WHAT does your sofa say about you? Are you a feminine floral or luxurious leather? Are you boldly bright, plainly perfect or simply Scandinavian? Do you favour wide open spaces, or cosy corners?

Your upholstery says a lot about you, your home and your lifestyle and choosing the right sofa is as important as any other major purchase.

A sofa should reflect your taste and aspirations, not to be an impulsive sale or budget buy, regretted as soon as it reaches your living room.

You may have firm views about what sort of sofa you want or you may be undecided. G Plan Upholstery has had a look at different sofa types and what they say about their owners.

Loft Lovers

You choose modern styles in black, brown or cream leather. Sleek and expansive, they look terrific in a loft conversion or large apartment, flanked by a wide screen TV and DVD, with one or two glass and chrome objects carefully sited, and of course tall airy windows and blinds. You're probably dressed in black or white and you've definitely arrived!

Colourful Optimists

Colour may be your overriding concern. You love bright colours, you find them very cheering. You find pales quite dull and uninspiring and each room in your house is ablaze with colour. You look for kitchen appliances that aren't chrome or white and you may well have a bright red car.

Cool, Calm and Collected

Unflappable and totally calm, you are perfect in a crisis. You like the understated simplicity of muted colours and lots of space around you - nick nacks are not for you. Your home is a perfect haven from the world and you favour beiges, almonds and soft whites with just a touch of soft grey or coral. A textured plain fabric is perfect for you.

Urban Flower Stalkers

You'd like contemporary soft floral designs. You are an incurable romantic and you love floral interiors, particularly modern flower designs that are sem-structured. You like to co-ordinate them with your wallpaper or curtains and given half a chance you'll be wearing a lovely floaty floral dress when you entertain as well.

Movers and Shakers

You are an action person. Someone who loves action furniture, when you can put your feet up and recline, preferably at the touch of a button - you love remote controls! You're practical and efficient. You know what you need to do to relax.

Heroes of Heritage

You might be a lover of classical, traditional elegance. Made to last and beautifully proportioned, your sofas co-ordinate beautifully with your antique furnishings. You always buy the best and that is reflected in your choice of upholstery.