Choosing a Quality Sofa

A quality sofa can be a lifetime companion, adaptable to changes in your life. Color, style, and size are all important factors, but as you shop for this major furniture item, keep in mind that there are three characteristics that distinguish one sofa from another: frame, seating support, and fill material.

The first thing to look for is a sofa with good bones. A fine-quality sofa starts with a strong, durable frame of kiln-dried hardwood. Other woods or laminates may be less expensive, but sofas built around pine or other soft woods may not remain as solid over time.

The second component to a quality sofa is seating support. You want a firm but comfy support system, whether you are lying down for a long nap or sitting up on your sofa to watch your favorite TV program. The best seating support system is the eight-way, hand-tied springs system. Using strong twine and springs, the craftsman connects the two. The twine is passed front to back and side to side and then diagonally in both directions, finally tying the springs securely. Note that because of the level of craftsmanship in the eight-way, hand-tied system, the sofa may be expensive. But these are the sofas that are also reupholstered time and again.

There is also the sinuous spring construction. Sinuous springs are S-shaped springs supported by wires that run from the front of the seat to the back. This type of construction can be found in your sleeker, more contemporary designed sofas.

The third option in seating support is the web suspension, where bands of webbing cross the seat and back. This isn't the best support system, but if you are on a tight budget or are purchasing a sofa for a spare room, this may be all you need.

The final component on your quality checklist is filling, the material inside your cushions. Down feathers are by far the most luxurious, high- maintenance, and most expensive option. You will want to make sure the feathers are covered with down-proof ticking under the upholstery to prevent them from poking through. There are also polyester and down combinations, giving you luxury and endurance. Another common filling option is high-density polyurethane; the higher the density, the firmer the cushion. Finally, there are polyester foam pads wrapped with upholstery fabric. These don't tend to last long and can be found on your least expensive sofas.

One final piece of advice: Buy the best that you can afford. You'll spend a lot of time on your sofa, so make it the best experience possible.