Knowing the differences in furniture quality can enable you to make wise decisions when it comes to purchasing quality furniture pieces. You will want these furniture pieces to stand the test of time.
When purchased with knowledge, awareness, thought and care, the upholstery you invest in now can continue to stay in your family for generations. As both a reminder of your family’s memoirs and as an ultimate, highly valued antique. For example, this circa 1690 Louis XIII sofa, with original Aubusson upholstery will always be a classic.
Many car aficionados appreciate a difference in the engine quality and in the interior fittings of a $24,000 car vs a $45,000 car and a $75,000 car. Because these differences are so distinct, many people are comfortable investing in a very luxurious car. Similar to a well-made car, well-made furniture can withstand the test of time.
Many people do not understand what the differences are between a $1,500 sofa, a $2,500-5,000 sofa and a $10,000- 20,000 sofa. The upholstery in our own homes are what give comfort and support to our family and friends. It would make perfect sense to understand the differences between good, better and best. Prior to investing in quality furniture, it is important you understand the differences. Resulting in informed buying decisions that you will feel good about today and for years to come.
How To Determine The Furniture Quality
Below the photo shows what would be considered a *better inner construction of a chair, but not the best. The biggest difference is the best quality chair frames are made from solid hardwoods. Today commonly maple, and the *better* quality frames are made from 10-14 layers of laminated plywood –combined with soft woods.
This laminated plywood frame would be strong and fine under regular use. Giving it a 10 year life span or so. However, a hardwood frame will last forever. It would be designed to become a fine antique, able to be passed down through the generations.
Now, let’s take another look at some more pictures of what represents the finest quality:
8 WAY HAND TIED INNERSPRINGS VS. PIRELLI WEBBING
8 way hand tied innerspring core is considered one of the finest standards for quality upholstered furniture. This is because they offer the most even, comfortable support over the entire cushion, and they don’t sag or move.
This is much more expensive, as it is done knot by knot, by hand. However today, the more popular ways of attaching them is with *hog rings* or a klinchit gun. They both are faster and less expensive. That being said, if you want the very finest quality furniture, a custom upholsterer who can hand tie springs is the way to go. This will insure that your springs will never, for generations to come, come loose from your jute webbing.
Pirelli webbing For Quality Furniture
A common support system called Pirelli webbing is used now in many modern sofas. Pirelli webbing allows for support for sofa models that cannot accommodate the depth of an 8 way hand tied spring unit. However, although considered a *better* support system, it is not the best. Eventually it will sag because it is made of rubber. Unless your sofa or chair gets an unusual amount of wear and tear, you won’t have to worry about this for many years.
Here is an example of what can happen to Pirelli webbing, over time, with a lot of wear and tear. On the left is the before, on the right is the after. Pirelli webbing often is used, by even the finest manufacturers. Especially, when a sofa or chair will not allow for the use of a 8 way hand tied innerspring unit.
And, although a sofa or chair with Pirelli webbing will eventually need to have the webbing replaced. Most quality furniture upholsterers will be able to work with Pirelli webbing. Don’t concern yourself if you have your heart set on a beautiful modern or Danish modern, piece of upholstery. Go ahead and purchase it and enjoy it for years to come.
UPHOLSTERY PADDING QUALITY
Let’s take a look at upholstery padding and understand the varying differences. There are two main types of inner upholstery padding used: 1) horsehair and cotton or foam and 2) Dacron or foam and down. In most fine antique furniture, you will, if you open it up, see horsehair.
Finest Upholstery Padding
The finest upholstery padding is horsehair. The springiness and durability are first rate. A seat stuffed with horsehair can last for centuries. A quality furniture piece stuffed with horsehair, can usually be washed and re-used. It is the most expensive furniture fabric in the world. Only a few factories in Europe are still producing it.
If you’re having a custom workroom manufacture your sofa or chair exclusively to your dimensions, and you want the finest horsehair interior, ask them about double-stop stitching. Say the inner padding is made of horsehair. Double-stop stitching is the style of stitching that is best used to secure it. This is what a double stop stitch looks like.
Alternative Fibers In Furniture Cushions
There are many less expensive options for seat cushion upholstery padding. Today sof the most popular fibers in cushions are foam, coconut fiber, vegetal fiber, and other types of animal hair. Most of these fall in the *better* category, depending on the quality of material. A foam, or a combination of foam, wrapped with Dacron or down are usually filled in most furniture today. One warning: make sure to take into account whether you have any allergies before proceeding with selecting your filling materials.
When it comes to one of the biggest investments you will make in furnishing your home — the furniture you will use daily. You now have the beginnings of being able to make educated decisions about what’s best for your family.
Regardless of whether you gather with a group of friends for conversation, formally entertain, watch a movie or simply to read a good book. We urge you to invest in the best – for your family’s well being. As fashion guru, philanthropist and mother of three sons and three step-daughters, Tory Burch, has outfitted her South Hampton home with quality upholstery.
Make sure to read next week when we turn our attention from the inner construction of furniture to choosing quality materials for the outside coverings. Please let me know if you have any questions or need assistance with creating the perfect piece of quality furniture. Lasting for generations to come.
All images and informational content courtesy of the Hadley Court team, Kindel Furniture or referenced and linked to in the post except:
Image 3, 5, 6, 7
This post is a collaboration and may contain relative and relatable affiliate links. All our opinions are our own and for informational purposes.