Give your couch a new lease of life
YOU can’t beat a sofa. It’s the best seat in the house and the most comfortable place to rest your feet. Couches are often the focal point for family get-togethers, making them some of the hardest working pieces of kit you own.
Here’s how to style yours up if it’s looking a bit shabby…
1. Play with print and pattern
“A great way to spruce up your current sofa is to add a patterned sofa cushion, which creates a unique layered look,” says Jenna Choate, co-founder of Interior Fox (interiorfox.co.uk). You can instantly update your colour palette by introducing new decorative cushions for a fresh take on the season.
“We also love odd-shaped cushions, like bolsters or spheres, as they add a modern element that doesn’t look ‘everyday Joe’. Try also playing with scale when introducing new patterns. For example, an oversized stripe with a smaller check mixed with a subtle floral – it feels more unique when everything is not so matchymatchy.”
2. Gift your sofa a fresh pair of legs Just like a staple piece in your wardrobe, even the most basic sofa can be totally transformed with the help of a few key accessories – such as a new set of furniture legs. You can buy gold legs from Amazon (amazon.co.uk) for around £35, helping put your favourite twoseater back in the fast lane.
3. Invest in made-to-measure sofa covers for the perfect fit
“Always think of practicality, comfort and timelessness,” suggests Tori Murphy, founder of British textile brand Tori Murphy (torimurphy.com). “Give old pieces a new lease of life with a new set of covers in smart stripes or gorgeous gingham – two classic designs.”
Murphy’s latest Rose Collection in 100% cotton and Woodhouse Check Cotton Fabric Radish are both priced at £55 per metre, and suitable for soft furnishings and light upholstery. Think cosy cottagecore.
4. Make sure your sofa has enough stuffing
One of the telltale signs of a tired sofa is sagging cushions. All that lovely, lazy lounging around can take its toll on the foam and feathers, leaving them looking anything but firm. Depending on your budget, you can replace sofa cushions with polyurethane foam (a favourite and not too expensive), or online cushion suppliers offer a choice of feather wrap foam cushions.
Simply unzip the cushion, remove the old filling and take the measurements. Depending on the density and material, you can restuff it with new padding to your liking.
5. A one-piece fit stretch sofa cover for all round protection
With boldly printed options, neutrals or a trendy dusty blue for a pop of colour, one-piece sofa covers are a no-brainer.
One size fits most sofas – they’re easy to put on, machine washable and will protect your sofa from pet hair or spills.
Best yet, you can style them to suit the season – think black for Hallowe’en or burgundy for Christmas. Sites such as Amazon have a selection from around £30 for a three-seater.
6. Cleaning stains gives an instant refresh
Make do and mend, or should we say make do and mop. You’ll be amazed how a spritz of surgical spirit can remove stains on microfibre sofas. Using a spray bottle, saturate the stain and use a sponge to gently rub away the dirt. Note: always check labels for the cleaning code and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.