Why your sofa might look different after a heatwave, and what you can do to protect it during the rest of summer – according to the experts

Last week’s heatwave might have cooled off for now, but there is more where it came from, with temperatures set to rise into the 30s again this weekend.

When a heatwave hits, it’s instinct to try and cool your home in any way you can – whether it’s using the best fans and portable air conditioning units, or testing the viral hacks thought to beat the heat for free.

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

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How can a heatwave affect my sofa?

We all know that British homes aren’t built to withstand the hot weather, but it might be a surprise to learn that the heat can actually affect the appearance of your furniture too. ‘Heat doesn't just affect how a sofa looks, it can affect how it performs,’ explains Meg Holloway, founder of Maro Home.

‘Intense sunshine can fade upholstery, while excessive heat can dry out natural fibres and even some of the materials hidden inside the sofa, particularly if it's positioned beside a large window,’ she adds. So, if you’ve noticed that your sofa looks faded after last week’s heatwave, it’s simply a side effect of everything that comes with hot and sunny days.

‘Many people don't realise that the sun shining through windows can gradually affect their furniture,’ adds Magdalena Gierasinska, head of product and displays at Barker and Stonehouse. ‘Even if the damage isn't noticeable straight away, repeated exposure can leave colours looking uneven and make furniture appear older than it really is.’

Fading is a natural part of your sofa’s life cycle, but strong sun exposure will speed up this process. No matter how hard you try to cool your living room, if your seating is not protected from the sun, it will likely fall victim to the heatwave.

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

During hot spells, our interiors naturally fall to the back of our minds as we begin to spend more time outside. However, a few preventative measures will help to keep your sofa in top condition when temperatures rise again.

How to protect your sofa during the heatwave

While sofa fading is natural, there are a few things you can do to stop the process from speeding up during sunny spells. And, if your sofa already looks a bit different after last week’s heatwave, there are some measures you can take to refresh your sofa and restore it to tip-top condition.

I asked the experts where to begin.

1. Clean your sofa

If your sofa took a hit during the heatwave, a little TLC will go a long way. ‘The first step is simply to give your sofa some care,’ advises Meg. ‘Vacuum natural fabrics gently, rotate cushions, and allow fillings to recover their shape. If your sofa has washable, removable covers, follow the care instructions carefully, as a gentle wash can make a remarkable difference.’

If dealing with leather, try a conditioner. ‘A quality leather conditioner can help replace some of the moisture lost during hot weather and keep the material pliable,’ explains Magdalena. ‘Simple maintenance like this after a heatwave can make a noticeable difference, and looking after your sofa throughout the year will help it continue looking its best for longer.’

2. Consider sofa position

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

‘If relocating your sofa isn't an option, consider covering it with a colourfast throw during particularly 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. Rotate your cushions

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

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

4. Keep blinds and curtains closed

‘The biggest difference comes from reducing direct UV exposure. Sheer curtains, blinds or UV-filtering window films can all help without making a room feel dark,’ says Meg. This simple step won’t only keep your home cool, but it will help to prevent fading caused by sunlight.

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