How To Choose A Sofa That Will Last

May 07, 2018

Buying a sofa is a major investment. They can be expensive, and they will become a regular part of your home, your place of relaxation and solitude. So you need a piece of furniture that will add to your surroundings, not detract from them. And once you find one that looks the part, you better make sure it will last. Here’s a simple guide on how to choose a sofa that will last.

START WITH THE FRAME

The durability of the frame is obviously paramount to the longevity of a sofa. What kind of material is it made out of? Avoid non-wooden frames made out of particleboard, plastic or metal. These frames will warp or crack easier than one made out of wood. Pine is an inexpensive wood for a frame, but it’s soft and may be susceptible to warping or wobbling. Stick with a good hardwood like ash, beech or kiln-dried oak.

A couple of tricks to testing the frame include:

• First, simply sit on the couch and see if you notice any wobbling or creaking. If you do, that sofa’s on its way to an early grave.
• Second, lift one front corner of the sofa. By the time you’ve raised it about six inches off the ground, the other front leg should have lifted too. If not, the frame is probably a bit weak.

ASK ABOUT THE JOINERY

If you can’t tell by looking at it, ask the seller how the various joints of the sofa’s frame are held together. A sofa held together with either glue, nails or staples won’t do. You want a piece that implements wooden dowels. Nails and staples may be used as extra support, but it’s got to have wooden dowels holding the frame together to truly be considered a sofa that will last.

QUICK TEST OF THE SPRINGS

Simply sit on the sofa. Do you hear anything as you sink in? Squeaks or creaks from the springs suggest that they are incorrectly placed and may cause problems sooner rather than later. This is an easy step in weeding out inferior sofas.

DURABLE, WELL-MADE FABRICS

You want to make sure you have a quality fabric on your sofa if it’s going to last. Cotton and linen are solid choices, as are wool and leather though they are a bit pricey. Perhaps the best fabric though is synthetic microfiber, because it can mimic many types of fabrics but is also stain resistant, ensuring that that spilled grape juice doesn’t ruin your sofa once and for all. 

While inspecting the fabric, notice the design on it. Do the patterns and stripes match at the seams? They better. That attention to detail is a sign of good craftsmanship and a sign that you have a quality piece of furniture in front of you.

RESILIENT CUSHIONS

Take a seat again. This time when you sit, pay attention to how the cushion responds when you get up. It should regain its shape. Otherwise, you’re dealing with some sloppy, soon-to-be flattened cushions.

Try Swift Sofas

The easiest way to choose a sofa that will last is to buy one from Swift! Swift sofas are stylish and durable—made to bring the perfect accent of comfort and class to your home. Browse our collection of sofas and buy today!

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