Upholstery Furniture Facts

Function

• Upholstery furniture includes beds, sofas, chairs, ottomans, cushions and more. Upholstery furniture has four categories: the frame, spring system, cushioning or padding and the final fabric or leather covering.

The Frame

• The frame is the mold of a piece of furniture and has to be strong and sturdy. Frames are made into many sizes for dining chairs, couches and more with different types of woods. Oak, maple, alder and ash are the most commonly used woods.

The Spring System

• The spring system is added in after the frame is complete and is set in a parallel arrangement within the frame. The spring system has elongated and often Z-shaped sinuous springs extending within the frame.

Cushioning and Padding

• After the frame and springs are complete, the padding is ready to be added. Foam cushions surrounded with soft polyesters or feathers are then covered and sewn into upholstery fabric or the final covering. The cushions are then placed and tacked into the frame over the spring system.

Final Covering

• Upholstery fabrics are tightly woven durable fabrics. Leather is also used as a final covering because of its durability and ability to be dyed into many colors.