A Guide to Selecting your Perfect Couch

FIXED SEAT

The cushions on a fixed-seat sofa are permanently sewn in place and cannot be detached. The fabric is anchored to the frame beneath the foam, extending upwards, wrapping around the back, and then securing at the front of the sofa.

Furniture with a fixed seat needs extra fabric so the cushions can compress when sat upon. This helps prevent stress on the seams, reducing the chance of them coming apart, or the fabric tearing. The extra fabric is designed to move along with you, allowing the foam to compress. Yet, if the fabric doesn't move back fast enough or becomes trapped, it is vulnerable to sagging or rippling.

After being sat on, a fixed seat may need to be 'dressed'. This involves smoothing out the fabric on the seat by brushing it towards the back. Failing to do this regularly may result in permanent creases on the seat. This outcome comes from a lack of proper care and maintenance, rather than being a fabric or manufacturing issue.

LOOSE CUSHION SEAT

Another option to consider are loose cushion seats, also known as unfixed seats, where the cushions are not attached. Unlike fixed seat cushions, loose cushion seats don't need additional fabric because the cushion flexes when sat on, preventing the strain on fixed seams mentioned earlier. Make sure to discuss your fabric choice with the manufacturer to ensure you've selected the right one for your furniture design.

People who lean towards a relaxed style often gravitate towards loose cushions. Feather-filled cushions bring added comfort and inviting softness to your sofa. However, like your duvet or pillows, they require regular maintenance and airing out. If you don't fluff the cushions regularly, the feathers can start to compress, causing the cushion to appear saggy or stretched out. Even though the fabric might seem stretched, it's improbable that this is actually the case. Upholstery fabrics go through a series of tests, including seam slippage, during the product development phase. They wouldn't be released to the market if they failed to meet the standards. A synthetic alternative to feathers is Ergofill, which combines upholstery foam with a soft duvet layer that compresses when you sit on it.

SLIP COVER

A slip cover, as the name implies, is a custom fabric covering for your sofa. They offer the advantage of being removable, washable, and easily replaced, making them a convenient and budget-friendly choice. Slipcovered sofas exude a relaxed, informal look since the cover typically doesn't fit as tightly as that of an upholstered piece. This can lead to wrinkles, especially around the skirt (at the base of the sofa), which should be taken into account when choosing this upholstery style.

FOAM

Opting for locally made furniture offers a significant advantage: the ability to customise not just the fabric, but also the level of comfort. Manufacturers have the capability to craft a seat that is "semi-soft," providing the look of a soft seat through the use of various foam types and adjustments to the suspension system. There are numerous foam options available, each with its corresponding price point. Premium manufacturers opt for high-quality pre-crushed foam. Nonetheless, it's crucial to understand that even top-notch foam experiences a 5-7% reduction in loft within the initial three months due to some cells compressing. In contrast, low-quality foam can lose up to 20%.

Visualise your upholstery foam as akin to a sponge cake. The tiniest bubbles are located in the lower third, giving it a dense, latex-like feel with minimal flexibility, making it excellent for mattresses. In the centre, there are medium-sized bubbles with thicker cell walls, making it ideal for furniture. This area can compress but has the strength to regain its loft. At the top, you'll find the largest bubbles with less cake. When these bubbles compress, they are more prone to breaking, indicating lower quality. Upholsterers commonly layer foam, starting with the firmest at the bottom, followed by medium, and finishing with the softest on top. This technique leverages the unique properties of each layer, resulting in the most comfortable seat.

GROUNDED VS. LEGS

Furniture with legs is elevated off the floor, while a 'grounded' piece sits directly on the floor. Grounded furniture is often stronger with less need for suspension, making it great for family rooms or modular pieces. However, it can appear hefty in smaller spaces.

Sofas with legs are less sturdy and more susceptible to wear from active family activities like jumping. They are better suited for smaller spaces, such as apartments, where they create a sense of lightness and spaciousness by allowing more of the floor to be visible. Introducing furniture with legs helps open up the space and create a more expansive feeling. Additionally, legs are available in standard sizes and are cost-effective, making it simple to update your furniture as your tastes and style preferences change over time.