Is your sofa looking saggy and worn? Here are 7 easy ways to make it look brand new

Old sofa, new look!

Whether it's your first rental apartment or your forever home, one of the most important purchases you’ll make is your sofa. No matter what type or style you buy, it’s a major investment—and it often dictates what the rest of your living room will look like.

While most of us buy our sofas with the hope that they’ll last for the long run, what are you supposed to do when yours starts to look a little old? Or when your style changes—are you supposed to replace it? Don’t worry! You have options, and they don’t require getting rid of your couch. Here are seven easy ways to make your old sofa look new.

Meet Our Expert

• Sarah Whitney, interior designer in New York City

Related: 6 Ways to Reimagine Outdated Furniture (Instead of Tossing It Out)

01 of 07

Bring in Fresh, New Pillows

The quickest way to freshen up an old sofa? Bring in some new pillows. “Layering a few different throw pillows on top will usher in a whole new look,” says interior designer Sarah Whitney.

When it comes to cushions, the sky’s the limit. Is your sofa a neutral color? Consider a bright hue to add a pop of color and contrast, or choose an interesting print or unique texture. Are your current ones square? Try adding a round bolster to the mix. No matter your style, there are endless combinations to play with.

If you’re on a tight budget or short on storage space, simply swap in new cases or covers instead.

02 of 07

Clean Your Couch

Did you buy a white sofa a few years ago and recently notice it’s turned gray? Or is your sofa looking old and maybe a little dirty from pets and kids? Consider having your sofa professionally cleaned—it can bring new life to your old sectional or loveseat, and it's a fraction of the cost of a new one.

If you have slipcovers, you can bring them to your dry cleaner or wash them at home. Just check the garment tag for the correct laundering instructions.

03 of 07

Cover Your Cushions With a Cool Blanket

Whitney says another easy way to make your old sofa look new is to layer a textured blanket on top of your sofa. “It can act as a slipcover, and a loose fit can be very elegant," she adds.

This is also a good way to camouflage any small rips or stains without needing to splurge on repairs (or a replacement).

04 of 07

Get Slipcovers

Sometimes our sofas start to look old and worn out, but the wood frame is perfectly fine. In that case, consider investing in a new set of slipcovers. If your sofa came with them, there’s a very good chance the manufacturer offers other options you can easily order.

Otherwise, you can have slipcovers custom-made for far less than the cost of a brand-new sofa. Consider an entirely different material, like vegan leather instead of canvas or a fun print rather than a solid.

05 of 07

Dye Your Current Slipcovers

Are your current slipcovers still in good condition? Light-colored, machine-washable covers are a great candidate for dyeing. If you’re confident in your DIY skills, there are kits available at craft stores that make this chic upgrade easy to do at home. Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully to get the best results.

06 of 07

Tweak the Rest of the Room

If you can’t change your couch, then change what's around it. “Remember, context is everything—swapping items surrounding your sofa instantly brings it a whole new vibe,” notes Whitney. “Experiment with a different area rug beneath it, art above it, and a few different throw pillows on top."

Even just switching up one or two things can distract from what you don’t like about your living room, and give you something new to appreciate. 

07 of 07

Reupholster the Sofa

Lastly, if your sofa is still in good shape—perhaps it fits the living room perfectly, or maybe its a heirloom—reupholstery is an option. “If you really love your sofa and don't mind a little extra time and money, reupholstering is the way to go,” says Whitney. 

While this is definitely a more expensive choice, it can be worth it for a well-made piece you already love, and it's often a sustainable way to get a custom look without starting from scratch.

Related: 7 Reasons a Bold Couch Might Be Your Best Design Move

Read the original article on Real Simple