Your Guide to the Good, Better and Best Sofa.
Whether you have a large space or a smaller space, buying a Sofa is an investment.
The comfort of your piece comes from the spring system and the cushions give the piece its shape. Seat cushion construction is what will help to achieve either a flatter or a crown-like appearance. That is a matter of style type or personal taste.
Seat cushion construction will vary greatly depending on your investment. The least costly will involve a very basic foam with a poly wrap. The higher quality and luxury sofas will give you further options such as, goose/duck down encasing a high compression foam core that can be rotated for wear, or an innerspring core with a layer of foam (or foam and down) wrap built directly into the frame where the cushions cannot be rotated, and finally memory foam which is mostly used in sleeper sofas. An important point, the firmness of a sofa does not mean that it will be a longer lasting sofa. It also does not reflect its durability. The density of the foam and the qualities of the spring and other materials does directly correlate to the longevity of the product.
When you shop for an upholstered piece make sure to listen for any squeaks or cracks. Anything audible may indicate improper construction and quality.
Let’s look at the O.K., Better & Best:
O.K.
Very affordable, with the emphasis on price
Construction materials, composite boards, chip boards (LDF & MDF), cardboard, low durability cushion material and inferior sinuous springs
Mass produced, readily available, no customizations, limited fabric choice, often cash & carry
Will last 3-5 yrs.
Better
Usually within most budgets making them a great option for style & affordability
Higher quality premium woods, cross laminated construction for a studier frame, glued, screwed with dowels, corner blocks and ¾” staples for reinforcement
Drop-in sinuous wire (s-shape), better quality foams both provide better comfort and support
Mid-century or contemporary styles that are low to the ground may use polypropylene strapping as a support base.
Better multi-year warrantee on cushions and springs (up to 10 yrs.)
Limited customization available from fabrics to leathers options, to frame and accent hardware
Performance fabric often available adding addition protection
Good for those wishing to make a first solid furniture purchase
When considering a motion piece, consider this as an entry point
Will last 5-10 yrs.
Best
The prize here is quality, longevity and luxury
This is heirloom quality
Uses the best material such as hardwood kiln-dried, the best quality safe from any warping, twisting or shifting
Traditional construction methods using the strongest frames and labour-intensive techniques
Handmade construction, such as doweling, corner blocking, traditional joinery (e.g. dovetail, mortise-and-tendon)
Seat cushions customized to your comfort and support level using the options you prefer
Multiple styles with 8-way hand-tied spring support or foam and down options
Fabrics and leathers with pattern matched to create uniformity, this includes the seams, edges, and corners
Sustainability because of the longevity, less chance of ending up in a landfill.
An investment piece, that is bought once, lasts a lifetime and is worth every penny
Lastly, a little bit about sofa legs… Most are made of wood. This is a great way to inspect for a manufacturer’s eye towards detail. Check for uniformity in height, stain finish and security fastening to the frame. This is the “get-down-on-your knees” and give it a twist, pull or wiggle kind of thing. Look for legs that are attached with thick hanger bolts secured with T-nuts which you can be easily adjust or replace. With metal legs make sure they are sturdy, supportive enough for the entire piece when being utilized. Check for sharp edge on the metal and finishing pads. The last thing you want is end up with scratched floors.
Here’s the easiest way to navigate Sofa selection. Reach out to Anthony Interiors, this is our specialty! We get it right, the first time! We know what to look for from a construction, fabric and aesthetic standpoint, so you have nothing to worry about, including it fitting through your front door.
Have a question? Please reach out! If your question is selected as a Blog topic, you will WIN a gift card.
Until next time! - A.M.A. (upcoming bog – Fabrics vs. Leather)
ama@anthonyinteriordesign.com
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