Just imagine all those sleepless nights and misaligned spines!

However, it is just as important to put a great deal of thought and research into buying a sofa. This is the place that you will relax, watch TV, read that 1,000 page bestseller that you've been meaning to finish for months and – given our increasingly informal lifestyles – probably eat most of your meals. What could be worse than trying to find a comfortable position on a piece of furniture that is too deep to allow you to rest your legs on the floor while also supporting your back?

More should be asked of a new sofa other than just an acceptable colour and fabric; before buying you should first consider its ergonomic possibilities. Do you prefer to watch TV with your feet up, for example? If so you would probably benefit from a modular unit that allows you plenty of space to stretch out.

The Costa del Sol enjoys one of the finest climates in Europe, so Mad About Furniture recommends that you should allocate a good portion of your furniture budget to Terrace and Garden furniture. The days of lumbar-crunching deckchairs are over: you may prefer a contemporary suite made from all weather faux rattan or a comfortable relaxing sofa set with lots of fluffy cushions. Sun-loungers might be perfect for working on that seamless all-over tan, but when the sun becomes too much it's essential to have a cool retreat. Maybe a Sotogrande Chaise or a sun-bed complete with a canopy is a must during the months of June, July and August when the mid-day sun becomes too much of a good thing.

Whether outdoors or indoors, there is nothing quite so seductive as a sofa. This might be one of the most expensive pieces of furniture that you will ever have to buy, but a small amount of research will guarantee your comfort and enjoyment for many years to come.