Sofa? So good with these tips

Avoid any pitfalls with our five-step guide on buying your new settee.

Buy at the right time

We’ve all seen the TV ads at Christmas telling us we only have a few days left to buy at ridiculously low prices. But should we? Probably not. The best time is July when the industry is hit by a seasonal slump. The January sales are second best.

Check the frame

Sofas take a lot of punishment. All the stress puts pressure on the frame. Make sure yours has a good one. Soft wood, such as pine, is low-cost, but can fall part, warp or wobble. Go for hardwoods. They cost more, but last longer.

Test the springs

Most top-quality sofas have springs made up of snaking wire. How close the springs are can determine the sagging the sofa will have in later life. Make sure they are tight together by feeling them. Avoid sofas with no springs at all – they are often first to be chucked out.

Think about your circumstances

So you have grandkids coming around all the time? If so probably hold off buying that cream linen setee. Sofas made from cotton, linen and microfibres can resist some stains but the best is leather. Fabrics with patterns woven in tend to wear better than those with printed patterns.

Be prepared to haggle

Don’t be shy – there can be some real savings if you are prepared to push things. Even heavily discounted items may have wriggle room. And think about a display sofa – there can be big savings available there.