Are Italian Sofas Good Buys?

Are Italian sofas good buys? All over the world, Italy is renowned for producing some of the finest pieces of furniture on the market. Goods bearing the country’s label are associated with a certain standard of quality, similar to Egyptian and its cotton, Turkish tobacco, and Costa Rican coffee.

We asked our FCI furniture experts to share the best qualities of these sofas as they see it in the four decades that we’ve worked with their suppliers. Together with shopping tips, this guide will help you decide whether you want to invest in la dolce vita.

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What is an Italian sofa and where did it originate from

Traditional Italian furniture goes way back, its remnants having been unearthed from the ruins of Pompeii. Originally, most of the earliest styles were Roman adaptations of Greek designs. The frames were often made from bronze or wood and accented with precious metals.

Fast forward to today and these sofas occupy a large share of the premium market with annual sales surpassing £36 million.

An Italian sofa is considered a quality seat made with a strong structure, sophisticated design, and the best fabrics and leather. These sofas seem to look better over time as they age beautifully. Whatever you pay for one, will be worth the longevity you will get from these durable Italian sofas.

In terms of aesthetics, traditional designs are ornate and luxurious, but you can find more modest models that will work in minimalist modern interiors.

How do you know if an Italian sofa is of good quality?

Italian craftsmanship is all about detail. It’s easy to spot cheap replicas because only a high level of skill can produce the perfection that the originals demonstrate. Without going into the body of the sofa, exterior details will help you to discern the quality.

The first thing to look at is the stitching. The Italians produce high-quality stitching and not a single seam or grain will be out of place. Also, get a feel for the fabric, if it isn’t rich and strong, it’s a lower-grade piece.

Every detail and embellishment on the sofa should be crafted and polished spotless as seen in this First Lady Sofa by Silvano Luxury. If it's a leather piece only the finest grade - full-grain leather - should be used.

Lastly, examine the overall design, and look out for smooth modern lines where every curve or corner flows gracefully into the next.

What are the benefits of having an Italian sofa in your home?

With such a strong emphasis on quality, you can expect to have little to no regrets about buying an Italian sofa. Some of the top benefits are:

Durability

Your sofa is going to outlast almost every other furniture item in your living room. Where standard premium sofas last about 12 years, these will stay in shape for much longer. Whether they are fabric or leather designs, they carry any wear and tear well such that they look more sophisticated with time. This is what makes them timeless purchases worth the spend.

Supreme comfort

When you sit on an Italian sofa, you get the impression that it was handcrafted specifically for you. These seats deliver an unmatched level of comfort thanks to the attention that's paid to every component of their makeup. As soon as you rest on them, you can tell that a lot of time and effort went into crafting the pieces.

Unique style and aesthetic

There is a distinguishable look about these sofas, especially the traditional styles. These have a unique elegance and detailing that is unlike furniture from other nations. Contemporary styles like this Arianne Sofa by Valore Collezione, have more modern lines, but can still be identified by their meticulous detailing and superior material.

How much does an Italian sofa typically cost?

The simple answer is that it depends. The reason is that most high-end sofas come with a wide range of customisable options. You can tailor most details of the design to your budget and style.

That being said, artisanal products will generally fetch higher prices than mass-produced goods. The cost will be linked to the size and hours of craftsmanship required to produce the final product.

And if there isn’t a reputable seller near you, you will have to factor in importation and transportation fees.

Where can you find an affordable Italian sofa that meets your needs?

Owning an Italian sofa is often regarded as a status symbol. The good news is that you can premium quality options at affordable prices.

At FCI, our experts can guide you in the right direction when deciding on the specifications that will make any sofa in our catalogue more affordable for you. We have great relationships with our suppliers that span over decades. This means we are able to negotiate on prices where many other brands might not be.

Best of all, we have a clearance section of ex-display items where you can find some amazing deals on quality Italian furniture. One such find is the Louis Small Composition Sofa by Meridiani. Sophisticated and versatile, the Louis Small Composition Sofa is designed for stunning living areas. The Meridiani brand has a clear focus on home furnishing in its collection which is meant to be timeless, elegant, vivacious, and contemporary.

Are there any drawbacks to owning an Italian sofa

The main thing that stands out as a negative aspect of Italian sofas is that they are more expensive than other designs.

Because they are luxury purchases, they are generally sold at a premium price. However, when you break down the value you are getting in return, the amount you pay is worth it.

Another issue that is specific to their leather sofas is that they take a long to break into. You will have to spend some time seated on your new sofa before it softens to you.

In conclusion

With the pros far outweighing the cons, we can confidently say that Italian sofas are a good buy.

They are certainly a beautiful choice if you want to give your interior a sophisticated timeless look. At FCI, we have a collection of over 700 brands, most of which are premium Italian names. Shop our luxury Italian sofas and other ranges for every room in the home. Remember to look out for the customisable options under each product description.

If you are ready to purchase your new sofa, give us a call or visit our showroom and we will help you pick out the perfect one for your home.