Tips for Buying the Perfect Sofa
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\r\n The right sofa will add some sugar and spice and everything nice to your room. This is an important investment. After all, this is piece of furniture you and your guests will use. In fact, the sofa is one of the first things people will notice about a room. Thus, it pays to choose wisely. The following are some tips for how to choose the right sofa for your home.\r\n
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- \r\n The frame should not wobble or creak, it should be sturdy and sit squarely on the floor. Wobbly or creaky frames mean less sturdy joints, while a strong frame means your sofa will last you longer.\r\n \r\n
- \r\n The frame and all the corners should be well padded. Run your hand over them firmly to see. A padded frame will not stick out through the upholstery, it also means less friction for the fabric that is covering the frame.\r\n \r\n
- \r\n Check the sofa from behind, and pat the center to make sure it isn't hollow.\r\n \r\n
- \r\n If you are buying a reclining sofa or a sofa bed, all mechanisms should work smoothly. Reclining, or motion furniture is generally more expensive, and you are paying for a functioning, smoothly running mechanism. It makes sense to check those features out at the store.\r\n \r\n
- \r\n If the sofa has any metal parts, inspect to see that they are smooth and free of sharp edges. All moving parts on a sofa bed or reclining sofa should clear the fabric completely to avoid tearing. You don't want any injuries to yourself or damage to your upholstery from a faulty mechanism.\r\n \r\n
- \r\n When you check out the back of your sofa , there should be no bumps or hard spots. Run the palm of your hand over it. This is especially important in a tight back sofa. Not only will bumps and hard spots mar the look of your sofa over a short period of time, they will also feel uncomfortable.\r\n \r\n
- \r\n Seat cushions should be firm and resilient and fit snugly within the sofa frame. Additionally, the cushions should regain their shape after you press down and let go. A cushion that stays put when you press down will be flattened in no time, end up looking unsightly and feel uncomfortable when you sit on it. Cushions that do not fit snugly in place will also lose their shape quickly and the edges will start looking unsightly.\r\n \r\n
- \r\n Seats should be comfortable, and for reclining furniture, be comfortable in all different positions. Select deep or shallow seats depending on your height. A taller person will need deeper seats.\r\n \r\n
- \r\n The arms should not jiggle or move, and if upholstered, they should be be well padded.\r\n \r\n
- \r\n If there are any buttons, check to see that they are sewn on securely. Loose buttons will come off and end up getting lost in no time.\r\n \r\n
- \r\n Just as in well tailored clothing, patterns and stripes should match at the seams. Although it might not catch your eye right away, mismatched patterns or stripes will give you the sense that something is"off". Stripes that match at seams make a sofa look well finished.\r\n \r\n
- \r\n Patterns should be centered, and all seams and welts should run straight. Uneven welting and seams that are pulled to one side or another mean that the cover was badly tailored.\r\n \r\n
- \r\n For fire safety reasons, look for the gold UFAC tag, indicating that the sofa manufacturer certifies it is made in accordance with UFAC methods. UFAC, or the Upholstered Furniture Action Council was founded in 1978 and its purpose was to make upholstered furniture more resistant to ignition from smoldering cigarettes. UFAC claims that the number of household fires has gone down considerably since these standards were put in place.\r\n \r\n
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\r\n Test Different Styles\r\n
\r\n\r\n Test all different styles in a way you would use a sofa at home. Do you like to sit with your legs curled up? Do you like to lie down on it? Do you feel happiest sitting in the center? Remember to take your shoes off before you place your feet on the sofa, if that is your sitting style.\r\n
\r\n\r\n Consider the height and depth of the seat. Take into account the height of the back as well. Do you prefer a tight-back sofa or one with loose cushions? Try out all different cushion configurations to see which one feels right.\r\n
\r\n\r\n Test Different Fills\r\n
\r\n\r\n Every person differs in what they consider to be comfortable. Some would like to sink into a sofa, others prefer a firmer seat. Which one do you like? Try sitting on different fills to select the level of firmness or softness that you like.\r\n
\r\n\r\n Consider if you want the same level of softness or firmness in the seat and back.\r\n
\r\n\r\n Test Different Fabrics\r\n
\r\n\r\n Each fabric is going to feel different, but it will add tremendously to the over all feel of a sofa. You may like the look of heavily textured fabrics, but do you like the feel of them? Does a surface feel too slick? Do you like the sound leather makes when you shift your weight on it?\r\n
\r\n\r\n Sit on different fabrics long enough till you find one that is right for you. This is especially important if it is going to be "the sofa" or the one that is used all the time.\r\n
\r\n\r\n When testing for fabric, you should also check to see if it wrinkles easily or stretches. If it wrinkles easily, it will be difficult to maintain its looks for a long time. Sagging fabric will make it look dilapidated very quickly.\r\n
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