Shopping for a sofa can be a daunting experience. We’ve created this guide to help you know the difference between a domestic versus overseas construction, when to reupholster versus replace, what makes a classic and where to find the best options for your particular needs.
Kiln dried wood, foam versus feathers, springs, fabric, fire retardency… the depths of which you can get to know your sofa are hard to fathom… We dont want you to make an uneducated decision if you don’t have to! Here is a serious deep dive into Sofa Quality, so you can kick the tires a little bit and get to know if the sofa of your dreams is a steal of a deal, or destined for your curbside in a matter of no time.
Here are 7 tips for your new sofa pursuit.
- Know your lingo
- Understand the Materials
- Understand Construction Methods
- Buying Domestic vs Overseas
- Size. Know your Space
- Know your style then choose your silhouette
- Select A Color that you Can Live with
KNOW YOUR LINGO
The first thing to concentrate on the basic overview of quality sofa craftsmanship. Then a glossary of some furniture terms as they apply to quality and then finally a look at some quality recreations of classic sofa shapes next to some decidedly non-quality pieces.
First, what shape of sofa are you after?
Settee defnitition… waht about image?
Use this 3 step process when making design decisions?
- Analyze the space, desired use for the space-traffic wise, what’s the goal of the space
- Figure out overall mood, theme, subject, very modern or oriental, or are you picking a piece you are going off of, do you really like your antique jars are we trying to match that.
- Pick large pieces first moving to the smallest, frame always first, and then material and or finish second. The silhouette is most important to determine then the details or finish.
BASIC OVERVIEW OF CONSTRUCTION QUALITY
Kiln Dried Wood
Trillium vs. Down
10/90 down is great if down is your thing, 5/95 down is also fine
Typically high end foam only will shrink less than 5% over 10 years.
tied springs vs. sinuous springs
“The Gold Standard has always been, and will continue to be, the labor-intensive, 8-way hand-tied spring system. It’s expensive to do it right, and few companies do. When done correctly each spring is set into the deck webbing and attached, with various spring rates depending on what portion of the seat deck its located. They are then tied together (8 strings per piece) and knotted at each juncture (not looped! – only knotting keeps the spring deck together if a string breaks).”From: http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/furniture/msg0102333923575.html
A HISTORY OF SOFA PRODUCTION in the US
Hickory, NC & High Point, NC
Manufacturing is outsourced to China leaving a gaping whole in the NC state economyLas Vegas, NV
The return to custom.
etc. etc.
Quality recreations of classic sofa shapes next to some decidedly non-quality pieces.
A GUIDE TO SOFA BRANDS…
Quality Craftsman Hickory Chair, Henderson, Lane, Century, HBF, Thomasville, Mitchell Gold Bob Williams,
Big Box Production Restoration Hardware, West Elm, Crate & Barrel, Z Gallerie, Ikea
Niche Reproduction Knoll, Design Within Reach,
Notable Boutiques Jonathan Adler, Tom Dixon,
http://furniture.about.com/od/furnitureterms/a/Brush-Up-On-Sofa-Glossary.htmhttp://www.myhomeideas.com/decorating/design-ideas/sofa-glossary-10000001718949/
BACKS• Loose-cushion: Cushions are separate from the sofa back, allowing for a softer, more comfortable back. The covers can easily be removed and dry-cleaned. Alternatively, the back may be “semi-attached,” meaning that loose cushions are sewn into place. (see Tuxedo , Sectional )
• Tight: The back of the sofa is upholstered, with no loose cushions. This gives a cleaner, more tailored appearance and a firmer feel. Throw pillows can be added for comfort or for people who need more support. (see Chesterfield , Camelback )
• Pillow: Multiple pillows are arranged across the back of the sofa in place of larger cushions. Pillow backs require more fluffing and arranging, but offer easily adjustable comfort.
• Channel: A tight back is sewn into tailored segments or vertical channels to provide definition and sometimes more cushioning.
• Curved: The back curves around to form one piece with the arms. A drawback to this feminine, sheltering style is that it doesn’t provide a low armrest. (see Cabriole )
• Camelback: The back has a humped or serpentine shape. (see Camelback)
ARMS
• Rolled or scroll: A rolled arm is one that curves outward. It is perhaps the most common arm, particularly on traditional sofas, and is generally the most comfortable for lounging or napping. The front of the arm may be flat or have a set-in panel with pleats or gathers. (see Camelback and Chesterfield )
• Square, box, or track: A squared arm is more modern and tailored in appearance. It is not as comfortable for lounging, but a throw pillow or bolster can soften its lines. (see Tuxedo and )
SEATS
• Tight: This firmer, more tailored seat has no loose cushions. It is often used in settees and more formal, wood-framed sofas. (see Chesterfield )
• Single cushion or bench seat: A single cushion has a crisp appearance that can still be downy and comfortable. Be sure that if someone sits at one end, however, the other side doesn’t pop up. (see Cabriole and Knole )
• Cushioned: The seat has two or three loose cushions, which may be firmer than back cushions. Covers can be removed for dry-cleaning.T-cushion seats are designed to wrap in front of set-back arms. (see English and Bridgewater )
SKIRTS and LEGS
• Skirted sofas are generally softer and more traditional in appearance. Skirts can be detailed with kick pleats, inverted pleats, button pleats, or box pleats, across the front or at the corners only. Waterfall skirts that drop straight from the seat cushion have a cleaner, more tailored appearance.
• Exposed legs can be square and modern, turned and on castors, or cabriole (curved) for a more traditional look.
