Designer Secrets on Selecting the Perfect Sofa
Most people want to ensure that the upholstered furniture they buy is of high quality and built to last. After all the time spent working on selecting a style, picking a fabric and waiting the extended post COVID lead times, you’ll want to make sure your sofa is here is stay! Did you know all the things that make your sofa a good investment ALSO make it more SUSTAINABLE? On today’s blog I’ll review all my designer secrets for selecting your perfect sofa.
Frame Construction & Content
Start by looking for sturdy frames constructed from kiln dried hardwood, FSC Certified hardwood or recycled or reclaimed wood. Rowe furniture, who makes the beautiful chaise lounge shown here, makes frames that are held together by mortise and ten-non or dovetail joints will last longer and have less warping.
Cushion Content
Sometimes what you don’t see CAN hurt you. When selecting a sofa make sure to ask about the cushion content. Most sofas have a high density foam core or an inner core with springs. Sofas with springs will take the most abuse and have the longest life. If your favorite sofa has springs, opt for springs made of recycled steel without any lead coatings to make your selection more sustainable.
Now let’s discuss the foam used by most furniture manufacturers. Polyurethane foam can emit volatile organic compounds, which are chemicals that can vaporize and enter the air. VOCs released from furniture foam may include formaldehyde, toluene, benzene, and other potentially harmful substances. Prolonged exposure to high levels of VOCs can lead to respiratory issues, allergic reactions so it’s a good thing to avoid.
Instead, seek out plant based, petroleum free latex and foam cores. Check for added flame retardants (you don’t want or need these) and confirm the wrapping of these cushions is organic cotton and bleach free.
The sofa interior shown to the left is from Cisco Home, a leader in fully sustainable and clean furniture.
Upholstery Fabric
Once you have selected your sofa frame and cushions, you’ll select the wrapping paper (upholstery fabric) and bow (pillows and trims) for your new piece. There are great PFAS free durable fabrics that are made from recycled content, specifically recycled polyester (aka, plastic). An even more sustainable option is to select a natural fiber like linen, cotton or wool. These are natural, renewable materials that compostable and have an overall lower carbon footprint.
The sofa shown here is a “Build Your Own” custom sofa from Wesley Hall with a polyester upholstery. I love these sofas because they come in 2 depths and you can select 9 base options, 9 arm options, 5 back styles, select how many seat cushions and what you’d like for filling. This program makes even the most discerning clients happy with their sofa selection.
Manufacturing & Shipping Process
Now that you have selected your sofa have you thought about how you are going to get it to your home? Once your all time favorite sofa arrives and is in your living room, what are you going to do with all the packaging? Make your life easier and more sustainable and look for vendors that package with all or mostly recyclable packing materials.
