Shopfront: While there's nothing particularly new about the look of these Ligne Rosset sofas, we like their straight formal shape and pin-cushioned seats. With their high-ish backs and closeness to the floor, there's also something of the 1930s about them.

Ligne Roset is stocked at Arnotts and while no one could say prices are cheap - about €3,000 for a very small sofa, €5,000 plus for a large and €8,000 for the L-shaped piece - for hardwearing quality they compare well with other, perhaps more fashionable, furniture brands.

But try to stay away from those that are obviously Ligne Roset (a walk around the department shows there is a definite look) and consider those that are a little more individual looking, like the one shown here.

If you're tired of the ubiquitous cream and taupe colours shown here, it's all available in any shade of fabric under the sun.

Arnotts, Henry Street, tel 01 8050400