How Do I Choose a Sofa That Will Last?

A sofa can be a big investment, as such, homeowners often ask us: how do I choose a sofa that will last?

When shopping for furniture, it is important to look for sofas that are both comfortable and well-constructed.

The best-quality sofa brands have characteristics that are easy to recognize once you know what to look for. Read on as we share tips to help you find sofas that last for many years.

1. Consider your lifestyle and how you will use the sofa

As you begin your search for the perfect sofa, it is important to consider your lifestyle and what you need from the piece of furniture in your day-to-day life. For example, if you have a large family, a sectional sofa might be the best choice for your needs.

On the other hand, if you have pets or young children, you may want to consider a sofa upholstered in stain-resistant performance fabric.

If relaxation and comfort are top priorities, you may want to look at motion sofas that have reclining features. By identifying you're "must haves" beforehand, you can save time and energy in your shopping process.

2. Choose a style that you like and that will complement your other furniture

Of course, another component to keep in mind is the existing furniture in your living space. If your existing pieces, such as side chairs, a cocktail table, and a console, have a traditional style, it may be best to choose a sofa that fits within that style.

On the other hand, if your home has a more contemporary design, you may want to choose a modern sofa to match.

It is also possible to mix and match styles to create a cohesive look, as long as the final result is pleasing and harmonious. Keep in mind your design comfort level and what you feel most comfortable with.

3. Test out different sofas to see which one is most comfortable for you

Seat cushions come in many different shapes and sizes. For a more relaxed, comfortable feel, look for cushions that have a "sink-right-in" quality.

If you want a more formal look, a firmer, structured cushion that maintains its shape may be more suitable. It is always a good idea to test out a sofa in person before purchasing it, if possible.

This allows you to assess the strength of the frame, the comfort and durability of the cushions, and whether the dimensions are suitable for your body. If you are shopping online, make sure to check the returns policy before making a purchase.

4. Make sure the sofa is the right size for your living space

You can never measure too many times! Accurate measurements are crucial when shopping for a new sofa. It is important to consider not only the size of the sofa itself but also the dimensions of your doorways and hallways to ensure that the sofa will fit in your home.

Be sure to measure the length, height, and width of your space, as well as the width of any doorways and hallways through which the sofa must pass.

Taking the time to measure multiple times can help prevent errors and ensure that you choose a sofa that fits comfortably in your home.

5. Check the quality of the materials

Choosing the right upholstery fabric or leather type for your lifestyle is vital. As mentioned before, if you have pets or children, a performance fabric may be a wise choice.

It is also important to research the quality of the fabric or leather, including cleaning codes and maintenance recommendations.

For everyday use, durable fabrics such as cotton, linen, synthetic microfiber, and blends of natural and synthetic fibres are good options. Wool and leather are strong but more expensive, and silk is sleek but delicate. Fabrics with patterns woven in tend to be more durable than those with printed patterns.

As a tip, you can ask the store for a larger piece of fabric than the usual swatch and place it in the area where the sofa will be to see how it looks in natural and artificial light and to see if you still like it after a few days…

6. Ask questions about warranty and return policies

When purchasing upholstered furniture, it is a good idea to ask about warranties and return policies. Reputable manufacturers - like FCI! - will offer good warranties on their products, which provides peace of mind for you and helps to ensure your satisfaction.

It is important to know what is covered under the warranty and what is not, as well as the process for making a claim. We will explain everything to you upfront before you buy anything from us. We also have a dedicated after-sales team in the unlikely event that something does go wrong.

Be sure to get the details in writing, either on your sales receipt or in a separate document, and keep the receipt or a copy of the warranty in a safe place for future reference. This can help you protect your investment and ensure that you can get any necessary repairs or replacements if needed.

In conclusion

If you are feeling inspired to start your new sofa search, you can start shopping for a contemporary sofa that will fit your style and needs.

FCI carries an impressive selection of sofas in a variety of materials; one of the widest collections in the UK available in the UK. With pieces coming from all parts of the world, we’ve got something for every look.

Need more inspiration and guidance before getting started? Book a consultation either virtually or in person, and an experienced design specialist will work with you on reimagining your space from top to bottom, down to the little details.