We have a style to suit you

This guide is provided to help you through the maze of furniture buying.  We have also included helpful hints.

Sofas

Sofas vary greatly in price due to the materials that are used inside and outside.  If you want a sofa to last then spend as much as you can.  Depending on the manufacturer, the sofa may be made of a soft wood or hardwood frame which is sometimes just glued and stapled together.  In the more expensive sofas, you will find that the frame is made wholly of hardwoods which are then dowelled, screwed and glued together.  This gives the frame much more strength.  The better quality sofas also contain a sprung seat which is simply made up of coils of strong wire (much like a bed spring).  These are stapled along the edge of the seat base to give more comfort and support for the cushion.

Types of fabric used vary greatly, on the cheaper models, thinner fabrics are used.  These fabrics are perfectly good to use, but will not last or keep their look as well as the more expensive fabrics.  On the better quality sofas, heavy chenille, plush velvets or top quality hides will be available.

If you have a hectic family life or have children, consider purchasing a sofa with machine washable covers or wipe clean covers.

It is true that the more you spend the more you get.  Quality varies greatly so don't expect the bargain of the year to last you for ever!

When buying a sofa that states removable covers, ask the salesman for full cleaning instructions, it may be that although the covers are removable, they may not be machine washable or dry cleanable.  This means that a specialist firm will need to clean them for you.

If you do purchase a machine washable loose cover sofa, check the washing instructions carefully.  Some manufacturers recommend that only certain washing powders should be used, i.e. those that do not contain optical brighteners.  

When you wash them, try to wash all of the covers at the same time, normal fading may occur, just as any other material, so washing at the same time will help hide any fading.

If you have scatter cushions on the sofa which are a different colour to that of the main cover, do not put them back on to the sofa until the covers are completely dry, this will stop any colour run.

Types of Removable Covers and Wipe Clean Fabrics

Washable Loose Covers means that they are removable and you are able to wash them in a machine, normally at 40°c

Removable Covers means that they are removable but will need specialist or dry cleaning.

Wipe Clean sofas have a special fabric which allows the stain to sit on the top.  When removing a stain, do not rub hard as this will push it into the fabric, instead, using a clean cloth, tap lightly onto the stain to remove the excess, then work in towards the centre removing the residue.

What to look for when buying a sofa

Firstly, don't be afraid to ask a salesperson for advice, if they are well trained, within asking just a couple of questions, they can direct you to the style of sofa that would suit you.  If you have seen a sofa or style that you like in a magazine, take the picture with you, together with any wall paper or curtain samples that you have.  Tell the salesperson exactly what you are looking for, whether it is a washable loose cover sofa, or a traditional Chesterfield.  If you want a sofa to curl up in then a small seated sofa will not be suitable.  Also, tell them about the type of colour scheme that you have in mind.  They may of had just the sofa in mind for you, and at special offer, but only available in Fuchsia Pink!