⚖ Consumer Rights Checker

Sofa Fell Apart After a Year? Your UK Consumer Rights

Sagging cushions or a collapsing frame within the first couple of years is one of the most common successful Consumer Rights Act claims — furniture is expected to hold up to reasonable daily use for years, not months.

Frequently asked questions about sofa faults

My sofa fell apart after a year, what are my rights?

Contact the retailer with photos and a description of the fault. Since it's past 6 months you'll need to show it's a manufacturing or material fault rather than wear and tear — premature sagging or frame failure on a sofa used normally is usually a strong case.

Will the retailer just offer reupholstering instead of a refund?

They can offer a repair first. If reupholstering doesn't fix the underlying frame or foam fault, or the same problem recurs, you can escalate to a replacement or refund.

What if I bought it flat-packed and assembled it myself?

Your rights are unaffected as long as you assembled it correctly per the instructions — a structural fault in the frame or fittings is still the retailer's responsibility.

Does a stain or fabric mark count as a fault?

Only if it was there when delivered or the fabric fails prematurely under normal use (pilling far beyond what's reasonable, seams splitting). Spills or damage you caused aren't covered.

The short version

Time since purchaseWhat you can ask for
0–30 daysFull refund
31 days–6 monthsFree repair or replacement, then refund
6 months–6 yearsSame, but you show the fault is inherent
General information based on the Consumer Rights Act 2015, not legal advice. See Citizens Advice: Return faulty goods or the Consumer Rights Act 2015 for the full legal text.