WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO UPDATE A SOFA?

Now both our children are students, I plan to redecorate their old playroom. Is there an inexpensive way to rejuvenate a good sofa that’s looking tired? DV, Matlock, Derbyshire.

Have the sofa professionally cleaned, add interest with new cushions and a throw and you could find that is the update it needs. If the cover is worn and it’s an Ikea sofa, 020 3645 0000, ikea.co.uk, the store sells replacement covers at modest prices for some designs. So does Soferia, soferia.

co.uk (above), including for older Ikea designs and in a wider choice of fabrics. A favourite look for relaxed seating is a quilt or a handsome blanket placed over the back and across the seat of a sofa. I asked Indian textile specialist Camilla Costello, 07956 402833, camillacostello.co.uk, which quilts work best in this context and she said Kantha throws, from £120. Made from recycled saris, they’re washable, robust and don’t slip. Some bedspreads, such as her Pale grey ikat, £75, are a good weight for dressing a sofa and a single size is usually large enough.