Traditional Upholstery

• How to buy upholstered furniture
• Traditional Upholstery
• Contemporary Upholstery
• Buying a sofa

Construction

Traditionally constructed sofas are made from a hardwood frame, (usually beech), held together with dowels, screws and glue, which results in a completely solid, stable structure. Layers of natural padding, like horsehair or wool, are built up around the frame to create shape. Traditionally, seat springs are hand-tied to a webbing base but, some sofas will have coiled springs attached to metal strips stretching from front to back of the frame. In a sprung-back design, S-shaped springs or serpentine springs are used.

Back Construction
Not all backs are sprung, but top-end sofas will have coiled springs in the backs and arms to create shape and comfort. It is worth remembering that the heavier a sofa is, the better quality it's likely to be.

Testing Your Sofa
The more hardwood a sofa contains, the sturdier it will be; less expensive pieces tend to be more lightweight as, rather than hardwood, they use hardboard. Whilst in the showroom, nudge the sofa with your knee. If it moves easily, review its quality, looks and construction.

Classic Good Looks
Traditionally constructed formal sofas tend to have a "tight back" with no loose cushions. Tight backs may also be sprung and buttoned. Some sofas have cushioned backs, using two or three separate cushions to help create the shape. It may be useful to note that foam-filled cushions will keep their shape better than those filled with feathers or fibre. If a tight fixed–covered sofa is too formal, try loose covers instead. They have a more casual appearance, and have the added benefit of being removable for cleaning, or replaced to bring a piece up-to-date.

Chosen by House to home