Although a couch has to look good aesthetically, it is also important to find one that is comfortable, durable and long-lasting.

A cheap couch will never hold up to the durability that a top-end couch will offer – in most cases, cheap couches break, pop springs and look worn and out of shape after a year’s worth of regular use. A good quality couch on the other hand not only looks good, but it will also offer years of enjoyment and its sound construction will be conducive to periodic reupholstering, which will prolong its life even further.

If you are not an expert on couch manufacturing, it is often difficult to distinguish between the good and the bad. Property24 offers a few tips on what to consider before you purchase a couch.

Cushion conundrum

Depending on the style of couch you opt for, the cushions will either be attached to the back of the couch or loose. The loose cushions give you the option of turning them when required and they are far easier to re-upholster, while an attached back is easier to maintain as it will not require constant fluffing or rearranging.

Test the couch and its cushions out as various arrangements have varying comforts and it is important that you choose what is good for your individual requirements. If for example, you have a back problem, it would probably be more preferable to choose an attached back as it will offer more support for your back. However if you prefer to lie on your couch, loose cushions would be optimum as they can be removed to create more lying space.

There is also the option of how many seating cushions to choose – a single large cushion offers a clean contemporary look, while two or three separate cushions are generally more harmonious with traditional styles. Remember, that to a large extent, the amount of cushions a couch has will dictate how many people will sit comfortably on that particular couch. For example, only two people will sit on a couch with two cushions, as nobody really likes to sit in the crack between the two cushions. If you get a couch with three cushions, three people will use it, unless the cushions are exceptionally wide. A single long cushion on the other hand will happily accommodate as many people that can squeeze onto the couch as possible. Check out that the corners of the cushions don’t turn up when you sit on the couch - they ought to be attached to the couch with a clip to hold them in place.

The cushion filling ultimately dictates the feel and the comfort level of the couch, and so it is an important thing to check. Most couch manufacturers use upholstery foam, which comes in several thicknesses and weights. Generally speaking, the thicker and heavier the foam, the more durable and long lasting the couch will be. The more exclusive couches are filled with down, which needs to be fluffed daily. Another option involves down pads wrapped around a foam core, making it more robust and reducing the need for daily fluffing.

A fusion of fabric

When choosing the fabric for your couch, it is essential to consider aesthetics, as well as durability, stain-resistance and maintenance issues. Chenille for example is soft and durable, while leather is extremely long-lasting. Velvets and faux suede on the other hand, look lovely, but may quickly appear worn out if placed in high traffic areas. Plain canvas or drill fabrics are hard wearing, but easily stained.

Stains and dirt are especially important considerations for parents and pet owners, as both children and pets are well reputed couch destroyers! Patterned fabric and fabric in dark colours have the benefit of being able to hide stains better than plain and lightly coloured fabrics. Alternatively, you can pay a bit extra and get your couch covered in an industrial-strength commercial grade upholstery fabric, which has been specially manufactured to withstand the wear and tear of high traffic areas. Some commercial fabrics even have the ability to deter bacteria.

Special treatments can also be applied to your couches, such as Scotchgard for example, which keeps fabrics looking new for longer. However, it is probably leather that has the longest lifespan – it is highly durable and easy to care for – however there is the chance of scratches and tears that are very difficult to fix. Another option is to get slip covers made for your couches – some couches even come standard with slip covers already made. This is a great option, as not only can you take the covers off to wash them, but you can easily change the colour and look of the couch by fitting it with a new cover in a new fabric.

Frame and seat construction

The best frames comprise kiln-dried hardwoods, such as Oak, Maple or Poplar for example. Most inexpensive furniture is made from softer and less durable Pine wood. Interior construction is another crucial consideration – inexpensive furniture is usually stapled together and has poorly constructed corner bracing, while more expensive furniture should be securely screwed together and furnish well constructed and hardy corner bracing. With regards to seating – one of the most durable seating constructions comprises eight-way tied springs, however there are other types of wire coils, and of course, some seating comprises only wood and foam constructions. - Antonella Dési

Pictures courtesy of:
Twiice International: www.twiice.com.

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