Here are some tips to help you select a new sofa that you will still love 10 years from now.

Have this checklist with you when you head out to shop or are browsing online!

Construction: (You may pay a little more for these features, but they are so important to the comfort and durability of the sofa that you choose.)

1. Choose a frame made out of kiln-dried hardwood. This will help ensure that your sofa won’t warp or crack over time.
2. Pay attention to how the piece was assembled. The sofa should be corner blocked and have mortise and tenon or double-dowel joinery. Steer clear of pieces that have been assembled with nails or glue. (It’s ok to use glue and staples as reinforcement only.)
3. The support springs of the sofa should be heavy-gauge sinuous springs or 8-way hand-tied. This will help ensure that your sofa doesn’t sag, squeak, or become uncomfortable over time. Steer clear of drop-in or pocket coils.
4. Be sure that the sofa you select does not have attached back cushions. These cushions tend to sag and since they can’t be flipped there is nothing you can do to prevent it.

Let’s talk about fabric. Many retailers offer performance fabrics that will resist stains and wear helping your new sofa to look new for years to come. Performance fabrics are generally made from polyester but have been upgraded over the years. Instead of just the micro-suede look of 10-15 years ago, they now come in several look-a-like options to match whatever design style you’re looking for. You can choose anything from Performance Cotton Canvas to Performance Linen and more.

Once you have your new sofa, here are some additional tips to help keep it looking new. Every week you should:

1. Spot clean any dirt or stains with a white cloth and mild detergent.
2. Use a lint brush to remove any pet hair or lint.
3. Flip your seat and back cushions. (This is also a good time to vacuum under the cushions to remove any dirt.) This step helps to prevent sagging and uneven wear.

Browse some of my favorite high-quality sofas:

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