The only way to make an existing sofa softer in itself is to upgrade the filling with the help of a local upholsterer. 'Upgrading a foam filling to a foam and feather filling is one step softer, whereas going for a full feather filling is even softer,' says Irene Gunter.
Opt for chunky knit or faux fur blankets to add a thick layer between you and the firmer parts of your sofa, such as the armrests or back. The soft layer provides a bit more cushion and visual appeal to create a cozier sofa.
On the other hand, firm sofas are ideal for optimum back support. In addition to promoting good posture, firm sofas are also good for hosting guests. Sofas soften with prolonged use, so getting a firm sofa will become soft over time.
If you really hate the pattern/color on your couch, choose oversized throw pillows to help cover what you don't like. You'll be amazed at how much of a difference they will make! PS-check out my post on 40 Throw Pillow Combos! It's a great place to start.
Can I return a sofa if it's not comfortable? Yes, if you bought it online. Buying a sofa online gives you the right to reject it within 14 days for whatever reason, not just because it's faulty – and then another 14 days to send it back after informing the seller you don't want it.
Perhaps your sofa cushions are sagging, or the fabric is looking stained and worn? If this sounds familiar, don't worry – it's bound to happen. While the average sofa should last between 7 and 15 years, signs of wear and tear are likely to appear before then – especially if it's a well-loved sofa.
The average life of a sofa purchased today is seven to 15 years, but there are six warning signs before the arms fall off that it might just be time to start looking for a replacement.
If you just bought your couch, you might be thinking, “but the foam is brand new!” That may be true, but unfortunately, your discomfort is likely caused by cheap back and seat cushions. For example, there might be a polyester fiber blend in the back cushions.
Sofa styles with firm cushions:
Their deep, yet firm, cushioned backs are great for supporting the back, while the upright backrest helps with sitting at the right angle. Recessed buttons also help to naturally support bodyweight.
Buying a firm sofa is always a good choice. You get great support and it's more durable than a soft sofa so it can last a long time. But with all the options out there, it sometimes helps to review the advantages and disadvantages.
Conditioning: Apply a high-quality leather conditioner to keep the leather supple and prevent drying or cracking. Gently massage the conditioner into the leather using circular motions, and wipe off any excess with a clean cloth.
Consider the two thirds rule
A sofa that's the full length of the wall in front of which it is positioned could prove overbearing in a room scheme. But it's also the case that a sofa can look too small. One approach to getting the right proportions is to aim for a sofa that's about two-thirds of the wall length.
This means your largest piece of furniture – for example, a sofa – should measure 2:3 of the area. Then work your way backwards from there. The coffee table should be 2:3 the size of the sofa, and so on. Once the bigger pieces of furniture are placed, it's easier to work smaller, decorative pieces around them.
“You can spend $4,000 if you want a high-quality sofa, but in reality there are lots of companies where you can get a $2,000 sectional that will look good in five years' time,” she says. Here are a few things to look out for to be sure you're getting the most bang for your seating-area buck.
You don't have an automatic right to get your money back if you just change your mind about something you've bought and there's nothing wrong with it. It's the same no matter how expensive the item was - it's really down to the seller whether they offer you anything.
If you've got backache after lying on your sofa it's because the soft upholstery encourages you to lounge, leaving your spine in a 'C' shape. This can add an excessive amount of pressure on the vertebrae and overstretch the discs, ligaments and muscles that support it, which can eventually lead to chronic backache.
Retailers take back merchandise from the customer, evaluate it, and if it's in good condition put it back on the shelf at the same or lesser price. They can refurbish damaged returns and sell them for less or offload them to liquidators to resell.
As you use your sofa or chair, all seat cushions will compress to some degree. To make sure that the process occurs evenly, you'll want to turn and flip the cushions and pillows occasionally (ideally weekly, but at least once a month). If possible, try to avoid always sitting in the exact same place.
New cushions can completely change an old couch and return it to its original quality and comfort levels. The best part is that replacing your couch cushions is far cheaper than replacing your whole couch! While replacing your sofa cushions may seem overwhelming, the process is very easy.