The sofa as an investment– how to choose quality that will last for years?

When you decide to buy a new sofa, it's not just about choosing a piece of furniture that will look good in your home. A sofa is not just a decorative element, it is a key part of your comfort, health and quality of life. What's more, it can also be a significant investment that, if done right, will serve you faithfully for years to come.

Many people rush into a purchase without realising that choosing a sofa is not just a matter of preference, but also a sensible choice in terms of quality, durability and functionality. To avoid disappointment in a year or two when the sofa starts to lose its shape or wear out, it's important to consider a few key factors.

Quality materials

When it comes to making an investment, the first thing to look at is the materials the sofa is made from. These will determine both its comfort and durability over time.

Upholstery

Eco-leather (or faux leather) sofas look good when new, but can be more prone to cracking and wear than real leather. Typically, sofas made from polyurethane (or PU) leather will crack or crumble over time and become virtually unusable. We therefore recommend that you avoid this type of upholstery for your sofa.
Upholstery with a high cotton content and other natural fibres such as linen, silk or wool can be stylish but are more difficult to maintain and clean. Natural fabrics are beautiful but will not last as long if not cared for. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight for long periods and do not wash them with bleaching detergents.
Upholstery made from 100% polyester or with a higher viscose content are more durable and combine comfort with strength. They also offer a wide range of colours and textures.

At Valinor, we have selected for you a wide range of upholstery fabrics with an additional stain-resistant or easy-care finish. So you can enjoy your sofa without worrying about stains. We also offer fabrics specially designed for pets. These do not retain hair and are easy to clean.

Take a look at our upholstery suggestions here.

Frame

The frame of the sofa is also important for its durability. The frame should be made of sturdy wood (such as oak or beech), plywood or metal. A poorly made frame can make the sofa unstable and shorten its life.

The filling - what are the cushions made of?

The filling of the seat and back cushions is also a key factor in the durability of a sofa. The most common materials used to fill seat cushions are:

Polyurethane foam
It has very good elastic properties, which vary according to thickness and density. There are many different types, the main ones being smooth (with different available densities) and upholstered (high density with relatively greater softness). Density is measured in kilograms per cubic metre. The most commonly used are T25, T30, T35, where the number stands for kg/cc.
Latex foam
Latex cushions offer good shape retention and are long lasting and durable. The disadvantage of latex is its higher price, which adds to the price of the sofa.

The fillings in our sofas vary according to the model or customer preference. The most common material we use is foamed polyurethane with a density of 30kg/m3 for the seats (in some cases up to 40kg/m3 depending on the model or customer requirements).

Quality of workmanship

When choosing a sofa, details matter. Examine all seams carefully - they must be precise and even. If you notice uneven seams or zippers, it could be a sign of negligence in manufacturing and be an indication of future problems.

Using strong zippers, buttons and fasteners that do not come off easily is a sign of quality workmanship.
Stability Test: Check that the sofa is stable and there is no rocking or instability, especially when choosing larger models such as corner sofas.

Comfort and Ergonomics

For a sofa to be an investment, it must not only look good, but also be comfortable. Ergonomic design is very important, this includes properly positioned backrests and armrests, as well as the appropriate firmness of the cushions.

It is recommended that you try the sofa in person before purchasing. If possible, sit on it for a few minutes to see if it is comfortable for your body and if it provides adequate support.

Additional extras

Extension mechanism

Very often the choice of a sofa is determined by the type, comfort and reliability of the sofa bed mechanism built into it. Metal double and triple folding mechanisms are widely used by manufacturers, where the mattress is placed under the sofa and you can pull out the bed from underneath. Practice has shown that many customers are not satisfied with them, so we have tried to develop other mechanisms that better meet people's needs and wishes. You can read more about our specially designed mechanisms here.

Removable cushion covers

The option of removable seat and back cushions is extremely important for maintaining the beautiful appearance of your sofa. The vast majority of manufacturers do not offer this option, but we understand how important it is for customers to be able to easily clean their sofa, especially if they have young children or pets.

That's why all of our sofas come with removable seat and back cushion covers. This allows you to wash the covers weekly or whenever you like. The removable seat and back cushions have a double cover, which makes washing much easier - the sofa can even be used while the covers are drying.

Some of our models even offer the option of a removable cover for the entire sofa, including the armrests and back.

Conclusion

A sofa is more than just a piece of furniture - it's an important part of your everyday comfort and the right choice can be a solid investment for years to come. To make sure you choose a quality and durable product, pay attention to the materials, craftsmanship, filling, and additional features it offers. If you make a wise choice, you can enjoy your sofa for many years without worrying about wear and tear or damage.

Choosing a quality sofa is not just a purchase, but an investment in comfort and coziness for your family.