Sofas

1. The word "sofa" is derived from the Arabic suffah, which refers to a long reclining bench. The use of the word can be traced back to 17th-century Europe, when items and concepts from the Orient became all the rage. You're sitting on history, here.

2. When selecting your sofa, you have several options: regular sofas, as well as reclining, convertible and sleeper sofas. The difference between convertible and sleeper sofas is this: convertibles, not unlike futons, fold back, while sleepers feature hidden mattresses which can be folded out at your convenience.

3. The sturdier your new sofa's frame, the longer it will last. The best sofa frames are made from kiln-dried hardwoods such as oak, maple and poplar. Materials such as pine lumber are relatively soft and may warp over time. Also pay attention to your sofa's joinery. Wooden dowels, wooden corner blocks, metal screws and brackets are all trustworthy joining methods. If a sofa is held together only by staples, nails or glue, steer clear.

4. Take your sofa's cushion and pillow filling into account. Foam is inexpensive and available in a variety of thicknesses to suit your individual preferences. More luxurious are down fillings, though these require frequent fluffing to maintain their softness. Another option is down wrapped around a foam core, providing the best of both. The most comfortable choice is always a good choice.

5. Perhaps the most important choice for your new sofa is the upholstery. There's a range of options varying in durability, stain-resistance and longevity. Fabrics such as nylon and cotton are reasonably priced and very durable, but may stain easily. Leather is exceptionally long-lasting, not to mention luxurious, but may scratch or scuff with child or pet traffic. Microfiber is durable and stain-resistant, making it an ideal choice for families with children and pets. There's something here to suit any need and preference.

6. Springs are another essential component to a quality sofa. Sinuous (also known as serpentine) springs are supportive from the start, but may sag over time. Eight-way hand-tied springs are especially comfy and long-lasting. Sofas with no springs at all are to be avoided.

7. When choosing a sofa for a smaller space, dimensions, while important, are not the only things to be taken into account. Consider choosing a sofa with straight arms or none at all, visible legs and clean, simple lines as opposed to curves. This will help keep your sofa from overwhelming your space and making it feel even smaller.

8. The most recent ancestor of the modern sofa was developed in the late 16th century. Wooden frames were stuffed with padding materials such as feathers and horsehair, introduced by the Germans; or dried sea moss, a favorite of the English. Luckily, the sofa has advanced since then.