Harveys Sofa Buyers Guide

How to discover the right sofa for you r home a nd life style

Sofas • Dining room • Living room • Leather sofas • Fabric sofas • Corner sofas

SOFA BUYERS GUIDE

SOFA BUYERS GUIDE

This guide tells you everything you need to know about buying a sofa, here are some of the areas it covers:

• Sofa usage – the function, size and fabrics to consider before buying your sofa

• Sofa and living room size – because the right size means the right fit for you and your home

• Measuring your sofa and living room – how to make sure your sofa will fit into your home

• Sofa style – finding the right match for your lifestyle and choice of décor

• Filling selection – choosing your level of comfort based on the firmness of the fillings

• Before buying your sofa – final considerations before making your purchase

• Sofa care – how to take care of your investment

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BUYING YOUR IDEAL SOFAThe sofa is one of the biggest and most important furniture investments you can make. It’s often the centrepiece of the living room, the place you curl up in front of the TV, and have a brew with visiting friends and family.

Choose your sofa wisely and not only will you have a piece of furniture that makes a real style statement in your home, but also a comfortable companion for years to come.

So, how do you ensure you pick the perfect sofa? The answer is lots of planning and consideration, from how your sofa will be used day-to-day to how it will complement the look of your living space.

With so many varieties of sofa to choose from, we’ve put together our very own comprehensive sofa buying guide to help you out. Use it to your advantage and you’re sure to find a sofa that fits right in with your lifestyle and home.

AT A GLANCE

The Harveys Sofa Buying team

SOFA BUYERS GUIDE

THE HISTORY OF THE SOFAThe Egyptian era saw people move away from a nomadic existence and begin to settle in one place. This is possibly why the earliest sofas found on record originated from this period (around 2000 years BC), which were luxurious seats made for Pharaohs and royalty.

Later, the Romans also embraced extravagant sofas, a luxury reserved for the elite. It was only after the 17th century that European homes were more heavily furnished. Between 1670 and 1730 occasion tables, sofas and armchairs became much more prominent.1

In the 18th Century, famous cabinet makers like Thomas Chippendale began printing catalogues they called pattern books. These featured furniture design ideas, including for sofas. It was in this era that sofas became less elitist and more common in people’s homes.

Better machinery allowed factories to start putting springs in sofas, improving their padding. When English inventor and cabinet maker, Thomas Saint, patented the first sewing machine in 1790, the speed that manufacturers could produce sofas increased and the cost was greatly reduced.2

The word ‘sofa’ originates from the Arabic word ‘suffah’, which means bench. Today, there are many words for sofa, including ‘couch’, ‘settee’ and ‘suite’.

DID YOU KNOW?

SOFA BUYERS GUIDE

What to consider in regards to size and style of room:

• What type of room will your sofa be put in? A living room? A child’s playroom? A dining room? Room type can influence style and even the functionality of the sofa

• Will it be a main or secondary piece of furniture? A secondary sofa is designed to complement the main pieces in your room, not fight for dominance

• How many people live in your home? This will tell you the size or number of sofas needed to cater for your family

• Do you need your sofa to have built-in storage?

What to consider in regards to maintenance of sofa:

• Do you entertain/have the family around often?

• Do you have pets?

• Will meals be eaten on your sofa?

• How heavy is your sofa? Will moving it around your living room be easy? Are you able bodied enough to move the sofa you’ve selected?

A larger couch may be a better option for your living room if you have a big family or entertain often. For those with children, a sofa that easily wipes clean (like leather) is a must. If you have pets, removable sofa covers ensure hair missed by the vacuum is removed when washed or dry cleaned as per manufacturer’s guidelines, or choose a tougher fabric that can be frequently vacuumed. Confident your pets won’t scratch the sofa? Consider a leather couch, as you can wipe the hairs right off.

The type of property you have will also affect your decision-making when buying a sofa. You wouldn’t buy the same sofa living in a traditional farmhouse as you would in a city apartment. Choose a style that suits your property.

SOFA USAGEYou’re likely to live with your sofa between 8 and 10 years. So it’s important to consider the function of that piece of furniture before deciding on the size and fabrics.

The arms of a sofa can make a big difference to the amount of seating available. Larger arms tend to waste space and that may not be an option in a smaller living space. Slim arms will help to maximise your seating availability, essential if you have a smaller living space.

