How Long Does a Fabric Sofa Last?

With almost 40 years of experience in luxury furniture, we frequently help customers with the question: how long does a fabric sofa last?

It is vital to choose a sofa wisely and make sure you get maximum value out of your purchase. Some materials are more durable than others and might require maintenance. In this blog, we will look at the lifespan of fabric sofas and what factors can affect them.

How long does a fabric sofa last before needing to be replaced?

A fabric sofa can last anywhere from five to fifteen years. This is a very broad range, but it's important to keep in mind that the quality of the fabric and construction will determine how long your sofa lasts.

Luxury sofas are designed and built with the utmost care and high-quality materials. The chances of your sofa lasting more than fifteen years are significantly higher if it is well-constructed.

If you're looking for sofa design inspiration, take a look at our interior design project portfolio. We have stunning alternatives for arranging your fabric sofas in a variety of modern interiors.

What are some common causes of damage to sofas?

Sofas are a long-term investment and with proper care, they can last for years. However, many things can cause damage to sofas, including:

Stains

Accidental spills from food and drinks can stain your sofa and may become difficult to remove once they’ve dried.

Fortunately, certain fabric sofas are stain-resistant. Stain-resistant fabrics are usually made from synthetic materials such as nylon, polyester and rayon, or a combination of these.

Sunlight

The sun's ultraviolet rays can damage the colour of your fabric sofas as well as cause their colours to fade. If you're looking for fabrics that are going to stand up to the sun, you should consider purchasing fabrics made of cotton, polyester, and wool.

These fabrics will hold up much better than those made of silk, which will fade significantly quicker.

Our Mcqueen Sofa by Gamma & Dandy is a popular choice in leather, and is available in materials such as cotton and polyester, ensuring you can choose the best option for your lifestyle.

Incorrect Cleaning Products

Your fabric sofas may face damage if you use the wrong type of cleaning products. You can prevent this by reading our sofa care and maintenance guide for your fabric sofas, and following instructions exactly. You can also contact the manufacturer for more information.

What are some tips for cleaning a fabric sofa?

Cleaning a fabric sofa is a bit trickier than cleaning other types of sofas, such as leather. It’s important to understand the various cleaning recommendations for the different fabric options. Here are some popular fabrics and how to clean them:

• Cotton - We advise cleaning cotton sofas with a sponge and warm water. If there are any fresh stains, wipe them gently with a damp sponge.
• Polyester - We suggest avoiding abrasive cleaners such as bleach and vinegar as they may discolour your sofa. Use a vacuum to clean the sofa thoroughly.
• Silk - Use a soft brush to remove dirt and dust from the surface of your sofa.
• Wool - Wool sofas can be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner or hand-held brush.

How do you know when it's time to replace your sofa?

Our team of interior design and furniture experts are filled with experience and know-how. At FCI, we have spent years bringing together the best brands in Europe and beyond to offer you high-quality fabric sofas, so let us help you figure out when it’s time to replace your sofa.

Knowing when to replace your sofa can range from a change in personal preferences to worn-out cushions. Here are a few reasons to replace your sofa:

Your personal style has changed

Perhaps you've seen a new trend that you'd like to try out, or you simply want a different look whether it's a brighter colour or a more modern style. The Allison Sofa by Porada features a stunning solid frame in Canaletto walnut, its deep green hue, will add a chic flair to your living room.

The colour of your sofa is faded

If the colour of your sofa is fading or if it has become discoloured, there is a good chance that you need to replace it. The colour of your sofa may fade over time as a result of exposure to sunlight, dust and dirt.

There is a stain on the fabric that won't come out

If you've tried cleaning your sofa according to the care instructions and this has not helped, we suggest looking at purchasing a new sofa or perhaps a set of new covers if your sofa has that option.

The cushions are worn out

When you sit on your sofa, does it creak or feel unstable? Look for any tears or holes in the cushions or pillows. You may be able to fix these by taking the cushions to the manufacturer.

However, if your cushions are old and have started to sag, you may want to consider a new sofa rather than restuffing the cushions. The best way to test this is by sitting on each cushion and seeing if one of them sinks in more than the others.

In conclusion

Caring for your fabric sofa regularly will prolong its life. Our tips on how to clean and maintain the life of your fabric sofas will help you keep them in top condition for years to come. Aside from taking note of our cleaning tips, we recommend finding a good quality sofa to bring you years of comfort.

Our luxury fabric sofas are made with the finest materials. They are a great choice if you want made-to-order sofas to fit your requirements such as a specific fabric, colour, and sofa size

With our expert design team, you can get the look you want for your home - no project is too complicated. You can also pop into our showroom to see our extensive collection of fabric sofas.