Sofa so good – DFS Augustus Sofa (Now called Mossley)

Buying a sofa is hard work. It’s a big investment and you don’t want to end up with any old thing. We had been to look at sofas a few times in various shops and came away deflated. I’m not a fan of these new modern colourful sofa trends that are going on at the moment. There were some sofas that were pretty horrific!

We went again a few weeks later and in DFS we spotted this beauty – the Augustus sofa. I fell in love. We measured, found what would fit but we didn’t get it. We weren’t sure when we would get a sofa. We already had one, though it’s a corner sofa with the corner on the wrong side of our room, it’s something we could cope with for a few months.

DFS Augustus Sofa

Then the day we got our keys, my boyfriend randomly said ‘Shall we go look at that sofa on the way home?’. YES YES YES. I had been banging on about it for a while. When we got there, my boyfriend was so overwhelmed by everything that had gone on that day that he just let me buy what I wanted.

We got the three-seater cushioned back sofa and the Cudworth sofa cuddle chair with a normal back. We could have gotten a two-seater but it would have gone all the way to the edge of the door and we didn’t want it to take up that much space. I also got a footstool.

The Augustus material is a soft, suede-type fabric, but much softer and smoother than actual suede. It has a lovely tactile quality that feels luxurious without being high-maintenance. The fabric has a slight sheen to it that catches the light beautifully.

DFS no longer uses the Augustus name, but the DFS Cudworth (now Mossley) is the exact same sofa made from the same Augustus material. The design, fabric and quality are identical – only the name has changed.

Edit:

We have now had our DFS Augustus or Cudworth sofa for 5 years and we love it. It’s still very comfortable and has lots of life left in it! The name has changed from Augustus, to Cudworth to Mossley!

Understanding the DFS Augustus/Cudworth/Mossley Range

If you’re confused by the name changes, you’re not alone! This sofa has had quite the identity crisis:

• 2019: Launched as the Augustus sofa
• 2020-2022: Renamed to Cudworth sofa (same design and Augustus material)
• 2023-present: Now called Mossley (still the same sofa)

The important thing to know is that the Augustus material and sofa construction have stayed consistent throughout all these name changes. If you’re looking at the DFS Cudworth or Mossley range now, you’re getting the same quality sofa I bought in 2019.

What is Augustus Material?

The Augustus material is DFS’s proprietary fabric that looks and feels like soft leather but is actually a high-quality fabric. Many people mistake it for leather when they first see it, but it’s a clever fabric designed to give you the leather look without the leather price tag or maintenance requirements. Key features of the Augustus material:

• Soft, suede-like texture with a subtle sheen
• More forgiving than real leather (doesn’t crack or age the same way)
• Easier to clean than genuine suede
• Available in various colours across the Cudworth/Mossley range
• Durable enough for family use

DFS Cudworth Sofa: 7 Years Later (2026 Update)

After seven years of daily use, I can give you a proper long-term review of the DFS Cudworth sofa (which I bought as the Augustus). What’s held up well:

• The comfort is still excellent – no sagging cushions
• The Augustus material has worn beautifully with minimal signs of age
• The frame feels as solid as day one
• Colour hasn’t faded (though we don’t have it in direct sunlight)
• Still looks smart and modern

Things to be aware of:

• The Augustus material can show light marks if you’re not careful
• It’s not ideal if you have pets (as mentioned in comments, I wouldn’t let a dog on it)
• Can fade in direct sunlight (one reader reported this)
• Not as easy to clean as leather – you need to be gentle with it

Cleaning and Caring for Augustus Material

Based on my seven years with this sofa, here’s what I’ve learned about keeping the Augustus material looking good:

• Regular maintenance: Vacuum with the upholstery attachment weekly to prevent dirt building up
• Spills: Blot immediately with a clean, dry cloth – don’t rub
• Professional cleaning: We paid extra for DFS’s care plan which includes professional cleaning if needed
• Avoid direct sunlight: Position your Cudworth sofa away from windows to prevent fading
• No harsh chemicals: The Augustus material is delicate – stick to gentle cleaners designed for fabric sofas

Is the DFS Cudworth Sofa Right for You?

After living with this sofa for seven years, here’s my take on who it suits: Perfect for:

• Adults-only households or families with older children
• People who want the leather look without the cost
• Those who prioritise comfort and modern style
• Buyers willing to be careful with maintenance

Not ideal for:

• Households with pets (especially dogs)
• Young children who might spill frequently
• Rooms with lots of direct sunlight
• Anyone wanting a completely carefree, wipe-clean sofa

Current DFS Mossley Range (2026)

As of 2026, the sofa is now sold as the Mossley range at DFS. You can still get the same configurations we bought:

• Three-seater sofa
• Cuddle chair (also called a snuggle chair or love seat)
• Two-seater sofa
• Footstool/ottoman
• Corner sofa configurations

The Augustus material is still available across the range, though it may be offered in different colours than when we bought ours in 2019.

Final Thoughts on the DFS Cudworth Sofa

Seven years on, I’m still happy with my decision to buy this sofa. The DFS Cudworth (originally Augustus, now Mossley) has been comfortable, durable and stylish throughout. The Augustus material has held up better than I expected, considering we use the sofa daily.

Would I buy it again? Yes, but with the caveat that it’s not a sofa for every household. If you have pets or very young children, you might want something more forgiving. But for adults or families with older kids who’ll be careful, the Cudworth sofa is a brilliant choice.

If you’re considering the DFS Mossley range (as it’s now called), you’re getting the same quality sofa I’ve enjoyed for seven years. Just remember to factor in the care plan if you want peace of mind about cleaning.

Frequently Asked Questions About the DFS Cudworth Sofa

Is the Cudworth sofa the same as Augustus?

Yes, the DFS Cudworth is the same sofa that was originally called Augustus. In 2026, it’s now called Mossley, but the design and Augustus material remain identical across all name changes.

What is Augustus material made of?

Augustus material is a high-quality fabric designed to look and feel like soft leather. It’s not genuine leather or suede, but a proprietary DFS fabric with a suede-like texture and subtle sheen.

Is DFS Cudworth real leather?

No, the DFS Cudworth sofa is not real leather. The Augustus material is a fabric that mimics the look of leather but is easier to maintain and more affordable than genuine leather.

How do you clean a DFS Cudworth sofa?

Clean the Augustus material gently with a soft, dry cloth for regular dusting. For spills, blot immediately with a clean cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals and consider DFS’s professional cleaning service for stubborn marks.

Does the Cudworth sofa fade in sunlight?

Yes, the Augustus material can fade if placed in direct sunlight. Position your Cudworth sofa away from windows or use curtains/blinds to protect it.

Is the DFS Cudworth good for pets?

Not really. The Augustus material is delicate and can be damaged by pet claws. It’s not ideal for households with dogs. We have cats and it’s been okay, but they do not scratch funiture.

What’s the difference between Cudworth and Mossley?

There’s no difference – they’re the same sofa. DFS renamed the Augustus range to Cudworth around 2020, then to Mossley in 2023, but the sofa design and Augustus material are identical.

How long does a DFS Cudworth sofa last?

Based on my experience, at least 7 years with daily use. The comfort and structure remain excellent, and the Augustus material has aged well with proper care.