Regardless of what you call it, a davenport, divan, settee, or a sofa, is regarded as a big investment. To ensure you achieve value for money, here are a few simple tips to keep in mind for choosing a sofa that will last a lifetime.
We hope the following tips will help you make the right decision so that you can enjoy your new sofa for a lifetime, or at least until you decide to replace it with a new one.
Choosing A Sofa That Will Last A Lifetime: 5 Important Things To Look At
Check On The Frame
A sturdy frame will mean a sofa that will last for a long time. The softwoods such as pine might be low-cost, but they can wobble and warp after around 5 years. More expensive hardwoods such as beech, ash, or kiln-dried oak, are far more durable. Stay away from frames that are made from metal, plastic, or particle-board, as they are prone to cracking or warping. The legs should be attached directly to the frame, or screwed on, with pegs or dowels, rather than only glue alone.
Find Out About The Joinery
The frames that have joints that connect with wooden corner-blocks, double wooden-dowels, or wooden dowels are all solidly constructed. The tag may state “corner blocks” that are screwed and glued, or brackets and metal screws. Nails or staples might also be used for additional reinforcement.
It’s very important to read the labels before getting your wallet or credit card out. The joinery is a very important, albeit oftentimes overlooked part of buying a sofa. Your best bet, besides checking the labels or asking the salesclerk for details, is to avoid the sofas that are held together by glue, nails, or staples.
Test The Springs
Many of the sofas have what is known as sinuous, or springs, serpentine preassembled units that feature snaking wires. They are supportive, yet they can start to press against the frame or start sagging overtime when the metal is not heavy enough. The high-end sofas frequently come with hand-tied, eight-way springs. They are very comfortable, yet also pricey, and some experts suggest that they feel the same as the serpentines.
Examine the springs, by making sure they are firm and close together. The sofas that do not feature springs and rather have mesh or webbing are often flimsy and uncomfortable. If you’re interested, then American Freight has some great reviews.
Feel The Fillings
Polyurethane foam is an easy-care, low-cost cushion filling. Yet the high-density, more durable type often feels hard, while the low-density and softer foam can deteriorate faster with consistent use. The HR (high-resilient) foam is slightly more pricey but long-lasting and super-comfy. Polyester fiber costs less, but it can flatten quickly.
The duck-and-goose feather fillings are very comfortable, but they are prone to clumping. The top of the range goose down (the soft undercoat of the bird), combined with feathers features an expensive but plump, and high-maintenance cushions, that require frequent fluffing. The down-poly-fiber blend costs less, but they do flatten out faster.
Look For Resilient Textiles
If you plan to use your sofa every day, you will need a durable and resilient fabric. Linen and cotton are the winners, yet be careful of the loose weaves, as these are prone to snagging. Synthetic microfiber is also a terrific choice that can resemble other fabrics, and they are stain-resistant.
Linen and cotton can also come with a stain-resistance treatment, but they are still not as durable, or easy-to-clean. Blends of synthetic and natural fibers usually start to pill in as little as a year. Leather and wool are strong and handsome, but also expensive. Silk is really attractive but also fragile. The fabrics that have woven in patterns seem to wear a lot better when compared to the printed patterns.
All things considered, we hope our top 5 things to look out for when buying a new sofa will prove useful. Remember, resilient textiles, firm fillings and sturdy things are among the most essential elements that guarantee quality.