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Sofas
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Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a Sofa
When shopping brick and mortar, it's easy to spot a low-quality sofa-they're the ones that wiggle, rock, or lean when sat upon. But how do you spot a sturdy, long-lasting sofa online? You read up on the frame, joinery, and legs. Here's what to consider when looking at each.
The best, and most expensive frames are typically made of kiln-dried hardwood (oak, maple, poplar, etc.). Kiln-drying removes moisture, and thus protects against warping and cracking. Other durable options include furniture-grade plywood and steel, which is strong, but can't be made into elaborate shapes like wood. When choosing a plywood frame, look for one with at least 11-13 layers of wood. The most affordable frame options are typically made of conventional plywood and wood-plastic composites. While more wallet-friendly, these options aren't as long lasting and are best suited for sofas used infrequently.
For a solidly constructed sofa, look for joints that are mortise and tenon or double-dowelled; these are the most resistant. Ideally, joints should be fitted with corner blocks that are both glued and screwed-not stapled-into place. Reinforcing blocks are an added bonus; they will help to maintain the shape of your sofa.
Lastly, take a look at the legs on a sofa. Top-quality sofas boast legs that are a part of its frame; these are much stronger than those that are screwed in. However, keep in mind that removable feet do make it much easier to get a sofa through halls and doorways during move-ins.
For most, comfort comes first and foremost when choosing a sofa. If you're part of that majority-the people who want the kind of couch you can binge-watch Netflix on without a single break-it's important to consider the cushions and springs. Here, we break down your options.
Most sofas have sinuous springs-the best (and the most expensive) sofas have eight-way hand-tied springs. No matter the type, springs should be firm and close together when felt through the upholstery of your sofa. Generally, you should avoid sofas made with webbing or mesh instead of springs; they tend to be uncomfortable and flimsy.
Cushions are what really makes a sofa comfortable. For a luxurious, sink-right-in feel, look to cushions with a goose-down filling-but keep in mind, these will have to be fluffed fairly often. For more support, turn to high-resiliency foam, which compresses during use, and then comes back to its natural shape. As for the most affordable options, polyester fiber and down-polyfiber blends are your best bets, however, both tend to flatten fast.
The fabric that upholsters your sofa is the most visible sign of quality and style-it's also one of the more enjoyable parts of a sofa to pick out. When choosing a fabric, it's important to consider your lifestyle. Here, we break down the durability, cleanability, and more of the most common sofa upholstery.
As a rule, heavy, tightly woven fabrics like cotton and linen are great when it comes to durability. The most durable fabric, however, is leather-but be sure to go for top-grain; it's the best quality and longest lasting. If you're looking for a fabric that stands up to kids and spills, skip the silk (which is sleek but a bit too delicate for heavy traffic) and opt instead for a stain-resistant synthetic microfiber. Another point to note: If you're buying a patterned fabric, look to one with a woven, rather than printed, pattern-it'll wear better.
Like with clothing, tailoring is key when it comes to a sofa's upholstery. If the tailoring is of top-quality, patterns should be centered, and all seams and welts should be straight. These details aren't always noticeable at first glance, so be sure to zoom in and take a close eye to the fabric.