Recognize Good Quality Furniture

What to Look for When Making a Furniture Purchase

Feb 22, 2008 Kristin Abraham

A few basic tips to help you make a furniture investment that will last for years.

Purchasing quality products for your home is often the key between wasting money and making a good investment. Your purchases should be wisely considered and investigated before you shell out hard earned cash though, as the most expensive item is not always the best buy.

Martha Cooper, the Territory Director of Décor and You offers some suggestions to help you find top quality construction and comfort when purchasing furniture.

Frame Construction. Frames should be made of seasoned hardwood that will prevent future warping or distorting. Hardwood plywood can be used for parts of the construction because it is very sturdy and will provide the support you need. To make sure the joints are all solid, opt for dovetail joints, wooden dowels or bisquits. The frame forms the skeleton of your furniture, and the stronger the frame, the longer the piece will last. Remember, you can replace cushions and fabric, but if the frame is shot then you’ll want to replace the entire piece.

Springs. The best springs you can get are eight-way hand-tied springs, they provide excellent comfort and wear but are very pricey. If you don’t want to go that route, but still want some quality comfort, look for S-shaped springs that are cut and tied to the frame. Stay away from one-piece units that are made separately and put into several different pieces, they may initially feel good but won’t stand the test of time. Sitting on a piece of furniture and trying it out is important. However, your bottom cannot tell you how the item will wear, but a little research will.

Cushions. Good cushions provide comfort and durability. A high quality fill should be used to fill your cushions; the better the fill, the longer the cushion will last. High density Dacron is a great cushion fill product and will hold its shape for years. If comfort is the key for you, feather and down cushions will give you luxurious softness but they lack durability. Luckily, down cushions can be fluffed and ticked to keep them looking and feeling great for years. The cushion cover is obviously important as it provides you with the look you want. Many furniture pieces are purchased simply on the look of the cushion covers, and this can be a big mistake. A good furniture designer will give you several options for the cushion covers and you want to be sure you’re not only selecting the right color and pattern, but a good, durable fabric that will stand the test of time.

By using these tips you’ll get the most out of your furniture purchase and you will be much happier with the decision you made for years to come.

The copyright of the article Recognize Good Quality Furniture in Interior Decorating is owned by Kristin Abraham. Permission to republish Recognize Good Quality Furniture in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Quality Furniture