It’s not always easy to know the difference between a genuine bargain and poor quality upholstery as the inexperienced eye will often miss clues to substandard furniture. Graham Bell, owner of The Skipton Sofa Company, has been in the furniture trade for many years.  He warns that buying very cheap sofas is almost always a false economy and that - as with anything else - you get what you pay for.  To help you know what to look for in good quality upholstery, he has put together the following tips:

1.  Ask about the frame of the sofa.  It might look wonderful, but if the frame is not well made – ideally hardwood – then it is unlikely to withstand the rigours of long term hard wear. Check that it sits firmly and evenly on the floor without creaking or wobbling.  Ensure that the whole frame, but particularly the corners, are well padded and that you can’t actually feel it through the fabric.

2.  Check that all moving mechanisms are working smoothly in sofabeds and recliners.  Do they seem substantially made?  Avoid flimsy mechanisms and make sure the metal is smooth, free of sharp edges and that the moving parts will not catch on the fabric.

3.  Check the back of the sofa, especially checking that the centre is not hollow.

4.  Are the seat cushions firm?  They should fit tightly and be resilient to pressure.

5.  Is it comfortable?  It may look wonderful, but remember, this is what you are going to be relaxing on every evening.  Make sure the height of the back and arms, and the distance from the back to the edge of the seat is suited to you.

6. Make sure upholstered arms are firmly secured and well padded. Consider whether arm caps are included.

7. Try all recliner positions and consider whether you want manual or powered mechanisms.

8. Make sure patterned fabrics are centred, match at the seams and are straight, particularly in the case of striped designs.

9.  If there are any buttons, make sure they are sewn on securely with no loose threads.

10.  Ask about protective stain guard treatments, and in the case of leather, long term care.

Specialising in made-to-measure upholstery, The Skipton Sofa Company is an independent firm refreshingly sympathetic to the needs of its customers.  It means you are not limited to choosing something from the showroom floor.  You can try sitting on a few different sofas to get a feel for what you want. Once you have tried their comfort, our experienced staff will help you select the size, fabric, feet, cushions and filling options you prefer to build a sofa that is unique to you and worth every penny.