Buying a new sofa or armchair should be an exciting experience, but it can quickly become an exercise in frustration. It’s difficult to gauge the quality in upholstered furniture when you can’t see what’s happening beneath the surface. You’re left with many questions: Will it be as comfortable in a year as it is today? Will the fabric outlast the frame? Will the cushions flatten after a few months? You want to make a smart, lasting investment, but the industry jargon—”eight-way hand-tied springs” or “kiln-dried hardwood frames”—often feels like a foreign language.
Many well-intentioned articles offer advice that’s either outdated or simply misses the mark. Suggesting a sofa must contain horsehair and burlap padding, for example, is a classic example of antiquated nonsense. While a list of high-quality construction techniques can be helpful, shoddy execution can ruin even the best design. The truth is, the best possible move you can make is to do business with someone you trust who offers great warranties.
But that doesn’t mean you have to go into the store without a few tools of your own. Knowing what to look for can give you confidence in your decision and ensure you’re getting a great value. Here are six practical steps to help you evaluate the quality in upholstered furniture.
1. Take a Load Off
Don’t be shy—sit on the furniture. Settle into each cushion for at least five minutes. This isn’t just about comfort; it’s a critical test. As you shift and settle, pay attention to how the sofa supports you. The frame should feel solid and secure, with no excessive movement. Gently wiggle the back rails and arms; you should feel little to no give. For a more rigorous test, lift one front corner while a friend holds down the opposing arm. A well-built frame will resist twisting, indicating strong, reinforced joints.
Ask if the store has a cutaway model or an illustration of their construction techniques. You’ll want to see details like corner blocks, which are essential for structural integrity, and how the frame is joined with glue, screws, and nails. While legs that are part of the frame are often sturdier, screwed-on legs are perfectly acceptable as long as they are securely attached. Regarding materials, both kiln-dried hardwood and high-grade plywood can signify quality. However, even the best materials are no substitute for skilled craftsmanship.
2. Give It a Squeeze
Run your hands along the edges of the piece, from the top of the arms to the rails and corners. You should feel a generous layer of padding that prevents you from feeling the hard edges of the frame beneath the upholstery. A quality piece will feel substantial and well-cushioned from every angle.
3. Inspect the Cushions
Unzip a seat cushion and take a peek inside. You should find a core of high-density foam wrapped in a polyester batting, all enclosed within a muslin or nonwoven casing. This layered construction provides both support and a plush feel. For back cushions with loose fill, check that the casing is sewn into multiple compartments. This prevents the filling from shifting and settling into a lumpy mess over time.
4. Feel the Support System
Press down firmly on the deck—the area directly under the seat cushion. You should feel a consistent and even resistance across the entire surface, which indicates that the seat springs are well-spaced and securely installed. A quality piece should be silent; any squeaks are a red flag for poorly installed or low-quality springs.
While “eight-way hand-tied springs” are often touted as the gold standard, many other spring systems—such as coil, cone, S-shaped, and grid springs—are just as effective and comfortable. Ultimately, your personal preference for how a sofa feels should be your guide.
5. Demand Tailored Perfection
Great tailoring is a hallmark of superior quality in upholstered furniture and is well worth the extra cost. It requires more time, more fabric, and more skilled workers to achieve. Look for patterns like stripes and plaids that are meticulously aligned and appear straight and seamless across cushions and seams. On solid fabrics, welted seams should be perfectly straight, and skirt pleats should be evenly spaced. Check that zippers are either hidden or color-matched to the upholstery, a subtle but telling detail of a manufacturer’s commitment to quality.
Ultimately, your best defence against buyer’s remorse is an informed perspective and a relationship with a trustworthy, local retailer. By following these steps and working with a store that stands behind its products, you can make a choice that will bring you comfort and style for years to come.
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