Choosing a sofa that lasts: frame, cushions, fabric or leather

A sofa gets used every day, for years. Most of what decides how long it lasts is hidden under the fabric: the frame, the cushions, and how the cover is made. This guide tells you what to look for in each, and where to find it on a product page.

Start with the size

Before anything else, measure. Check the width of the wall, and the doors, hallways and stairs the sofa has to pass through. Leave room to walk in front of it: about 45 cm between the sofa and a coffee table is comfortable.

Then compare depth. A deep sofa is great for lounging, but shorter people may want a shallower seat. For example, the BT Mayfair 3 Seater Sofa is 81.5 cm deep, while the CR Turin 2.5 Seater Sofa is 105 cm deep.

1. The frame: what holds it all together

The frame is the skeleton. If it twists or cracks, nothing else matters. Look at the "frame" or "material" line on the product page.

• Solid timber and hardwood frames are strong and hold their shape. The CR Durham 2.5 Seater Sofa lists a rubber wood, pine and hardwood frame. The CR Turin has an internal mahogany frame.
• Solid wood with plywood is common and sturdy. The VI Capella 2 Seater Sofabed lists a solid wood and plywood frame.
• LVL and MDF are engineered boards used in many modern sofas. The VI Club 2 Seater Sofa with Chaise uses an LVL and MDF frame on rubberwood legs.

If you can see the sofa in person, lift one front corner. The other front leg should come up quickly too. If the frame flexes a lot, it may loosen over time.

Some makers state a longer warranty on the frame than on the rest of the sofa. The VI Club, for example, lists 5 years on the frame, 3 years on foam and springs, and 1 year on fabric and stitching. Check the warranty line on each product page, as it differs between makers.

2. The cushions: foam, springs and feathers

Cushions decide how the sofa feels on day one, and how it feels after five years.

• Foam density tells you how well foam keeps its shape. Higher density foam lasts longer and sags less. The VI Capella lists its foam density as 28 kg/m³. Several of our sofa beds, like the HE Morrison 3 Seater Sofa Bed, use high-density foam.
• Pocket springs add support and bounce under the foam. The BT Mayfair 3 Seater has pocket spring seat cushions.
• Feather and foam gives a softer, sink-in feel. The EL Denmark 2 Seater and Chaise and EL Hilton 2 Seater Chaise Sofa use feather and foam. Feather needs a regular plump to keep its shape.

Sit for a few minutes, not a few seconds. Then stand up and see how quickly the cushion recovers.

3. The cover: fabric, leather or faux leather

Fabric

Fabric is warm, soft and comes in endless colours. Polyester and polyester blends are hard-wearing and resist fading. Boucle, a looped, textured fabric, is soft and on trend; see the BT Argyle 3 Seater in boucle. Linen-look weaves give a relaxed, natural feel, like the BT Chesterfield 2 Seater in linen weave.

Good for: families who want comfort and colour. Watch for: pet claws on loose loops, and spills on light colours.

Leather

Real leather is tough, easy to wipe, and softens with age. It gains a patina, which many people love. Our EL Murphy Mocha Leather 3 Seater and the AF Wesley Aged Leather Armchair are examples.

Good for: a long life with simple care. Watch for: direct sun, which can dry and fade leather. Condition it now and then with a leather care product.

Faux leather (PU)

PU or faux leather gives the leather look at a lower price and wipes clean easily. The BT Paragon 3 Seater Electric Recliner is upholstered in PU leather.

Good for: easy cleaning and a leather look. Watch for: heat and sharp objects. It does not age like real leather, so treat it gently.

Recliners, modulars and sofa beds

Extra features add parts that need to last too. On a recliner, check whether it is manual or electric, and how much space it needs behind it and in front when fully open. On a sofa bed, check the mattress and the open length. Browse recliners and sofa beds to compare.

Simple care that adds years

1. Turn and plump cushions every week or two, so they wear evenly.
2. Vacuum fabric with a soft brush to lift dust and grit.
3. Blot spills, don't rub. Check the care label before using any cleaner.
4. Keep it out of strong sun and away from heaters.

You can compare all our sofas in lounges and sofas. If you have questions about a frame, foam or fabric, call us on 02 9790 2588 or email sales@triplejfurniture.com.au.