Learn more about the story behind the centerpiece of your living room: the sofa!
As the centerpiece of the living room, the sofa occupies a central place in the home. It’s a decorative focal point, a source of comfort, a place for togetherness... It’s with us every day, both in moments of relaxation and during social gatherings. But do we really know it? As soft, comfortable, or stylish as the sofa may be, it isn’t always as inviting as it seems. Amid opaque manufacturing practices, countless imports, and questionable materials, our beloved sofa could be hiding many secrets.
An Uncomfortable Situation
Today we know that furniture plays a role in indoor air quality. Because it is made of synthetic materials, chemical adhesives, and other petrochemical substances, it releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that affect indoor air quality.
While construction and decorative products must bear a label stating "Indoor Air Emissions" that provides information on the level of VOC emissions, sofas are exempt from this requirement. As a result, it is impossible for consumers to determine their actual impact on air quality.
However, the vast majority of sofas do indeed contribute to the pollution of our living spaces. From the frame to the padding and springs to the upholstery, they contain various synthetic materials: foam, polyester, faux leather, chemical dyes, etc.
Not only do these materials affect our homes, but their production also has a negative impact on the environment. In France, most sofas are imported from Asian countries. This has created a strong link between the shortage of raw materials in Asia and the sofa market in France, particularly in the form of rising prices and longer delivery times.
According to INSEE, spending on the sofa market in France declined by more than 5% between 2019 and 2020. The trend following the lockdown would have suggested an increase in this type of purchase, as the French wanted to redecorate or move after the lockdown—for example, the home improvement sector saw a nearly 3% increase in sales.
From its manufacture to its transport and use, the sofa ultimately has less welcoming aspects than those we are familiar with. The good news is that awareness is growing, and healthier, more responsible solutions are emerging.
A Cozier Future
Some French people, who are increasingly concerned about their environmental impact, are adopting a new, more sensible approach to consumption. While “Made in France” is gaining ground, some even view buying locally as the golden rule for everyday products.
In addition, the composition and list of ingredients are increasingly piquing users’ curiosity. Natural, organic, and minimally processed products appeal to many consumers—but what about the sofa? Natural materials are not only healthier but also offer greater comfort and longer-lasting durability. The softness of cotton, the lightness of linen, the suppleness of natural latex… a healthy blend that invites moments of true relaxation. Choosing a sustainably produced sofa is therefore the best way to optimize the user’s well-being, while also caring for their health and the planet.
By choosing a sofa that has been carefully crafted from natural materials, consumers are opting for quality that goes hand in hand with durability. It won’t need to be replaced anytime soon! This is a trend that’s becoming increasingly common in France: consume less, but better.
At its core, Kipli strives to uphold specific commitments to offer a sofa that is as comfortable and harmonious as it is healthy and sustainable: natural materials, French manufacturing, local suppliers, water-based adhesives, wood from sustainably managed French forests...
In general, new solutions are being developed every day—whether in terms of the materials used, the manufacturing processes, or even the relocation of factories to France. Little by little, we are moving toward a more sensible world, where there are no more secrets and our furniture has nothing left to hide!