This classic design oozes English country house charm. The Howard Sofa is a cosy, welcoming sofa that has endured from the nineteenth century with an iconic design suited to both modern and traditional living spaces.
Combining heritage and elegance, the Howard Sofa’s curved back, low arms and generous, deep seat will add character and comfort to your living room. Our sofa is made with traditional coil springs and plush seat cushions are made from premium Qualofil fibre as standard.
Is there a more luxurious place to retreat to after a long day than your Howard sofa?
The History of Howard and Sons

Your Howard sofa comes with a rich (and royal) heritage.
The original Howard furniture company, Howard & Sons, was established in 1820 by John Howard and quickly gained a reputation as makers of elegant, bespoke furniture.
Their luxury furniture became a household name in Victorian England, and Howard & Sons soon earned a worldwide reputation for their quality craftsmanship and unique designs.
Known for their sophisticated sofas and armchairs, Howard & Sons began life as cabinetry company in the Whitechapel area of London. John Howard’s upholstery venture grew to include furniture and soon their designs were celebrated at the illustrious Crystal Palace International Exhibition of 1862. In 1901 their reputation for excellence was sealed with a royal warrant.
The warrant enabled Howard & Sons to become purveyors of fine furniture to the British monarchy and London’s elite society. Their illustrious clientele even included The Savoy Hotel!
Innovation was at the forefront of the Howard furniture company. The coil sprung sofa, which we take for granted nowadays, was pioneered by George Howard. Patented as the ‘Elastic Seat’ the coil springs allowed a flexibility of movement previously missing in stuffed hair sofas. This advancement revolutionised upholstery and a Howards & Sons sofa became a byword for innovation and quality.
After a resurgence of the brand in 1967, Howard & Sons is still trading today, producing timeless pieces that remain true to their original, Victorian era designs.
Antique Howard sofas are still sought after due to their association with quality workmanship, durability and unmatched comfort. Bridgewater and Portarlington are also coveted Howard & Sons designs and can be authenticated by looking for the tell-tale stamp on the castors or back legs.
Howard Sofas – an Investment in Quality

Today, The Original Chair Company honours the spirit of the antique Howard sofa with a contemporary twist. Our Howard style chair provides supreme comfort and original details such as low arms, traditional coil springs and generous cushioning for a timeless feel. With our bespoke upholstering service you can customise your Howard sofa in a range of fabrics to suit your personal taste.
British-made and built to last – find the perfect piece for your interior design project.
Inspired by John Howard’s approach, we value craftsmanship, comfort and creative design. Our founder, Kate MacKenzie, began The Original Chair Company in 2006 with a passion for traditional upholstery and antiques. With a belief that substance doesn’t have to sacrifice style, she curated a range of beautifully bespoke furniture aimed at discerning clients who value craftsmanship and originality. Read Our Story for more.
If you’re a traditionalist at heart, we also curate a limited range of beautiful antiques, including restored chairs and sofas so you can create a lavish focal point for your chosen interior. Our antiques are treated with respect and care by our artisans, who lovingly restore each piece to the highest standard.
Available now in our bespoke furniture catalogue, an iconic piece of the past can be yours today.

DEPTH | 76cm – 95cm |
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WIDTH | 181cm – 210cm |
STYLE | Cushion Back, Cushion Seat |
FABRIC COLOUR | Cream |
Please note: the price shown does not include the cost of your chosen fabric.
How to Style Your Custom Howard Sofa
Make your mark on a classic British sofa with our bespoke upholstery service.
Choose from a variety of styling options and finishes:
Wood finish: All Original Chair Company pieces are crafted from the finest quality wood. We know it’s the small details that bring a room to life. That’s why you can choose a finish and colour suited to your vision.
Legs: Customise your Howard sofa’s legs to suit your preferences. Our experts are happy to advise in which leg styles are best suited to the period that inspires you.
Castors: Every element of our bespoke upholstered furniture is customisable, down to the castors. Choose your preferred finish and style or seek advice from our experts.
Fixed or cushioned back: Personalise your Howard Sofa with custom cushion options. Whether you find plumping cushions therapeutic or prefer a practical, fixed back, we can cater to your lifestyle.
What Makes A Howard Sofa Unique?
Whether you’re after a country house style retreat or chic centre piece, a Howard style sofa strikes the balance between beauty and practicality. It’s big. It’s never out of style. It’s invitingly charming. Style with a sumptuous throw and snuggle up on chilly Autumn days with a book and glass of red. Or pile on the pillows and curl up for a family film night.
Style with our matching armchair and footstool to complete your vintage-inspired interior.
Chunky comfort meets elegant curves. Modern style meets lasting heritage. A Howard sofa is a statement piece designed to outlast trends.
Browse our Howard and Sons sofa for sale in our Curated Collection or call now to design your dream interior today.
Further Information
Delivery
We are pleased to offer a delivery service to any UK mainland address, please contact us for a quote.
Overseas buyers are welcome, please contact us before purchasing to discuss shipping and payment options.
Payment
Bank transfer immediate payments are preferred, however, we also accept credit and debit card payments. All payments must be made within 7 days from the date of purchase.