How To Choose A Sofa That Will Last Forever
Buying a sofa is a big investment, so it’s important to choose one that will last. However, it can be difficult to tell if you’re getting a good quality piece. Besides style, there are several objective criteria to look for that can help you select a sofa that will last a long time. These include craftsmanship, support, durability and upholstery.
Frame
The frame of a sofa is one of the most important aspects of a quality piece of furniture. If the frame isn’t well constructed, it can lead to sags and squeaks that will affect the durability of the sofa and its seat cushions. Wood is often the best choice for sofa frames because it is sturdy and durable. Choose a type of wood that will stand up to high traffic and wear and tear in your home, like oak or pine. Joint construction is another key factor in how long a sofa will last. Look for joints that are made using mortise and tenon joinery or interlocking joint construction, as these methods will be more resistant to the stresses of use. The type of upholstery that is used will also make a difference in the lifespan of a sofa. Leather and fabric are both popular choices, but each offers a different look, as well as practical benefits.
Upholstery
Choosing the right upholstery fabric is a key part of getting a sofa that will last forever. The wrong fabric can make your sofa prone to stains and snags. The type of fabric you choose will depend on where your sofa is going to be placed in the house. If it is going to be a living room that sees a lot of traffic, then you’ll want a more durable fabric to withstand stains and pet hair. Colors are also important to consider when choosing your upholstery fabric. Light shades will show dirt marks and spills more easily than darker ones. In addition, the sofa fabric you choose should complement your existing interior design scheme. Bold colors are a popular choice, but they can be hard to work with in the future if you want to change your decor.
Cushions
You may not think about your sofa’s cushions very often, but it is important to keep them in tip-top condition. If you neglect them, they can become flattened and saggy over time, but with just a little care they can be kept looking and feeling brand new. Some of the most popular options are down, foam, or a combination of both. Down filling is the premium choice, but requires daily attention if you don’t want your seat to look like it has a sagging neck. Foam cushions can be wrapped in a down-proof ticking to prevent feathers from poking through. This is a great option if you love the softness of down, but not the daily maintenance. If your sofa’s welts or seams begin to look wavy, unzip the cushion cover and reach inside to manipulate the insert into place. This will help to straighten the welts and seams and also fluff up the filling.
Legs
A sofa’s legs are a design element that can help to make the furniture feel less bulky. However, if the legs are made from poor quality materials they will soon become tatty and bring down the overall look of the sofa. To ensure the leg of a sofa is sturdy, it should be made from solid wood and not particleboard or plastic. Harder hardwoods (kiln-dried oak, ash, or beech) are more durable. In addition to ensuring the frame is sturdy, it is also important that the legs are attached securely and not with glue alone. This will help to ensure that your new sofa is strong and can last you for many years. To test the strength of a sofa’s frame, lift one front corner or a leg off the floor and listen for creaking noises. If you hear any, the frame is not structurally sound and will need some alterations. If you are ever unsure about whether your sofa is strong enough, be sure to ask one of our furniture professionals here at Crowleys Homeworks for advice!