Those of us who have tried and failed to manoeuvre sofas through narrow doorways and corridors or up winding stairways will appreciate the need for a solution to a long-standing problem. I lost a treasured G-Plan settee to this in the 1990s when I moved to a tiny cottage with doors built for Borrowers, writes Homes and Interiors editor Sharon Dale.

More recently, moving my daughters to an unfurnished flat in the attic of an old Victorian terrace house brought home the dire need for a sofa revolution. Now, there is one and it has flourished in these trying times when in-store shopping is impossible and Covid safety is paramount.

One of those leading the way is Swyft, thanks to a number of factors. Its designs are super stylish with upholstery in either velvet or linen and it can deliver to your door within 24 hours. Its sofas start at £1,095 and the range includes a two-seater, three-seater, a modular option and a corner sofa. There’s also a chair and stool.

The ingenuity comes in the way they are delivered, in a series of slim boxes, and how quick and simple they are to put together. The Swyft sofa can be built in five minutes by a complete novice. The components just slot together and the legs screw on with no tools required.

Sturdy and firm with low backs, they may not suit those who like squashy seating but they get excellent reviews and there is no doubt they are a Godsend to those in apartments. Eco conscious, Swyft products are made from FSC certified wood and the company also plants a tree through the World Land Trust for every sofa it sells. For details visit www.swyfthome.com