Every time I share images or videos of our living or family rooms, I get asked if I would recommend a down sofa. I bought a down sofa for our living room a few years ago and loved it so much (we all nicknamed it “the nap couch” because it was so comfy to nap on) I decided to switch to a down sectional in our family room as well. Whether or not a down sofa is right for you and your family depends entirely on what you are looking for in a couch. I thought it would be helpful to break down the pros and cons for you since I’ve got a lot of experience with down sofas. The only couch in our house that doesn’t have down filling is the vintage leather nailhead sofa in the library, so you could say I’m a fan. But that doesn’t mean I would recommend the style for everyone.
Our down sectional. Similar lamps. similar end table. ruggable rug. horse art.
Down sofas are known for their comfort and softness, but they also come with a few downsides to consider. In this blog post, I’ll share the pros and cons of down sofas I’ve experienced to help you decide if one is right for your space.
Pros of a down sofa:
- Comfort: One of the main advantages of down sofas is their comfort level. The feathers used in the cushions and pillows provide a soft and plush feel, making them perfect for lounging and relaxing. There is literally nothing more inviting that a big cozy down sofa. Our down sectional is large enough, and because of the cushion depth, all 7 of us (including my 3 grown/almost grown teenagers) can lounge comfortably on it. This one
- Durability: Down sofas are known for their durability and longevity. The feathers used in the cushions and pillows are naturally resilient and can withstand daily wear and tear.
- Customization: Some down sofas can be customized to fit your personal preferences and needs. You can choose the type of feathers used, the firmness of the cushions, and the overall design of the sofa.
- Warmth: Down sofas provide extra warmth during the colder months. The feathers used in the cushions and pillows trap heat, keeping you warm and cozy. This is great if you live in a cold climate, or have a drafty house or room. I have not found that down is too warm in the summer. Our sofas are comfortable year round.
Cons of a down sofa:
- Maintenance: One of the main drawbacks of down sofas is the maintenance required. Down couches need regular fluffing and reshaping as feathers can become flattened over time. I don’t personally mind this at all, it’s an easy process, I show you how I do it here. It only takes me about 5-10 minutes. For me, the insane comfort is worth this small amount of upkeep, but if you want a couch that springs bag the minute you get up and doesn’t require any fluffing, a down sofa is probably not for you. Because of the feather cushions, down sofas don’t have as much of a tight, tidy appearance as foam cushion couches. I actually prefer the more relaxed look, it feels informal, cozy and inviting (all things I want my home to feel like) but if that’s not your vibe, a down sofa might not be for you. Additionally, down sofas should to be vacuumed routinely but that’s true for all couches.
- Allergies: Those with feather allergies may not be able to use down sofas. The feathers used in the cushions and pillows can cause allergic reactions for some people. I’m not sure how prevalent a problem this is, but if you suffer from allergies I would definitely determine whether you are allergic to down before investing in a sofa like this.
- Price: Down sofas are generally more expensive than other types of sofas. Down inserts are considered an upgrade. So its not always the most budget friendly. I have found a few budget friendlier down options over the years and have included them on this post.
- Heavy: Down sofas are generally heavier than other types of sofas. This makes them difficult to move so keep that in mind for when they need to be moved for cleaning, etc. They weigh more than other sofas.
- Stains: Down sofas can be difficult to clean if they get stained. The down filling can absorb liquids and make it difficult to remove stains. I recommend down sofas made with slipcovers or cushions that can be removed and washed. I use Folex for any stains on the body of our sofas, and regularly wash the cushions, keeps them clean and looking like new.
Down sofas are a luxurious and super comfy seating option, but they definitely come with their own set of pros and cons. It’s a good idea to consider the needs of your home and whether the comfort is worth the upkeep for you. If you are willing to invest in the maintenance and the higher price tag, a down sofa can be such a great addition to your home.
