Feathers and down are considered the most comfortable materials for sofa cushioning. They give a luxury look with a plush, cloud-like feel and unlike foam or polyester fibres, feathers do not downgrade over time!
Like any materials, feathers and down have their own personalities and care requirements. With a little bit of knowledge and the correct maintenance, your feather-filled piece will retain its loveliness for years to come.
Do's
- Store your piece in dry, ventilated rooms with resilient flooring.
- Keep pieces at least 30cm away from radiators, air conditioners and extreme temperatures.
- Protect your piece from direct sunlight, which can discolour fabric and dry out wooden parts.
- Disperse your weight evenly across the seat, rather than repeatedly sitting in the same spot.
- Take caution with pets around furniture. Their claws and teeth may cause damage.
Don't
- Do not jump or apply sudden force to your piece. This may damage the frame or suspension.
- When moving your piece from one place to another, lift do not drag.
- Do not sit on armrests as this can cause deformities or rupture seams.
- Avoid using cleaning products containing harsh chemicals or oil dissolving solvents.
- Vacuum crevices of furniture on a low suction when needed.
- Jeans and other dark clothing may leave stains or marks on furniture. Take extra care when wearing clothing that is new or not pre-washed.
Restoring Plumpness
Feathers always give cushioning that full shape that moulds to your body when you sink into it. That is because feathers and down are capable of holding air inside! It is the air that makes the cushions soft and plump.
For the same reason, you may find that the moment you break in the sofa, wrinkles and creases form as the air is squeezed out. Leaving the wrinkles and creases unattended might cause permanent deformities to the cushioning.
It is fun to grab the same comfortable spot on the sofa (we totally get that it gives you the best view of the TV), but over time dips can appear on the seat as the feathers become compressed.
Thankfully, there is always a chance to restore the cushions. To do so, we recommend a proper plumping and dressing following your daily use. This takes just a couple of minutes each day — and the reward? A great looking sofa for years to come.
Feather Shedding
Just like duck down quilts, a few feathers will always escape from the lining every now and then. This is normal and does not compromise the quality of the furniture. Vacuum fabrics on a weekly basis to remove any loose feathers as well as dust, dirt, and inevitable toast crumbs.
Moisture
Feather fillings are susceptible to moisture. Humidity can hold feathers together and cause lumps, and prolonged accumulation of moisture can cause mustiness. Ventilate and air out your room regularly and help restore the fluffy freshness of your sofa.
Stains and Spills
Blot excess spills and stains immediately with clean clothes or paper towels. For stubborn spills and stains, we recommend spot cleaning with a damp cloth, using water only. Avoid using any detergents or harsh chemicals when cleaning your feather-filled sofa, as these can break down the feather structure over time and shorten the product’s lifespan.