Sofa Series (1 of 3): Sofa, So Good? What No One Tells You Before You Buy One

Part of the Sofa Series – a three-part guide to making the right choice for comfort, style and real life.

Buying a sofa should be exciting. A symbol of your taste, your lifestyle – and possibly your commitment issues. But that excitement tends to wane the moment it arrives and you realise: it looked better in the showroom, it’s impossible to clean under, and the fabric shows every mark from your dog, your child, and that one regrettable curry night.

A sofa is one of the biggest furniture investments you'll make, so it's worth going in with more than a Pinterest board and a vague idea of your “style”. Here’s what no one tells you – but absolutely should – before you buy one.

1. Fabric Fails (And Why They Matter More Than You Think)

That gorgeous cream linen you've been eyeing? It may look like it belongs in a Hamptons beach house, but in reality, it's about as practical as a white silk blouse at a toddler's birthday party.

Natural fibres like cotton and linen are breathable and elegant, but they wrinkle easily, fade in sunlight, and stain if you so much as look at them with a glass of wine. Synthetic blends (think polyester, acrylic, or performance fabrics) may not feel quite as refined, but they’re usually more durable, fade-resistant, and pet- or child-friendly.

Velvet is another common favourite – and rightly so. But there’s a world of difference between cotton velvet (rich and delicate) and polyester velvet (less luscious but far more forgiving). Make sure you know which one you’re getting, and don’t assume “velvet” always equals luxury. Sometimes it equals a lint roller in permanent residence.

Also, always ask about colourfastness. If your sofa is going to sit in a bright room, make sure it won’t fade into a washed-out version of itself after one summer.

2. Maintenance Mayhem: The Day-to-Day Reality

Some sofas are a joy to live with. Others are like needy flatmates – attractive, but high-maintenance.

Think about cleaning. If you can’t remove the cushion covers, you’re stuck with spot cleaning (and crossing your fingers). If it sits flush to the floor, you won’t be able to vacuum underneath unless you’re willing to move it every time. Spoiler: you won’t be.

Slipcovers may seem a bit 90s, but they’re having a quiet comeback – for good reason. A well-fitted slipcover in quality fabric can make your life exponentially easier. Washable covers = peace of mind.

3. Cushion Catastrophes

You know those cloud-like sofas you sink into with a sigh? Lovely in theory. Less so when the cushions pancake after three months or constantly slide around like they’re on a dance floor.

Look for high-resilience foam or a feather-wrapped core. This gives you structure, longevity, and comfort. And test the cushions thoroughly – not with a dainty sit, but how you’d normally use them: slouched, cross-legged, with snacks, possibly mid-Netflix binge.

Cushion depth also matters – too deep and you’ll be sitting upright with your feet in the air; too shallow and you’ll feel like you’re perched on a waiting room bench.

4. The Leg Regret (Yes, It’s a Thing)

Sofa legs are more than decorative. They affect cleaning, comfort, and visual weight.

Legs create an airy feel and make it easy to clean underneath (especially if you’ve got a robot vacuum). No legs, on the other hand, give a grounded, cosy look – but be prepared to reach for the broom far more often than you'd like.

Also, materials matter. Solid wood is classic and durable. Metal can be sleek but may scratch floors. Plastic legs pretending to be wood? Let’s just say they won’t age well.

And the height? It makes a difference to your comfort and your posture – which is why I go into more detail in the next blog in this series.

5. Fantasy vs Real Life

Many people choose a sofa based on how it looks in a staged interior on Instagram – not how it will look (and function) in their actual living room. Ask yourself:

• Do you want to nap on it?

• Do you eat on it (no judgement)?

• Do you have pets, kids, or both?

• Will it double as a guest bed?

Buy for the life you actually live – not the one you occasionally fantasise about while scrolling through Pinterest.

Final Thoughts

The best sofa is the one that works beautifully with your space and your habits. Don’t fall for showroom seduction. Ask the annoying questions. Consider your lifestyle. And remember – comfort, maintenance and longevity are just as important as style.

Ready for part two? In the next post, we’re looking at why one sofa does not fit all: Tall, Short, Stiff, Sinky: Finding a Sofa That Actually Suits Your Body

Looking for more design advice with a touch of personality? Have a browse through the rest of the blog – or subscribe to my newsletter for regular tips, stories, and interior wisdom.