Sofas Guide

Construction Under the Cover

• What you don't see is of utmost importance in a sofa. The manner in which the frame, springs and cushions are made determine the sofa's durability and the support it provides. Frames should be constructed of kiln-dried wood so it doesn't shrink or warp. Joints should be a combination of screwed and glued, or double-doweled and glued, for maximum strength. Corner blocks of wood prevent the frame from twisting. Ask the sofa retailer to show you a real example of the spring system used or a diagram explaining it. Coil springs that are 8-way-hand-tied with sturdy twine, or that are connected to a steel frame with steel cables, provide superior durability. Sinuous springs--wavy line springs that form a repeating "S" shape, stretching from one side of the frame to another--should be set closely together to provide adequate support. Seat cushions are available in down, foam or combinations of both. Down will settle and must be fluffed but has many fans because of its softness. Foam cushions should be wrapped in a fluffy dacron foam for comfort.

Style

• Most sofa shoppers quickly decide whether they prefer a sofa with a skirt or with exposed legs. However, a furniture showroom will likely display more than one style of skirt and many styles of legs to satisfy a range of tastes. The style of the sofa back (number of back pillows, loose or attached back pillows, tight back) is also a personal preference. Individuals have different bodies with different comfort requirements for the back style and pitch (the angle at which it leans). Be certain that the back offers enough support because even the best quality sofa back will soften with time. A number of arm styles are available, including upholstered and exposed wood. Traditional and transitional upholstered styles may include the English arm (also known as Charles of London) and varieties of the roll arm. Contemporary styles may include the flared arm and track arm (a rectangular shape). For the seat, two-cushion and three-cushion styles are most common; but a single-cushion bench seat may be available, as well as a tight seat. Don't assume that all loose seat cushions are reversible; turn them over to check.

Fabrics

• Selecting a fabric or combination of fabrics for a sofa can be the most enjoyable experience in sofa buying--or the most stressful if you're not equipped with some basic facts. Many styles are available in woven cloth and some in leather. Leather will last longer than cloth fabric; but it's not suitable for everyone. If you're interested in leather, ask a consultant at the furniture store to show you some leather samples, and to explain which ones are easily scratched. Also inquire if there are any recommended leather care products for purchase. If you're interested in cloth fabric, look for a tight weave and durable fabric content, such as a combination of synthetics and cotton. Notice whether the fabrics have begun to "pill" or show other signs of wear. Ask for cloth fabrics that have been tested and have endured tens of thousands of abrasive "rubs." Ask to see the recommended cleaning instructions for any fabric sofa and whether the store offers a fabric warranty.

Details

• Sofas today exhibit a wide variety of wood color on exposed legs and arms or other wood trim. Custom-ordered sofas will offer the greatest selections for a number of details. Sometimes nail head trim is available in several colors of metal. Welting (the spaghetti-like piping that appears on the edges of cushions, backs and arms on many sofas) can often be ordered in a contrasting fabric, although perhaps for a fee. Some throw pillows may come with fringe as a standard feature. However, a larger selection of trims may be available for adding to throw pillows when ordering customized sofas.