Buying an Antique Sofa or Settee

Sofas place heavy, dynamic loads across long rails and many joints. Attractive upholstery can hide serious structural failure.

Establish what it is

Settees, sofas, couches and daybeds vary by period and region. Modern names overlap, so describe frame form and intended seating rather than relying on one term.

Inspection checklist

• Inspect underside and rear frame.
• Check rail sag, leg joints and repairs.
• Identify springs, webbing and stuffing layers.
• Measure seat depth, height and doorway access.
• Look for replaced arms, cresting or feet.

Inspect backs, undersides, interiors and protected areas. Compare primary and secondary woods, joints, hardware, finish and wear. Extra holes, fresh cuts and mismatched oxidation can reveal conversion or marriage.

Authenticity and condition

Period frames are frequently reupholstered and sometimes widened or reduced. Upholstery tack evidence can reveal earlier profiles. A show cover is not proof of internal quality.

Style is not date, and a famous design name is not a maker attribution. Replaced upholstery, handles, feet, glass or leather may be acceptable when disclosed and structurally sound.

Practical use

Sit only after frame inspection. Confirm comfort, wall clearance and whether cushions or squabs are original in type.

Measure the item, room and complete delivery route. Confirm which parts detach and how they locate. Never move large furniture by cornices, arms, doors, marble or handles.

Warning signs

• Fresh bottom cloth blocking inspection.
• Metal brackets across cracked rails.
• Loose arms or centre legs.
• New foam over failed springs.
• Frame too large for access route.

After purchase

Photograph labels and condition, stabilise loose structure before use, and allow the object to acclimatise gradually. Keep it away from direct heat, damp walls and strong sunlight. Significant provenance, structural damage or fragile decoration needs a conservator.

Sources

Compare with the [V&A furniture collection](https://www.vam.ac.uk/collections/furniture), construction guidance from the [V&A](https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/furniture-how-was-it-made), and care advice from the [Canadian Conservation Institute](https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute.html).