WELCOME TO FORME LIVING

Sofa setup & care

Your new sofa has arrived - now let’s help it reach its full Forme. Because it has been compressed and vacuum-sealed for delivery, it will need a little time and care to expand and settle.

Before you begin

  • Unpack your sofa in the room where it will be used.
  • Allow plenty of clear floor space and have two people available for larger pieces.
  • Use only the safety cutter provided—never scissors, knives or blades.
  • Completely remove all plastic so the foam has plenty of airflow.
  • Keep children and pets at a safe distance while the sofa expands.
  • Check that all components are included before disposing of the packaging.

SETUP GUIDE

From box to full Forme

Follow these steps to help your sofa expand, recover and settle beautifully.

  1. 01

    Position the box

    Place the box on a clean, dry surface near your sofa’s intended location. Once the sofa has expanded, it may be more difficult to move through narrow doorways or hallways.

  2. 02

    Carefully open the packaging

    Open the carton and remove the protective outer packaging. Use the safety cutter included with your setup instructions to open the plastic compression wrap.

    Do not use scissors, knives or blades, as these may damage the fabric underneath.

  3. 03

    Release the compression wrap

    Carefully cut and completely remove all plastic. Your sofa will begin expanding immediately. Removing every layer of plastic is important because the foam needs good airflow to recover.

  4. 04

    Arrange your sofa

    Move each piece into position. For modular designs, arrange the sections in your preferred configuration and connect them using the Velcro strips underneath, where applicable.

  5. 05

    Pat, plump and shape

    Your sofa may look different from the product photos when it first comes out of the box—this is completely normal. Gently pat, plump and shape it by hand, paying particular attention to the edges, backrests and any areas that still appear compressed.

  6. 06

    Gently steam the fabric

    A garment steamer can considerably speed up recovery. Gentle steam helps relax fabric creases while encouraging the compressed foam underneath to expand.

    Work slowly across the upholstery without holding the steamer in one place for too long, shaping and plumping each area as you go. Never place an iron directly onto the upholstery.

  7. 07

    Allow time to settle

    Your sofa begins expanding immediately, but please allow up to 72 hours for the foam and upholstery to fully settle. Recovery time can vary with room temperature, airflow and how long the sofa was compressed, and may be longer in colder conditions.

    You can sit on and enjoy your sofa straight away while its shape, appearance and feel continue to improve.

ONGOING CARE

Keep your sofa looking its best

Helping your sofa recover
  • Keep the sofa in a comfortably warm, well-ventilated room.
  • Make sure each section has enough space to expand freely.
  • Gently pat and plump compressed areas by hand.
  • Shape the edges and backrests as the foam expands.
  • Use a garment steamer to relax creases and encourage recovery.

Minor wrinkles, unevenness and compression marks are expected after vacuum compression and will gradually soften as your sofa settles.

Everyday care
  • Vacuum regularly with a soft upholstery attachment on a low-suction setting.
  • Remove dust, crumbs and pet hair before they settle into the fabric.
  • Rotate where you sit to encourage even wear.
  • Keep the sofa away from prolonged direct sunlight to help prevent fading.
  • Avoid placing it directly beside heaters, fireplaces or other strong heat sources.
  • Do not pull, stretch or attempt to remove the upholstery covers.
Spills and spot cleaning
  1. Blot spills immediately with a clean, dry, absorbent cloth or paper towel.
  2. Work from the outside of the spill towards the centre.
  3. Avoid rubbing, which can spread the spill and push it further into the fabric.
  4. If needed, use a small amount of mild detergent diluted with water.
  5. Test any cleaning solution on a discreet area first.
  6. Allow the area to air-dry completely before using the sofa again.

Avoid harsh cleaners, bleach, abrasive products and excessive water. For significant stains or a thorough clean, contact a professional upholstery cleaner.

Moving your sofa

Lift the sofa from underneath rather than pulling it by the fabric or connecting hardware. Larger sections should be moved by two people. For modular designs, disconnect the sections before moving them wherever possible.

Once unpacked and expanded, your sofa cannot be recompressed into its original box.

Need a hand?

If your sofa is not expanding evenly, you don’t have access to a garment steamer, or you have any concerns about setup, email us with your order number and a few clear photos.

We’re here to help your sofa reach its full Forme.

hello@formeliving.com.au