A sofa is the heart of your living space. It’s the go-to for relaxing plus grand central station for entertaining. That’s where investing in a quality modern sofa comes in. Because no other piece needs to meet the same tall order of complete comfort and room-making style.  

It’s overwhelming to shop for a big-ticket item such as a sofa. So we’re sharing the top reasons ours stand apart from the rest, as well as why they’re a worthwhile investment in the long run. 

How Long Do Sofas Last?

With the right care, you should be able to own a high-quality sofa for multiple decades or more. It depends on how well a sofa is made, but if the frame is well-constructed, it could be a lifetime piece. Some people are even able to pass on their sofas to their children. Keeping a sofa going that long means at some point you may need to buy new cushions for inside the cushion covers, since no cushion can maintain its comfort forever. You can increase a cushion’s lifespan by rotating it and vacuuming it. When it comes to upholstery fabrics, especially contract-grade fabrics, they are rated for thousands upon thousands of “Wyzenbeek double-rubs” which is a test to determine at what point a fabric begins to show signs of wear. It’s up to you at what point signs of wear become unacceptable. Since the use cases for sofas can vary so widely, it’s difficult to provide a specific lifespan. So, we recommend following our recommended care information to increase your furniture’s lifespan.

Best Sofas for the Money: What to Look for in a High-Quality Sofa

Well-built sofas are constructed with durable hardwood frames that won’t sag over time. We use kiln-dried engineered hardwood in our upholstered-piece frames for lasting durability. Often used for structural beams, this hardwood is made of thin layers of solid wood pressed together to prevent warping. Also, kiln-drying removes moisture, minimizing seasonal expansion and contraction to resist any cracking.  

Reinforced Joinery

We reinforce every joint in our frames for added stability. Precision-cut parts interlock like puzzle pieces and are reinforced with eco-friendly glues, screws or staples and corner blocks. This ensures the interior components of our sofas are durable. This is a sustainable approach, ensuring our sofas remain in your living room—and out of landfills—for years to come.

Mindfully Made

A great sofa is assembled with high-quality materials by skilled craftspeople. We manufacture more than 90% of our furniture and decor in America using quality U.S. and imported materials. Look for the link on each sofa product page to see who makes it and where. 

Enduring Comfort

A truly great sofa has comfortable cushions that you look forward to lounging on each day. These cushions should remain comfortable over time and, with easy maintenance, last for well into the future.  

We offer a variety of cushions to appeal to a wide range of comfort preferences. Each cushion always is made with high-quality materials. Our go-tos: lofty down and feathers, high-resiliency foam or encased springs—or all three. We use only CertiPUR-US® or CertiPUR® foam, which meets rigorous standards for quality, emissions and durability. 

Curious how to best care for your sofa cushions? Check out our sofa maintenance tips. 

Durable Fabrics and Leathers

Finding the cover that’s right for your lifestyle helps you enjoy your sofa more. So if you are buying for a home with kids or pets, or buying for a business, look for durable fabrics with contract-grade ratings. Use our fabric guide or leather guide to find the perfect fit. 

How Long Do Leather Sofas Last?

Leather sofas can last for many decades, and typically last longer than fabric sofas because leather is more durable than fabric. Plus, when leather shows signs of wear it is often considered a beautiful addition to the piece’s character.

Are Sofa Covers Worth It?

If you enjoy the look of a sofa cover, it could provide improved durability for your sofa’s fabric or leather. If you don’t, the durability of modern, high-quality upholstery fabrics and leathers should be sufficient and a cover should not be needed.

Is it Worth Reupholstering a Sofa?

If your sofa feels sturdy and the cushions are still comfortable, and just the fabric has aged too much, consider reaching out to a local furniture repair shop and exploring the possibility of reupholstering your sofa in a new fabric.

Timeless Style

We design our sofas to be timeless, modern and practical. They’ll always complement your space, even if your style changes. Plus, investing in and taking care of a quality sofa means you won’t have to buy one again for many years.  

Excellent Customer Service

Room & Board offers a non-commissioned shopping experience, free design services, fair pricing and full-service delivery. Plus free returns and no cancellation fees. What’s more, you can shop with the confidence we’ll be here to make things right. Our job isn’t finished until your new sofa is in your home and you love it.