Which sofas last the longest

Pattern is also very forgiving. My sofa at home is upholstered in Ziggurat by China Seas and that still looks fantastic after many years.

Keep in mind that the higher the thread count, the tighter the weave, and the better it will wear. If you are buying a new sofa online, which to be honest is by far the easiest option these days, then just check the returns policy first. When you get to the store, conduct these simple tests: To test the strength of the frame, lift one corner of the sofa off the ground the nearest corner should lift along with it. Then, perch on one edge and listen for creaking noises this indicates the springs are poorly installed.

Lastly, sit on the sofa and lean back to test the comfort and durability of the cushions, and make sure the dimensions work with your body. That way it should be with you for many years to come. You can spread the cost this way. Search for:. How do I pick a filling that will last? Which upholstery fabrics are the most durable—and will stand up to stains, dogs, and kids? It is easy to maintain and becomes softer with age. If you have pets, their claws cannot easily tear up leather.

This fabric is considered as an all-around material. Leather is a great choice if you do not have the luxury of time to clean furniture. Even if this fabric is quite expensive, you will surely not regret buying this one. If you prefer soft fabric, cotton is a great choice. Cotton is also resistant to pilling and abrasion. This fabric comes in different colours and they are affordable. However, cotton must be tightly woven to make it more durable. If its fibres are not interlaced enough, it can be easily torn.

Sometimes, cotton is mixed with linen or polyester to improve durability and stain resistance. Tiny particles such as dirt and dust cause the fabric to deteriorate over time. With this, checking the thread count of fabrics is a helpful way to determine if it will last long.

Thread count is the fabrics number of threads per square inch. Soft wood, such as pine, is low-cost, but it may warp or wobble after five years. Pricier hardwood kiln-dried oak, ash, or beech, for example is more durable. Avoid frames made of particleboard, plastic, or metal; they may warp and crack. Legs should be part of the frame or held on with screws or dowels pegs — not with glue alone. Tip: To test frame strength, lift one front corner or leg of the sofa off the floor.

By the time you've raised it six inches, the other front leg should have risen too. If it's still touching the floor, the frame has too much give; it's weak. A frame with joints connected by any of the following means is solidly constructed: wooden dowels, double wooden dowels, wooden corner blocks the tag might read corner blocks glued and screwed , or metal screws and brackets. Staples or nails may be used for extra reinforcement, but never buy a sofa that's held together solely by staples, nails, or glue.

Tip: Ask your salesperson for written manufacturer information on frame joinery. Most sofas have sinuous, also called serpentine, springs — preassembled units of snaking wire. They're nicely supportive, but they can press on the frame or sag over time if the metal isn't heavy. High-end sofas often come with "eight-way hand-tied springs. Feel the springs through the upholstery — they should be close together and firm.

Sofas with no springs, just webbing or mesh, are uncomfortable and flimsy. Tip: Sit down firmly on a corner or outside edge of a sofa you're considering. Squeaks and creaks suggest that springs are incorrectly placed or hitting the frame.