Upholstery Quality
Upholstery has five key elements: the frame, fabric, springs, padding and cushions. It’s the combination of all five that make the piece comfortable and durable.
Frame – The frame is the foundation that supports all the other components (not to mention you and your family), so it needs to be sturdy. Experts recommend frames constructed of oak, maple or ash hardwoods, dried in kilns to remove moisture and prevent warping. Better frames are joined using dowels as well as corner blocks glued and screwed together. The legs should be an integral part of the frame.
Fabric – Fabric plays a big part in the look and the price of upholstery. Solid colors are easier to decorate with, while pattern fabrics don't show wear as quickly. The most durable and practical material is leather, which gets softer and more comfortable with age. Whatever the material, be sure fabric pieces and patterns are well-matched and neatly stitched at all visible seams.
Sinuous springs are two-dimensional "S" shaped wires that are fastened to the top of the frame. This system offers a somewhat softer seat and is often used in contemporary pieces that sit lower to the ground.
Padding – Padding affects both comfort and durability. Before the fabric goes on, the frame should be padded so that the fabric never touches bare wood. This will prevent fabric wear and also add a subtle softness to the piece. Cotton and polydacron are the most popular frame padding materials.
Cushions – Cushions are a matter of preference, like mattresses. Do you prefer firm, or soft and plush? High-density polyurethane foam is the most common cushion material, often wrapped with poly-fill or down. Higher end cushions consist of innerspring coils surrounded by foam and wrapped in Dacron for a luxurious feel. Check for well-defined corners, firmly attached buttons and unobtrusive seams.
Putting It All Together
Quality upholstery is a lasting investment that pays you back in comfort and style. Finding a sofa, loveseat or chair that will provide years of trouble-free use is easy. Just do a little homework, identify your goals, and always do some comparative shopping!
Frame – The frame is the foundation that supports all the other components (not to mention you and your family), so it needs to be sturdy. Experts recommend frames constructed of oak, maple or ash hardwoods, dried in kilns to remove moisture and prevent warping. Better frames are joined using dowels as well as corner blocks glued and screwed together. The legs should be an integral part of the frame.
Fabric – Fabric plays a big part in the look and the price of upholstery. Solid colors are easier to decorate with, while pattern fabrics don't show wear as quickly. The most durable and practical material is leather, which gets softer and more comfortable with age. Whatever the material, be sure fabric pieces and patterns are well-matched and neatly stitched at all visible seams.
Sinuous springs are two-dimensional "S" shaped wires that are fastened to the top of the frame. This system offers a somewhat softer seat and is often used in contemporary pieces that sit lower to the ground.
Padding – Padding affects both comfort and durability. Before the fabric goes on, the frame should be padded so that the fabric never touches bare wood. This will prevent fabric wear and also add a subtle softness to the piece. Cotton and polydacron are the most popular frame padding materials.
Cushions – Cushions are a matter of preference, like mattresses. Do you prefer firm, or soft and plush? High-density polyurethane foam is the most common cushion material, often wrapped with poly-fill or down. Higher end cushions consist of innerspring coils surrounded by foam and wrapped in Dacron for a luxurious feel. Check for well-defined corners, firmly attached buttons and unobtrusive seams.
Putting It All Together
Quality upholstery is a lasting investment that pays you back in comfort and style. Finding a sofa, loveseat or chair that will provide years of trouble-free use is easy. Just do a little homework, identify your goals, and always do some comparative shopping!
