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Ever wonder why some sofas are so cushy and others so stiff? It's all about what's inside. From cozy recliners to stately dining room sets, it's the materials and craftsmanship that make the difference in quality, appearance and comfort. To help organize all the options available to you, we've divided this section into two parts:
* Upholstered Furniture 101
* Wood Workshop
Upholstered Furniture 101
How your furniture looks and feels is largely dependent on the materials – that is, the fabrics, foams and springs – used to create a sofa, chair or other upholstered piece. Here's a breakdown of what's inside and what to look for when shopping.
Fabrics & Leathers
You've picked a color, but what now? When choosing upholstered
furniture, the key is to select a material that not only looks great, but also wears well and is easy to maintain.
• Fabrics:
Generally speaking, the more tightly woven it is, the more durable it will be. Fabrics such as microfiber are made from fibers that are 100 times smaller than a human hair. This allows more threads to be woven into each inch of cloth, making the fabric extremely durable, soft to the touch and more resistant to stains, moisture and bacteria.
• Leather:
Believe it or not, higher quality leathers will retain more natural characteristics, such as color variations, wrinkles and scars. More economical leathers use less of the natural hide and are treated with synthetic materials to produce a similar consistency, but weakened durability. Remember, since no two hides are the same, every piece of leather furniture will a have a slightly different look and feel.
Common Types of Leather
* Top grain: the outer, strongest part of a natural hide
* Nubuck: top grain leather, buffed for a velvet-like feel
* Split: inner, less durable layer of hide, often used as suede
* Leathermatch: economical mix of top grain leather & vinyl
Spring Systems
Here's where the deep-down comfort comes into play. Inside most upholstered seating, you'll find a network of springs attached to the frame. The various designs and materials used will affect the unique level of comfort that the piece provides. So, the choice is yours! Here are some key differences between the two most common spring systems:
* Coiled springs are attached to the frame of an upholstered piece to provide a firm, supportive feel. Because of their resilient design, the springs also help retain the shape of the piece over time.
* Sinuous springs are flat rows of s-shaped or zigzagged springs that run across the frame of the seat or back. Unlike coiled springs, this design provides a softer, cushier feel.
Cushions
Soft and snug, today's cushions are typically filled with a solid foam core, wrapped in various blends of down, feathers, polyester, cotton or Dacron batting. Unlike old-fashioned feather cushions, these foam cores help retain the shape of the cushions when pressure is applied. The end result is a soft, luxurious cushion that provides endless hours of support.
Frames
The heart of any sofa or chair, the frame holds your furniture together for the life of the piece. Accordingly, it has to be incredibly strong. Today's frames can be made from wood, metal or plastic – wood typically being the most durable. For higher quality pieces, look for frames built from kiln-dried (or engineered) hardwoods, which are resistant to warping, swelling or shrinking.
No matter which room you're shopping for, you'll find exceptional craftsmanship and high-quality materials in each of our furniture collections. To make the most of your space (and your investment), consider features that will ensure supreme comfort and sound construction for years to come. Here's what to look for.
* Hardwood engineered frames
* Wood Joinery
* High-resilience foam cushions
* Top grain leather
* Superior spring systems
HARDWOOD ENGINEERED FRAMES
The sturdy backbone of the most high-quality sofas and chairs—these frames are made from hardwoods that are kiln-dried to remove excess moisture. This process hardens the wood even further, making it resistant to warping or shrinking.
WOOD JOINERY
Used by skilled craftsmen for thousands of years, wood joinery is often the mark of durable, high-quality furniture. Using this time-honored construction technique, pieces of wood are uniquely cut and locked securely together without the use of clips, fasteners or glue. The result is superior strength and structural integrity, as well as a distinctive appearance when the construction is exposed. Common wood joinery techniques include: French dovetail, mortise & tenon and tongue & groove.
HIGH-RESILIENCE FOAM CUSHIONS
As soft as they are strong, these cushions are designed for years of use by the whole family. Generally wrapped in down, polyester fiber or feathers, a resilient foam core provides increasing support as more pressure is applied. The foam prevents sag, provides a comfortable feel and helps retain the shape of the cushion.
TOP GRAIN LEATHER
The strongest and most supple part of a hide, top grain leather is an incredibly durable upholstery with a soft, sumptuous feel. Unlike split leather, the stiffer, less durable layer of the hide, top grain leather features no consistent fiber patterns, making it resistant to cracks and tears.
SUPERIOR SPRING SYSTEMS
In upholstered furniture, the two most common types of spring systems are 8-way-hand-tied coils and sinuous springs. Both offer exceptional comfort and support, so choosing is simply a matter of taste! Hand-tied coiled springs, tied securely to the frame and to each other, distribute weight evenly and provide a firm, resilient feel. Sinuous springs run across the frame in flat rows of s-shaped springs, providing a softer feel with slightly more give.
Can't decide on the right style for your space? Don't worry-you can narrow your options by asking yourself a few simple questions. What will it look like? How will you use it? And, (the most common afterthought) how much space do you really have?
* What will it look like?
* How will you use it?
* Will it fit?
WHAT WILL IT LOOK LIKE?
So, you're ready to pick a color. It's the exciting first step to furniture shopping, but it's not always easy! If you're stuck, take a look at the space you have. Search for upholstery that matches the colors of your walls, carpets and other décor. Remember, if you're shopping for a high-traffic living room, look for more durable fabrics, such as microfiber or top-grain leather. Learn more about upholstered furniture
Also, consider the style of other furniture in the room. If you want a consistent look, be sure to match all your wood furniture with the same finish or veneers. Need to brighten up the room? Try light-finished oak or primavera veneers. For something sleeker, look for cherry or mahogany veneers in a deep merlot finish. Learn more about wood furniture
Can't find the color you're looking for? Almost all of our sofa collections can be customized to your liking. If you don't see the color you want, just give us a call. If the piece is customizable, you'll be able to choose from dozens more colors and fabrics. And if it's not, we'll gladly show your similar collections to help you choose. Just call
HOW WILL YOU USE IT?
You love the chic new look everyone's talking about. But will it work for you? There's nothing wrong with shopping for the latest trends, but don't forget about functionality. Consider all the ways you like to get comfy in your home and choose the pieces that fit your needs.
Enjoy lying down on a sofa? Consider one with low arms-perfect for resting your head. Or, if you prefer a cozy reading spot, choose a high-arm design and nuzzle in! If snoozing's your thing, try motion sofas, which feature a built-in recliner. Expecting guests? Save space with a sleeper sofa and simply pull out the extra bed whenever you need it.
For those who love to entertain, expandable tables and apron leaves ensure there's always enough room for everyone. Keep extra side chairs along the walls of the dining room. And make serving a breeze with a sideboard, buffet or bar server.
WILL IT FIT?
It may seem obvious, but measuring your space is an essential step to deciding on any piece of furniture. Compare the dimensions of the piece with the size of your room. Don't forget to consider how you'll get the furniture into the space: Are the doorways large enough? Any narrow hallways or stairwells?
If space is an issue, consider modular furniture and sectionals. These sets come in several pieces that can often be rearranged to fit your space or style preference. Small room? Try love seats or apartment sofas, which are a few inches shorter than sofas in the same collection.
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