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So, you are buying a new sofa. Are you overwhelmed with all of the choices available?

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There are so many choices out there today! The best advice I can give you is to think of this large purchase as an investment. Quality is key and although quality doesn’t come cheap, a good quality sofa will stay more comfortable and retain its looks for a long time. So consider buying the best quality that you can afford! Let me share a few tips you need to know to help make the process easier for you:

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If it is at all possible, go to the store and try out the sofas. Sit in them, bounce on them, look at the joints and ask questions. Do you like the look of the legs showing? Or do you like a more informal, casual look with the skirt? The sofa arms are another visual factor to look at. Do you like the look of a rolled arm or squared? Knowing these little facts ahead of time will save you time in the store. I strongly suggest going to the store to actually sit in the sofa and try out rather than purchasing online. As I mentioned, there are so many sofa options out there, how can you be sure you love it if you do not try it out?

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A sofa is a large and expensive purchase for most of us. It is better to buy a good quality made couch that will last you for many years instead of buying poor quality goods and then wanting to replace in a couple years because it is beaten and broken. All you need to be aware of when looking for a good quality sofa are a few basic items.

Number One: Frame:

The best frame is made out of kiln-dried hardwood. The process of kiln drying removes all moisture from the wood, enabling it to retain its shape and stability over a long period of time.

In a good quality frame, special attention is paid to the joints, which are glued, dowelled and screwed. The corners are further strengthened by the addition of reinforcing blocks. These provide extra support.

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Number Two: Seating Support:

The best seating support is the eight-way hand tied springs system (in the construction of these systems, the craftsman individually ties heavy-gauge coils from front to back, side to side and diagonally (eight ways) to provide the highest level of quality, comfort and durability. This process costs more because it is time consuming and can only be done by hand) wikipedia. You should always test the quality of seating support by sitting on a sofa before you buy it. It shouldn’t sag, but provide good support in the seat and in the back. Just mention you are only interested in the eight-way hand tied support system. They will know you know your stuff!

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Number Three: Cushions:

Cushioning separates you from the springs how much you need is up to you. Very often you will have a choice of filling types (look for this information on the hang tag on the cushion). Cheap sofas use foam alone and better sofas use foam core within a down & feather blanket wrap. Down is best.

In the end, quality doesn’t come cheap, but a good quality sofa will stay more comfortable and retain its looks for a long time. So consider buying the best quality that you can afford.

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Here are a few more tips and advice for picking out your new sofa:

Neutrals work best in most rooms, especially small rooms, but you can dress up your sofa by using more vibrant colors and patterns in the pillows, or adding throws.

Go with a strong color if you want to make a bold statement, but if you do so, consider buying a sofa with simpler lines.

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If you find a comfortable, well- made sofa but are not crazy about the fabric, did you know you can ask the salesperson to see the samples of the fabrics that can also be used? In many cases it will be the same cost or only slightly higher. You can even have it custom made with the material of your choice.

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I hope I have helped you understand what to look for a little better when buying a sofa. Just remember these tips and hopefully it will help take some of the stress out of shopping!

Is it time to buy a new sofa?

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