s greatest assets is its ability to diffuse light softly. Linen curtains let in a gentle glow while maintaining privacy, creating an inviting and tranquil environment. To maximise this effect, keep your space open and airy with light-coloured walls and minimal window treatments. The interplay between natural light and linen fabrics brings a sense of calm sophistication that few other materials can replicate.
Linen ages gracefully, becoming softer and more characterful over time. To preserve its beauty, care for it properly — use mild detergents, avoid harsh chemicals, and allow it to air dry where possible. Embrace its natural creases and slight imperfections, as these only add to its charm and authenticity. A well-cared-for linen piece can last for years, becoming a cherished part of your home’s design story.
Creating a timeless interior doesn’t mean avoiding trends entirely — it means focusing on elements that endure. Linen décor offers just that: a combination of simplicity, versatility, and natural beauty that transcends fleeting fashions. Whether it’s a statement linen lounge chair, a breezy curtain, or a textured cushion, each piece contributes to a home that feels effortlessly stylish and inviting for years to come.
By embracing linen’s understated elegance, you’re not just decorating — you’re curating a space that tells a story of comfort, craftsmanship, and enduring design.
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