Choosing a sofa isn't simple. Finding a style that you like, that works well in your space, that is comfortable and affordable, can be a challenge.

 

When buying a sofa, we usually suggest that clients buy the best construction that they can afford. The reason for this is that a sofa is frequently the largest and most visible item in a room and most people live with it for a very long time.

 

Unless the sofa construction is of very high quality, the features that determine the value that you are getting, are often not brought to your attention. Following are some simple guidelines, to help you appreciate why sofas, that may look exactly alike on the showroom floor, can be significantly different in price:

 

Frame

The strongest sofa frames are made from moisture-resistant, kiln-dried hardwoods, that are at least 1 ½" thick. Less expensive sofas are usually made from some combination of plywood, particleboard and hardwood. To assess a sofa's sturdiness, lift one end ...the heavier, the better.

 

Springs

A sofa with better springs lasts longer. Less expensive sofas commonly feature S-shaped steel springs running from front to back. The best sofas feature springs of eight-gauge steel wire that are set into the frame and hand-tied in eight places.

 

Seat Cushions

A sofa's price is reflected in the quality of its cushions. In less costly sofas, cushions are generally foam, with a density of about 1.8. The higher this number, the higher the foam density and the longer the cushions will last. A step up from this is a foam cushion wrapped in polyester batting, which makes it softer and the edges rounder.

More expensive sofas usually offer several cushion options, depending on how soft or firm you would like them. Down cushions are the softest and most luxurious, but require constant fluffing. Another cushy, but much more livable, option is a cushion with a high-resiliency foam core, wrapped in a down envelope. 

 

Arms

On better sofas, upholstered arms are heavily padded. If you sit on the arm of a lesser quality sofa, you will sometimes feel the wood frame through the padding.

 

Legs

Less expensive sofas often have plastic or metal legs, which are screwed into the frame. More costly sofas usually have wooden legs that are part of the frame, to ensure stability.

 

Upholstery

Fabric selections can double the price of a sofa. As a result, this is where some manufacturers cut corners. However, cost does not necessarily equal durability. Cotton canvas and denim are extremely durable and reasonably priced, but silk, which is more costly, is also more fragile. Leather, which is much more costly than most fabrics, is very durable. It can last up to 15 years, over twice as long as most fabrics.

 

Hopefully, this short exposé brings you closer to finding a fabulous sofa, which will keep you sitting pretty for years!