IT’S WORTH REMEMBERING…

SOFA BUYERS GUIDE

Open plan living room

If you’ve chosen to go for an entirely open plan living space, a conventional sofa might look a little lost. To make the most of an open plan living room, consider dividing the space into different zones. Each zone should have a specific purpose. A relaxing zone could consist of your sofa, a TV and a coffee table. Your couch should be large to ensure it makes its mark in your open space – lots of smaller pieces could look disorderly and cluttered.

Bay windows

As a general rule, putting any large piece of furniture by your windows is a bad idea, as it will block out the light and view. However, if your living room features a bay window, the extra interior space offers more ways to arrange your sofa.

A low backed sofa will ensure plenty of light still shines into your living space. One option is to put a sofa in front of your bay window, away from your other living room furniture. This creates a relaxing sitting place where you can watch the world go by.

Bear in mind that leather and fabric will fade when left in direct sunlight for a long period of time. For example, a black sofa may turn a dark shade of blue. You can minimize the risk of fading by keeping your sofa out of direct sunlight, or decreasing your sofa’s exposure to sunlight by occasionally keeping your blinds or curtains closed.

Also, bear in mind that, like fabric, leather will fade when left in direct sunlight.

How to maximise your living space

Whatever shape or style you think you may want, it’s important to leave yourself enough living space. As a general guide, one large sofa can make a small room feel less cramped than lots of smaller pieces, but only if there is enough room to move around.

Rooms with high ceilings can take a sofa with a higher back, while low backs can offer the illusion of more height in your living room, and can also be used effectively in open-plan rooms to emphasise the sense of space. Placing your sofa in a small living room? Choose a compact design with neat arms to free up more space.

How you manipulate the use of light in your room can also give the illusion of space. For example, if you’re working with a small, poorly-lit room, a neutral coloured, compact couch may be your best option.

SOFA AND LIVING ROOM SIZEYour choice of sofa is always going to be dictated by the size of your living room. Choose a sofa that is too large for your living space and it will overpower your existing furniture. But choose a sofa that is too small and it will look lost, and may not seat the number of people you need it to.

Your sofa also needs to complement the style of your décor and the existing furniture that may already be in your living space. The key to success is getting the balance right between style and maximising your use of living space.

SOFA BUYERS GUIDE

Space considerations when opting for a recliner or sofa bed

If you’re buying a recliner or sofa bed, take into consideration the extra space those types of settee will take up. A recliner will need room to recline and your sofa bed will need to pull out into a bed! To ensure you’ve got the required amount of room to make your sofa purchase, measure up your couch and living space first.

Sofa beds

Sofa beds are sofas that convert into beds, giving your home a little bit more flexibility. It’s an extra place for your guests to sit comfortably or sleep, which works just as well in spare rooms as they do in your living room.

Sofa beds range from 3 seaters, 2 seaters and chairs. Most of them pull out from the seat, an action that is designed to take little effort. So, if you’re buying your sofa bed from a store, test the bed mechanism, and if it isn’t easy to do, move on to another sofa bed.

Sofa beds can come with storage options, offering extra space-saving solutions. This is commonly a hidden area underneath the cushions, which is the ideal place for items such as bedding, pillows and even some of your toddler’s toys.

Recliner sofas

Recliner sofas have a footrest that pulls out, allowing you to put your feet up. There are two forms of recliner sofas: manual and electric. Manual recliners use a pull handle located on the side panel of the sofa. Some recliners offer the additional benefit of lying back in a fully reclined position.

Electric recliners use an electric motor to raise the footrest by the touch of a button. The button tends to be either on the side of the couch or on a handheld remote control. More modern recliner designs use a minimal amount of space, while maintaining the necessary comfort that they’re designed to provide.

Corner sofas

Corner sofas fit snugly into the corner of your room. That means they utilise living room space that a standard couch cannot, freeing up more room for you to take advantage of.

Some types of corner sofas also have adjustable segments, allowing you to create different sofa lengths on each side of the corner. For example, you could opt for your sofa to be three segments long on one side and one segment short on the other. A corner sofa’s unique shape can divide larger, open-plan rooms to create a more intimate space. Some corner sofas are also available as sofa beds.

