Sofa so good, feels like new

Founders Yeng and Chandra created the business to provide customised sofa covers that are modern, practical and affordable. Photos: Comfort Works

FIFTEEN years ago, Rachel Yeng and Henry Chandra embarked on a do-it-yourself furniture project at home out of necessity.

“We had this old Ikea sofa that we loved. After a while, it started looking a little worse for wear, but we didn’t want to replace it,” Yeng tells StarBiz 7.

When they searched for alternatives for their couch conundrum, they were shocked that there was a severe lack of options.

“Everything was unattractive, didn’t fit well, or cost more than the sofa itself,” she recalls. Beyond generic, stretchy slipcovers, choices were limited. “No one was offering what we wanted – custom-fit sofa covers that were modern, practical and affordable.”

Taking matters into their own hands, the pair designed and crafted a custom cover for their sofa with the help of YouTube tutorials, and were more than thrilled with the finished product. “The result was incredible,” she says. “It looked like we had a brand new sofa!”

The experience would eventually lead to the creation of their business, Comfort Works. Dedicated to providing old sofas a new lease on life, the company specialises in customised slipcovers designed to fit a wide range of sofa brands and models.

Customers can personalise their slipcovers from an extensive selection of fabrics, colours and styles, which include performance, hypoallergenic and pet-friendly options. Each piece is made to order, handcrafted and shipped out within two weeks.

“It’s fast, personal and allows us to focus on delivering high-quality custom solutions that people love,” she adds.

Today, Malaysia-based Comfort Works ships to over 40 countries and boasts a team of 200. However, Yeng is quick to point out that the journey has been far from easy.

“It was a lot of long nights and learning,” she says. The business’ set-up consisted of just the two founders working out of their apartment, handling everything from design to customer service and website management.

“We didn’t have outside funding or a big safety net. What we did have was a vision, a lot of determination and maybe just enough naivety to keep going.”

When customers began requesting covers for sofas beyond the Ikea models they had been providing, the team took it as a cue to expand their offerings.

The slipcover range grew to include global home brands such as Muji, Pottery Barn, West Elm, and Restoration Hardware. They also sought to add more fabric and customisation options to their repertoire while shipping to a wider number of countries.

For customers looking to refresh their living spaces without having to part with a beloved sofa or buy a new one, the business offered an ideal solution.

“Our goal is to save as many sofas from ending up in landfills while helping people create homes they love. It’s about sustainability, style, and making your home truly yours.”

Yeng shares that Comfort Works’ customers prioritise practicality and visual design above all when looking for a sofa slipcover.

“Many of them are families, pet owners or design enthusiasts who want a solution that doesn’t just work but also looks and feels amazing,” she says.

“They want a perfect fit – something that looks like it was made for their sofa, not just thrown on. Durability is also a priority. They want a sofa cover that can stand up to kids, pets, spills and everything else life throws at it.”

Additionally, she says aesthetics are also a significant factor for customers, as many aim to curate living spaces that resonate with them and reflect their personalities.

According to Yeng, listening to customer feedback is integral to developing new products.

“Our customers are constantly telling us what they need, whether it’s fabrics that are easier to clean, covers that can withstand pets, or designs with a more modern look,” she says.

“We think about how people are living with their sofas, so functionality is a big part of it,” she adds. “However, design is equally important. We aim for a balance between timeless, classic styles and modern trends.”

She reveals that an increasing number of consumers are expressing interest in more environment-friendly options, and that sustainability is a key focus of the business.

In fact, 2025 will see the company expand its collection of eco-friendly fabrics and explore ways to make its production processes greener.

“It’s about creating products that people feel good about, not just because they look great but because they’re made responsibly,” Yeng says.

Additionally, the company plans to innovate more products and develop ways to better serve its customers.

“The most rewarding part is when they tell us we’ve helped them rediscover their love for their sofa,” she says. “It feels like we’ve truly made a difference.”

As the brand continues to grow internationally, Yeng says one of its biggest goals is to do so while remaining rooted in Malaysia.

“It’s a point of pride for us that we’ve built a global business from here, and we want to show that you don’t need to be in New York or London to compete on the world stage. We’re proof that you can start small, think big and create something meaningful.”