Donating Soft Furnishings

At the County Durham Furniture Help Scheme (CDFHS), we are incredibly grateful for every item that is donated. Your generosity helps us support families and individuals across our community by providing affordable furniture through our charity shop. Every sofa, chair, table, or bed frame that finds a new home makes a real difference.

However, when it comes to upholstered furniture such as sofas, armchairs, headboards, or padded dining chairs, there are some important legal requirements we must follow.

Why Fire Safety Labels Matter

Since 1988, UK law requires that all upholstered furniture sold second-hand must carry a fire safety label. This label shows that the item has passed fire-resistance tests and meets national safety standards. Without this label, we are legally prohibited from reselling the item—even if it’s in excellent condition otherwise.

Unfortunately, this means we cannot accept donations of sofas, chairs, or other upholstered items if the fire label is missing.

Condition of Upholstered Furniture

In addition to fire labels, the condition of the furniture is just as important. We cannot accept upholstered items that are:

– Ripped, torn, or badly worn
– Stained or heavily soiled
– Damaged beyond safe use

While we understand that furniture may show signs of love and use, items in poor condition cannot legally or safely be sold in our shop.

We’re Grateful For Your Support

We want to stress that every offer of a donation is deeply appreciated. The support from our community is what keeps CDFHS running. However, we must comply with these regulations to ensure the safety of the people who purchase and use the items.

By checking your upholstered furniture for the fire safety label and ensuring it is in good, clean condition before donating, you help us continue to provide affordable, safe, and high-quality furniture to those who need it most.

How You Can Help

– Check for the fire safety label – usually found under seat cushions or on the back of sofas and chairs.

– Assess the condition – make sure there are no tears, heavy stains, or broken frames.

– Call ahead – if you’re unsure whether your item meets the requirements, contact our team and we’ll be happy to advise.

Together, we can make sure that donations not only help those in need but also meet the standards required to keep our community safe.