A common upholstery FAQ we see online and occasionally hear in our call center is “Why doesn’t my new sofa feel like the one I sat on in the furniture store?” This is a real concern for many furniture shoppers. Fortunately, it’s rarely cause for concern and is typically due to a lack of communication to consumers about upholstery break-in periods. We’ve answered this question thoroughly, but now what? Is there something consumers can do to help break in that new sectional, sofa, loveseat or chair more quickly?
We’re glad you asked! Here’s a few tips from our own upholstery experts on how to break in that new sofa. The 3 tips below will quickly have your new upholstered seating feeling just like the comfy furniture you sat on at the store.
(#3) Massage, Kneel, Walk, or Roll on the Cushions
When we get a new arrival on our showroom floor and the seat cushions are especially stiff, this tip is our go-to solution. In cases where it’s possible to remove the cushions from the sectional, sofa, loveseat or chair, we prefer to lay the cushions on the floor and crawl on them using our knees to break in the foam.
However, we understand that this isn’t always possible. Perhaps you’ve got bad knees. Or maybe the cushions are attached or semi-attached and can’t be fully removed. Instead, try kneading or massaging them with your hands, fists or even elbows.
Other suggestions include putting the cushions on the floor and rolling on them (much like we suggest for breaking in new mattresses), or walking on the cushions. Just make sure if you take the walking route, you do so shoeless, barefoot, or with clean socks.
Whichever way you choose to go about this, the premise is the same. This method can be used as frequently as you like until your cushions reach the same level of comfort you remember from the showroom.
(#2) Mix Up the Cushions & Seats
It’s true that human beings are creatures of habit, but this tip is all about changing things up. Let’s assume first that we’re dealing with a sectional, sofa, couch or loveseat with multiple unattached seat cushions. When you have a brand new piece of upholstered seating, we recommend that you rotate cushions frequently to make sure that the cushions break in evenly.
In the event that the cushions are attached and cannot be rotated, you can achieve much of the same effect by simply choosing to sit in a variety of places and positions. In other words, don’t just sit in the same place all the time. Swap seats on occasion. And don’t be afraid to kick your feet up and get real comfortable either.
Whether you do this by rotating the cushions, or by changing up where and how you rest your weary backside, mixing things up can help upholstery wear more evenly. Especially if you’re wanting to break in your upholstery as quickly as possible.
(#1) And Please, Don’t Forget to Sit on It!
Lastly, this self-explanatory tip is both the most important and the most obvious. But frankly, it is the easiest and most natural way to break in your new sofa, loveseat or chair. The best part is that it doesn’t require any extra effort from you! Simply sit in your new upholstered furniture as often as you can.
Instead of reading in bed, at the kitchen table, or in your usual reading nook, sit in your new chair instead. Watching your favorite team play or streaming your new favorite show? Lounge on your new sectional instead of your trusty old recliner. Are you in the proverbial doghouse? Be sure to sleep on that new couch! Okay, that last one was a joke. Kinda.
We understand that sometimes upholstered furniture in formal living rooms or sitting rooms may not get as much use. Just make sure to sit in your new furniture as frequently as you can and it will break in eventually.
Got More Questions About Breaking In Upholstery? We Have Answers!
Try these simple tips and your new sofa will feel the way it should in no time! Still have questions about why your new sofa feels different? We have answers for that too. For more answers to your most pressing upholstery questions, be sure to check out our other upholstery resources. Don’t forget that you can talk with our team of furniture experts using our easy and convenient live chat.
Lastly, if you’re in North Georgia or the Metro Atlanta area and in the market for new furniture, we’d love to meet you at our 6 furniture and mattress stores. See you soon at Woodstock Furniture & Mattress Outlet!
