What to Look for in a Sofa
A sofa is one of the bigger investments you’ll make for your home, so it’s worth getting right. And while looks matter, the best sofas have a lot more going for them than a great silhouette or beautiful fabric. Comfort, construction, materials and durability all play a role in how well a sofa lives with you over time.
The people who test furniture for a living know what to look for beneath the surface: a well-built frame, supportive cushions, quality fabric and thoughtful design that can adapt as your space and your life change.
How long should a sofa actually last?
A well-made sofa should hold up for ten to fifteen years. Cheaper builds can start sagging, creaking, or losing their shape in as little as one or three. The clearest signal of how long your sofa will last is the warranty. Look for coverage on the frame and springs specifically, not just the fabric. A maker who won't stand behind the frame usually doesn't expect it to last.
What's inside matters more than what's on top
It's tempting to shop for a sofa the way you'd shop for a shirt, judging it on look and feel alone. But the frame and cushion construction are crucial to look at, to know if the sofa will hold up. Solid hardwood or high quality plywood frames outlast MDF or particleboard by years, and cushions with high-density foam bounce back after every sit instead of flattening out over a season. If you're shopping in person, try lifting a corner of the sofa. A heavier lift is usually a good sign of denser, sturdier materials underneath.
Fabric is a bigger decision than colour
Beyond the swatch you like, think about how the fabric will hold up. Natural fibres like cotton sound great, but can thin or pill with heavy use, while performance fabrics made with a blend of materials are built specifically to resist stains and wear. Also to note: not all performance fabrics are created equal. Some have moisture-resistant qualities, which means liquids will bead off and easily wipe away. If leather is more your style, stick to top-grain or full-grain hides and steer clear of “bonded leather,” which won't hold up the same way.
Test it like you'll actually use it
If you’re able to visit a showroom and see the sofa in person, don't just sit politely on the edge. Sink into it the way you would at home and see if it shifts or squeaks. If you’re shopping online, read the spec sheet as closely as the photos. Foam density, frame material, and fabric composition tell you more than the styling shots do.
Make sure it fits your space, and your life
Measure doorways, hallways, and elevators before you buy, not after delivery day. If space is tight, modular sofas that arrive in separate pieces are far easier to move into an apartment or a walk-up than one solid frame. It's worth mapping out the footprint with painter's tape before committing.
The quick reference
| WHAT TO LOOK FOR | WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR | THE SUNDAYS APPROACH | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frame | Solid hardwood or high-quality plywood | MDF or particleboard used as the primary structural material | Hardwood plywood frames with solid wood reinforcement. No MDF, no particleboard. |
| Cushions & support | High density foam, quality spring systems | Lower-density foam that flattens, sags, or loses shape quickly | High density foam and supportive cushioning, selected for lasting comfort, and eight-way hand-tied springs on select sofas (the gold standard of sofa construction). |
| Fabric | Performance fabrics or top-grain/full-grain leather, with durability info like rub count available where it matters | Fabrics that pill or thin quickly, or “bonded leather” | LiveLife™ performance fabrics: stain-resistant, moisture-repellent, washable, and PFAS-free, with durable, high rub counts |
| Slipcovers | Either removable, replaceable covers, or a stain-resistant, easy-to-clean fabric if the upholstery is fixed | Fixed upholstery with no stain resistance and no way to replace the cover if it wears, stains, or fades | Many of our sofas have fully removable, washable, swappable slipcovers. We use performance fabrics that are stain-resistant and easy to clean on our fixed upholstery sofas. |
| Fit & flexibility | Modular options for tight spaces and changing needs | Fixed configurations that are hard to move or adapt | Modular pieces that add, rearrange, or grow as your life changes. |
| Delivery and Assembly | Delivery, setup, and packaging removal included in the price | Hidden extra costs for shipping and white glove assembly, or "free shipping" that stops at your curb, leaving delivery, assembly, and box disposal on you | Free delivery on every order, plus complimentary in-home assembly and packaging removal on large pieces |
