Sofa & Upholtered Chair Quality

When we choose a sofa or upholstered chair for our showroom floor, we want to make sure we offer the finest look and the finest quality.

There are three components that distinguish a sofa that is considered a fine piece of furniture from a sofa that will not last. They are the frame, the seating support and the filling. Not only do these structural details determine the comfort of your sofa, they also determine how long your sofa will look good in your home.

When purchasing a sofa, take the time to look at these three essential elements.

The frame

The frame is the supporting structure. If the frame is not strong, sturdy and well constructed, your sofa will sag and become unsteady. So what does a quality frame look like?

• It is made of kiln-dried hardwood which remains stable over time. Kiln drying removes the moisture from the wood so it does not shrink or crack after manufacturing.

• The joints are critical. The best furniture has joints which are glued, screwed, dowelled and reinforced with blocks to provide extra support.

• Be cautious of frames made of particle board or frames that are held together with staples.

Seating support systems

What benefit is a nice look sofa that is extremely uncomfortable? Always sit on a sofa before you buy it. You should feel comfortable, have good support for your back and the seat should not sag. Now let’s talk about the elements that create that feeling of comfort.

• Optimum seating support uses an eight-way hand tied spring system that connects one spring to the next with a strong cord, string or twine. The craftsman ties the springs, front to back, side to side and then diagonally in both directions. This method provides a very even and individual support because the springs move up and down and from side to side. Eight-way hand tied springs offer the highest level of quality, comfort and durability.

• Sinuous springs, common in sleeker-styled furniture, are made of heavy-gauge steel that has been heat-formed into “S” shapes. Sinuous springs usually run from the front of the seat to the back with additional wires that cross from side to side. This system also provides quality support for a sofa.

• Drop-in springs are mass-manufactured, welded units that are more cheaply manufactured and considered to be of lower quality than sinuous springs.

• Webbed suspension uses bands of webbing cross the seat and back. The natural or man-made fiber webbing attaches to the frame to make a platform for the cushions. When used with a tensioner that fastens the webbed material to the frame, it can provide good seat support, but it will not have the same durability as sinuous springs or the same comfort as eight-way hand tied seating support systems.

The cushioning and padding

The frame supports the seating system which supports the comfort of the cushioning and padding. More than just aesthetics, the cushioning material determines the longevity of comfort. There are many options for cushioning and padding – the one you choose will be based on your use and preference.

• Feather and down are the premium choice. They offer maximum comfort and softness. High quality furniture using feather and down also have a layer of down proof ticking to prevent feathers poking through the upholstery. Feather and down pillows and cushions can be plumped or fluffed up to maintain their shape. However, the trade for the comfort, durability and resilience of feather and down cushioning is high maintenance; this type of cushioning may require daily care to look its best.

• Another good cushioning option is a high-density, high-quality foam core that is then wrapped with either soft polyester, feathers or down substitute. The result is a soft surface with a strong, resilient support inside. This is a good option as the cushions do not lose their shape easily. Cushions and pillows sewn into cotton cases ensure smooth upholstering.
• It is important to keep in mind that the higher the density, the firmer the cushion will be.

• Make sure that you are getting high density foam, as lower quality foam can start breaking down pretty quickly.

When you purchase a high quality sofa, it will stay comfortable and look good for a long time.