Upholstery is the soft covering on your furniture. Comprising fabric, webbing, padding, coil springs, and foam, these materials play a significant role in determining how your furniture will be in terms of comfort, durability and the deluxe factor. We are talking visual softness and warm and cozy vibes that make it irresistible to snuggle.

However not all sofas come upholstered, but if you are asking yourself how long an upholstered piece will last then you are probably considering your options to make sure you get your money’s worth. So here is a definitive guide to the durability of upholstered sofas plus a look at how to choose the best upholstered sofa in our shop.

High quality upholstered sofas can last 10 to 15 years or even longer depending on a variety of factors, including the quality of the materials used, the construction of the sofa, and how well you care for it. See not all sofas are created the same. Indeed, far from upholstery, the first thing you should look at is the quality of the frame, joinery and springs.

Nowadays there are many budget friendly options but these often come at the expense of good construction. Inspect the legs, ideally, these should be an integral part of the frame or secured with screws or dowels.

Additionally, the joinery should be a mix of wooden dowels, corner blocks, metal screws and brackets instead of glue, nails and staples. Above all, check the frame itself. If you cannot afford metallic pieces or dislike them because of their weight, consider high quality woods such as teak, mahogany, walnut, cherry, red oak, and maple.

Next, consider the cushioning. We are talking about the part that provides support and comfort. You can choose between spring and foam. Of course, spring cushions have metal coils. They take your weight and redistribute it throughout the system when you plant yourself on the couch then release it when you get up. But they eventually sag due to repeated use.

On the other hand, foam cushions comprise latex, polyurethane, or memory foam. The latter is the least durable whereas high-density foam just holds up better against sagging and impressions.

Now as for the upholstery fabric itself, you have options such as linen, cotton and polyester. This is where things get tough because there are many factors to consider. We always advise our customers to prioritize practical needs before luxury. This simply means you consider your lifestyle and who will use the sofa.

For living room pieces that experience frequent use you must just go for durable fabric. On the other hand, for bedroom pieces, any textile will work just fine.

For households having children and pets, look for sofas with stain-resistant fabric that’s also easy to clean. Better yet, look for designs with removable fabric for easy cleaning and switching up looks. Just because you have kids and pets doesn’t mean your sofa can’t look luxurious though.

Gone are the days when parents had to strictly keep children away from the living room in fear for their sofa’s fabric. Nowadays, fabrics like faux suede, sunbrella, and superficially aged leather offer good looks and durability to match.

On the other hand, if you are not concerned about kids and pets, then showcase your freedom with some extravagant options. We are talking Belgian Linen, Tibetan Fluffy Wool, Cashmere, Mulberry Silk and Brocade.

Consider where you want to place your sofa. We are talking about positions in relation to openings that allow the sun in the house. Some fabrics fade easily when left to bake in the open sun or near a window or any other areas with direct sunlight.

So, if you plan on using your sofa near a window, choose cotton, wool or synthetic upholstery. This type of fabric withstands UV rays better than silk and linen.

Lastly, inspect the stitching. Laying fabric on complicated frames can be tough. The stitch work is an indicator of just how much the manufacturer loves their work. Some opt to cut corners with inferior stitchwork while others go for complex techniques only to end up with profiles better suited for horror movie settings. We prefer to keep things simple and clean with piping techniques and plain seams.

Visit our stores online today to see various upholstered sofas and stitching techniques on display – and if you find a piece you like or simply want a further chat, feel free to call and we’ll be happy to provide support.