Photo: Interior by Dmitriy & Co (courtesy of Dering Hall)
The sofa is easily the most used piece of furniture in the house. From lounging and lazing to afternoon naps and movie nights with friends, the sofa is the one seating staple that gets a lot of traffic so it's no wonder they can quickly look all beat up. But it doesn't have to be that way.
If there's one piece of furniture you should invest a little more money in to purchasing, it's the sofa. A well-made sofa can last years beyond an average one whose only bonus might be that it's much cheaper. But cheaper isn't always better when it means you might have to shop for new seating again in a few years. High-quality sofas usually come with a few standard details that make them longer-lasting. The furniture experts over at Dering Hall offer these few key factors to look out for when considering a sofa.
The Frame: Many sofas have frames made of MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard), which is engineered wood that's stable enough but heavy and not as strong as hardwood. Opt for a frame made of kiln-dried maple or walnut with joints that are dowelled 'and' glued for ultimate strength.
The Springs: The best springs support is one that has tightly spaced springs that are tied to a woven-jute base. This provides the most comfort and resilience.
The Cushions: Cushions are important for the obvious reasons; they determine how the sofa looks and they're what make sitting in a sofa comfortable. Whether it's down, foam or any other padding, it's crucial that the fill is well-distributed and keeps you from feeling the springs or sofa frame. The last thing you need when you fall into your sofa is to hit something hard.
For more on the essential details that set apart a well-made sofa from an ordinary one, head on over to Dering Hall.