Publications
Partners
Don't be fooled, buying new living room furniture can be quite a tedious task! Apart from how much you can afford, there are many other factors you’ll also need to consider.
Here’s help:
What is your style?
• First decide what the purpose of your couch is - will it be used by the whole family or is it part of your décor?
• Don't follow new or unusual trends too closely. Look, instead, for a couch that is timeless and practical.
• What does the rest of you home look like? Will that purple couch go with your green curtains or blue carpet?
What fabric should you choose?
• Light–coloured fabrics look good, but soil quickly.
• If you do opt for a light fabric, choose one with removable covers that can be cleaned easily. Multi–coloured fabrics hide stains, while solid colours show them.
• Leather is good if you have kids as they handle spillage more readily.
• Ask to see a fabric sample so .you can make an informed decision.
• Is the piece of furniture going to be exposed to direct sunlight? If so, ensure that you choose a fabric that is UV protected or similar.
Is your choice comfortable?
• Is the couch broad enough?
• After sitting on the couch for a few minutes, is it still cosy or is your sitting position awkward?
• Perhaps an ottoman would be a nice accessory to accompany your couch - putting your feet up may add that extra element of comfort that you are looking for.
How strong and durable is the frame?
• A couch should last at least 10 years.
• Industrial pine frames are viewed as the best quality. Avoid crate pine as it is weaker.
• Testing the quality of your couch is easy: Lift the couch – as a rule, the heavier, the better.
IMPORTANT: Take a careful look at the couch-it make look the same but beware of the following shortcuts:
• Lower grade or thinner foam
• Crate pine or chipboard may have been used, instead of industrial pine.
• Inferior fabric
• Sub-standard upholstery
Follow Women24 on Twitter and like us on Facebook
Here’s help:
What is your style?
• First decide what the purpose of your couch is - will it be used by the whole family or is it part of your décor?
• Don't follow new or unusual trends too closely. Look, instead, for a couch that is timeless and practical.
• What does the rest of you home look like? Will that purple couch go with your green curtains or blue carpet?
What fabric should you choose?
• Light–coloured fabrics look good, but soil quickly.
• If you do opt for a light fabric, choose one with removable covers that can be cleaned easily. Multi–coloured fabrics hide stains, while solid colours show them.
• Leather is good if you have kids as they handle spillage more readily.
• Ask to see a fabric sample so .you can make an informed decision.
• Is the piece of furniture going to be exposed to direct sunlight? If so, ensure that you choose a fabric that is UV protected or similar.
Is your choice comfortable?
• Is the couch broad enough?
• After sitting on the couch for a few minutes, is it still cosy or is your sitting position awkward?
• Perhaps an ottoman would be a nice accessory to accompany your couch - putting your feet up may add that extra element of comfort that you are looking for.
How strong and durable is the frame?
• A couch should last at least 10 years.
• Industrial pine frames are viewed as the best quality. Avoid crate pine as it is weaker.
• Testing the quality of your couch is easy: Lift the couch – as a rule, the heavier, the better.
IMPORTANT: Take a careful look at the couch-it make look the same but beware of the following shortcuts:
• Lower grade or thinner foam
• Crate pine or chipboard may have been used, instead of industrial pine.
• Inferior fabric
• Sub-standard upholstery
Follow Women24 on Twitter and like us on Facebook
