How to Maintain and Care for Your Luxury Sofa

As experts in the world of interior design and stockists of a beautifully curated range of high-end furniture, we believe that purchasing a luxury sofa is one of the most worthwhile investments you’ll ever make. Yes, we know they carry a higher price tag but while many cheaper versions may look like a million bucks, we can almost guarantee that they’ll be falling apart within a couple of years. Beauty is, after all, often only skin deep.

High-end seating solutions enhance the aesthetic value of your home, offer supreme comfort, give ergonomic support and help to create a sophisticated space in which to entertain family and friends. And a good choice will last you for decades.

However, once you’ve got your gorgeous Gamma & Dandy, Brabbu, Gallotti & Radice, Laskasas or whatever else takes your fancy nestled neatly in your living room, treating it with lashings of TLC is what’s going to extend its longevity beyond expectation.

From understanding what comprises a worthwhile purchase to practical tips on how to maintain and care for your luxury sofa, we recommend that you read this guide to ensure that yours stays the centre of attention for years to come.

The 5 key qualities of a luxury sofa

At FCI London, we want you to be able to make confident decisions when it comes to sourcing top-notch sofas. Here are some guidelines: 

1. The frame:

An investment piece needs a sturdy frame to support its overall form and structural integrity. Why? Because it’s the skeleton that holds every component together. For this reason, you need to be on the lookout for something strong enough to withstand lots of use without sacrificing comfort.

Many modern manufacturers who employ mass-production methods use one of the following:

• Metal frames: These are robust but tend to succumb to oxidisation, especially in coastal areas.
• Plywood frames: A less expensive option that will do a reasonable job.
• Wood composite (engineered) frames: These are cheap, weak and inclined to break easily.

However, traditional craftsmen in the luxury sofa business will tell you that nothing beats a frame made from sustainably sourced hardwood. Beech, oak, maple and ash are all excellent choices and will maintain their shape without twisting or warping.

2. The joints:

While a quality timber structure will provide you with overall strength, how each piece is attached to the next also matters. So before you make a final decision, have a look at the joinery techniques.

Metal staples are often used as a cost-cutting way to bind each section together, especially if the manufacturing process is production-line based. This results in a weaker product that will eventually give way at every stress point.

If you want unrivalled stability, nothing beats traditional mortise and tenon joints. With a 7,000-year legacy, this old-school technique uses wooden dowels and specialised wood glue to create almost indestructible connections that could last a lifetime. 

3. The suspension:

A superior suspension is essential and will help to provide the right level of resistance to ensure optimal comfort and durability. It forms the main interior of the seating area and, along with the cushion filling, will determine your overall sitting experience.

These are the choices and how we rank them:

• Webbing: This is a poor choice generally applied to cheap furniture. However, a high-quality version is sometimes used by bespoke manufacturers with acceptable results.
• Sinuous or serpentine springs: Popular because of their low cost, these are a reasonably good option that won’t break easily.
• Drop-in coil springs: A step above sinuous wiring, these comprise individual springs attached to metal laths and placed within the seating structure to suit each sofa. It provides a far softer perch and is often used in conjunction with a less resilient feather or fibre-filled seat cushions.
• Eight-way, hand-tied suspension: A dying art, this technique has been used for over 150 years and is the most superior, resulting in a beautifully constructed piece of furniture. It involves a time-consuming process of hand-fitting springs into the sofa’s base and then manually connecting them together using ties

4. The filling:

Cushions provide structure and volume while giving you the support you need to put your feet up and unwind. The type of filling used will therefore depend on the style and intention of each piece.

Feathers, foam and polyester are common offerings, and each brings a different quality to the overall functionality of your sofa. Some manufacturers may even use a combination of all three for optimal results.

Polyester cushions:

• Are affordable.
• Look plump and inviting.
• Allow you to sink into them and will mould to your shape.
• Don’t bounce back and require regular plumping.
• Wear down quickly.

Foam cushions:

• Come in different densities with 1,8 (expect a 5-year lifespan) being the standard for mass-produced sofas and 2,5 (expect a 15-year lifespan) being the top choice for more bespoke pieces.
• Provide great support and will keep their shape.
• Are low maintenance so only have to be plumped up once a week.
• Don’t have a lot of “give”, which some people don’t enjoy.

Feather cushions:

• Are luxurious, plush and supremely comfortable.
• Keep you warm and cosy.
• Need to be fluffed up every day to help them maintain their shape.
• Are not waterproof, making them risky if you live in a boisterous household.

We recommend that you choose a combination of feathers and foam for the best of both worlds

 

5. The upholstery

Once the inner workings of your sofa have been assembled, it’s time to turn your attention to the type of upholstery you require. The right choice will depend on the following:

• Your lifestyle: If you have children and pets and are going to use your sofa everyday, choose a fabric that is durable and long-lasting.
• Style: Find something that fits into the genre of your home. 
• Colour: Lighter shades make living areas look bright and airy but show stains more easily. Deeper hues, as seen in the Ralph Sofa by Gamma & Dandy, are more refined but can close up a room.
• Pattern: Stripes and motifs are fun options and will conceal dirt. However, they often make spaces look too busy. If you do go this route, opt for something you can live with long-term.
• Budget: Leather is more expensivde than fabric, so make sure you set a sensible limit to determine what you can afford. 
• Maintenance: While some materials can be popped into the washing machine, others need professional care. If your sofa is in a high-traffic area, make sure you find something easy to clean. 

For some added insight into which type of upholstery to choose, read our article on which fabrics are most durable for a sofa.

