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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20 July 2008
Brand New, Still in Packaging Large U-Shaped Sofa..
If you want a sectional sofa set large enough to seat seven people, and yet have the comfort of a chaise attached to it, this contemporary sofa set is the ideal choice. the stylish combination of a black wooden base with chromed steel finish legs and hidden armrests is. .
£1,700
DY11
3 seater curved settee and 2 wing chairs..
Steed make ( british made) hazelmere 3 seater curved settee and 2 wing chairs. manufacturer states frames are of beech and birch hardwood, glued, screwed and dowelled and mesh top coil sprung seat units. deep loose cushions to bases and backs all have covers which can . .
£500
YO12
18 July 2008
Leather sofas x 2..
Cream 2 seater & 3 seater sofas needs cleaning hence the price other than the cleaning they are in excellent condition. buyer collects not large sofas photos sent on request. .
£100
M32
12 July 2008
4dining chairs(like new)..
Genuine reason for selling. like new. moving home so i dont need them as i already have a set been given. please call me as i dont have internet access at home. .
£35
BD18
10 July 2008
klaussner corner suite..
Large klaussner corner sofa for sale not a dfs copy this is hand made real leather surround hard wood base and soft cushion seats also has large scatter cushions all stain guarded comes with extra poufe all in lovley condtion can email more pictures first to see will b. .
£650
GL54
09 July 2008
ONE 3 SEATER SOFA WITH MATCHING CHAIR..
3 seater sofa and matching chair in terracotta.
S35
SOFA FOR SALE..
Large 2 & 3 seater italian leather sofa for sale in dark chocolate. good condition, selling as a pair, however, will consider selling seperately. pick up required. can email pictures on request.
£400
DD11
05 July 2008
two x two seater leather setees ..
Two x two seater biscuit/beige colour in good condition .
£295
black corner leather settee..
Black leather corner suite in as new condition lovely soft leather . cost £1600. 00 8months ago offers around £495. 00.
£495
03 July 2008
Two Seater Sofa and Armchair - Neutral Colour Light Bei..
I have a two seater sofa and matching armchair which is a very nice neutral colour (light beige). the covers are washable. it's approx 4 years old and condition is fairly good. £75 ono collection anytime from saturday afternoon. .
SS14
22 June 2008
Black 3 seater leather sofa..
Three seater black leather sofa, second hand - will sell for £50 buyer to collect!!.
£50
CV6
21 June 2008
3 seater sofa ..
3 seater sofa in cobalt blue 2 yr old , excellent condition, has had stainmaster treatment from new. measurments are 79” long , 39” deep and 32” high,removable washable covers, offers .
£80
TS25
20 June 2008
BED SETTEE..
Two seater bed settee biege with flowers free to good home all that is wrong with it is my dogs have slightly chewed the arms but cushions and bed are in excellent order. to be picked up only. .
PE22
19 June 2008
VINTAGE TAN BROWN LEATHER CHESTERFIELD SOFA..
This is a vintage leather chesterfield sofa. it has had plenty of wear with lots of wrinkles. there is one arm that has a dark patch due to use over the year but no damage. it has heavy feather filled cushions. this is a lovely old sofa. .
£275
BR2
BEAUTIFUL LEATHER CHESTERFIELD SOFA ANTIQUE GREEN..
Lovely leather chesterfield sofa for sale. beautiful soft leather and in fantastic condition. has an antique finish. this is a good quality item of furniture that has been well made. .
£275
BR2
18 June 2008
5-Pce Dark Grey Leather Suite..
Comprising, 3-seater, 2-seater, 2 armchairs, pouffe.
£500
BS40
09 June 2008
Conservetory Cain Furniture..
2 seater settee and 2 x chairs excellent condition in autumn flower pattern, cost £450. 00 new.
£100
SR7
08 June 2008
free sofa and two chairs..
Nice pale green three peice suite free. needs slight clean but lovely. free. free free but must be collected asap.
DL5
06 June 2008
BRAND NEW LEATHER SOFAS FOR WHOLE SALE PRICES ..
We are selling brand new leather sofas 2 different model and 3 different colours (black-ivory-brown).
SE15
03 June 2008
Two seater settee and chair..
Cream/pale green. as new, perfect condition. quick sale needed £50 tel 01279 425109.
£50
CM18
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