What to Look For in a Sofa
A sofa is the centerpiece of your living room. It is where you will sit to watch movies, entertain guests, and play with pets and children. Consequently, it is a purchase that should be well thought out and researched.
While color and aesthetic are critical components of this decision making process, durability is equally important. Upholstery, suspension systems, frame, and cushions are all factors to take into account – these factors influence the durability of the piece and how it will wear over time.
One of my earliest memories involves spilling juice on my mother's white sofa. Yes, white sofas are beautiful, and I now have one myself, but at one point or another an accidental spill can happen to anyone. Pay attention to the stain resistance of the fabric you choose. Typically, fabrics high in polyester or other synthetics can be easier to clean. Finally, test it out yourself! Take a fabric swatch home, rough it up, spill something on it, treat the stain, and see how the fabric holds up.
Frame. This is the wood part that all that nice soft stuff is layered on top of – think of it as the foundation of your home. Make sure the sofa you buy has a kiln dried hardwood frame. Don’t be afraid to test it. Pick up one end of the sofa and verify that the frame doesn’t bend or flex and push on an arm and make sure it feels sturdy.
Suspension systems reflect style, comfort, and durability. Our sofas are generally made with sinuous construction. This type of suspension is made by stretching S-shaped steel wires across the frame. Sinuous construction allows the sofa to be closer to the ground, giving it a more modern look. These sofas will typically be a little more firm than those with hand-tied steel-coil systems, but also limit the possibility of sagging over time.
Speaking of the soft stuff, make sure the sofa has high-density foam wrapped all around the frame. Check the arms and other areas – make sure you can’t feel the frame or wood directly through the fabric. After all, a Saturday afternoon nap isn’t as comfortable if you’re lying on wood. Our sofas are made with dense polyurethane foam. This dense and heavy foam allows the cushions to keep their shape and comfort over time. Some sofas come with goose down customization options that give the seat and cushions a more plush feel due to the soft feathers.
Last but not least, feel free to ask questions! Even if it’s a simple second opinion on a fabric swatch, we have experts at Interior Define who are there to answer your questions and to ensure that you get the sofa that’s perfect for your home.
