Longevity

17 years is a long time and, given the amount you're likely to spend, you want to make sure you don't regret your purchase just two years down the line. The next step in choosing your perfect sofa is to find one that will last.

Charlie Marshall, the founder of Loaf, says you should always consider the future when shopping around: "Sofas vintage can be a big investment, so it's important to choose a really well made on that's built to last and is also packed with character. To find a sofa that's going to be up to the job, check that it has a solid beech frame that is held together with screws and dowels - not glued and stapled chipboard versions which break easily and won't last as long.

"My top tip when choosing a sofa is to ask yourself, will I still like it in five years? Is it well made? And is my new sofa going to be really, really comfy?"


When looking for a sofa that is going to stand the test of time, Georgia Metcalfe recommends inspecting the frame structure: "Ensure it's made from a block of hard wood (oak, teak, cherry, birch, mahogany) and not sofa woods (pine or spruce).

"Don't forget about the fabric either. If you opt for fabric instead of leather then ask for the number of rub-tests, which should be more than 40,000. That will ensure the fabric won't wear out too quickly."

We recommend the  Loaf 2-seater 'Weekender' sofa (from £1,195, loaf.com). Handmade in Derbyshire, it comes with a 10-year guarantee. A wise buy, with 161 fabric covers to choose from. We like it in everything from simple blue sherbet wool to a vintage floral print, a French stripe or a feminine blush pink.