How To Choose a Sofa That Will Last Forever

At FCI London, our top designers are often asked: How do you choose a sofa that will last forever? Yes, curling up on something you can really sink into is key, but there’s actually so much more to it than that.

As it will be one of the most frequently used pieces of furniture in your home, craftsmanship, support, style, shape, durability and upholstery are all determining factors that need careful consideration. Let’s face it, if you’re going to make a sizeable investment, it had better be worthwhile.

This expert buyer’s guide will help you narrow down your options and ensure that you find a luxury sofa that ticks all of the boxes.

The first step is to figure out the size of the sofa you need

Size really is everything when it comes to picking out the best option for your space. Too big and it will overshadow your entire room, too small and it will lose its impact and be swallowed up by its surroundings. So at the end of the day, it’s all about proportion.

Here are some tips:

Take into account the size and shape of your room when measuring the area you’ve assigned for your new sofa.
Once you’ve decided on a sofa that you think will fit the room, take note of its dimensions and mark them on the floor using some string or chalk to ensure that it’s just right and that you will be able to walk around it with ease.
Consider how you will get your sofa into your living space. Are your entrance doors big enough? Do you have to get it upstairs or into a lift?
You’ll also have to contemplate its function. If you have a large family, get something modular that will slot together to make an L- or U-shape so that everyone can snuggle up together. Or find something that can recline if you’re furnishing a home theatre.

Talk to a one of our designers now or book an appointment.

Book A Video Chat

Book a zoom consultation and we’ll advise you on furniture, space planning, wardrobes and more.

Book A Video Chat

Book A Showroom Visit

Let our experts guide you through our 30,000 sq. ft. showroom with over 700 luxury brands under 1 roof.

Book A Consultation

Email, call or book a virtual video chat with our sales team. Ask questions with no obligations.

Chat Now

Next, decide on the style of sofa that you want

Choosing the right style for your space is another important factor. Décor trends are constantly changing, so make sure you future-proof your furnishings and choose a high-quality sofa that you can live with for at least ten years.

Our design gurus will tell you that keeping in vogue is about picking out a classic that can be modernised through accessories rather than trying to start from scratch every season. These pointers will help you narrow down your search:

A low-profile sofa will look good in a modern setting, while a high-back suits a more classic aesthetic.
Consider whether you want square or rounded arms and make sure that they are comfortable. Wide arms complement more contemporary forms, particularly on low-profile sofas, but they can take up a lot of space. High-backed sofas usually have narrower arms and, if it’s a classic style, might have a curved scroll or a flare.
Modular sofas come in a variety of sizes and configurations, offering a plethora of advantages by merging multiple elements into one unit. This maximises room space and provides flexible seating options, especially if a chaise longue or fixed ottoman is included.
Sofas that encourage extended lounging and resting usually include a lot of plush cushions, a wide frame, and broad arms with plenty of padding. These types of couches are frequently available in modular sections allowing you to move pieces to other living spaces should you need to.
The tufted sofa, or button-back, is a classic choice and comes in a number of formats such as the Chesterfield or the French Provincial. They are rarely out of style and suit both traditional and modern aesthetics, especially when upholstered in a contemporary material

How To Choose a Sofa That Will Last Forever

Once you’ve chosen a style, think about the type of fabric you want

Fabric choice is lifestyle-dependent and must fit in with your family dynamics. Leather, durable synthetic microfibre and chenille are excellent options, but not all of them are suitable if you have small children or dogs.

Choosing the right fabric will ensure that your fabric sofa lasts for decades. Here’s a breakdown of what’s available:

Cotton and linen are long-lasting fabrics, but when combined with low-cost synthetics, can pill after a year of use. Pilling is when small balls of lint form on the surface of the material. To find out more, read our guide on sofa care and maintenance.
Synthetic microfibre mimics the weave and feel of most natural fabrics and is stain-resistant, making it an excellent choice. It is also less prone to fading.
Leather sofas are elegant, functional and refined, will complement just about any genre and improves with age. Choose a brand like Gamma & Dandy that combines high-quality hides with superlative craftsmanship and it’s likely to last a lifetime. However, it needs proper maintenance and scratches easily so is not ideal for pets or boisterous little ones.

Then consider the colour and pattern of the fabric

Finding the right colour for your sofa depends on what palette you’ve chosen for your entire sitting room.

Think about the size and intention of your space and determine whether your style is harmonious, complementary or monochromatic. Do you want your sofa to match your base colour or be one of the accent shades? Are you looking for something refined, is feeling calm important to you or do you want to create a more vibrant aesthetic?

If you’ve located your dream sofa but aren’t sure what colour to go with or haven’t yet picked a specific style, opt for something neutral that will match any colour or pattern you decide to introduce at a later stage.

Choose beige, mushroom or cream for a warm colour scheme or grey, charcoal and white if you want a cooler tone. Cushions, throws or rugs will add different accents, bring interest to your ensemble and keep your space looking modern.

When selecting a brighter option, be cognizant that you have to live with it long-term and make sure it’s a colour that can be adapted to new trends. Weaves and large patterns go in and out of style and can look dated over time. A herringbone or flecked tweed will wear well, stay contemporary and hide any fading or scuff marks.

Remember to request a swatch from your supplier so that you can take it home and see how it looks before you make a final commitment.

Finally, make sure that the sofa you choose is structurally sound

There’s no doubt about it, quality is king. And while a sofa may feel supportive in the shop, if it’s cheaply made it will most certainly sag over time. So make sure you investigate what’s going on beneath the surface and do some research on the brand and its reputation. Craftsmanship will be the true indicator of whether you are making a purchase for the long or short term. Our recommendations are that you:

Look at the frame: Soft wood, such as pine, is inexpensive but after a few years might warp, so go for a more expensive hardwood like oak, ash, walnut or beech. Legs should be attached by screws or dowels, not with adhesive alone. An easy test is to lift one of the front corners of the sofa six inches off the floor and check that both legs are elevated and aligned. If one is still touching the ground, the frame is weak.
Ask about the joinery: A securely made frame has connections joined by wooden dowels, double wooden dowels, wooden corner blocks or metal screws and brackets. If only staples, nails or glue are used, it’s guaranteed to be a bad investment.
Test out the springs: If the sofa creaks when you sit on it, the springs are badly placed and will collapse or push through the frame in time. They should be close together and firm. If there is only webbing or mesh, your sofa will be uncomfortable and flimsy,
Research the padding: From polyurethane and high-resilient (HR) foam to duck and goose down, there are a number of sofa fillings that make the grade but that have pros and cons of their own. Our top two choices comprise HR foam layered with down and conventional foam wrapped in polyester batting. But before you make your own decision, have a seat and put your feet up – testing it out for yourself is always the best route to go.

In Conclusion

Choosing a sofa for your living room is one of the biggest home décor investments you’ll make, so take your time and find one that ticks all the boxes in terms of style, colour, durability and quality.

At FCI London we have an extensive range of state-of-the-art furnishings that will turn your space into a masterpiece. Pop in and see us today – our designers are on hand to give you top advice and guide you through all the options.