| When you're buying a new sofa, although it's | | | | known as zigzag springs, as they won't last as |
| important to choose one that looks right in your | | | | long. |
| living room, it's also important to remember that it | | | | Sofas - Padding and Cushions |
| needs to be comfortable and durable. Sofas | | | | The type of padding and cushions used will affect |
| should last for about ten years, so need to be | | | | how comfortable a sofa is. Look for a sofa with |
| well-constructed in order to provide value for | | | | seat cushions which have been made from high |
| money. Here are some hints and tips to help you | | | | density foam, as this will mean that your sofa will |
| to find a sofa which will stand the test of time. | | | | provide you with more support and will last longer. |
| Choosing Sofas - Frame and Springs | | | | It's also a good idea to choose a sofa that has |
| When choosing a new sofa, make sure that you | | | | shape-retaining foam, as this will mean that your |
| pick one with a sturdy, well-constructed frame. | | | | sofa looks good and remains comfortable for |
| Sofa frames can be made from wood or metal, | | | | longer. |
| but the highest quality and most durable sofa | | | | If you require extra support for your back and |
| frames are made from hard wood, such as | | | | neck, you may find that a sofa with a firmer, |
| beech. Some sofa frames are made from a | | | | more upright back and high-back cushions may |
| combination of beech and softer woods so that | | | | suit you. |
| certain parts of them have more give, and some | | | | Choosing Sofas - Upholstery |
| people may find these types of sofa more | | | | Sofas come in a wide range of finishes and the |
| comfortable. Although they may be cheap, avoid | | | | type of upholstery used can make a huge |
| buying sofas with frames made from low-quality | | | | difference to the comfort and durability of your |
| materials, such as chipboard or plywood, as they | | | | new sofa. A leather sofa, for example, will usually |
| won't last as long and so won't be cost-effective | | | | be more durable than a sofa with fabric |
| in the long term. | | | | upholstery, but leather can take time to wear in, |
| The frame should be glued and screwed together | | | | so it may not initially be as comfortable. |
| rather than stapled, and you should check to | | | | Fabric, on the other hand, can be less durable than |
| make sure that the frame meets or exceeds the | | | | leather, and won't provide as much support, but |
| relevant British Standards before buying a sofa. | | | | may feel softer. Many sofas with fabric |
| You should also find out how any sofa that you | | | | upholstery have cushion covers that can be |
| are considering has been sprung. Ideally, you | | | | removed and washed, so it's easy to keep your |
| should look for a sofa that uses proper springs, | | | | sofa looking in great condition, and some are |
| rather than pre-fabricated wire coil units, and you | | | | made from stain-resistant materials. |
| should avoid buying sofas that use what are | | | | |