And just like a mattress, you should expect a brief period for the foam in your sofa cushions to adapt to your body. It's a common practice when selling mattresses to let the customer know to expect a break-in period.
Unless it's defective you have no right to reject it for a refund. Being uncomfortable for you is not classed as a defect.
For an instant comfort upgrade on your couch, consider layering with plush accessories. Throw pillows filled with down feathers or soft synthetic fibers can create a cloud-like feel. A quilted sofa cover adds another layer of padding that not only makes for a softer seat but also protects your sofa.
Other suggestions include putting the cushions on the floor and rolling on them (much like we suggest for breaking in new mattresses), or walking on the cushions. Just make sure if you take the walking route, you do so shoeless, barefoot, or with clean socks.
a brand new sofa cushion with a hardness of 200 Newtons will be extremely hard on day one, however after several weeks of use you will find it start to soften off a little; after several years of use it will have softened considerable compared to when it was brand new.
For new and old couches, discomfort is often due to the low quality of its materials. Couches from companies such as IKEA and several online retailers are going to use a cheap filling for their cushions.
Embrace a more laid-back approach and layer up cushions, rugs and blankets in a variety of shapes and colours. The key to this look is confidence: don't be timid – pile 'em high, so the overall look is deliberately eclectic.
The truth is that, over time, couches soften from repeated use. That means there's no reason to worry—your firmer couch will eventually soften and become a comfy haven, and if you picked a durable couch type, you'll get to enjoy the well-earned coziness for years to come.
Backrest Height: Look for a backrest that's taller than the seat depth for proper support. Seat Depth: Ensure the seat depth is comfortable for sitting without excessive slouching. Proportional Arms: The arm height and width should complement the overall size of the sofa.
Use your cooling-off period
You need to tell the seller you don't want the item within 14 days of receiving it. Once you've told the seller, you've got another 14 days to actually send the item back. You can use our template letter to let the seller know you're cancelling. Keep a copy so you've got proof you sent it.
If you experience back pain after lying on your sofa, it's because the soft upholstery encourages you to lounge — leaving your spine in a 'C' shape. This applies excessive pressure on the vertebrae, overstretching the discs, ligaments and muscles that support it, which can lead to chronic backache.
Furniture & Home Improvement Ombudsman. If you don't feel satisfied after going through a retailer's complaint process, we're here to help. We can investigate your case, working with you and the retailer to resolve the problem.
The couch at the store had the benefit of being broken in by many shoppers, while your new furniture feels stiff to the touch. The cushions on your couch will soften over time, but if you want to speed up the process, try a few tactics to compress the foam insert and loosen its fibers.
The length of time it takes for the new furniture smell to go away depends on a few factors, such as the type of furniture, the materials used, and the ventilation in your home. Typically, the smell will start to dissipate after a few days, but it can take up to several weeks for it to completely go away.
Exposure to formaldehyde can cause a variety of different issues, for both the short-term and the long-term. Short-term side effects include burning sensations in the eyes, nose and throat as well as watery eyes, coughing, wheezing, nausea, and irritation of the skin.
For a busy household, pick firm; for chill-out time, soft's your best bet. If you're someone who uses your couch mostly for sitting up and working, or if you have a busy household where the couch is used frequently, a firm couch is better because it provides better support and durability.
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.
Pile on Throw Pillows
Try topping the middle of the sofa with a few lumbar pillows. The long and low shape is designed to prop up your lower back, which can help relieve aches and improve your posture. Use throw pillows near the sides of the sofa for extra cushion near the armrests.
As a general rule, you don't want to place a sofa in front of a door because you don't want to block it, and you don't want people to walk into the back of the sofa.
If you choose to keep it, you can claim a reduction in price, which must be an amount appropriate to your circumstances and could be the whole price. If you reject the furniture then you should get a full or partial refund. This will depend on whether the seller will take any use of the item into account.
The Bottom Line
While the couch might seem like a comfortable alternative, regular couch sleeping can lead to many issues, including poor posture, back and leg pain, and bad sleep quality. These issues can be even more pronounced for the elderly and those with physical disabilities.
Seat Depth
Generally speaking, when you're sitting on a sofa, your knees should be bent at a 90-degree angle and your feet should touch the floor. Additionally, you should be able to sit comfortably without having to use a throw pillow and your thighs should remain supported by the seat.
Keep in mind that sofas that sit lower to the ground tend to be more difficult to get in and out of, which might make them feel less comfortable. While deep seats are ideal for curling up and hunkering down, you'll want to make sure the back cushions are substantial—or supplement with throw pillows—for lumbar support.