The importance of care and maintenance

Not only is a luxury sofa arguably one of the most used pieces of furniture in your home, but it’s also a massive investment. So it stands to reason that proper maintenance it is key. Here's why:

• Ship-shape appearance: With constant wear and tear, they eventually become faded, stained, lumpy and old. Regular care will prolong this, keeping them looking brand new for longer.
• Health and hygiene: Keeping it clean will reduce the health risks caused by bacteria from constant exposure to things like dirty shoes, cigarette smoke, dinner crumbs and pet hair.
• A longer lifespan: Although built to last, looking after your high-end sofa will slow its natural aging process, thereby prolonging its lifespan. 
• More bang for your buck: It goes without saying that the longer your sofa lasts the less often you will have to repair or replace it, so don't skip out on your maintenance routine. 

Top tips for preserving your luxury sofa

Here are some general guidelines that will ensure your sofa is kept in prime condition:

General cleaning tips:

• Always refer to the care instructions provided by the manufacturer for specific cleaning and maintenance instructions.
• To remove dust and keep it looking fresh and clean, give it a gentle vacuum once a week using an upholstery attachment.
• Clean up spills immediately. We have provided tips below for specific unholstery types.
• Restore the nap (or pile) by using a soft brush.
• Keep it away from heaters and never position it in direct sunlight or it will fade or discolour over time.
• Check the frame, legs and cushions for any loose or damaged parts and have them tightened or replaced as quickly as possible. 

Maintaining its shape and structure:

• Avoid sitting on the arms or backrest as it could affect its structural integrity.
• Don't let your children stand or jump on your sofa it as the springs will eventually give out and it could damage the framework.
• Make sure that you don't overload it with excessive weight and refrain from placing bulky items on it.
• Fluff and rotate your cushions whenever they look deflated. This will help maintain even wear and tear.

Preserving Your Sofa's Appearance

• Style it with a throw or blanket to help provide a stain barrier.
• Use armrest covers to protect the fabric - these can be removed and washed whenever they get dirty.  
• Don’t let your pets sit on it – they will damage the upholstery with their sharp claws.
• Avoid eating and drinking on it as much as possible.
• Refrain from resting hot beverages on the arms.
• Take your shoes off before curling up in front of the TV.

 

Upholstery-specific cleaning tips for your luxury sofa

Additional steps should be taken to accommodate certain upholstery types. We advise that you read the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions before you begin. If in doubt, use these bonus tips:

Leather:

If carefully looked after, a leather sofa could last you a lifetime, so it’s worth the extra TLC. Each one will have its own distinct grain and colouring because every animal hide is different. Blemishes and creases are also commonplace and are part of its natural appeal.

Over time, you should expect it to stretch, soften and develop a unique patina that will add to its refinement and charm. To keep stunning collections pieces like the Mood Sofa by Gamma & Dandy in ship shape:

• Dust it regularly with a microfibre cloth.
• Gently clean the surface with distilled water once a week and allow it to air-dry before sitting on it.
• Never use detergents.
• Wipe minor spills away with a damp cloth and contact a reputable leather upholstery cleaning company immediately if you notice any significant damage.
• Treat your leather with professional oils or conditioners at least once a year.

Fabric:

Whether you’ve opted for wool, cotton, linen, acrylic or polyester, maintaining your fabric sofa using these basic guidelines will help to keep it looking fresh and clean:

• Brush or vacuum it gently once a week.
• If it starts to pill (form little bobbles of material), remove them with a trustworthy pilling machine.
• Blot accidental spills right away and then dab them with a clean, microfibre cloth dipped into mild, soapy water. If you cannot remove the stain, contact a professional cleaner immediately.
• Have your sofa cleaned by an expert once a year.

Velvet:

Plush, elegant and once reserved for royalty, velvet is famed for its nap. However, it does require special attention when it comes to maintenance.

If you have children or pets, we advise that you choose a velvet made from synthetic fibres as they are highly durable and are more likely to repel stains .

The following care instructions will help keep it in top shape:

• Softly brush it once a week in the same direction as the nap to prevent it from looking crushed and to help restore its buoyancy.
• Never get it wet.
• Use a hand-held clothes steamer to remove any creases or they could make permanent markings on your sofa.
• Never let spills dry out. Instead, gently lift away any solids and blot with paper towels. Dry the area with a hairdryer and a soft brush until the velvet retains its shape.
• Call a specialist right away if you can't sort the stain out yourself.

 

How to move a luxury sofa without damaging it

It's important to ensure that your sofa remains damage-free when moving house. Hiring professionals is the obvious choice, but you can also play a role in making sure that everything goes smoothly. These are our suggestions:

• Have a good supply of packaging. Bubble wrap, furniture blankets, shrink wrap and tape are all essential if you want to protect it from scuffs, tears, scratches and dust.
• Clean your sofa thoroughly before you pack it.
• Tape bubble wrap around the legs.
• Wrap the entire sofa in moving blankets and use tape to keep it secure. It is imperative that the sticky side does not come into contact with the upholstery.
• For extra protection, bind the entire ensemble with shrink wrap. Never do this before the moving blankets are in place or your sofa could be subjected to condensation, which causes mould.
• Make sure that it is loaded into and out of the truck without being bashed.

It should arrive at its destination in perfect condition and ready to give you decades more comfort and support.

Shop luxury sofas at FCI London

At FCI London, we have a beautiful range of luxury sofas curated from some of the most renowned brands in the world. If you’re looking for a fabulous addition to your home, book a personalised showroom appointment today with our expert interior design team. From giving you advice to helping you with your floor plans, we know you'll end up with a seating solution you'll love.