DIY Mode in Furniture

Put a Little Spring in Your Sofa

If you're in the market for a new sofa, you're probably wondering what makes a $5,000 sofa any different from one that costs a mere $500. The difference lies in the frame, padding, cushions, springs, fabric, and finish.

Padding: Sofas often wear at the arms because the maker has scrimped on padding. The better sofas have a layer of cotton or polyfiber over a layer of foam. Cheaper sofas have fabric right on top of the foam.

Springs: Eight-way hand-tied springs used to be a sign of a top-notch sofa. No more. Many less expensive sofas also have them although they are of interior quality. A better question: How many rows of springs are used in the seat? The best use four rows.

Cushions: Top-Quality foam cushions are made from virgin foam with a density of 2.2 pounds per cubic foot. Accept no less than 1.8. Lower-density foam deteriorates more quickly. If you're looking for a soft down cushion, be sure the cushion has at least 30 percent down feathers in it. Otherwise, you'll be paying for down and getting far less.

Fabric: The grade of a fabric determines the price, but is not a measure of the fabric's durability. Grades are based largely on fiber content and on how much waste results from matching the pattern. For durability, consider spending the extra for treating the sofa with fabric protection.

Frame: Maple and other hard-woods that grip nails well make the best frames. The wood should be skin-dried to prevent shrinkage and warping. The best frames are 1 1/2 inches thick (Experts refer to it as a 6/4 frame). To keep as sofa from sagging, joints and legs must be firmly attached to the frame. The best: joints that are double or trile doweled at the top corners, and firmly attached with reinforcing blocks where the arms meet the seat.

Finish: Attention to detail counts. In high-quality sofas, seams are straight, pleats lie flat, corners fill out, and cushions have metal zippers.

A pilgrimage to America's Furniture Mecca: More than half of all America's furniture is made in a 200-square-mile region of North Carolina. Photo by Elena.

List of some of the most famous outlets dedicated to furniture:

Atrium Furniture Showrooms, High Point, N.C.: One of the largest home furnishings malls in the South. Atrium features four floors with more than 500 furniture and accessory lines represented.

Hickory Furniture Mart, Hickory, N.C.: Sixty galleries and factory outlets carry 500 lines of furniture, bedding, accessories, antiques, and collectibles, all at deep discounts. If you have only a short stay in North Caroline, this is the one store not to miss.

Priba Furniture, Greensboro, N.C.: More than 300 lines of furniture, discounted accessories, lamps, wall coverings, fabrics, carpets. Fliers are sent to customers on their mailing list announcing sales and specials.

Shaw Furniture Gallery, Randleman, N.C.: In business since 1940. Pays for your lodging if you purchase over a certain amount.

Turner Tolson, New Bern, N.C.: In business since 1887. Home and business furniture. Turner Tolson will pay for your lodging if you purchase over a certain amount.

Windsor Furniture Galleries, High Point, N.C.: Expert service and courteous design help.

Young's Furniture And Rug Company, High Point, N.C.: Specializes in upper-end furnishings. The staff includes interior designers, who are helpful and courteous.

Zaki Oriental Rugs, High Point, N.C.: Large showroom packed with more than 5,000 quality rugs, up to 16 by 26 feet, from Pakistan, India, China, Afghanistan, Portugal, and other countries.