| Let me just say that the style of cushion is always | | | | Next is if do you want a skirted sofa or one with the |
| important than you think. First decide if you prefer | | | | visible legs? Legs are usually available in a number of |
| the look of loose back cushions or attached. Be sure | | | | finishes as well. Choose from leg styles that vary |
| to sit in the sofa you are considering. Is it | | | | from heavy square chunks and wide bun feet to |
| comfortable? Are the arms the right height for taking | | | | more delicate tapered legs or carved and curved |
| a nap or reading a book? Loose cushions give you | | | | formal versions. |
| the option of turning the pillows as needed, while | | | | You need to understand frame construction. Ask |
| attached backs won't need fluffing or rearranging. | | | | about the construction of a sofa under consideration. |
| When you sit on the cushions, do they stay in place | | | | Interior construction is important as well. Cheap |
| or do the corners flare up? Are they attached to the | | | | furniture is stapled together and has haphazardly |
| frame with a clip to hold them down? How many | | | | constructed corner bracing. Better frames are |
| seat cushions would you like? One cushion offers a | | | | securely screwed together. The best are made from |
| clean modern look while two or three are traditional. | | | | kiln-dried hardwoods (oak, maple, poplar, etc.), while |
| Another thing to keep in mind is the style of arm | | | | inexpensive furniture is made from softer pine |
| that you would want for your modern furniture. The | | | | lumber. Often a furniture store will have a cutaway |
| rolled arm has a flat front panel and is often outlined | | | | model of the interior of upholstered pieces. Does it |
| in cording. English style is rounded at the front, with | | | | have quality 8-way tied springs or cheaper wire coils? |
| fabric formed into sunburst-type pleats. Choose an | | | | Of course next step is to find out how the seat |
| arm style, armless, traditional rolled arm, curved | | | | support system is made. Modern sofa is always a |
| English arm, or a straight Parsons style. Straight arm | | | | great thing to have but understanding it also is a |
| sofas are most often seen in contemporary settings. | | | | need. |