WHAT MAKES AN UPHOLSTERED PIECE
Most upholstered furniture is made up of several basic parts: the frame, springs, foam, decking, cushioning, padding, and the outer covering.
Frame
The skeleton structure of upholstered furniture is a vital but unseen part. Its workmanship and materials can determine why one piece is better or more costly than another although both look the same.
Today, frames are made of solid wood; steel; strong, rigid, lightweight plastic; laminated boards; or a combination of these materials.
Supporting Foundation
Support can be provided by webbing, sling straps, slats or springs of various types. The design, size, and amount of support or softness desired by the designer will determine which type the manufacturer uses.
Springs can be single coil, double cone coil, or zig zag (sinuous S-type) and can be connected with twine, wire ties, or clips.
Coil springs add depth and comfort but require adequate space. There are many comfortable, sleek, slim styles today using the S-type springs.
Cushioning
Cushioning materials can include cotton or polyester batting, springs, down, and urethane foam (also called polyfoam or polyurethane). Urethane is becoming the most widely used cushioning material because it is durable, resilient, light-weight, non-allergenic, mothproof, and mildew or fungus resistant.
There are many grades of foam which lend themselves to numerous style variations. The best are high density foams containing a higher percentage of pure urethane. Foam can be used as a solid unit, wrapped with a softer polyester material, or chopped and blown into new shapes for arms and backs which previously were difficult to pad.
There is no "one right way" to achieve comfort. Designers all have different approaches. Your choice ranges from firm back and seat support to billowy pillows, which give no controlled support beyond their own buoyancy.
As you shop, sit and bounce and test the degree of softness, choosing the feel which pleases you and matches your needs.
Outer Covering
Fabrics with very tight weaves and durable fibers, such as nylon, are sturdy enough to withstand very hard use. Satins, sculptured damasks, and shimmering brocades provide excitement, drama, and an elegance not associated with the more sturdy fabrics.
Velvets have become the most popular fabrics and are no longer limited to use in the living room. Crushed and printed patterns help velvet maintain a good appearance even in hard use areas.
Leather is easy to care for and very luxurious. Less costly vinyls are made in a variety of weights, finishes, and styles, from simulated leathers to bright, high gloss colors. The thicker the vinyl the better it will wear.
The same chair shape can be made to look different according to the fabric chosen and the way it is upholstered.
Making the right choice will make you feel satisfied and pleased with your furniture.
What to look for in quality upholstered furniture
Though color and style may attract you to a sofa or chair, what's under the cover is what makes the difference. Better quality frames are made of kiln-dried hardwood with joints that are double-or triple-doweled, corner-blocked, glued and screwed for superior support. It is this type of construction that dictates comfort and satisfaction levels over the long term.
Next come the spring system, which should provide firm, comfortable support. Coil springs are preferable, and in the best constructions, they are tied to the frame by hand in eight different places to achieve the most uniform support.
Sinuous springs in a zig-zag shape are commonly used in the back of upholstered furniture, where not as much support is required. Sinuous springs in the seat indicate lesser quality, because they simply cannot provide the long-lasting firmness of coil springs.
Cushions also have different constructions and different fillers. Down filling, the most luxurious and most expensive, makes a loose, fluffy cushion that tends to pack down easily. High density foam provides comfortable, long-wearing support and may be wrapped in layers of soft material (like Dacron) for added crown and softness. The "marshall unit" is another high-quality cushion which has a center of coil springs sewn into pockets and then attached.
All fabrics are made from fibers, either natural, synthetic, or a combination of both. Some common natural fibers are cotton, silk and wool. Man-made fibers include rayon, acrylic, polyester, olefin, and nylon.
Natural fibers have long been valued for their "hand" or feel, while synthetic fibers are known for their durability and stain resistance. However, technological advances, such as Fabricoate and Scotchgard, have increased the wear and stain resistance of natural fabrics, while advances in yarn-making now produce softer, more comfortable synthetic upholsteries.
Traditionally, the best frames have been made of kiln-dried hardwood which does not warp.
Quality Tips
• Unzip a cushion and examine the padding. Added crown material and a bag around the cushioning are indications of better quality.
• Check the tailoring. Patterns should match up both horizontally and vertically, even on the back.
• Seams should be neat and well sewn. Don't be afraid to test their strength.
• Make sure the skirt hangs correctly on the frame and that fabric patterns are aligned.
• To test comfort, have a seat - or stretch out, like you might do at home. Bounce up and down a little. The frame should not creak, nor should the springs bottom out (sink to touch the frame).
• When buying a sofa, have someone sit with you. A well-made sofa will support you both, without leaning you together or bottoming out.
