It's easy to be taken in by appearances when buying upholstered furniture; first impressions are usually based on the fabric covering the furniture, so we often forget what really matters; the shape, the comfort and the engineering or structure of the seat. Modern pieces tend to have clean lines, and are usually made with materials such as MDF, plywood and foam. This may sound uninspiring, but choose wisely and you can expect a hardwearing piece of furniture. If you prefer a more traditional look, there is an equally wide range on offer but, with the traditional materials and technical skills needed to achieve these styles, you should expect to pay more.

Before you commit to buying chairs or sofas, there are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Always consider the proportions of a chair or sofa; a large piece may dwarf other furniture in the room, whilst something too small will look odd.
2. Take full measurements home and check the available space.
3. Finally, before you buy, you should always check that the piece would fit through your doors, especially if your home has a narrow hall.

Traditional Furniture

Construction
Traditionally constructed sofas are made from a hardwood frame, (usually beech), held together with dowels, screws and glue, which results in a completely solid, stable structure. Layers of natural padding (horsehair or wool) are built around the frame to create shape. Seat springs are hand-tied to a webbing base, but some sofas will have coiled springs attached to metal strips stretching from front to back of the frame.
Not all backs are sprung, but top-end sofas will have coiled springs in the backs and arms to create shape and comfort. It is worth remembering that the heavier a sofa, the better quality it's likely to be. In a sprung-back design, S-shaped springs or serpentine springs are used.

The more hardwood a sofa contains, the sturdier it will be; less expensive pieces tend to be more lightweight as, rather than hardwood, they use hardboard. Whilst in the showroom, nudge the sofa with your knee. If it moves easily, review its quality, looks and construction.

Classic Good Looks
Traditionally constructed formal sofas tend to have a "tight back" with no loose cushions. Tight backs may also be sprung and buttoned. Some sofas have cushioned backs, using two or three separate cushions to help create the shape. It may be useful to note that foam-filled cushions will keep their shape better than those filled with feathers or fibre. If a tight fixed-covered sofa is too formal, try loose covers instead. They have a more casual appearance, and have the added benefit of being removable for cleaning, or replaced to update a piece.

Contemporary Furniture

Construction
Modern upholstered furniture can be made in a variety of ways, but are usually structured using combinations of foam, board and fibre. Dense foam is mostly combined with a concealed metal frame, but styles with exposed timber frames are also popular. High-density foam is a common component of contemporary sofas as it holds its shape well and can be sculpted to create flowing curves. Although modern designs are structured similarly, it is still worth considering its weight, in order to judge its durability. If the seat section is sprung, it is likely that serpentine, rather than coiled, springs will be used. However, some modern pieces will still be constructed using traditional hardwood frames and coiled springs.

Modern Lines
Modern sofas tend to be simpler than traditional ones, with fewer, larger-scale cushions. Modular pieces that bolt together to create corner units are currently popular, often also with a "chaise" or recliner section.

Before You Buy
With any sofa, try before you buy. Low or slim line models aren't always the most comfortable for reclining, and the height of the backs may not suit you either. Consider the depth of the seat, as tall or small people will find different depths offer varying degrees of comfort.

Household furniture, much of it ready-to-assemble for easy transporting, fills a need for attractive, lightweight, conveniently stored chairs and stools for informal living and entertaining. With plated steel legs, padded seats, colours or wood grain vinyl tops and styles to go with any home decorating plan, these pieces can become a permanent household item or, if space demands, can be stored and used only when needed. Generally, household furniture frames are made of tubular steel with one of three finishes (in order of durability) chrome plated, brass plated or painted. Legs should be capped with rubber or plastic tips or plastic glides. Chair seats and backrests can be padded with foam rubber or wood fibre and covered with washable vinyl or an easy-care fabric.

Folding Chairs
Some chairs have Y-fold structure, like that of card-table chairs. Quality chairs, however, look like living room or family-room chairs when set up. Seats are about 16" square and 18" from the floor. With either construction, chairs nest for storage.

Stools
No matter what its use, tubular steel legs will have chrome, brass or painted finish, be spread at the base for stability and capped with plastic tips or glides to protect floors. Occasionally, frames are made of lightweight wrought iron. Seats and backs are padded and vinyl covered in decorator colours. Some lines are made of fibreglass, wood or rattan and better models have leather seat pads.

Step Stools
Step stools are a combination of a two-step ladder and a kitchen stool. The two steps provide enough lift to reach high cabinets, shelves or curtain rods, and chair seat is right height for sit-down ironing or working at a kitchen bar or sink. With some stools, the seat lifts up for access to the steps, while on other models steps swing out. Those with swing-out steps must be designed so that steps stay in place under the seat when the stool is moved. Most step stools have a backrest, which serves a dual purpose-support and comfort when used as a chair and as a steadying device when used as a small ladder.

Bar / Counter Stools
Bar and counter stools are generally used at breakfast or basement bars. Normal seat height is 17" or 24" for breakfast bars and 30" for basement bars. Better pedestal stools adjust to various heights to suit specific needs. Most models have backrests and footrests (usually chrome plated) for comfort, (adjustable on better stools). Almost all have swivel seats, better ones with nylon or ball bearings. Cheaper lines often have unstable rotation devices.
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17 March 2010
BARGAIN GOOD AS NEW BEANBAGS..
2 x large red faux leather beanbags. hardly used, good as new. ideal for lounging, perfect as a games chair. cost £75 each brand new, yours for just £30 each or £50 for the pair. buyer collects. .
CT11
16 March 2010
Wooden stools can make your home..
Http://www. comfyuk. co. uk : comfyuk are pioneers in the manufacturing of stools and benches of a wide variety. be it bedroom stool or wooden benches, we have a lots in store for our customers. in our wooden stools, you have the option of buying a brown stool or a white stool. we . .
£225
WV13
Settee / 3 seater Sofa..
3 seater sofa clean. good starter sofa. light brown. some tears under cushions on base but not visable. approx. 8 years old. would do till you can afford a newer one. adequate for now. can assist with loading. could get a cheap local delivery quote for you if you have no transp. .
KT12
12 March 2010
Traditional 3 Piece suite plus foot stool ..
We have for sale (collection only) a traditional looking 3 piece suite (2 seater sofa and 2 x chairs plus a matching footstool). clean, good condition, we could not fit other chair in the picture! open to offers!!.
£50
CV8
09 March 2010
Brown leather 2seater sofa and recliner chair..
Lovely brown leather 2seater sofa and recliner chair both in very good condition. reason for sale moving and no room for them. buyer collect. thanks .
£150
PE19
08 March 2010
Cream fabric 2 seater settee..
Cream fabric 2 seater settee in excellent condition. hardly used as new. with modern floral print. you can email me at for pics thanks.
£40
TF1
06 March 2010
Three Piece Suite..
Terracotta fabric material three-piece suite for sale. three seater sofa, with two single side chairs. all in very good condition. this is not a large suite, and would fit well in any average size lounge. .
£80
NP23
Wheelchair..
Collapsible self-propelling wheelchair for sale. folds up and fits into boot of car easily. in good condition. .
£100
NP23
Three-Wheel Walker..
Abled three-wheel walker for sale, has brakes and central bag for keeping personal items safe, while walking. red metal frame with black rubber handles, frame folds into collapsible position for storage. .
£40
NP23
04 March 2010
STYLISH CREAM FABRIC SOFA WITH MATCHING CHAIR AND ..
Sylish large cream fabric sofa and matching chair and foot stool. also a brown suede effect chair which we also bought to match the sofa. good condition. first to see will buy. £350 ovno.
£350
DH9
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