How to fix a broken couch frame and other tips on bringing a sofa back to life

Calling all couch lovers! We’ve got the scoop on how to revive your beloved couch and make it look brand spankin’ new. Because if old mate has seen some stuff — coffee spills, curry spills, unidentified spills — this is where you need to be to know how to give it some emergency TLC.

We’ll tell you how to fix a broken couch frame, how to plump those deflated cushions and how to clean your couch in a simple one-two step (Ciara, anyone?). So grab your toolbox and crank up the volume on those beats because we’re about to get all DIY up in here.

Wondering how to fix a broken couch frame? Let’s assess the damage

So your couch has finally given up the ghost and decided to break on you. We send our condolences.

First, take a good look at the damage, and try to identify the broken parts. If you’re feeling adventurous and you’re up for the challenge, DIY it. Repairing a couch yourself can be a bit like walking through a maze blindfolded, but with patience, determination and as many profanities as you can muster, you might just be able to resuscitate the old champ.

Minor issues like a small break might be fixable with a bit of elbow grease and some trusty tools (get those screwdrivers and timber glue ready). But if it’s a tear-jerker and you’re looking at a broken spring or torn upholstery, call in the professionals and call it a day. Broken bits and bobs need the right level of care, so if you get the sofa rehab right on day one, your beloved throne will get to live to see many more days.

Give your cushions back their cush

Wanna know how to puff up couch cushions? Alrighty then, let’s get our fluff on.

Start by plumping up your cushions regularly and turning them over to keep them looking fresh — think of it as sofa CPR. If yours are bougie and feather-filled that require more maintenance, a steam clean will achieve a quick and easy refresh.

If the plumping and cleaning stopped working a long time ago, Bella Vie Interiors’ principal interior designer Lisa Alward has just the trick. Take the covers off your cushion inserts. “Go to Spotlight, grab some foam wadding, and wrap it around your cushion inserts to plump them back up.” Voila.

If you really wanna switch things up, replace the cushion inserts altogether. “If you love the cushions that you’ve already got and they’re just looking a bit tired, replace the inserts,” suggests Lisa. “Refresh them with feather fillings for the indoor cushions and foam for the outdoor living so the water runs through them.”

And to reinvigorate your sofa in the way that only a professional knows how, spoil yourself, and call in an upholsterer. We won’t tell anyone.

What can you put under sofa cushions for support?

If your cushion plumping and foam stuffing hasn’t CPR-ed your sofa back to life, plywood that sucker like there’s no tomorrow. Get a piece that runs along the length of your couch, place it underneath the cushions and finally get back that oomph you knew it always had.

5 tips for keeping your sofa looking its best

Even if your sofa is not broken or in need of repair, it might not be looking so hot. We all love a cosy night on the couch, but when you’re sharing it with pet hair, crumbs, spills and thrills (otherwise known as grime), it’s time for a good clean.

With these five tips, your sofa will be back to its former glory in no time. 

✨ Rotate the cushions regularly to prevent uneven wear.

✨ Vacuum your sofa regularly to remove dust and debris.

✨ Wipe down the non-fabric parts of the sofa with a solution of warm water and liquid dish soap.

✨ Spot-clean spills and stains as soon as they occur, and always check the tag on the couch to see what cleaning products are safe to use.

✨Consider using slipcovers to protect your sofa from wear and tear.

If things are looking really mucky, Lisa gives us some top tips.

“Steam cleaning can work wonders at bringing your sofa back to life. You can also use decorative cushions or a throw to freshen up a tired-looking couch. Just remember to select colours and fabrics that tie in with your current decor.”

How to make your couch smell good

The secret to every cleaning hack is almost always baking soda, so it’s no surprise that a healthy dusting of it can work wonders at getting rid of funky fabric smells. Throw some onto your cushions, let soak for an hour then vacuum up the excess. Life is beautiful.

Time for something new?

At Koala we’re all about recycling, reusing and giving back to the planet, so if there’s any way of giving an old friend new life and saving a piece of furniture from the skip, we’re all here for it.

If it really is time to let go of your old sofa, however, it might be time to wheel in a new cush for your tush. Before doing that, you’ve just gotta dispose of your couch responsibly. Exploring local council collection or recycling options will ensure your sofa is saved from ending up in landfill.

Our Koala sofa range has everything from cosy little sofas to family-sized beauties with room for all the gang, and our armchairs are worth a gander too if you’re on the hunt for a couch companion. With our exclusive designs, tool- and fuss-free assembly and 120-night trial, it’s time to give us a try, and see what the rest of Australia keeps banging on about.