Modular sofas

Modular sofas combine individual pieces of furniture to create a variety of sofa set-ups. This offers a great way to mix and match your furniture to suit any style or living space. You can choose to make your furniture large or small, depending on the space available. Modular furniture offers flexibility that’s perfect for smaller living spaces. Choosing a large arrangement of modular furniture can also help enhance an open plan living space.

HOW TO WORK WITH AN AWKWARDLY SHAPED ROOMIf you have an awkwardly shaped or open-plan room, you may benefit from a sofa that is designed to maximise its space. Here are a few options to consider:

Choose a patterned fabric when your sofa is going to be used frequently, like in busy family homes, as patterns can conceal minor stains well.

A TIP ON USING FABRIC SOFAS…

Other types of sofa to consider

SOFA BUYERS GUIDE

Ensuring your sofa can access your property

Not only will your sofa have to fit into your living room, but also through your doors, halls, stairs and even up in a lift, if you have one. Here are a few things you’ll need to consider before your sofa is delivered.

Measuring your sofa

For sofas, first measure the width and then the diagonal depth. The diagonal depth is found by measuring from the highest point of the back frame to the front of the arm. Then measure from the bottom rear corner of the sofa up to the point it crosses your measurement of the back frame to the front of the arm. The measurements of the diagonal depth must be less than the size of your entryway.

Deciding on your sofa space

• Decide on the sofa location and space you’re going to need for it to comfortably fit in your room. Then use newspaper and masking tape to mark out the amount of space it requires

• Check that there’s enough space to walk around your sofa. Plus, check that the positioning of your sofa doesn’t obstruct your doors or drawers

• Measure the height of the area where your sofa will be placed to ensure it can be moved into that area

MEASURING YOUR SOFA AND LIVING ROOMBefore purchasing your new dream sofa, you want to make sure it fits perfectly inside your living space. So take the time to measure up the space requirements for both your sofa and room before making your final decision.

Here is a standard range of sofa sizes (width) for you to work from when measuring your living space.

SOFA SIZE GUIDE

Small sofas/two seater – up to 174cm/68.5 inches

Medium sofas/2-3 seater – 175-190cm/69-75 inches

Large sofas/3 seater – 191-210cm/75-83 inches

Grand sofas/4 seater – 211cm+/83 inches

Measuring the hallway

• Measure the height and width of all doors and hallways that your sofa will need to pass through

• Check for fixtures, fittings and immovable objects like radiators that may obstruct your hallway

• Measure the distance between the access door in the hallway and the interior wall in the room where the sofa will be put. This measurement must be more than the width of the sofa

• If the corner is tight, it might be easier to stand the sofa upright to gain entry. Before you do this, you should measure the ceiling height. This needs to be greater than the width of the sofa to ensure entry

ii

Diagonal depth (ii) must be less than entryway dimensions

SOFA BUYERS GUIDE

Choosing castors

Castors (wheels that affix to the bottom of your sofa) are practical devices that make moving the furniture much easier. Not only is this great for when you’re moving a new piece of furniture into your home, but when you want to arrange the layout of your living space.

Before purchasing your new sofa, check whether it comes with castors, and make sure their look complements the sofa and room décor.

OTHER SOFA DELIVERY CONSIDERATIONSRemember that some sofas come with bolt-on arms or in two parts. This can come in handy when trying to get your sofa into your home, especially if there are lots of tight spaces.

Do this and you’ll be able to see the floor underneath your couch, creating a feeling of space in your living room.

SMALL LIVING SPACE? CHOOSE A SOFA WITH SLIM LEGS

Sofa going up stairs?

• Measure the height, width and depth of your staircase so you can turn your sofa whilst carrying it up

• Factor in that different floors may have different stairwell heights as well as any turns or doors in the stairwell

Sofa going up in a lift?

• Measure the height and width of the lift door. Then measure the dimensions inside the lift, including the diagonal height from the bottom front to the top back. This is done in case you need to put the sofa in at an angle

• Check the sofa weight against the maximum load of the lift, you should be able to find this out from the seller

SOFA BUYERS GUIDE

All they’ll do is blend in. What your cushions should do is add more colour and texture to your room. Choose a colour that matches other aspects of your living space and contrasts nicely with the colour of your sofa. Do this well and your cushions should pull together the elements of your room.

