Sofa Series part 2

Welcome back to part 2 of my sofa buying guide. If you missed part one 
go here.
When it comes to buying a new sofa make sure you know what you are getting. Many sofas may have the look you want, but if the quality is not there, it isn't going to be worth it in the long run.
Much of what separates a good sofa from the best in a sofa, is happening inside. It's the things you can't see that really affect how well your furniture will hold up to everyday use. You may have heard the terms 8 way hand tied, Kiln dried hardwoods, sinuous springs, or a webbing system.
What does it all mean?
Kiln Dried hardwood: The best frame is made out of kiln-dried hardwood. The process of kiln drying removes all moisture from the wood, enabling it to retain its shape and stability over a long period of time. In a good quality frame, the joints, are glued, dowelled and screwed. The corners are further strengthened by the addition of reinforcing blocks. These things provide extra support to the frame.

Eight way hand tied: The best seating support is the eight-way hand tied 

springs system. The craftsman connects each spring to the adjoining one with a 

strong twine. The twine passes front to back, side to side and then diagonally in 

both directions thus tying each spring securely 8 ways.

Sinuous spring construction. Sinuous springs are “S” shaped and run from the 

front of the seat to the back. These springs are supported by additional wires 

that cross from side to side.

 Webbing system: bands of webbing cross the seat and back. These are then 

attached to the frame to make a platform for the cushions. Webbing can be 

made of either natural or man-made fibers, and if used alone doesn’t make for 

very strong support. However, in better quality sofas, it is used with a tensioner 

that fastens the webbing securely to the frame. 

The web suspension least preferable of the seating support options.

     Don't be afraid to ask the sales person questions about the construction of the furniture lines they carry. You need to know you are getting the best quality for the money you can spend. More information coming about cushion cores and fabric grades in the next day or so

Sofa buying tips

When is the last time you bought a new piece of furniture? If you're like me it's been awhile.
For the past several months, I have been on a search for a sofa for our living room. The set in there now is 14 years old. Although I loved it when I bought it, It just wasn't working for us anymore. Tastes change and styles change. As a decorator I always want to change something.  After the new carpet was installed, I couldn't wait to get the old set out of here. It was a process but patience and education led me to the right one for us. The tips I have learned over the years made the process easier, so I thought it  would be helpful to share with those of you, who may be planning on sofa shopping soon.
Here is a peek at the old sofa: Now don't laugh at it, it really did work in the room when the carpet was blue,  with yellow walls and lots of navy accents.

And the new one, still in the store:

much more my taste and style now!

I love the curve and the lines of this sofa.

Because I have 2 beautiful navy flexsteel chairs in this room, I will need to change out these pillows to tie the room all together, I will post before and afters when I get the room done.

Come back on Wednesday for tips I have learned both in my recent process and also as a designer in a few furniture stores over the years