Why Your Sofa May Look Different After a Heatwave

Last week’s heatwave may have cooled off for now, but with temperatures climbing back into the 30s this weekend, that’s more where it came from.

When a heatwave hits, try to cool your home any way you can – no matter what Best fans And Portable air conditioning unitsOr thought of testing viral hacks Beat the heat for free.

But, for all our cooling efforts, many people don’t realize that the strong sunlight that these hot spells bring can also secretly cause damage. The best sofa. I asked the experts why this happens, and what can be done to protect your seat during the summer months.

How can a heatwave affect my sofa?

We all know that British homes are not built to withstand hot weather, but it may surprise you to know that the heat can really affect your appearance. Furniture But ‘heat doesn’t just affect how a sofa looks, it can affect how it functions,’ explains Meg Holloway, founder of my house.

A neutral living room with blue accents and a coastal feel

(Image credit: Future plc / Simon Whitmore)

‘Bright sunlight can fade upholstery, while excessive heat can also dry out natural fibers and some materials hidden inside a sofa, especially if it’s positioned next to a large window,’ she adds. So, if you’ve noticed that your sofa looks faded after last week’s heatwave, it’s just a side effect of everything that comes with warm and sunny days.

‘Many people don’t realize that the sun shining through windows can gradually affect their furniture,’ adds Magdalena Giracinska, Head of Product and Display Barker and Stonehouse. ‘Even if the damage isn’t immediately noticeable, repeated exposure can make colors look uneven and make furniture look older than it really is.’

Fading is a natural part of your sofa’s life cycle, but strong sun exposure will speed up the process. No matter how hard you try Cool down your living roomIf your seat is not protected from the sun, it can become a victim of heatwave.

Gray double-seat sofa with wooden back, surrounded by houseplants

(Image credit: Future plc / James Merrell)

‘Some sofa materials are more susceptible to damage from sunlight and heat than others,’ says creative stylist Julia Bilotta. Sophology. ‘Delicate fabrics such as velvet and chenille, along with aniline leather, are particularly sensitive to prolonged exposure to sunlight and may fade or distort more quickly.’

During hot spells, our interiors naturally take a backseat to our minds as we begin to spend more time outside. However, a few preventative measures will help keep your sofa in tip-top condition when the temperature rises again.

How to protect your sofa during a heatwave

While sofa fading is natural, there are a few things you can do to prevent the process from speeding up during sunny spells. And, if your sofa is already looking a little different after last week’s heatwave, there are some steps you can take. Refresh your sofa And restore it to tip-top condition.

I asked the experts where to start.

1. Clean your sofa

If your sofa takes a hit during a heatwave, a little TLC will go a long way. ‘The first step is to give your sofa some care,’ advises Meg. Gently vacuum the natural fabrics, turn the cushions and let the fillings regain their shape. If your sofa has a washable, removable cover, follow the care instructions carefully, as a gentle wash can make a significant difference.’

Pink and blue living room scheme with sheer curtains

If you work with leather, try a conditioner. ‘A quality leather conditioner can help replace some of the moisture lost during hot weather and soften the material,’ explains Magdalena. ‘Simple maintenance like this can make a big difference after a heatwave, and looking after your sofa all year round will help it look its best for longer.’

2. Consider the position of the sofa

Want to avoid damage before July’s heatwave? Where you place your sofa can make all the difference. ‘If it’s near a window, try to move it out of direct sunlight where possible,’ says Julia. In fact, moving furniture away from the walls is a clever hack that can also work to cool your home.

Blue accent sofa with floral cushions in white living room

‘If moving your sofa isn’t an option, consider covering it with a colourfast throw, especially during sunny spells. It’s important that any throw you use is colourfast, as non-colourfast fabrics can increase the risk of dye transfer in hot weather,’ she adds.

3. Turn your cushions

‘To keep your sofa looking its best, it’s also a good idea to use it evenly throughout the summer and rotate and flip the cushions where possible,’ suggests Julia.

Green bench sofa with pink cushions and throws

‘These simple maintenance habits can help restore its appearance and minimize the effects of everyday wear, including those that may be more noticeable after periods of warm weather.’

4. Keep blinds and curtains closed

‘The biggest difference comes from reducing direct UV exposure. pure curtainsBlinds or UV-filtering window films can help keep a room from feeling dark,’ says Meg. This simple step will not only keep your home cooler, but it will help prevent fading caused by sunlight.

Wooden sofa frame with patterned cushions in pink living room with striped curtains