YOUR CUSHIONS SHOULDN’T MATCH YOUR SOFA

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SOFA COLOURWhether you want a sofa that makes a bold statement or blends in beautifully with the rest of your décor, colour is one of the most important considerations in the buying process.

Bold sofa colours

A bright sofa colour like red will catch the eye, add flair and ensure your furniture is the centrepiece of your room’s interior. It’s an opportunity to let your sofa bring lots of personality to your room. Just bear in mind that too many bold colours will create an imbalance in your living space that won’t be easy on the eye.

Neutral sofa colours

Neutrals are far from boring, you can mix and match textures and tones to add depth while creating a living space that feels soothing and calm. Use them wisely and they can make your room seem larger, plus they’re easy to combine with walls and accessories that use vivid colours.

SOFA BUYERS GUIDE

SOFA STYLE So you’ve now decided on the size requirements of your sofa, possibly the type, where it will be placed in your living space, and are confident it can access your property. Your next consideration is possibly the trickiest of them all, the style of sofa you’re going to select.

So no pressure! If you’re buying a sofa for a large living room, you can afford to let a large sofa dominate. So feel free to be bold and consider a grand design, and give it plenty of space to stand out rather than push it up against a wall.

However, if you have a smaller living space, you may not have as much choice in regards the position of your sofa. Aim for a compact sofa with clean lines and neutral colours, as anything too dark or too loud can overpower a small room.

Your sofa tends to set the style of your room…

SOFA BUYERS GUIDE

Combining traditional and modern styles

Contrast modern furniture with rustic, vintage pieces to create a décor full of richness and depth. Here are a few inspiring ideas:

• If you have contemporary furniture in your living space, try traditional wooden flooring to make the room warmer and more inviting

• Add simple white slipcovers to traditional sofas to give them a more contemporary look

• In a modern décor you can add character by adding a feature or accessory inspired by cottage/farmhouse style, introduce features or accessories with soft colours, vintage furnishings, feminine florals

• Choose an eclectic mix of old accessories to decorate a clean and modern living space

CONTEMPORARY OR TRADITIONAL?There’s a wide range of stunning sofas out there for you to choose from. But will you opt for a traditional or contemporary style? Traditional sofas exude elegance and ornate style with typical features including scroll arms, decorative turned legs, a buttoned back or polished brass castors. Expect plenty of support and comfort.

Contemporary sofas are renowned for their low backs and small arms, and they’re commonly low to the ground and have exposed wooden or metal legs. That’s less support for your back but that’s made up for with a cool looking piece of furniture that adds a sense of space to your living room.3

SOFA BUYERS GUIDE

Chesterfield sofas

Most commonly tufted in leather, Chesterfield couches are renowned for their high rolled arms, tufted back and seat. This type of sofa has connotations of men’s clubs and traditional libraries.

Midcentury modern sofas

Midcentury modern sofas embrace a streamlined form, featuring straight, squared lines and low squared legs. This style rose to prominence from the mid 1940s to 1970, a combination of pared-down forms, contemporary patterns and natural materials.4

This retro style of sofa has become more desirable again due to the influence of popular shows like Mad Men.5

WHAT SETS THE STYLE OF THE SOFA?The style of a sofa can be recognised by its arms, back, and the legs or skirt. The design of those features dictate whether the sofa is contemporary or traditional in style, as does the way it’s upholstered and trimmed. Here are a selection of the most well known styles of sofa.

English or club sofas

The club sofa is a 19th-century classic offering a casual style that’s versatile enough for a variety of home décors. The arms, in comparison to other sofa shapes, are lower and more compact, making them a good choice for smaller rooms. Upholstered from the back to the seat cushions, this is a comfortable piece to sink into and relax.

Scandinavian styled sofas

Scandinavian style (also known as Scandy) sofas are influenced by a design movement that began in the 1950s in the Scandinavian countries Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland. Scandy styled sofas are characterised by minimalism and functionality and remain as popular today as they were 60 years ago.

Sectional/modular sofas

Individual armless sofas, corner units and ottomans (upholstered seat or bench) combine to create flexible pieces of modular furniture. The style is typically clean-lined and contemporary. Learn more about modular furniture in our How to work with an awkwardly shaped room section.

