GO FOR A SOFA.

IT'S often easier to buy a car than buy a sofa - at least you can lift the bonnet to check what you're getting for your money.

And unlike in the motoring market, the more expensive models don't necessarily mean sophistication and top quality. The cheap option isn't always a bad buy. But how to decide?

Buy what's right for you. A sofa that looks perfect or suits your friends may not work in your home or with your family.

It may look normal in a vast showroom - but really mega in your 12ft x 12ft sitting-room. So cut out and tape newspaper shapes and lay them where the sofa is to go, tacking them up the wall, too. Imagine the bulkiness of the shape. Broad chunky arms can be unflattering to a small, neat room.

Check the gap needed between sofa and wall if the sofa reclines. And will you be able to get it through your front door?

Consider your lifestyle and decor. A Chesterfield can look equally at home in a contemporary flat and a period property.

But comfort is the prime consideration. Don't assume the high-backed sensible sit-up-and-beg style is not for you if you are under 60 - back support makes sense for all ages.

A two-and-a-half seater will take three at a push, but if any member of your family likes stretching out, go for a three-seater.

Take your time in the showroom. Check that the depth of the seat suits how you sit when you crash out, as well as in upright mode. Make sure you can sit well back in the seat with feet flat on the ground.

Feather-filled cushions compact easily, so that you sink into the seat rather than sit on top. Fibre-fill cushions are the same. Both need constant plumping. Some people prefer the firmer support of foam. These don't need constant shaking, either.

Finally, think hard before you fall in love with a colour. A wonderful deep shade will drive you to distraction if you've a yellow labrador, Neutrals will give you headaches if you have toddlers.

Test textures. Ask for a sample of the fabric and road-test it at home with Velcro, shoe buckles, anything that could catch, even the cat's claws.

Shop around. Play safe by buying from a reputable manufacturer. Fabrics are graded for occasional, light, general or severe domestic use; for family use, don't settle for anything less than "severe".

Take all the professional advice you can get, starting by sending for the furniture industry's new leaflet on buying upholstered furniture. It's available free from: Qualitas Furnishing Standards, Maxwell Road, Stevenage, Herts SG1 2EW. Send a SAE of at least A5 size.

RED "Devon" two-seater sofa with self-coloured scatter cushions costs pounds 500 from Freemans

SETTING off plaid fabric against plain is a popular colour choice right now. This Karikal two-seater sofa costs pounds 400 from Freemans (0800 731 9731)

STYLISH Chesterfield two-seater in red with scatter cushions is pounds 329 from Freemans

RELAX WITH A TREND - IF YOU'RE INCLINED

SOFAS are getting even more laid-back, with integral recliner or incliner actions in one or two of the seats. Incliners have foot-rests; recliners go right back. Check out the Parker Knoll Kendal and the G Plan Malvern at Furnitureland.

THE shabby chic look, using faded and "lived-in" fabrics and more relaxed styling is still with us, often given more casual appeal with self fabric ties or buttoned fastenings. Removable machine-washable covers make light colours a more viable option, but some won't fit in your machine.

COLOURS are getting stronger. Though neutrals and blue are still popular, solid deep earthy colours such as terracotta and ochre yellow are coming through in a big way.

COTTON prints used in upholstery have been taken over by more textured fabrics, especially rich velvety chenilles. Look out for easy-care sweatshirt- style Polarfleece used on Derwent sofas. New from Courts: a crisp, crush- free seersucker on their Kensington sofa.

TIMBER is being used more as part of the visual effect of the design. Sofa Solutions Monterey, Stockholm at Courts.

THERE'S a move towards using two different fabrics - seat cushions and back cushions in one type of cloth and the frame covered in another. Plaid against plain is a popular choice.

THERE are more sofas covered with stain-repellent fabrics. Names to look for include M&S Modena. Other fabrics such as Contour's Buffalo, which looks like leather and feels like suede, are naturally stain- repellent.

FABRICS can be given an application of stain- repellent treatment such as Scotchgard, Guardsman or Teflon at extra cost by the retailer or by a specialist company. But don't assume that stain-repellent means stain- proof. Light colours still need careful use, and not all stains will come out even after treatment.

SEVERAL loose back cushions replace two standard ones on some sofas. These feel very different to sit in. So sit in the showroom model for a while before you decide.

The best for

under pounds 600

THE right sofa for you needn't cost the earth. Here are five winners which will have you sitting comfortably for less than pounds 600

THIS slick shape would especially suit an uncluttered room. Made from supple leather in a range of colours, Sunnersta from Ikea is great value at pounds 495.

THE latest look is to mix two fabrics in one sofa. A pine baseline trim and bun feet add character to Monterey from Sofa Solutions Direct, pounds 561. For mail order, tel [phone].

VIVID lime green sofa is great for livening up a small room. Garrick, pounds 549 from Courts (pounds 599 with fold-out bed and spring interior mattress_). Freephone 0800 731 2121

THE informal lived-in look is practical, too - covers are washable. It also comes in blue, green and mandarin. Symphony from The Sofa Club, pounds 499 large size. Tel [phone] for mail order.

GREAT for kids and pets, this is in wipe-clean Buffalo fabric that feels like suede. Denver 2-seater in Buffalo Rust fabric by Contour Upholstery, pounds 599. Freephone 0800 413491.