A complete guide to sofa design and construction

It is natural to be drawn to a sofa primarily by its shape, colour, or size, since these are often the first things we notice when browsing for furniture. However, there is far more to a good sofa than its outward appearance.

The way a sofa is designed and constructed plays a vital role in how comfortable it feels, how well it supports you, and how long it will last in your home. A beautifully styled sofa may look perfect in the showroom, but without solid construction and quality materials, it may not stand the test of time.

Understanding sofa design and construction is therefore essential if you want real value for money and a piece that will provide years of comfort and durability. From the frame and springs to the cushion fillings and upholstery, every detail contributes to the finished product.

In this guide, we reveal what goes on beneath the upholstered covers, helping you make an informed choice and confidently select from the best sofas for your lifestyle and living space.

A complete guide to sofa design and construction

Sofa construction

The surface appearance of sofas and chairs conceals a variety of construction techniques. Pieces that look similar may be made quite differently. An inexpensive sofa or chair, which is comfortable and of pleasing appearance, can be a sensible choice for rooms that are seldom used, or when a limited lifespan of the piece is an accepted part of the deal.

A fine, hand-built sofa or chair is an investment piece, so it is important to choose a style that offers comfort and support to the people who will sit on it most, as it will be their companion for years to come.

Traditional sofa frames

Traditional upholstery begins with a hardwood frame, usually beech. On the best hand-built pieces, the frame is mortised and tenoned or dowelled together, depending on the type of joint used, ready to take the webbing.

Cheaper frames are often made from softwood, particle board, or plywood. While lighter and less costly, these materials are more prone to warping or breaking over time. For long-term investment, hardwood frames remain the gold standard.

Sofa springs

Next, individual coil springs are hand-stitched to the webbing. More webbing is then laid over the springs and stitched in to give a firm foundation for the padding. Canvas is laid over the webbing to support the first layer of fibre or hair padding.

This is secured by a second layer of canvas which is the platform for the final padding of wool or cotton felt, over which comes calico and the top cover. A similar build-up of springs and padding is used in the back and, in some models, the arms are also sprung.

In furniture designed to have a sprung edge, a coil spring unit is sometimes fitted instead of individual springs. Coil springs are the most durable because they spread the sitter’s weight evenly. The alternative, a serpentine spring system nailed to the frame, speeds up the upholstery process but focuses each sitter’s weight on one spring and, if that fails, transfers stress to all of the others so that ultimately the seat will sag.

Cushion fillings

Comfort is largely determined by the filling inside your sofa cushions:

• Feather and down – Luxurious, soft, and cosy but requires regular plumping.

• Foam – Offers structure and firm support, ideal for those who dislike sinking into a seat.

• Feather-wrapped foam – Combines softness with resilience, offering the best of both worlds.

• High-density foam with Dacron wrap – Retains shape well and requires little maintenance.

• Eco-friendly fillings – Some modern sofas now use recycled fibres or natural latex for a sustainable alternative.

Fabrics and finishes

The choice of upholstery fabric not only influences style but also impacts durability:

• Natural fabrics (cotton, linen, wool) – Breathable and soft but may be prone to staining.

• Leather – Hardwearing, hypoallergenic, and easy to clean, but can feel cold in winter.

• Performance fabrics (microfiber, synthetics) – Designed to resist stains, fading, and wear, making them ideal for family homes.

• Velvet – Luxurious and timeless, though velvet sofas require more careful maintenance.

Patterned fabrics and darker shades can help conceal marks, while stain-resistant finishes add practicality to lighter tones.

Bespoke sofa design

Companies that supply custom-made upholstered furniture will usually adjust the length of a sofa to fit a particular space, alter the height of the back and, for individuals of different heights, reduce or increase the depth of the seat. Traditional upholstery materials and modern synthetics do not generally cause allergy problems but if there is sensitivity to a component, cover the furniture in non-permeable leather.

Companies that make upholstery to order will offer a choice of cushion fillings. Feather and down is soft but requires plumping; feather wrapped around a foam core has the softness of feather with more resilience, and high density foam with a Dacron wrap springs back without assistance. Aside from the technicalities, this type of construction tends to be the most comfortable option, giving you that “irresistible ‘sinking in’ feeling while still maintaining structure’,” says interior designer Laura Stephens.

One important factor which should be considered at the earliest stage is whether the sofa is small enough to pass through access points into the house and the room. Some manufacturers, such as Sofa Workshop, offer to check access for their customers. If this is an issue, opt for a sofa with removable parts.

Alternatively, corner sofas are often delivered in sections, explains Jamie Borman of Sofa Workshop, and “are surprisingly good for homes with tricky access.”

Styles and trends

While construction determines quality, design plays a huge role in how a sofa fits into your home:

• Chesterfield – Deep buttoning and rolled arms for a timeless classic.

• Mid-Century Modern – Clean lines, tapered legs, and low profiles.

• Contemporary Modular Sofas – Flexible layouts ideal for open-plan living.

• Compact Two-Seaters – Perfect for apartments and smaller spaces.

• Recliners and Motion Sofas – Prioritising comfort with built-in mechanisms.

Choosing a style that suits both your lifestyle and décor ensures your sofa feels timeless, not just trendy.

Upholstery care

Keeping your sofa in good condition helps maintain comfort and prolongs its life. “Dust, crumbs, and pet hair can quickly build up on sofas so use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum to go over cushions, crevices, and under the arms at least once a week,” explains Maria Roderique, professional cleaner at Wecasa. ”This not only keeps the sofa looking fresh but also prevents dirt from working deeper into the fabric.” Upholstery should be vacuumed regularly, and a stain-retardant finish can give extra time to mop up spills before they set.

“Rotate and flip seat and back cushions every couple of weeks. It helps them wear evenly and keeps the sofa’s shape. Fluffing them also redistributes the filling, so they stay comfortable and don’t look flat,” Maria continues. For fixed covers, professional cleaning may be needed, while tailored removable covers can be stripped off for dry-cleaning or washing.

“Tackle spills immediately. Blot (never rub) spills with a clean cloth or paper towel. For fabric sofas, a little warm water and mild soap often work, but I’d test a hidden spot first. For leather, use a damp cloth followed by a leather conditioner,” Maria concludes. Leather should also be dusted regularly, while velvet benefits from a gentle brush to restore its pile.

This basic care ensures your sofa stays looking and feeling their best until a more thorough clean is needed.

When choosing a sofa, don’t be swayed only by looks. A little knowledge of design, construction, and upholstery can help you identify quality, make a sound investment, and choose a piece that will bring comfort and style for many years to come.