SOFA BUYERS GUIDE

Help your sofa and/or armchair(s) have a longer life by choosing arm covers. These reduce the wear of your sofa or armchair when you’re sitting and relaxing.

SOFA AND ARMCHAIR ARM COVERS

Loveseats

The loveseat has been a popular piece of furniture for living rooms, bedrooms and even gardens since the mid to late 19th century. Designed to sit two people, this piece of furniture is perfect for cuddling up with that special someone. Still on-trend, modern loveseats, or snugglers/cuddlers, are the perfect over-sized chair, providing extra comfort for two.

Chaise longues

Chaise longues give you the ability to stretch out and unwind. They can stand alone or combine with an armchair or sofa, giving you an array of options when organising your living space. Known for being a showpiece a chaise longues is the perfect decorative piece for your hallway or bedroom. Available in leather or fabric in a range of colours to match your décor.

Chaise longues’ design evolved throughout the 20th century, becoming a popular choice as a piece of outdoor furniture, used at beaches, swimming pools, gardens and decks. Today it is still a highly stylish sofa that looks at home both indoors and out.

Armchairs

The armchair is a piece of furniture that allows you to rest both your arms and legs. They’re renowned for their exceptional comfort and being a versatile companion for your sofa, as they’re small enough to be moved around into a variety of positions.

A traditional armchair has an opulent design; using ornate wood and upholstery, and embracing curved lines. Contemporary armchairs tend to feature clean lines and steel frames.

SOFA BUYERS GUIDE

LEATHER SOFAS Leather is a popular choice of material in the world of interior furniture. Its association with quality comes from being a natural covering that creases and stretches over time. This makes the material soften and relaxes its shape; giving your couch more comfort and character.

Leather is also very hardwearing due to its natural fibres that go in all directions, making it stronger than many other sofa materials. It’s resistant to stains, spills and general wear and tear.

SOFA BUYERS GUIDE

Aniline leather

Aniline leather is one of the most expensive you can buy. It’s made from the finest hides, with dye impregnated into it and the surface is kept natural. It is a pure leather that is renowned for being incredibly soft and full of character. However, because its surface doesn’t have any finish, Aniline leather is more likely to absorb stains and have lower light resistance.

Semi-aniline leather

Semi-aniline leather is similar to aniline. It also uses a high quality hide and has a dye impregnated into it, but has the extra benefit of a light surface finish. This makes the leather more resistant to staining, more durable and a much more affordable option.

Faux leather

Faux leather offers the same luxury look and feel of real leather, but is available for considerably less. That’s because it’s made from vinyl (also known as pleather), a material that imitates the texture of leather but needs less maintenance, as it’s water and scratch resistant.

Antique leather

Like the corrected grain leather, antique leather uses a pigment to cover the hide’s natural imperfections. Only antique leather also uses two dyes - a light base coat and a dark top coat. Once the furniture has been upholstered, a section of the top coat is rubbed off by hand to reveal the contrasting colour underneath. This gives the impression of a well worn leather that will bring an antique look to your room.

Leathaire sofas

Leathaire is a new material offering all the luxury and comfort of real leather. Like leather, Leathaire is stylish, hard-wearing and easy to clean. Ideal for our changeable British weather, Leathaire is 100% breathable and adapts to your body temperature keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter.

Corrected grain leather

Corrected grain leather uses a pigment to cover the hide’s natural imperfections. The grain is then embossed onto the hide and a protective coating is added, making it more resistant to fading, scratching and staining. This leather is inexpensive and easy to care for.

TYPES OF LEATHER

SOFA BUYERS GUIDE

Linen and linen blend sofas Linen sofas offer a casual, relaxed living room style due to their natural creases that soften over time. Linen naturally pills but this doesn’t affect its high durability.

FABRIC SOFASFabric sofas look warm and inviting, particularly in the colder, wetter months of the British calendar. They have a large range of colour, pattern and texture options, making it easy to reflect what’s in vogue. Plus, thanks to microfibre materials, fabric sofas can be as durable and easy to clean as leather sofas.

However, the durability of different fabrics does vary considerably, so be realistic about the amount of wear and tear your sofa is likely to endure.

Fabric sofas tend to come with removable covers. This also gives fabric sofas the option to transform their look with a different set of covers, which can prolong the life of your sofa if your tastes change or you redecorate. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines before attempting to remove or clean them.

