4 Essential Elements of High-Quality Furnishings that Will Last

So you're in the market for a new sofa, and your first thought may be to select one from one of the many nationwide retailers because that's what you do, right? Here’s my story of a quality trade sofa versus the big box retailer sofa.

My living room sofa was close to 15 years old (purchased from a quality trade resource). About 3 years ago, I was tired of the fabric and wanted a refresh. There was nothing wrong with the sofa as far as the construction or cushions. I was just ready for a change. But when sourcing new sofas, I found myself attracted to a similar style as the one I already had that fit perfectly in my space. So, I opted to have it recovered for an updated look. 

On the other hand, I'm sourcing again, but this time, it's for a new sectional to replace a sectional I purchased from a big box retailer about 5 years ago. Nothing has stayed intact other than the frame! Cushions have entirely lost their shape, and the fabric is pilling. Lesson learned! Selecting high-quality furnishings is worth your long-term investment. Here’s what to look for…

1. Select Quality Materials & Construction

When selecting upholstery, here are some key components to look for. For example, the frames should be made from hardwood, such as kiln-dried oak or beech. Look for sofas/chairs with eight-way hand-tied springs or serpentine springs. These provide excellent support and ensure the sofa/chair maintains shape over time. 

Additionally, cushions should be made of high-density foam to provide comfort and resilience. This prevents sagging and maintains the shape of the cushions. Down or synthetic down wrapped around foam cushions offers a plush feel while maintaining support.

2. Choose Classic & Neutral Furniture Styles

I encourage my clients to select upholstery that is a classic style with a neutral fabric. If you like real bright colors one year and earth tones the next, change it up with accent pillows or accessories. Upholstery, especially a sofa or sectional, is an investment, so you want that commitment to last a long time.

3. Request High-End Finishes & Accents

When purchasing case goods (an industry term for furniture that does not have fabric attached), look at the quality of the wood. Is it a veneer? Is it a low-quality wood species that will start warping or cracking over time? I understand this may be hard to know if you do not have the insight, but the age-old saying "you get what you pay for" typically stands this in this case. 

Many inexpensive but current style pieces in standard retailers are imported to reduce costs and are not made from solid wood. Again, learn from my experience! When I purchased a modern looking table, one accident of spilled water, and the whole top lifted from the frame and bubbled.

4. Effortless to Maintain

When selecting upholstery fabric for your high-traffic sofa, sectional, or chair, consider performance-grade fabrics and fabrics that share Wyzenbeek or Martindale results. Wyzenbeek and Martindale measure the fabric’s rub count before it shows wear and tear. Let's face it: nothing is indestructible. But having a stain-resistant fabric that can handle lots of traffic before showing its age is worth the investment. 

Look for names like Crypton, Sun Brella, Revolution, or LiveSmart on fabrics that indicate stain resistance. Look for the numbers next to Wyzenbeek or Martindale to determine the fabric’s durability.

5. Have Patience for High-Quality Pieces

As we evolve as a society, so do our habits of wanting things yesterday. However, you can’t rush quality products. Considerable time is needed to produce that product before you can enjoy it in your home. If you are ready to make a long-term investment, don't rush the process and take the time to educate yourself. 

If you're ready for a professional to shop alongside you to guarantee your furnishings will last, we'd be delighted to help! Reach out today!

Trisha