3 tips for purchasing a new sofa
DesignerSofas4U are the UK’s largest manufacturer of classic British Chesterfield furniture, and we didn’t get to where we are by being modest about it. Our Chesterfields are used all over the country for commercial purposes, as well as being re-sold in furniture stores as ready made pieces. So it’s safe to say we know a thing or two about sofa manufacture, and we know what to look for when you’re buying one.
1. Check the frame
The frame can dictate the life span of your sofa; the better the quality, the longer it will last. A sturdy frame comes from sound manufacturing techniques that use high quality hardwoods.
Soft wood like pine is cheap, but it warps easily and can start to wobble after only 3 or 4 years, no matter how much you look after your sofa. Budget allowing you’ll also want to steer clear of frames made from particleboard, plastic or metal too since they also tend to warp or crack. The feet of your sofa choice should either be an extension of the frame itself, or should be held on screws or dowels, not glue.
Here’s a tip: If you lift up one front corner of the sofa by six inches and the opposite front foot is still touching the floor then you need to steer clear – the frame has far too much give, meaning its weak and won’t stand up to the day-to-day punishment that your life will throw at it.
2. Ask about the joinery and springs
A frame connected by wooden corner blocks, wooden dowels, double wooden dowels, metal brackets or screws then it’s likely to have a very solid construction. Staples, nails and glue are often used for extra support but never buy a sofa solely held together with any of these three.
The springs of your sofa can also have an impact on its life span. The price of your sofa springs will rise with quality, but don’t scrimp on the higher price range to sacrifice quality. Springs are important for comfort, form and longevity, even if you’ll never see them.
Here’s a tip: Sit on a corner or edge of a sofa; squeaks and creaks can mean the springs aren’t positioned right, or that they’re pressing against the frame – steer clear of these sofas.
3. Speak to an expert when you have any questions
DesignerSofas4U are the UK’s largest manufacturer of Chesterfield furniture, so when we say we know a thing or two about what makes a good sofa. If you have questions you’d like answering about the manufacture or use of our Chesterfield sofas then don’t hesitate to contact a member of our customer service department. You can email, call 01254268 590 or fill out our contact us form today.