For most of us, furniture is more than something we sit on.
Over time, it becomes a part of our home’s story—witnessing special family moments, offering comfort, and serving as a backdrop for everyday life. For one King Living customer, this couldn’t be truer.
In 1982, they made what was set to become a lifetime investment: purchasing a King Living Sofa. Over 40 years later, the very same sofa is still at the heart of their living room.
First recovered in 1994, the sofa has now undergone its second recovering in 2024—showcasing the King Living commitment to designing quality furniture that stands the test of time.
The original Award Sofa before (left) and after refurbishment (right).
When this customer purchased the ‘Award Sofa’ from the King Living Annandale Showroom in 1982, it was one of the first modular sofas available in Australia.
“When we bought the Award from the original King Annandale Showroom circa 1980, we were so excited to get one of the first modular sets available in Australia,” the owner fondly recalls. “Memories are of my children sitting, jumping, and laying on the furniture, which seemed to take the wear and tear of use as well as vegemite and sticky fingers.”
Originally in taupe fabric, the sofa was recovered around 14 years later in a striking blue fabric, which became a staple in the home’s décor. From family movie nights to quiet Sunday mornings with a cup of coffee, this particular King Living sofa has been through it all. And now in 2024, the sofa has been recovered a second time.
The journey to bring the sofa back to life started at the King Living Design and Support Centre, where a team of skilled craftspeople handled the restoration with the care and precision. The process required expert attention from four key specialists, each playing an essential role in restoring the sofa to its former glory.
Phil, King Living Foam Specialist.
Phil, the Foam Specialist, began by adding an extra layer of foam to the sofa, to bring back its original comfort. “I love the hands-on process. Seeing the sofas come back to life, looking as good as new, is incredibly rewarding,” Phil shared.
Once the comfort had been restored, it was Danang's turn. As a master cutter, Danang meticulously prepared the new fabric, ensuring each piece was cut with precision for a flawless fit.
Danang, King Living Master Cutter
Vera, King Living Machinist and Team Leader.
Next came Vera, a highly skilled seamstress, who has worked with the King Living team for over 25 years. Her handiwork ensured that the sofa would not only look great but last for many more years to come. "Because the design was from the 80s, we didn’t have any sketches or diagrams to go off.” Vera said. “It’s exciting, it definitely stimulates your mind to begin the process without a guide.”
Finally, Silvio, the recovering specialist, fitted the new covers with incredible attention to detail, ensuring a perfect finish.
Silvio, King Living recovering specialist.
Once the restoration was complete, the sofa was brought to the King Living Annandale Showroom, the very place where it was originally purchased in 1982.
Resting in the showroom, it was clear that the 1980 Award Sofa had truly stood the test of time. With its clean lines and timeless aesthetic, the sofa looked as though it had been designed for today’s living spaces, not one from four decades ago.
Designed with both longevity and style in mind, a King Living Sofa is a lifetime investment in comfort and in craftsmanship that transcends passing trends.
Featuring today’s 1977 Sofa (left) and the refurbished original design (right).
Since the 1970s, King Living has been a pioneer in tailored removable covers. Through the King-Care® team, the brand’s dedicated aftercare team, customers can easily recover their sofas with a wide range of premium fabrics and leathers.
This service not only offers a refresh in style but also helps extend the lifespan of the furniture, reinforcing King Living commitment to sustainability. And with the option for covers to be delivered and fitted at home, the process is as convenient as it is eco-friendly.
For many King Living customers, the decision to recover their sofa is both practical and sentimental. A well-loved sofa becomes part of the family, and recovering it is a way to honour that connection while also giving the piece a new lease on life.
The newly refurbished sofa, captured at the King Living Design and Support Centre, Sydney.
The journey of the 1980 Award Sofa is a reminder that quality furniture, when cared for properly, can last a lifetime. And with the King Living dedication to craftsmanship, innovation, and sustainability, this sofa’s story is far from unique.
Whether for nostalgic reasons or practical purposes, recovering a King Living Sofa is a way to keep the memories alive while extending the life of a well-loved piece of furniture.
“It’s still so incredibly comfortable—whether I’m sitting, reading, or just stretching out. I am truly delighted that King has been able to restore and recover my sofa and actually brought back the memories for me,” the owner shared.
Learn more about recovering your sofa, order new covers from the King-Care® team or explore more recovering articles: