Ensuring Your Sofa Stands the Test of Time
A sofa is more than just a piece of furniture. It’s the centrepiece of your living space – a place where you relax, entertain and spend quality time with the family.
Investing in a high-quality sofa ensures it remains a beautiful and functional part of your home for years to come. At British Design Shop, we take pride in creating bespoke, handcrafted sofas that offer unparalleled comfort and stand the test of time.
Read on as we explore how to make sure your modular sofa lasts for years to come, including the importance of high-quality materials and craftsmanship, plus some additional tips on maintaining your sofa’s longevity.
The importance of high-quality materials
When it comes to durability, the materials in your sofa play a crucial role. High-quality fabrics, resilient frames and lavish fillings all play a role in ensuring your sofa stands the test of time. A good sofa will last many years, retaining its shape, comfort and aesthetic appeal.
Fabrics & upholstery
Choosing durable fabrics like high-thread-count cotton, linen, wool or modern technical synthetic blends can make a big difference. These materials are resistant to wear and tear and are less likely to fade over time. At British Design Shop, we use a range of premium fabrics that are beautiful and hand-picked to last. During your free consultation, one of our experts will understand your practical needs and help you select the best combination of both style and durability.
Frames
You can think of a sofa frame as its backbone. Hardwood frames – like those made from kiln-dried FSC-sourced hardwood – provide an excellent level of strength and stability. These woods are less prone to warping and cracking compared to particleboard or softwoods.
Cushions & fillings
The comfort of your sofa depends on good ergonomics relative to your height alongside quality fabrics and cushion fillings. High-density reflex foam used in combination with Dacron provides a supportive seat surface that helps maintain proper spinal alignment, whilst reducing the need for continuous plumping. Our fill clean look is something that we have always aimed for to give you the right look plus a comfortable supportive sit.
We are always looking to improve our sustainability and have recently introduced recycled foam fillers (Orbis™) across a number of our collections. These fillers are made from recycled mattresses, allowing us to embed a sustainable option with science, technology and our deep product understanding.
Craftsmanship
Fundamentally, furniture is made two ways:
- Mass produced in continuous production lines where speed and cost are the focus.
- Bench-made by a skilled individual craftsperson where quality, skilled craft and longevity take priority over speed and cost.
A good sofa designer will work closely with a skilled maker, meticulously detailing each design during the product development process, painstakingly reviewing several prototypes to ensure optimal style, comfort and upholstery detailing is delivered in the final product.
With a skilled designer, each stitch, seam and tuft are placed with precision. This ensures not only a beautiful, unique finish, but also an enhanced level of durability for sofas large and small.
Bespoke local makers also give you the chance to tailor your sofa to your specific needs and preferences. From selecting the perfect fabric to choosing the ideal configuration, bespoke options ensure your sofa perfectly fits into your home and lifestyle.
Martindale rating
The Martindale rating measures the durability of upholstery fabric. It’s certainly worth looking at before committing to a fabric for your sofa. A high Martindale rating tells you that a sofa will be more resistant to abrasion – perfect for high-traffic areas like a busy living room or with kids and pets.
One of our team will be able to advise you on the Martindale rating for each of the fabric options – this is a good thing to ask about when enquiring about a sofa.
How to maintain your sofa
Even the highest-quality sofa will require proper care to maintain its appearance and functionality. Here are some essential tips to make sure your sofa stands the test of time:
Regular cleaning
You should regularly vacuum your sofa to remove dust and debris that can accumulate and cause wear. Use a soft brush attachment to avoid damaging the fabric. For deeper cleaning, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for your specific fabric type.
Stain resistance
Accidents are bound to happen – but selecting a resistant fabric can make all the difference! Many of the best fabrics come with built-in stain resistance, making it easier to clean spills and prevent stains. Most modern, stain-resistant fabrics use technical synthetic yarns, so they can be cleaned easily using a cloth and water.
Pet & child-friendly sofas
For households with pets and children, choosing the right sofa fabric is extra-important! Durable, easy-to-clean fabrics and sturdy construction are key features to look for.
You should generally look for fabrics that are both durable and stain-resistant. Removable cushion covers can be a lifesaver if any accidents occur too.
Find handcrafted sofas with British Design Shop
Choosing a sofa from the British Design Shop means investing in a piece of furniture designed to last. Our sofas combine high-quality materials, expert craftsmanship and bespoke design.
Visit our studios in North Kensington or Hove to experience the luxury and comfort of our handcrafted sofas firsthand. Book your appointment today and discover how we can help you create a timeless, functional addition to your home.
Each of our sofas is designed and crafted in Great Britain, offering you the flexibility to suit any room or aesthetic preference you’re searching for. Whether you want a sleek L-shaped configuration or an adaptable corner setup, we can create a sofa to meet your needs and transform your living space.
Still not sure if a handcrafted sofa is right for you? Take a look at our bespoke collections to find the perfect match for you.