Sofas that have stood the test of time - where to buy a decent sofa?

[roonetta]

We bought two leather sofas around 4 years ago from Sofology and the seating has sagged badly. No surprise Sofology aren’t interested and say it’s normal wear and tear. We are looking to purchase new sofas but the big furniture companies like DFS, Furniture Village etc. all have terrible reviews and seem to have recurring issues of sagging or pooling fabric/leather after a short time. Can you give me your sofa brands that have stood the test of time? I am fed up of finding a sofa I like and then reading bad reviews. We don’t mind if it’s fabric or leather, although would prefer seat cushions that are not fixed and can be turned regularly. Thanks 😊

Our M & S leather sofa was still going strong when we got rid of it after 18 years. It was in great condition and no sagging. It had metal spring supports. It was quality. The seat cushions came off completely so you could feel the sprung base, it also meant the seat and back cushions could be turned regularly. No idea if they still make them that quality though. The SCS fabric one we’ve got as a replacement is not a patch on it, so I’d avoid them!

We had a dfs sofa for 11 years. It did give way and we had to get a new one. Which we got from
dfs!

Parker knolll! Bought our Sofa in 2018 - as good as new. Have had Parker knoll stuff for generations. This one has a 25 year guarantee- I expect my grandchildren will inherit it!

I think dfs provides a huge chunk of the market so proportionately the bad reviews are minimal (they were when we looked). I have to say, we have nothing but a good experience with dfs. Sofas are only 3 years old but considering we are a family of 5 with 2 dogs (who are allowed on the sofa) it’s looking good as new.

Our previous one was 22 years old from Harveys and was trashed by the end but it had had 3 kittens in that time and 3 babies/toddlers and primary age dc bounce on it over the years. It did well. This new one feels sturdy (and gets less bouncing now dc are older).

I've never had a problem with DFS sofas. Also have an Aldis and a Laura Ashley. But have had DFS for years. Only got rid when moving house and it no longer fitted. Gave them to British Heart Foundation. Good luck.

I was going to recommend multiyork and sofa workshop but neither are trading now which is a shame.
Our old sofas were Ikea and lasted really well.

My second last sofa was a really expensive German make, Wade I think, it was fabulous and was going to last forever BUT there is a downside to that, I could never find an excuse to change it and I was fed up of the chocolate brown thing, thank god we got a cat who attacked it.

Current sofa is a leather Next one. Must be 8 years old now and still in perfect shape. It was one of the styles that can be delivered in a few days too.

My DFS sofa has lasted well but I’ve just bought new foam for the cushions which has made a big difference and wasn’t too expensive

Buy quality, G-Plan, Parker Knoll they really do last.

We have had our Natuzzi sofas for over 20 years. Highly recommended.

Oak furniture land L shaped sofa

I have a Sofa Workshop Sofa from 1998 which will outlive me but like someone said upthread: I am wed to it and cannot move on (as it was v expensive at the time and is SUCH good quality). It’s a moot point as Sofa Workshop is no more (because people didn’t like to pay high prices even for quality, or they misjudged the market, dropped the ball??) but maybe people who worked for the company (and valued good quality) have moved on to other sofa manufacturers?? That would be a recommendation…

in the meantime I have a cheap IKEA sofa which is doing a fine job. And I do not have to live with it forever which is another plus.
I would have gone for a DFS. joules sofa but there were none within a reasonable distance from me (I was willing to drive 4 hours) so couldn’t buy without trying but they seemed to good quality

I have G Plan which has been wonderful but we do need to replace it so wondering the same thing

I like our Lounge Co sofa, it's a year old but wearing very nicely, no funny surprises. It's the Madison one, a 4 seater, with proper springs in the base and back so comfortable but supportive too. Highly recommend the family friendly fabrics too. They're more costly but are doing well against a toddler. Wait until a sale is on, you'll save hundreds.

Natuzzi. The best sofa we have ever had

DSF here too.
23 years - still going strong.

We also have a sofa workshop sofabed which is 25 years old and has washable covers. Still going strong and in fairly regular use as a bed for guests. Wish they were still in business, same with Multiyork.

Maybe Heals? They used to have good quality stuff.

Try a local upholsterer to make one for you where you're not paying for a middle man's share of profit, or find something from Tetrad/Duresta/Multiyork/Wesley Barrel second hand and get it recovered? I work in the trade - decent sofas have solid hardwood frames (usually beech) and mesh top coil spring units. Avoid serpentine/zigzag springs as they are stapled to the wood frame so all the wear goes onto the clips and often buckles the frame itself.

I was sofa searching a year ago, decided to buy secondhand and found a reupholstered mid-century sofa in olive green velvet which also converts to a bed.
It's already at least 50 years old and will probably last another 50!
Was £750.

Delcor at Seaton Delaval have a guarantee of 50 years I think on their framework. I’ve had mine about 40 years now and reupholstered by them . I do get extra arm covers.

Thanks so much for your replies. We have looked at GPlan sofas but they are pricey. It’s
good to hear the love for DFS, might have to reconsider looking there. Also a great idea to buy second hand and reupholster. Lots of food for thought and plenty of options for me to mull over tonight 😊

I loved Harveys! Shame some of the best shops are no more 🥺. Do you mind me asking which sofa you went for from DFS?

I’ve got a 20 year old John Lewis sofa in a heavy duty jacquard type weave in green/gold/dark red that is still in really good shape. It’s sort of chesterfield shape so pretty much classic and timeless. Cost about £1200 but has been worth every penny. No plans to replace.

Edited to add we bought an Italian leather settee from House of Fraser at the same time and that’s still alive and kicking - although a bit sun damaged.

I dread the thought of having to replace these as I have the feeling that modern quality might not be quite the same.

John Lewis G Plan range. We have two sofas with matching armchairs, both are 13 years old this summer and look as good as new.

Just be aware DFS and Sofology are the same company..
So if you are not happy with a Sofology product, you may have similar issues with a DFS one.

We have a lovely John Lewis corner unit that looks good as new 2 1/2 years on .