In interior design, quality of products is a large portion of the service that you receive. Any interior design project can only excel if a sense of quality is maintained throughout. Like any other product, the quality of what goes into the construction of the piece is what determines the quality of the final product. The features that make a quality sofa are mostly found inside the piece. You can compare the suspension system of a sofa to that of a car seat. Take luxury cars, for instance. There is much more to the finished item than styling. The Cadillac of suspension systems has traditionally been the eight-way-hand-tied web and coil system. Some great sofas still used this system of eight metal coils attached to each other and then to the frame with two metal ties. No longer is this the only option for a quality suspension system. Mercedes introduces an “S” system in their seating and sofa manufacturers followed their lead. The latest is Ferrari’s webbing system. Any of these high end systems will give you durability and longevity, as well as timeless elegance and beauty. Some good manufacturers use an adaptation of the old web and coil.
Look for a kiln-dried hardwood frame in a quality sofa. Kiln drying can prevent warping and cracking. Some sofas are made with new pine and plywood, and they won’t last as long as hardwood. The back legs should be part of the frame, as they are integral to its strength. If you can wiggle the arm of a sofa, it is not strong enough. The joinery is what holds the pieces of the frame together. Double dowels ensure the frame is perfectly square; corner blocks, triangular pieces of wood affixed to each right angle, prevent the piece from twisting out of shape.
The cushions and upholstery are also important. A good sofa will have high-resiliency foam. High-resiliency foam returns to its normal shape when subjected to pressure and doesn’t disintegrate over time. It can make hundreds of dollars of difference in the price of a sofa. You can’t tell the difference by sitting on the sofa, but after a year or so, you’ll start to sink in the sofa if the cushions are breaking down.
Choosing the fabric is the fun part. Durability as well as beauty are key factors in deciding on a fabric. If you choose quality in all aspects of your furniture, you will enjoy the use of the piece for many years. Enlist the services of an interior designer or interior decorator to help you make wise choices in all these key points of when purchasing a sofa. Professional help can be invaluable.
When you buy a classic furniture piece you are making an investment in your home. To retain the furniture’s beauty and value, it needs continuous care. Looking after your furniture will not only keep these pieces looking great today, but also see them through wear and tear over the years. The pieces might even become family heirlooms someday. Upholstered pieces should be vacuumed regularly. They should be professionally cleaned before they become excessively soiled. Leather furniture should be regularly cleaned with a cleaner meant for leather. It should be conditioned with a product to prevent cracking. Sun protection is a must for prolonging the life of your furniture. Window treatments are not merely decoration. They protect the investment you have made in your furnishings. Since 1993 Mulberry Interiors, interior design consultants have been assisting clients in Oakville, Mississauga, Burlington, Brampton, Milton, Georgetown, Etobicoke, western Toronto, and Vaughn. We specialize in residential interior design and decorating and are at our most creative when we use colour as our theme. We offer a full range of interior design services such as choosing paint colour consultations, space planning, furniture sourcing, custom draperies and soft furnishings, flooring selection and accessories.
Call Mulberry Interiors now at (905) 849-6423 to book a consultation. We look forward to working with you to increase your enjoyment of your home.
Full Décor Service
Colour Consultations a Specialty
Window Coverings including Draperies and Blinds
Furniture
Flooring
Space Planning
Accessories and Wall Art
