How to Buy a Sofa

Spotting the perfect seating takes more than a keen eye

Written by Carole Nicksin

Oh to have X-ray vision when searching for a sofa! Many of the vital signs of quality (or lack thereof) can be obscured by the siren song of style: alluring upholstery, svelte arms, and come-hither cushions, all piled atop sexy bare or skirted legs. Which isn't to say that a sofa shouldn't be seductive. But if its frame is constructed out of a cheap material, if its joints are weak, springs loose, and cushions flat, your passion for its outer beauty will quickly wane. Choosing the right sofa begins with asking the right questions. Who will use it? Will it be the first stop for kids after school? Or the anchor of a living room that's just for entertaining? Do you want to sink in or sit up straight? Most people keep their sofas for seven to 10 years; how long do you expect yours to last? With your requirements in mind, peruse the following primer to become familiar with the basics of sofa construction and the questions you should be prepared to throw at your salesperson. Homework done, it's time to have some fun: Plan an outing to your favorite furniture stores—bring along a friend or two to help you conduct comfort tests—and take your favorite models for a spin.

The Frame A well-built sofa begins with a sturdy frame made of a kiln-dried hardwood, such as oak, maple, and poplar. Kiln-drying removes moisture, helping guard against warping and cracking. Furniture-grade plywood—several layers thicker than the regular sort, for added strength—has emerged in the last 10 years to rival hardwood in durability, and costs a little less. Steel, while strong, can't be contoured into elaborate, curved shapes. Other shorter-lived and less pricey materials include conventional plywood and wood-and-plastic composites, which are lightweight and only appropriate for infrequently used sofas and those that won't be kept more than two or three years. How the frame is constructed is as important as the materials from which it's made. High-quality frames are screwed and glued at all the joints, to doubly protect against anything's coming apart. Sofa corners should be reinforced with blocks connected with double dowels or staples and screws. You can't see the blocks for yourself (black fabric covers the sofa's underside), but a salesperson should know if they're there; if not, ask them to consult the manufacturer's catalog. If they don't have one, ask them to order it.

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