DFS ‘Match Made’ event feedback thread - non attendee? Chance to win £300 voucher! NOW CLOSED

[JustineBMumsnet]

This is the feedback thread for the 11 Mumsnetters who attended an exclusive DFS event in London to be matched to their ideal sofa.

Here’s what DFS has to say: “We know that choosing a sofa that’s right for you is something which everyone wants to get right, but it can sometimes feel like a challenge. At DFS, we have nearly 50 years of experience designing and hand-making sofas and want to make the sofa buying process as simple as possible. ‘Match Made at DFS’ was a chance for Mumsnetters to see how simple sofa shopping can be, when you consult those in the know.

On Wednesday 19th July we invited 12 Mumsnetters along to be ‘Match Made’ to their ideal sofa. During the match making process the Mumsnetters and DFS sofa experts chatted in detail about their sofa requirements. From colour and style, to product protection and financing, the Mumsnetters put the know-how of the DFS experts to the test. At the end of the match making process, the Mumsnetters were given the chance to choose the right sofa to meet their needs and suit their lifestyle.”

See the DFS 'match-making' process in action with their 'Ultimate Sofa Buying Guide' video here:

Attendees, please answer the following questions on your experience at the event

• What did you enjoy most about the ‘Match Made’ event?
• Do you think that DFS has a good selection of sofas?
• What did you think of DFS before attending the event?
• Did your view of DFS change after attending the ‘Match Made’ event?
• Would you recommend DFS to a friend after attending the ‘Match Made’ event?

Non-attendees, please answer the following question to be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £300 voucher.

• What do you think is the most important thing to remember when buying a sofa?

Thanks and good luck!

MNHQ

Non-attendee

The most important thing to remember is to try it out in the shop and sit on it as you would when you're at home (take your shoes off first though!!)

Non attendee. Is it comfortable ? My dp and I are both tall so like a reasonably high sofa and one with a deep enough seat to support his legs.

-non-atendee. What do you think is the most important thing to remember when buying a sofa?
Today I saw lovely sofa, It was so comfy and looked so stylish but then I reminded myself that this sofa will not look so great in couple of month as I got two messy kids and cat.That's why my advice is to think about your kids and pets,how easy it will be to clean your sofa and how hard to ruin it:)

Non attendee......
For me would be a few the most important things that I need to think about:

1. What kind of sofa I need - 2 seater or 3 seater and where would stand.
2. Fire resistant
3. Made of fabric in suitable colour ( dark is safe option when having children)
4. Sofa that would be comfortable to sit on
5. Sofa that suits rest of the room

Non-attendee. Wipeability! Children mess up sofas, we have had ours a matter of months and it has pen all over it (accident apparently ) already.

Non attendee
Definitely to take actual measurements, the sofa can look like it will fit when you see it in a spacious showroom, but it is difficult to judge so take a tape measure!

Something hard wearing that can cope with the demands of family life without looking too worn out. Big enough for the whole family to sit on. Also we were looking for a sofa bed as another guest accommodation option.

To check that it actually fits in the lounge!

To remember that one day you may have little kids with sticky fingers.

Longevity, you have a sofa for a long time. When we bought our sofa we knew we'd be having kids soon so I need something that would be sticky finger proof, clean easily and fit our intended family, whilst meeting our then needs which we're cuddling up on the sofa together

Non-attendee: the return policy of the tore as well as the delivery time, especially if buying closer to Christmas time.

Non attendee - you need to make sure that your sofa fits you. Is it high enough or too low? Is it comfortable to sit on? Does it recline?

All those things are important me.

Non-attendee

The most important thing is to think about how it will be used in your house. For example will you put your feet up lots? Is it big enough for enough family? Decide on these things, such as with these examples put your feet up in the showroom (shoes off) is it comfy? Can you imagine everyone fitting on it?

It sounds obvious but you can get carried away especially if you like the look of it.

Go away and think it! Don't make a rash decision.

Non attendee

Make sure you measure and double check again to make sure the sofa fits in the space you want to put it as well as through any doors and tight corners it needs to get around on the way in.

Non-attendee here!

The most important thing to remember when buying a sofa is to work within the limits of the size of the room. Huge plushy corner sofas are awesome - but only if you have a generously sized lounge to accommodate it, otherwise it'll just take up the whole room!

Take your room measurements before browsing & avoid falling in love with anything which is obviously too big!

Non attendee:

My most important thing to remember is to look at how the sofa will age over time. Whilst it's new and shiny and stiff it looks great, but will the back stay supported after 5 years of "slouching" / will the pillows grow flat / are there washable covers?

Think longevity

Non-attendee

Your sofa will probably last longer than your current decor - make sure it's pretty neutral so you can change your room around and it'll still blend in.

The most important without doubt is SAFETY - making sure correct fire retardant materials have been used. Also that arms, legs, heads do not get trapped (yes I have seen a very distressed little girl when her arm got stuck) Then of course it really is down to durability - with out little darlings we do need to think about stain resistance, ease of keeping clean.

NON-ATTENDEE

For me the most important thing is the ease of cleaning I have a 1yo and 3yo so it's needs to be a sofa that's easy to clean as they're messy little beasts

Non attendee

First thing to ask is: will it fit? Next, can it be cleaned?

I always look for a sofa that is easy to keep clean. I usually choose leather or a one with removable washable covers.

With 2 kids, a muddy dog and lots of spills easy cleaning is at the top of our list.

Non - attendee

Price and comfort.

That if fits into the space where you want to put it.

NON ATTENDEE:

Comfortable and easy to keep clean is a must. I would also consider if it is hardwearing and in a colour that would easily match other colours if I decided to change the colour scheme of my room.

Non attendee

The most Important thing when buying a sofa is comfort!