Year: 2024

Couch Frames – Not All Are Created Equally

When you go couch shopping, whether in person or online, it is very easy to get wrapped up in the looks of a piece. Two couches that look completely alike can actually be miles apart in quality and price, and many people will not have the foggiest idea why. Sometimes it is because of fabric or name brand, but most of the time it is because of the frame. Frames are the skeleton of the couch, and go a very long ways towards determining the final quality rating of a piece. Without a solid, sturdy base, the couch will not last and is usually a poor value for your money. This is true in virtually every type of couch, from sleeper sofas to RTA (ready to assemble) furniture pieces.

So, how do you know when you have a solid, sturdy frame on a couch? Here are some tips:

One of the first things to look at in a frame is the joints. Are they glued? Do they use dowells? Are they stapled in place? Are they screwed? The best couch and sofa frames will use some combination of all of these, and not only one. Additionally, a solid sofa frame should be reinforced with additional blocks to ensure that they are sturdy and ready for the long haul.

What the sofa frame is made of is another vital thing to look at when you are furniture shopping. Buying hardwoods such as oak and ash are your best options as a rule, and they will ensure that the frame will last a very long time. Having the wood dried in a kiln is a good idea as well, because this takes out the majority of the natural wetness in the wood. This will prevent the wood from changing shape in the future as the wood ages. It is not unusual for a poorly made couch frame to crack or split over time, so you want to be sure that the wood is of the best quality. Also, check to make sure you have no knots in the wood, as this can put undue stress on the couch frame as well. Interestingly, there are some custom made RTA furniture companies that are using oak and ash wood now, making this type of furniture much higher in quality than what the standard was in previous years.

One of the knocks on RTA furniture over the years is that they use particle board, plywood and chip core in the construction of their furniture. This also stretches into the standard furniture market, and makes for a very cheaply made product. Avoid these cheaper alternatives if you are hoping to keep your furniture for an extended period. Otherwise, you will find it falling apart in short order. Kiln-dried wood such as mentioned above will last a lifetime, and is usually guaranteed to do so. The extra money is well worth the cost for your peace of mind and …

Searching for the Best Sofa Tables

Sofa tables are the perfect answer to a much-needed accent in some spaces. A perfect example of a space where a sofa table is needed is when a couch backs up to another space. For example, a sofa that faces the television but works as a sort of divider between the family room and a dining room or entryway could really use these tables.

Sofa tables work in two different ways. They can either be selected to blend in with the back of the sofa, or they can set it off as an accent feature. Either way you go, it is very important to remember that the back of the sofa is extremely important when you are looking for these tables. Most people do not spend much time looking at the back of their sofas, and they forget to check it out before they go shopping. Just take a good long look at how the sofa backs up to the other space and determine the best way to approach it. Don’t forget to measure the length and height of the sofa before shopping. This will ensure that the tables you look at aren’t too big or too small for the sofa you have. Once you have your measurements, then it’s time to start looking at tables.

Accent Tables

Sofa tables that are meant to be accent tables will work as a sort of opposing force to the back of the sofa. For example, a black or dark brown sofa might be accented with a gold or light oak sofa table. The effect is even more dramatic when pairing colors like red and black, black and white, or any other dramatic colors together.

Usually accent tables are meant to hold decorative pieces, although it isn’t a bad idea to look for a sofa table that also has a little bit of storage. Baskets make for very efficient storage, and they often accent the table as well. Some sofa tables also come with small baskets that fit perfectly into the shelves, so there is no need to purchase baskets separately.

Functional Tables

Of course accent tables can also be functional tables, but in some cases it may be better to look for sofa tables that will blend in with the back of the sofa. The reason you might want to do this is so that you do not draw attention to the table itself. Usually tables that blend into the back of the sofa are meant for function rather than decoration, so you will definitely want to look for look for tables that have shelves or drawers. Drawers are great because they allow you to hide some of the clutter around your home, especially when you need to hide it quickly.

When selecting a table that is meant to blend in with your sofa, choose a color or shade that matches your sofa. Light oak wood pairs wonderfully with light-colored leather, while glass with a silver …