What to look out for to get the best value sofa
If you’re looking for a new sofa, there are plenty of things to keep in mind. After all, this is going to be one of the most used and seen pieces of furniture in your household, so you don’t want to get stuck with an uncomfortable eye-sore. Here are a few tips that will help you find the best value sofas on the market.
• The frame is all important
Long lasting sofas all have one thing in common – they are equipped with a resistant frame. The harder the wood used in the frame, the longer it will last. Though you might get a drop down price on something like a pine sofa, this wood is unlikely to last more than five years without warping, while non-wood sofas with metal or plastic frames should be avoided entirely.
The most durable, good value sofas will come with ash, beech or oak frames, though these will also come at a higher price. To ensure your sofa is worth the extra cost, you need to test the give of the frame. To do this, take a front leg of the sofa and raise it six inches from the ground. If the frame is sturdy, the opposite front leg will be lifted off the floor too. If not, it has a frail frame.
• The key to comfort
Obviously, you’re going to want any sofa you buy to be comfortable, given that you’ll be spending quite a lot of time sitting on it. The key here is the springs; you should be able to sink into the softness of the cushions without feeling them dig through.
Good quality sofas will pass a pretty simple test when it comes to springs. Just take a seat on the very edge of the sofa and listen out for creaks. Any noise suggests the springs are not packed close enough together, and so will not stay firm over time.
• What’s in the cushions?
Cushion filling is another important factor when it comes to enjoying your sofa. When looking for value for money sofas, however, some of the most comfy fillings, such as goose and duck feathers, can be incredibly expensive. The best balance is to choose high quality seat foam – it’s affordable, it’s very, very soft and it lasts the test of time beautifully.
• Fabric that won’t let you down
As your sofa will be going through plenty of day-to-day use, you want to be sure the fabric used is tough. Good value for money sofa beds will generally be made from tightly woven cotton or linen, or microfibers. A silk couch might seem like a stylish addition to your home, but the material will wear pretty quickly.
Your sofa is one of the most important items you’ll buy. Be sure you get the best deal by following these key tips.
