How to buy a furniture dupe that actually lasts

Start with the frame

For sofas and armchairs, look for kiln-dried hardwood or engineered hardwood frames. Kiln drying removes moisture so the wood doesn't warp or crack later. Particleboard and soft pine frames are common at low prices and are the usual reason cheap seating creaks and loosens.

Joints matter as much as wood. Corner blocks that are glued and screwed, or dowelled joints, hold up far better than staples alone. If a listing doesn't say how the frame is built, the retailer's customer service usually can.

Cushions and support

Seat comfort comes from the suspension and the foam. Sinuous (zig-zag) springs are standard and fine for most homes; eight-way hand-tied springs are a premium feature you'll rarely find in a dupe. For foam, a density of around 1.8 pounds per cubic foot is entry level, and 2.5 or higher holds its shape much longer.

Removable, zippered cushion covers let you flip, clean or replace them, which makes a lower-priced sofa last far longer.

Fabric and finish

The look of an expensive piece is often the fabric: boucle, velvet, linen, leather. Check that a dupe lists the same material, not just the same colour. For family homes, performance fabrics and tighter weaves resist pilling and stains; loose, loopy boucle snags more easily, whatever the price.

For wood surfaces, solid wood can be sanded and refinished, while veneer over a stable core is perfectly good if it's thick enough to survive everyday knocks. Printed foil or laminate that imitates wood is the cheapest finish and chips more easily at the edges.

Measure twice, check returns once

Proportions are what make a piece look expensive, and they're also what decide whether it fits through your door.

• Compare seat depth, seat height and arm height with the original you love.
• Measure doorways, stairwells and lifts, not just the room.
• Check whether assembly is needed and what tools are included.
• Read the return policy for large items: some retailers charge a return shipping or restocking fee.
• Look for a warranty on the frame, ideally several years.