Microfibre sofasMade of polyester fibres on a cotton base, microfibre is made from a synthetic material that resembles suede. However, it’s much more durable making it ideal for busy family homes. Microfibre slipcovers offer a good solution if you opt for a couch made from a more fragile material and want to provide it with excellent protection.

Choose a fabric sofa with deep-filled seats and backs.

FOR EXTRA COMFORT… Fabric sofas with a pattern

woven into the fabric will wear better than those where the pattern is printed.

DID YOU KNOW?

Cotton sofasCotton fibre is a natural material that resists general wear and tear. Whether pure or blended, cotton fibre is easy to care for. It’s fade and pilling resistant, but cotton does wrinkle and absorb spills. Spoiling can be prevented by treating your cotton sofa with surface treatments, or opt for a slipcover that’s designed to combat soiling and wrinkling. Cotton sofas are also available in a wide range of finishes.

Chenille sofasChenille fabric is renowned for its soft and textured surface that is the result of its tufted yarn. Poking out at various angles, the material resembles a caterpillar, which is in fact what chenille means in French. It is often made from natural fibres like cotton or rayon, or man-made fibres like acrylic. The colours will always vary and look unique, as the fibres catch the light differently depending on the angle you’re looking at it.

VelvetThis fabric has a thick soft pile which is cut so the ends of the yarns form the surface, creating a luxurious feel. Velvet offers many different finishes, brush the pile in one direction and you will get a rich, high sheen finish, or press the fabric direction down in different directions for a patterned appearance.

Cord sofasCorduroy is a cotton fabric using twisted fibres that are woven together. Think of it as a form of soft velvet that is also hardwearing due to its ribbed texture. Cord sofas are easier to clean than velvet and suede, and have a rustic look that will make your home both warm and inviting.

Acrylic sofasAcrylic sofas are made from a synthetic fibre that is an imitation of wool. It resists wear, wrinkling, soiling, and fading. However, if the acrylic material from your couch is of a low quality, it may pill excessively in areas where it is often being rubbed.

SOFA BUYERS GUIDE

FIXED OR LOOSE SOFA COVERS?Not only do sofa covers help to minimise the wear and tear of your sofas, they add extra style to enhance the overall look of your décor.

Loose sofa covers

Sofa covers dramatically differ due to their fabrics, fittings and styles. A loose sofa cover is easy to remove, which can sometimes make them easier to clean. They’re also easy to replace, and are a favourite with families and pet owners who often deal with sofa stains and wear and tear.

Fixed sofa covers

A fixed sofa cover is pulled tight across the cover, and tends to be non-removable, creating a more fitted and formal look. Fixed sofas are more appropriate for more formal living spaces such as dining rooms, or less casual style living rooms.

SOFA BUYERS GUIDE

LEATHER OR FABRIC?Still unsure whether you want the warm and welcoming comfort of fabric or luxurious feel of leather? Here’s a round-up of the pros and cons of both.

Leather sofa pros

• Most leather types (such as corrected grain and aniline) are easy to maintain. A quick wipe with a damp cloth is all that’s needed

• Leather is a very durable material that, depending on the leather, can get softer with age and outlive fabric materials

• Leather sofas can complement the style and décor of both traditional and contemporary homes

Leather sofa cons

• Some people find leather is cold to the touch

• Leather can be easily scratched

• Limited colour options in comparison to fabric sofas

Fabric sofa pros

• A large variety of styles, colours and patterns available

• A warm, cosy and inviting piece of furniture that doesn’t cool down or heat up with the temperature of the room

• Some fabric sofas have removable covers making them easier to clean

Fabric sofa cons

• Easier to get stains from spillages

• Not as durable as leather, unless you opt for microfibre7

SOFA BUYERS GUIDE

Square cushions are very popular. But if you only buy a selection of the same size and shape cushions, you’re missing an opportunity to add some variety and depth to how they’re laid out. Mix up the size and shape of your cushions.

SIZE AND SHAPE OF SOFA CUSHIONSCOMFORT IS KEY

You won’t find your ideal sofa by making your decision solely on style and living space compatibility, as comfort also plays a huge factor. So you need to give some serious thought about how firm you want your filling to be.

