Skip to content

‘Dissecting the Couch’ ~ What are you really paying for?

Why does some upholstery cost more than others?

Its a combination of factors: the fabric quality, trim details, workmanship, cushion material and the frame construction.

The frame construction is really important because it is the bones of the entire piece. If the frame is well made, then the piece can be reupholstered many times in the future and look like new each and every time. Strong frames should be made from Kiln dried, solid hard woods, double doweled, corner blocked, glued and stapled for strength and stability.

Then there are three main types of Suspension, which is the part of the frame that holds the cushion in place so that you can sit on it.

1) Coil

2) Zig Zag or Sinuous Spring

3) Pirelli Webbing or Nylon Webbing

‘Coil’ is the more expensive technique since the coils are tied together by hand. The coils are literally tied in 8 places, or ‘8 way hand tied’ as seen in the photo. In this photo there are actually 10 ties, the 8 that hold the coils in place and one on each end attached to the metal bar that is attached to the frame. It is a technique that has been used for many years and is seen in many antiques and fine furniture.

‘Zig zag’ or ‘Sinuous Steel Spring’ suspension provides great comfort and good value as it is not as labor intensive. This technique seems to be found in more contemporary furniture.

‘Pirelli Webbing’ is a name brand for a nylon webbing seat support system. It is constructed by interlocking bands of strong durable nylon in a crisscross pattern. It is also called nylon webbing, woven webbing, European webbing.

Cushion materials vary greatly and are reflected in the cost. Down feather inserts are at a premium, where a combo of down wrapped in foam is a little less. There are foam wrapped coils, cushions filled with a mixture of feather, down and fiber, high resiliency foam wrapped polyester fiber encased in non woven ticking material, and some companies even boast proprietary combinations that offer extra comfort. Much of the cushion choices are subjective, depending on how you like to lounge!

Without actually dissecting the sofa you are about to purchase, know that you get what you pay for. There is a lot that goes into each piece of fine upholstery and there are a lot of short cuts that can be utilized that make an inexpensive ‘bargain’ too!

 

Redfin Feature

We were named a local expert by Redfin! Check out this feature article on the sophistication and allure of the color black…

Read More »
August Design Newsletter, 2023

We are so excited for the progress on our new Design-Build project.
This lake house has been in the family since the 1970’s. With their growing family, it was time to make some much needed changes to better utilize the space and capitalize on the fantastic lake views…

Read More »
J’adore Paris

It is easy to understand why Paris is called the City of Love and Lights when you visit.

There is a relaxed lightness in the air, a sense that time is slower, and that it is more important to have a cup of coffee with a friend than to rush to an appointment…

Read More »
Market Review, Spring 2023

This year at Spring Market we were able to discover rugs made from Recycled PET Yarn. PET yarn is created from plastic bottles and 100% sustainable. PET yarn has excellent performance attributes as it is stain and weather resistant. So we say it is ‘LIVABLE LUXURY’ approved!

Read More »
Artist: Terry Gubitose, Fine Art Paintings

My Mother, Terry Gubitose Devenuti (5.14.38 – 3.21.23) was a long time Westchester NY resident and professional artist and painter all of her life. Her inspiration came from the beauty and movement of water, nature, and the interaction of people…

Read More »
March Design Newsletter, 2023

What if every time you came home you felt like you were on vacation? What if every time you walked in the door you felt like you could finally relax, decompress and catch your breath? Our featured Master Suite project is the perfect example of our Livable Luxury Solution!

Read More »
Nov. Design Newsletter, 2022

Autumn is nearing the end with bright colored leaves changing to dark brown, and grey branches and tree trunks signaling that winter is near. We are now excited to focus on the Holidays with family and friends gathering and dining together in beautifully decorated homes…

Read More »
Oct. Design Newsletter, 2022

Are you looking forward to the cooler, crisper Fall temperatures? Autumn leaves, sweaters and snuggling by the fire? We are!

Our projects are moving ahead nicely. We are now focusing on the inside of our Rhode Island project, for a winter completion date…

Read More »
Aug-Sept. Design Newsletter, 2022

How will your outdoor activities change with the Summer to Fall weather and cooler temps? Will you go from sitting around the pool to sitting around the firepit? However you decide to spend your time outside, creating a relax at home environment is important for your mind and body to refresh and regroup…

Read More »
July Design Newsletter, 2022

We are so excited to present our NEW WEBSITE! Did you get a chance to take a look? Perfect timing as we are in the middle of a July Freshen up with new accessories, ideas and inspiration for you.

Read More »
June Design Newsletter, 2022

The focus of our June Design Newsletter is unique materials to incorporate in home design projects for our clients. Whether it is a new front entry door or deck railings we have creative solutions!

Read More »
June Renovation Materials

We tend to get very creative when our clients tell us they are ready to make a change in their home. After we decide the style direction, the next task is selecting which materials to use to fulfill the vision…

Read More »
Categories

Categories

Instagram

YOUTUBE

The common element throughout is good design. There’s always a reason why an element is chosen for a certain place, whether it’s a colorful painting in a room or a specific fabric on a chair. There’s also a functionality to every item that is unique to each project’s solution. It’s sort of like an oversized jigsaw puzzle with a place and reason for each piece.

“Your rooms are like a painting. Each component is a brushstroke to create the whole picture. It’s magic every time!”