Tips for Buying a New Sofa

Originally Posted at www.carladavisdesigns.com on 8/26/09

Buying a new sofa? Ask yourself how long you plan to enjoy your new purchase

...because aside from your budget, this is the most important question you need to consider before you head out to the furniture store. There are certainly bargains to be had at every price point, but you have to look for certain things and be sure to avoid others.

Check for signs of quality:

• Pattern match-up. The pattern direction and alignment should match on all sides and on the cushions and skirt as well.
• Trim. Cording should be even and flat without puckers or twisting.
• Cushions. Cushions should minimally have some combination of wrapped foam, down or springs inside. If the cushions are made from any other materials such as peanuts, do not purchase!
• Padding. All surfaces of the sofa should be covered and padded. If not, the fabric will quickly wear against the wood. You should not typically see any wood under seat cushions.
• Springs. Springs are generally a good thing. The most desirable and expensive springs are "8-way, hand-tied". Sinuous spring construction is cheaper, and can be just as comfortable as the 8-way, had-tied variety; however, sinuous springs will not last as long as 8-way, hand-tied.
• Corners. Corners should ideally be blocked and glued, but glued and bolted is acceptable. Glue, plus staples, equals a waste of your money. The sofa will not last.

Beyond the technical stuff, some might argue that it is most important to simply do one thing when shopping for your sofa: sit on it! I agree that comfort is of utmost importance, but a sofa without the six quality points listed above will not be comfortable for long.

What separates the middle of the road sofa from the creme de la creme? Simply materials and workmanship. If you want a "lifetime" sofa that is considered one of the very best on the market, consider a sofa from Baker, Henredon, Century Furniture, Bradington Young, Hancock& Moore, Hickory White, E.J. Victor, or Hickory Chair. Budget: $3500+.

If the middle of the road sounds like where you would rather stand, you may want to consider a sofa from Highland House, Drexel, C.R. Laine, Michael Thomas, Harden, Sam Moore, Fairfield, Lexington, Broyhill, or Thomasville. Budget: $1500-$3500.

If you really are not impressed with the idea of passing your new sofa down to your grandchildren, but you are impressed with the idea of immediate savings without sacrificing style, consider a sofa from Lazy Boy, Room& Board, Crate & Barrel, or Pottery Barn. Budget: $500-1500

Budget below $500?

...Consider reupholstering an oldie, but goodie (no, not your spouse!). Seriously, one of the best ways to find out if something will last is to look at a second hand piece. If it has already stood the test of time, chances are that it will last quite a bit longer. Quality stuff 40 years ago is still quality stuff today, and arguably, even better constructed than anything new on the market. Quality stuff is worth fixing.