Upholstery is where a beautiful photo and a lasting piece can part ways. Two sofas can look the same online and live very differently in a client's home. Here is what we look at before we place an order.
1. What is the frame made of?
Ask for the frame material and how the joints are held together. Kiln-dried hardwood with corner blocks holds its shape for years. If the spec sheet doesn't say, ask the vendor before you quote it.
2. How is the seat supported?
Hand-tied springs, sinuous springs and webbing all have their place, at very different price points. Know which one you're buying so the price makes sense to your client.
3. What's inside the cushions?
Foam density and wrap decide whether a cushion stays crisp or softens and slumps. If your client loves a relaxed look, a down blend may be right. If they want it tailored, ask for a firmer core.
4. Is the fabric right for how the room is used?
Check the abrasion rating, the cleaning code and the repeat. A family room with kids and a dog needs a different fabric than a formal living room. Always order a cutting for approval before the full yardage.
5. Does it fit through the door?
Measure the doors, stairs and turns, not just the room. Confirm whether legs come off and whether the back can be removed. It's the least glamorous check and the one most likely to save a return.
A good piece is built well where nobody looks.
Written by
Amy Crawley
Founder & Principal Designer, Trade House Collective
Amy has designed commercial and residential interiors since 2004. She and her team built Trade House Collective so independent designers can buy from the lines they love without carrying every account themselves.
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