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One option when you’re buying a new sofa is to wander round until you see one you like and then sit on it and say “hmm, yes”. If you’re like me, you’ll get distracted by the colour of the sofa, despite there being 373 different materials to choose from once you’ve actually picked one.
Another option is to question the (usually eager) salesperson for information which should help you figure out if you’re getting good value for money. It’s also a good way to show them that you aren’t a pushover...
Another option is to question the (usually eager) salesperson for information which should help you figure out if you’re getting good value for money. It’s also a good way to show them that you aren’t a pushover...
1. Where was the sofa made?
As a very general rule, the best sofas sold in the UK are made in the UK. There are a few exceptions, such as posh brand Halo which imports sofas from China, but many of the most respected names in the market manufacture in the UK.
For example:
Similarly, you’ll find that the cheaper sofas at John Lewis & Partners are often manufactured somewhere in continental Europe, whilst their more expensive sofas are made in the UK.
A UK-made sofa isn’t a guarantee of quality, but it’s a good start.
For example:
- Tetrad, which were winners at the Furniture Awards in 2017 and 2018 are based in Preston
- Parker Knoll, which won at the Furniture Awards 2019 are based in Nottinghamshire
- Duresta, which was shortlisted at the Furniture Awards in 2018 is based in Long Eaton
Similarly, you’ll find that the cheaper sofas at John Lewis & Partners are often manufactured somewhere in continental Europe, whilst their more expensive sofas are made in the UK.
A UK-made sofa isn’t a guarantee of quality, but it’s a good start.
2. How long is the sofa's guarantee?
Most of the time you won’t actually use a sofa’s guarantee, but it’s a good indication of how much confidence the manufacturer has in the quality of what they are selling you. Also ask what the guarantee includes, as there are usually several bits of smallprint.
Highly respected companies with good reviews, such as Sofas & Stuff, offer a 15 year guarantee on springs and frames in their sofas. In all likelihood, you’ll have changed your taste in 15 year’s time, or the material will be worn out or covered in felt tip, but it’s not something many manufacturers offer.
A 10 or 15 year guarantee is a sign of a high-quality sofa. A 1 year or 2 year guarantee is generally offered on cheaper products.
Bear in mind that the cost of offering a long guarantee is built into the price you pay. So, if you follow ‘trends’ in sofas and are inclined to want to change to something else in 2 year’s time, then I wouldn’t waste your money on a sofa with a lifetime guarantee. Go for a brand such as Dunelm.com which offer fairly cheap, designer style sofas but don't offer long guarantees on their cheaper sofas.
Highly respected companies with good reviews, such as Sofas & Stuff, offer a 15 year guarantee on springs and frames in their sofas. In all likelihood, you’ll have changed your taste in 15 year’s time, or the material will be worn out or covered in felt tip, but it’s not something many manufacturers offer.
A 10 or 15 year guarantee is a sign of a high-quality sofa. A 1 year or 2 year guarantee is generally offered on cheaper products.
Bear in mind that the cost of offering a long guarantee is built into the price you pay. So, if you follow ‘trends’ in sofas and are inclined to want to change to something else in 2 year’s time, then I wouldn’t waste your money on a sofa with a lifetime guarantee. Go for a brand such as Dunelm.com which offer fairly cheap, designer style sofas but don't offer long guarantees on their cheaper sofas.
3. What is the sofa’s frame made from?
Don’t get too worried about the exact type of tree, but do ask if it’s a soft wood or a hard wood which is used for the frame. Hard wood frames are more expensive, but they should keep their shape for longer and not fall to pieces.
If you want to get more technical, ask how the frame is held together. Screws, glue or dowels are usually used in good quality sofas, whilst staples are used in cheaper sofas.
If you want to get more technical, ask how the frame is held together. Screws, glue or dowels are usually used in good quality sofas, whilst staples are used in cheaper sofas.
4. Are the sofa covers removable and washable?
The answer to this question is often no, but it’s worth asking about how you would deal with the cat deciding to be sick on your £5000 sofa, 20 minutes after it is delivered.
If they aren’t removable, ask what they recommend for cleaning it. Some will try to sell you something, which you’ll want to include in your budget.
If they aren’t removable, ask what they recommend for cleaning it. Some will try to sell you something, which you’ll want to include in your budget.
5. What are the sofa cushions made from?
This question can get a bit nerdy and jargony, but I’ll do my best to avoid boring you.
Most sofa cushions (the bits your bottom sits on and the bit your back goes against) are either foam or fibre.
Foam is similar to the stuff they use in a foam mattress. It is usually firm and bouncy and returns back to its normal shape when you get up. After a few years it might get a bottom shaped indent.
Fibre is similar to the stuff they use in a big, thick ‘hollowfibre’ duvet. It doesn’t keep its shape, but you sink into it more.
The third option is feathers, which are used in some very posh sofas though usually not on its own.
Many sofas use a combination of the two or three. My sofa has foam for the seat cushions and fibre for the back cushions.
In my view, foam looks smarter but fibre sofas are more comfortable.
Most sofa cushions (the bits your bottom sits on and the bit your back goes against) are either foam or fibre.
Foam is similar to the stuff they use in a foam mattress. It is usually firm and bouncy and returns back to its normal shape when you get up. After a few years it might get a bottom shaped indent.
Fibre is similar to the stuff they use in a big, thick ‘hollowfibre’ duvet. It doesn’t keep its shape, but you sink into it more.
The third option is feathers, which are used in some very posh sofas though usually not on its own.
Many sofas use a combination of the two or three. My sofa has foam for the seat cushions and fibre for the back cushions.
In my view, foam looks smarter but fibre sofas are more comfortable.