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 for me is the comfort, it can look amazing but if it's not comfortable then it really has no use!

Non-attendees

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

To take measurements to make sure it actually fits through the door and in the space. Also, how easy it is to clean and whether it will constantly need fiddled with to keep it looking nice. My current sofa needs plumped/adjusted constantly. I think we need a new one.

Will it fit and how comfortable is it.

Non attendee

Is it a fabric that is able to be cleaned?

How it will age and handle spillages that will get on it. Remember this will last for several years and won't look like the showroom for that long.

I'm not sure there is one thing that's most important. I would need to carefully check size, and make sure I can get it into my house. Fabric is important as I have three children and a dog so it would need to be washable or wipe-able, and comfort is very important. No-one wants and uncomfortable sofa.

Non-attendees

Is it easy to clean?

Non attendee comfort and longevity are the most important thing when buying a sofa, fashions come and go but this is something you and your family will spend hours sat on!

Size, comfort, style and price for me.

It needs to be child proof and stain proof.

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

How it will look and feel in 5 years - is the fabric hardwearing enough, can I easily clean it, can I keep it stain-free, will it hold its shape?

Non-attendee:

The most important thing is definitely checking the dimensions of the sofa and whether it can fit through your doors and in your living room in the first place!
So easy to get carried away by its appearance and cosyness rather than the logic...

Non attendee

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

The practical aspects - whether it will be the right size for your room, and whether the covers will still look good after a couple of years and the dc have spilt yogurt all over it.

What do you think is the most important thing to remember when buying a sofa?
It used to be comfort but now it's how easy it is to clean!

Non-attendee
Most definitely comfort and it has to be large too to encompass lots of extra bodies on it!

Non attendee
Comfort! Our current sofas were very expensive and they are very uncomfortable. They are being replaced soon and I won't be making the same mistake again.

Non-attendee
Remember your dimensions! It doesn't matter how lovely or comfortable the sofa is. If it's even marginally too big for your space, you'll curse it every day. (Speaking from ongoing, very bitter experience...

Non attendee -
Finding a sofa which compliments your decor and will look stylish

The most important thing to remember when buying a sofa is to ensure that it isn't in a style that's only going to be fashionable for a few years!

Non-attendee:

All the "s's" for what's most important- sofa size, shape, style and seating.

The most important thing for me was whether it was child friendly. I'd heard many horror stories of little ones drawing in biro all over cream leather couches, or Lucozade being spilled over light fabric ones. So we chose one that was brown fabric - comfortable but not likely to be ruined!

A structure guarantee to ensure your sofa is well built

Non-attendee
size because they look smaller int he showroom, ive made this mistake with our current sofa and it doesnt fit the room! also is the material going to last? lether with animals ? fabric with kids etc

Price quality & comfort

Non attendee
Size accuracy. Finding out that a 5cm difference is "within tolerance" It really shouldn't be when its a corner suite and doesn't fit in the room (really narked as our new suite doesn't fit despite the salesman helping to measure it and it's totally different)