Image Credit: Liz Calka

by MARLEN KOMAR

9 Living Room Sofa Mistakes You Might be Making—and How to Fix Them

Image Credit: VISUALSPECTRUM/Stocksy

Sofas are the spot

in your home where movie nights happen, snacking takes place, and long, lazy weekend days unfold.

To extend the life of your sofa, we asked designers for some shopping and maintenance advice, plus tips on what not to do to your sofa.

Image Credit: Alina Hvostikova/Stocksy

Image Credit: Melanie Rieders

Avoid these seven common mistakes going forward or fix them with these smart solves.

Image Credit: Sarah Hdruka

1. You picked a high-maintenance leather

Coat it with a separate leather protector product to provide an invisible, breathable barrier for  protection against cracking, peeling, and discoloration.

Image Credit: Lorem Ipsum

Image Credit: Julia Brenner

2. You chose a fabric that’s finicky

If you have kids or pets, seek a fabric with stain resistance so you can easily clean up messes.

Image Credit: Lorem Ipsum

3. You always sit in the same spot

Image Credit: Lorem Ipsum

Try to mix up your positions to give every spot a bit of love, which will keep your sofa looking fresh and even.

Image Credit: Lorem Ipsum

Image Credit: Hannah Hahn Photography

Image Credit: Hannah Hahn Photography

Image Credit: Hannah Hahn Photography

4. You cleaned up a spill—without reading directions

Stronger cleaning products can be used with the right fabric, but you should always spot test.

Image Credit: Lorem Ipsum

Image Credit: Hannah Hahn Photography

Image Credit: Hannah Hahn Photography

Image Credit: Jill Frasier

5. You never rotate your cushions

Flipping around your cushions and fluffing them periodically gives them a chance to wear more evenly.

Image Credit: Lorem Ipsum

Image Credit: Hannah Hahn Photography

Image Credit: Hannah Hahn Photography

Image Credit: Sarah ONeill

6. You never vacuum your sofa

Use your vacuum’s hand attachment and try to be as thorough as possible.

Image Credit: Hannah Puechmarin

Image Credit: Hannah Hahn Photography

Image Credit: Hannah Hahn Photography

Image Credit: The Moody Petunia

7. You’re giving up on your couch too soon

Pro upholsterers may also be able to perform repairs like replacing broken springs, repairing damaged legs, and more.

Image Credit: Tim Melideo

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