Materials
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Linen on a sofa: the first year
What linen does on a sofa over 12 months, from creases to small marks.
Folded linen beside a bouclé cushion on an oak top, seen from above.
Linen is made from flax stems. The fibre is long and strong, which is why a linen sofa can last for many years. It is also stiff when new.
In the first month, expect the seat to crease where you sit. This is normal. The creases soften and settle into a pattern within 6 to 8 weeks. Plumping the cushions once a week keeps their shape.
Linen also changes colour a little in sun. The Hollen's natural linen is a pale oat colour, and it can lighten by one shade near a south-facing window over a year. Turn the back cushions once a month to even this out.
Spills need quick action. Blot them with a clean, damp cloth, working from the outside of the mark inwards. Avoid rubbing. Most water-based marks lift in two or three passes. For oil, grease or red wine, call a professional upholsterer and keep household stain remover away from the linen.
The cover is sewn on to give a smooth fit, so it cannot be washed at home. A professional upholsterer can steam-clean it. We also re-cover sofas in our workshop, and you can ask us for a quote.
A linen sofa suits a home that accepts some creasing. If you want a smooth, flat surface for ten years, a tighter weave may suit you better. A sample box costs €20 and lets you test our linen at home before you order.
