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furnishing and decorating - Finding the Right Sofa For
You - article by Pamela Cole
Harris.
You know it’s time for a new sofa when the
only visible pattern on your old one is the one made by your kid’s kool-aid
stains. Or when there is more stuffing outside of the sofa than inside. Or
when your guests need help “getting out” of your sofa. Or when you find out
your sofa was a “divan” when your grandmother bought it new. Finding a new
one that is right for your family and your lifestyle is a daunting task, but
here are a few tips to make that task a bit easier:
1. Before you shop for a new sofa, determine what size sofa you need. That
may not necessarily be determined by the size of your room. If you live in
an upstairs apartment, it may be determined by the width of the stairs, the
height of the elevator doors or the size of your
“always-ready-to-help-move-furniture” friends. Make a note of the maximum
width, height and length that will fit in your space or entrance.
2. Remember that this too shall pass away. That colour that’s oh so hot
today, will be tomorrow’s avocado green or burnt orange. Pick a neutral
colour that can be dressed up with throw pillows in all those wild new
colours. Pillows are inexpensive and you can change the look of your room
every hour on the hour if you wish!
3. Pick an upholstery fabric or leather that will wear well with your
lifestyle. Is the sofa going to be used in a formal living room or a rowdy
family room? If you have kids, you should probably stay away from white
satin sofas. If you are a careful single adult, white satin might be
perfect.
4. If the sofa will be in high traffic areas, try to pick a pattern that
will hide soils and stains. Multicoloured patterns or tweeds are ideal. The
idea is to have a sofa that still looks good while hiding all of those
little “accidents” kids will always have.
5. Sit on the sofa in the store. If possible have at least two other people
sit on it as well. Is the sofa comfortable when more than one person is
sitting on it? How about the centre cushion? Is it as comfortable as the
outside cushions? How about the arm height? Do the back cushions allow you
to “sink in” or must you sit with your best posture? Is the seat the correct
height for your leg length?
6. Stand back from the sofa and check the pattern. Does the pattern on the
back of the sofa match the cushions? Does the pattern on the cushions match
the skirt? Are the stripes aligned at the edges? The mark of quality
construction is the careful matching of patterns. If it doesn’t match, don’t
waste your money on it.
7. Look at the trim. Does the cording fit flat and straight or does it
curve? Again, if you suspect shoddy workmanship, don’t waste your money on
it.
8. Remove the cushions and unzip the covers. Be aware of how the cushions
are constructed. Is the foam wrapped? Is there extra padding? What is used
to stuff the cushions? Foam? Down? Peanuts (don’t buy it!)?
9. Look at the body of the sofa. Make certain all surfaces are covered and
padded. Unless it is part of the design of the sofa, you shouldn’t see wood
under the seat cushions.
10. Look at the construction. Are the corners blocked and glued or bolted?
If they are just glued or stapled, again, don’t waste your money!
There! Now you are ready to hunt for that sofa. Hmmm…do you need a license
to hunt sofa in this state?
Pamela Cole Harris is an editor and writer
with 35 years experience. Visit her website, www.homeandgardenmakeover.com,
for a free newsletter with remodelling, home improvement and decorating
ideas for the financially challenged and creatively deficient. Or for unique
content for your website, written especially for your keywords and audience,
visit www.pamelacoleharris.com
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