Give some thought to your choice of filling

Discover the latest cushion collection from Cargo.8

Foam upholstery

Upholstery foam is affordable and comes in several thicknesses and weights.

Foam upholstery feels firm and supportive, and gives your sofa a more tailored finish. They have a uniform appearance, recover quickly after being sat on and need little maintenance to stay looking their best. However, over time, the foam will compress and slightly shrink but this process is slower with high resilience foam.

Fillings for sofas

Sofa fillings make a big difference to the level of support and comfort your couch will offer. Your choice of filling will also influence the level of maintenance your couch will need in its lifetime.

Fibre upholstery

Fibre sofa cushions feel slightly softer than foam and help create a more relaxed style. They’re made with synthetic fibres, and need to be turned and plumped regularly to maintain their appearance and comfort level.

Feather-filled upholstery

Feather sofa cushions are the most traditional form of seat filling. They are the softest to sit on, but also the most challenging to maintain. That’s why they’re often only used in pillows, back cushions, and scatter cushions.

www.cargohomeshop.com

Turn your cushions occasionally to ensure even wear of your sofa.

TOP TIP FOR SOFA CUSHIONS

SOFA BUYERS GUIDE

4. Ask about joinery

A sign of a quality-constructed sofa is the joints used to connect the parts. Quality joints include: wooden corner blocks, metal screws and brackets, wooden dowels or double wooden dowels. Nails and staples are commonly used for reinforcement, but be wary of purchasing a sofa just held together by these two items. You can ask your salesperson for written manufacturer information on frame joinery.

5. How firm are the fillings?

More durable fillings are of a higher density. So when you’re inspecting a couch, check the firmness of its cushions to understand how hardwearing it is. Softer foam will deteriorate quicker with use, but is less expensive.

Here is our top 5:

1. Sit on the sofa

There’s no better way to make sure your selected sofa is well made than to sit on it and give it a quick once over. The sofa should feel heavy and if you grab the arm and back, you shouldn’t be able to bend the frame. If possible, sit on the sofa with another person to make sure you don’t roll together.

2. Ask how the sofa is made

High quality frames are made from hardwood and the parts are glued, dowelled and screwed together. Another popular frame is softwood, and this is often glued and stapled. More affordable sofas use no-sag springs, while the cheapest sofas don’t use springs at all and instead use webbing made from elastic and man-made fibres. Premium sofas use a combination of springs and padding that’s made from wool, cotton wadding, felt or hair.

3. Inspect the frame and check the springs

A strong frame means a more durable sofa that will last you years if looked after. Softwood frames, like pine, are popular due to their affordability. Bear in mind that softwoods have a shorter lifecycle than more expensive hardwoods. Softwoods may warp or wobble after five years, but for their money they can still be a great investment.

To check the springs, sit down on a corner or outside edge of the sofa you’re inspecting. If it creaks then the springs are possibly incorrectly placed or hitting the frame.

BEFORE BUYING YOUR SOFAOnce you’ve selected a size, type and style of sofa, it’s time to look closer at what you could be buying. If the opportunity is there, visit the store to see the sofa(s) you’re interested in and ask the store assistant a few more questions.

Too much water or vigorous cleaning can destroy the surface finish of your fabric sofa.

DID YOU KNOW?

SOFA BUYERS GUIDE

Caring for fabric

Your sofa is one of the main attractions of your home, so it’s well worth taking good care of. Here are a few tips on how to clean your fabric sofa:

• Vacuuming from time to time will help keep your couch in tip-top condition. Get into all the nooks and crannies to ensure all dirt and dust is removed

• If you have loose sofa covers, simply pull them off and clean them as per manufacturer’s guidelines

• Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions as some covers may require dry cleaning

• Before using any cleaning materials on your fabric sofa, give it a spot test first

• As long as your sofa can withstand water, use a mild washing up liquid or laundry detergent in warm water to remove any marks. Only lightly dab the liquid onto the stain then rinse with a clean cloth and small amount of water. Then dry as quickly as possible using a dry cloth and open your windows

• If you have non-removable sofa covers consider getting them cleaned once a year by a specialist cleaning company10

• If your room gets lots of natural light, rotate the cushions on your sofa to slow the process of fading

