There are a few factors that can help distinguish the quality; for example, the overall weight, frame/foundation, spring system, seat cushion foam and upholstery fabric all play a huge role in the quality of a sofa or chair.
The quality of the frame, suspension, cushioning, and upholstery are what separate a sofa that will last 10 to 20 years from one that will start to wobble or look dingy after only a few.
Good quality furniture frames will sit even level with the floor. Bad quality furniture will wobble, twist, or creak. Wood on a good quality furniture piece should be reasonably scratch resistant, if it dents easily the furniture will not stand up to much use.
Your new sofa may not last more than five to ten years (more if you take good care of it), but it should provide a comfy starting point for your family. Mid-Range ($1,500 to $3,000). You can find high-quality, mid-range sofas with polyester, velvet, and even leather upholstery for anywhere between $1,500 to $3,000.
So here's your first tip: anything under $699 is considered an inexpensive sofa. $799–$1,999 is the average you'll pay for one sofa. Any sofa within the $2,000–$3,000 is considered “higher-end”.
If it is made from quality materials, it will last longer than others. The best high-end furniture is made from natural wood and steel. These materials will last longer than those made from MDF & aluminium. If the materials are cheap, you will likely find them peeling off or flaking after only a short time.
Leather sofas are incredibly durable and only look better with age. Leather is also pretty odor-resistant; cloth can easily wipe up most stains and spills.
Performance Acrylic and Polyester are Best Fabrics for Sofa. We've talked about the advantages of polyesters and acrylics, but not every polyester or acrylic thread has the same stain resistance and durability to be considered a 'performance fabric.
Leather sofas tend to have a longer lifespan than fabric sofas. This is because it tends to be more durable to withstand wear and tear, making it the perfect investment if you have young children. The strong nature of the material means it withstands fading or fraying and will still look new even decades down the line.
While the average sofa should last between 7 and 15 years, signs of wear and tear are likely to appear before then – especially if it's a well-loved sofa. Luckily, there are ways you can make your sofa appear just as beautiful as the day you bought it.
One reason why high-end furniture is associated with high prices is the quality of materials used. High-end furniture uses high-quality materials such as organic cotton and sustainable wood. The extra care taken to choose the materials means that the piece will look beautiful and last longer.
High-quality upholstery is difficult to evaluate because you cannot see inside the furniture. There are, however, methods of determining quality. High-quality upholstery is best evaluated by checking the inner frame, support foundation, padding, and cushioning materials.
Foam - this type of filling is well known for being firm, comfortable and low maintenance, making it ideal for those buying a sofa for the first time or who don't want to spend a lot of time plumping the cushions.
High resiliency (HR) foam is usually found in top-tier quality sofas. While all foams will deteriorate somewhat with time, an HR foam will hold its shape longer. To qualify as high resiliency, a foam has to have the density of at least 2.5 pounds per cubic foot.
Mulberry Silk – this silk is the softest and finest silk in the world. Which mean it is also one of the most expensive silks known to man and fabric industry. Linen – Finally, this fabric is the most expensive. It taken from the flax plant and process to made as the most luxurious fabric.
The Best Times to Score a Deal on a New Sofa
While the best time of year for buying furniture depends on which type of furniture you're buying, when it comes to sofas and sectionals specifically, the best months to buy and save money are January, February, August and September.
An 18th-century design that has never gone out of style, a camelback sofa is characterized by the graceful lines of its dramatically arched back. Camelback sofas are versatile enough that they're well suited for both ornate, classical designs as well as a more modern design ethos, or even a “shabby chic” look.
The quality of Wayfair's furniture depends on the piece you get. Since the furniture comes from a wide range of brands, their quality varies across the board. And since Wayfair has so many products — including sofas, beds, rugs, lighting, decor, and more — it really comes down to what you buy.
Don't Be Afraid to Haggle
While you probably won't have much luck negotiating furniture prices at chains, independently owned shops are usually more open-minded.
You get better value for money when buying a firm sofa than you would when buying a soft sofa that will quickly sag. These are likely to need replacing every few years. You get great support for your back and legs, as opposed to the comparative lack of support you might get from a soft sofa.
The average life of a sofa purchased today is seven to 15 years, but there are six warning signs before the arms fall off that it might just be time to start looking for a replacement.