How to choose a sofa that will last a long time, according to experts

A sofa is a big investment, so it’s not a purchase you plan or hope to make often. Aside from the cost, replacing a sofa requires a lot of time, effort and patience, so if you’re in the process of choosing a new seat, it’s important to know how to choose a sofa that will last you a long time. .

The best sofas need to stand the test of time to give you your money’s worth. But, unfortunately, not every sofa does this. That’s why I consulted several sofa experts to tell us what to look for when buying seating for your living room and what mistakes to avoid when buying a sofa.

From the best upholstery materials to sofa frame features, these are the expert-approved top tips on how to choose a sofa that will last.

Pink living room with a pink sofa and matching pillows, the wall behind is covered with wood panels.

How long should a sofa last?

First of all, we should establish how long we are talking when we call a sofa durable. How long should a sofa ideally last?

“If you take good care of it, fluff the cushions regularly and keep the material clean, a quality sofa will last at least 10 years,” says Kelly Wiles, head of upholstery at DFS.

Gisela Lancaster, Head of Purchasing at Sofology, goes even further. “Sofas are a huge investment, and there’s no reason why a well-loved and well-cared for sofa can’t last 20 years or more.”

Kelly adds: “The average buyer replaces a sofa about every seven years, but this is mostly due to changing trends rather than wear and tear.”

Living room with blue velvet sofa, parquet flooring and slatted wall panels.

(Image credit: Future PLC/Caroline Mardon)

How to choose a sofa that will last a long time?

1. Choose a sofa that you like.

Speaking of ever-evolving living room trends, as much as we love experimenting with them, it’s important not to let them dictate your sofa choice. You should always choose a sofa that you really like, not because it’s trendy or just because it’s on sale right now, but because it reflects your personal taste and style. Think: “Would I have liked this as much 10 years ago, and will I love this in 10 years as much as I do now?” If the answer is yes, you will easily become a winner.

“Always look for a sofa that you like. It may seem obvious, but try not to choose discounted items that offer a better price as you’re more likely to walk away with something for a short time,” confirms Gisela from Sofology.

“Choose a style that reflects your taste and a color that complements your long-term design vision,” agrees Patricia Gibbons, head of design at Sofa.com. “If you want a bright color or pattern, consider pairing it with accessories like pillows and throws that can be easily replaced, rather than using a bright fabric for the sofa.”

A living room with a low, deep light beige sofa and beige lime walls and a coffee table for storage in the center of the room.

(Image credit: Future PLC/James Murrell)

2. Choose a universal design

It’s also important to consider the versatility of a sofa design, since it’s quite possible that you’ll be moving or at least renovating your home within the next decade. Therefore, it is useful to choose a sofa that can adapt to these changes.

“Choose a design that will last—an attractive design, neutral colors that you can accessorize and update with pillows or throws in trendy colors,” says Monica Puccio, head of purchasing at Sofa Club.

One way to ensure that your sofa can adapt to your new space is to choose one of the best modular sofas. “Modular design is a great way to extend the life of your sofa because you can reconfigure it to suit changing needs and space over a long period of time,” adds Monica.

Living room with emerald green velvet sofa, plaid rug and mustard yellow chair.

(Image credit: Future PLC/Brent Darby)

3. Choose durable upholstery material.

When it comes to choosing the best sofa upholstery, Gisela stresses that you “don’t compromise on materials – choosing durable, hard-wearing fabrics that will stand up to daily wear and tear.” Avoid cheap materials that will look great for a while but quickly deteriorate.”

“Choose a fabric that not only complements your lifestyle, but also fits seamlessly into the design of your room,” adds Patricia. “Leather is known for its durability, but there are new fabrics like canvas that are durable. Cotton and wool can last between five and 15 years, but require special care. For busy households, choose functional fabrics that are stain-resistant and easy to clean, such as pre-treated fabrics.”

But when it comes to upholstery, there is an option to replace the upholstery on your sofa if it gets damaged or if you tire of the style in the long run. Or you can choose a sofa with removable covers, which are easier to clean since they are usually washable and also easier to replace.

living room with black coffee tables, cream sofa and cushions, and art gallery on the walls.

(Image credit: Future PLC/Darren Chang)

4. Get a quality frame with a guarantee

Not all of the important features of a long-lasting sofa are as obvious as the upholstery. In fact, the most important thing is very hidden. I’m of course talking about the frame of the sofa, the structure and the foundation of the structure, which must be strong in order to last a long time.

“When purchasing a quality sofa, there are several important factors to consider, many of which may not be apparent at first glance,” says John Darling, founder of Darlings of Chelsea. “This means you need to trust the brand’s reputation and what they say about their materials and craftsmanship.”

“Some hidden but key quality indicators include the hardwood frame as it provides greater durability. If your couriers are working hard to get it to your home, this can be a clear indicator, as a heavier sofa indicates a stronger frame and materials used.”

“Avoid buying sofas with flimsy frames and plain foam, as they simply won’t last,” agrees Monica from Sofa Club. “Choose a durable frame made from kiln-dried hardwood that won’t warp or crack with use. A heavy sofa is a good indicator of the use of quality materials.”

But to ensure that the brand truly believes in its product, it’s best to choose a sofa that comes with a frame warranty. “Ask about the warranty,” advises Patricia from Sofa.com. “A good quality sofa should come with a strong frame warranty, ideally lasting 10 years or more, giving you peace of mind that your investment is built to last.”

living room with green walls and built-in storage, orange sofa and Victorian fireplace

(Image credit: Future/Caroline Mardon)

5. Pay attention to the pillow filling.

Finally, one of the most important characteristics of a good sofa is a high-quality filling, which provides comfort and durability without sagging over time.

“High quality sofas use foam cushions wrapped in down or fiber. This combination gives you both support and softness, so the sofa retains its shape over time but remains attractive and comfortable,” explains Patricia.

“The denser the pillow foam, the longer it will last,” adds Monica. “Look for pillows made of highly resilient foam with a batting wrap (down or polyester) as well as spring-loaded pockets for added durability and long-lasting seating comfort.”

Our best selection of sofas

John Lewis & Partners Draper Gray High Back Sofa

John Lewis Draper 4 seater sofa

Habitat Hendricks Fabric 3 Seater Sofa

Habitat Hendricks 3-seater sofa

Sofa.com Modular sofa Ren LHF

Sofa.com Modular sofa Ren

As you can see, there are several different factors that go into choosing a long-lasting sofa. But these professional tips will help you make the right choice. Happy sofa shopping!

How to choose a sofa that will last a long time, according to experts

How long should a sofa last?

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