SOFA CAREYour sofa is a big investment, so it’s important to try and keep it looking as good as the day it arrived in your home. Of course, accidents can happen from time to time, especially around the furniture in a busy living space! Whether you’re faced with a coffee stain or a scratch from a set of keys, it’s a good idea to get some form of insurance and a care kit for your sofa’s protection. If you buy a sofa from a furniture retailer, it’s likely that they’ll offer you insurance and a care kit with your purchase.9

Caring for leather

One of the reasons leather sofas are so popular, especially with families, is that they’re easy to maintain. However, that doesn’t mean you should take your sofa for granted and not give it the necessary care. Here are a few suggestions, just remember to research the type of leather your sofa has before following them:

• Take a clean, dry cloth and wipe your sofa down once a week

• Vacuum back panels to remove dust and dirt

• Never use wax or silicone polishes on leather furniture, and avoid over-using specialist cleaning polishes

• It’s best practice to use a specialist cleaning kit for your sofa once every six months, including a treatment cream to preserve leather quality

• Always follow instructions supplied with care products and test cleaning products on a hidden area of the sofa first

• If you spill food or liquids on your couch, simply wipe them up with a damp cloth and dry immediately after

• Switch cushions regularly for even wear

• When cleaning your sofa, avoid rubbing too hard to protect the finish

Keep your leather sofa and a radiator a safe distance apart (one foot/30cm) to prevent drying out. Also, bear in mind that, like fabric, leather will fade when left in direct sunlight.

LEATHER SOFAS AND RADIATORS

SOFA BUYERS GUIDE

APPENDIX1. http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/09/26/why-is-a-sofa-like-a-writing-desk/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0

2. http://www.channel4.com/learning/main/netnotes/sectionid1045.htm

3. http://www.countryliving.com/homes/makeovers/different-tastes-0305

4. http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1492446/list/So-Your-Style-Is--Midcentury-Modern

5. http://www.amctv.com/shows/mad-men

6. http://www.bhg.com/decorating/lessons/basics/guide-to-upholstery-fabrics/

7. http://www.sofa-guide.com/junction/leather%20or%20fabric.html

8. http://www.cargohomeshop.com

9. http://www.harveysfurniture.co.uk/CareAndProtection.aspx

10. http://www.channel4.com/4homes/how-to/diy/how-to-clean-your-sofa-08-09-08

11. http://www.frn.org.uk

12. http://www.furnituredonationnetwork.org

13. http://www.bhf.org.uk/shop/donating-goods/donate-your-dfs-sofa.aspx

14. http://www.harveysfurniture.co.uk//DynamicContent/Buying_Guides/Garden_buying_guide/Harveys_Garden_Buying_Guide.html

HOW TO GET RID OF YOUR OLD SOFAIf you have an old sofa, you may not need it once your new purchase arrives. However, that doesn’t mean someone else won’t put it to good use. A local charity shop may be happy to collect it. Try the Furniture Re-use Network11 or the Furniture Donation Network12 to let local members know what you have to offer free of charge.

The British Heart Foundation13 also accepts old sofas and will take them off your hands for free. Those items are then sold and the money is put towards researching how to beat heart disease.

Bear in mind that no charity will accept your sofa if they’re missing their safety and/or fire labels. Double-check that they are still attached.

SOFA BUYERS GUIDE

Wicker sofas are a popular choice for conservatories and gardens. They’re commonly made via the practice of weaving strips of modern or ‘poly’ rattan made from polyethylene (a kind of texture plastic), a method established in India centuries ago. The end result is a light piece of furniture that’s easy to move around, but still durable enough to live outdoors.

WHY RATTAN-STYLE SOFAS ARE IDEAL FOR YOUR GARDEN

A SOFA FOR THE GREAT OUTDOORSSofas aren’t just for your house, but your garden or conservatory too. Available in all shapes and sizes, you can sit comfortably in the sunshine by choosing a garden sofa that’s right for your needs and space.

There is a wide range of wooden, metal and rattan sofas and chairs available that are designed to withstand Mother Nature, whilst providing you with a comfortable and beautiful outdoor living area.

Want to know more about how garden furniture can bring your garden to life? Then take a look at our Garden Furniture Buying Guide.14

Harveys Sofa Buyers Guide

Documents

Transcript of Harveys Sofa Buyers Guide