New sofa so good? Or is it time for recovery?

I've just had a Facebook comment from one of our "likers" at www.facebook/pennygregoryinteriors regarding the pros and cons of recovering or replacing her sofa.
There are a few things to consider here:

1. The age and condition of the sofa. If it's in good condition and you really just want to change the fabric, there are two options when it comes to recovering. You could consider having a loose cover made, which would simply slip straight over your sofa as it is. This option suits sofas with simple lines, and depending on the fabric you choose, can be machine washable. However, loose covers are often too large to launder in a domestic washing machine, so a trip to the laundrette or dry cleaners may be necessary. For sofas with more intricate details (such as buttons and piped scrolls) and those currently upholstered in heavily textured or napped fabric, it may be better to consider removing the existing fabric and replacing with a new, fixed cover. If however, the sofa is a few years old, has loose or damaged springs, sagging cushions or other signs of wear and tear, the only option really will be full re-upholstery, where the sofa is stripped right down to it's frame and then totally rebuilt, this time finishing off with your new choice of fabric.
2. Comfort. It's amazing how many people overlook this factor when choosing their sofa! What might look wonderful in the showroom/on the website may be a nightmare to live with long term and could even aggravate back problems. A sofa that is 100% comfortable is worth it's weight in gold, so if you're struggling to find a replacement - reupholstering your existing one may well be the best bet.
3. Cost. This will vary depending on which recovering/reupholstery option you go for and also the fabric you choose. A 2 seater sofa can require around 10 metres of fabric, which will need to be durable enough for it's purpose. Suitable fabrics will cost anything from £20 per metre upwards, on top of which you will be paying for labour and other materials required. A loose cover with usually be the least expensive option and full reupholstery will cost more.

If you have questions regarding soft furnishings for your home, I'd be pleased to offer my advice. Please email me at penny@pennygregoryinteriors.co.uk or "like" our facebook page www.facebook/pennygregoryinteriors and post your question on our wall.