A soft seat is not necessarily comfortable, and a comfortable seat is not necessarily soft… Sofas come in all forms; they may take an unusual turn like the Canapé, be ultra-modern, traditional or twisted…

Whatever the type, the prime purpose of upholstery is to provide comfort in the correct form. While it is important to get a sofa in the right colour, it is just as important to get one that will last. Inexpensive furniture can break, pop springs and appear out of shape within a year if constantly used. Quality construction will offer years of enjoyment and will provide a sturdy framework that will allow you to re-upholster periodically.

Beneath the obvious upholstered covering of any sofa, or chair for that matter, are three hidden elements: the frame, springs and padding. The combination of all three makes a sofa as comfortable and durable as it is (or isn’t).

The best frame is made of hardwood that has been kiln-dried (ie, all moisture has been removed from the wood so it retains its shape and stability for a long time). A good frame has joints that are glued, dowelled and screwed (not stapled), and corners strengthened with reinforcing blocks.

The spring system should provide an even comfort level and prevent the sofa from ‘bottoming out’ regardless of the size of the person sitting on it.

The frame should be padded prior to upholstering, as at no point should fabric be touching wood.

Seat and back cushions should retain their shape, while offering a luxurious feel.

So what do you look for?

1 A solid frame – no wobbling, or creaking; the sofa should be sturdy and should sit squarely on the floor.

2 The frame and all corners should be padded.

3 All metal parts should be free of sharp edges.

4 There should be no bumps or hard spots on the back.

5 If there are buttons, ensure that they are securely sewn on.

6 Cushions should be firm, resilient and fit snugly.

7 Arms should not jiggle or move; if upholstered they must be padded.

8 Check the back and pat the centre to ensure it is not hollow.

9 Patterns and stripes must match at the seams.

In addition to these, make sure you buy the right size sofa: Measure the space it is to occupy; also, consider the number of persons it should seat before making a selection. Other important considerations are: 1) the style of your room or home; 2) colours; 3) whether there are pets/children; and 4) whether it will be in a high-use area.

Test the seat: sit, lounge, lie down on it; see if it feels like a good fit, then make a selection!

interiorsbydesign@cwjamaica.com