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There's a saying that goes: "Smart" salespeople can always create new terms you don’t understand, and their slogan is something like, “If you think you understand, then you don’t really understand. You have to follow their way of thinking.†Only then will you feel confident in saving money without focusing on the price. This strategy works best with less rational consumers. However, smart shoppers who are aware and have a few critical thoughts can easily avoid being tricked.
This logic applies when buying a sofa as well. Start by understanding the structure of the sofa, learn how to shop around, and choose the right one like a true connoisseur.
Generally speaking, cheap furniture isn't great, but the most expensive ones aren't necessarily the best either. For example, modern fabric sofas range from 3,000 to 20,000 yuan, while leather sofas can go from 8,000 up to 60,000 yuan. The difference in quality between these options is significant. Below, we'll take a deep dive into the three main aspects of a sofa: its frame, fabric, and filling.
**First, the Frame of the Sofa**
The structure of a sofa might seem simple, but it's actually built from the inside out—starting with the frame, then the filling (including the spring system), followed by the outer cover (leather or fabric), and finally personal style preferences. These materials determine the overall quality of the sofa. Most sofas use wood, particle board, pine, or even reclaimed wood. Cheaper models often use softwoods like pine, which are more prone to warping. Medium-quality ones may use boxwood, which is harder and more durable. Higher-end models might use eucalyptus or other hardwoods.
To test the strength of the frame, lift one corner of a three-seater sofa. If the opposite leg also lifts off the ground, the frame is likely strong. Most frames are hidden under the cover, so you won't see them unless the brand provides a zipper for inspection.
Furniture experts say that heavier furniture isn't always better. A sofa filled with corners or bark material might feel heavy, but it could break down faster over time. The frame’s construction also matters—some use single panels, MDF, or plywood, and the environmental impact varies greatly, especially regarding formaldehyde levels.
**Related Reading:** 5 Practical Methods for Purchasing the Living Room Sofa
**Second, the Fabric of the Sofa**
Sofas are mainly made of leather or fabric. We’ll skip synthetic leathers like microfiber or PU leather for now.
**Fabric Options:** There are many types of fabric sofas, including domestic and imported varieties. Fabrics can be cotton, hemp, blended, or chemical fiber. High-end European and American manufacturers produce special fabrics with minimal color variation and high color fastness. Some premium fabrics are treated for anti-staining, anti-static, and flame-retardant properties.
Natural materials like cotton and hemp are common, but the highest-end sofas use advanced 3M waterproof fabric. It’s breathable, soft, and comfortable, with a smooth texture and good elasticity.
Furniture fans recommend testing the fabric by touching it. Check if it irritates your skin, look at the color consistency, and ensure seams are flat and well-constructed. Open the pillow zippers to check the inner lining and fillings. Lift the sofa to examine the bottom, legs, and whether there are anti-slip pads.
If unsure about fabric quality, ask the salesperson how much a matching sofa cover would cost. If the fabric price is a large portion of the total, the sofa quality might not be great.
Also, check if the fabric is tightly attached to the filling and if the seat and backrest are smooth without wrinkles. For curved armrests, ensure the arc is smooth and natural. Stitching patterns should be consistent and neat.
**Leather Options:** About half the cost of a leather sofa comes from the hide. Top Italian cowhide is the best, known for its softness, minimal treatment, and eco-friendly nature. Domestic cowhide is more common in mid-range models. Be cautious of salespeople claiming their sofa is made of calfskin or lamb skin—this is rare.
Most leather sofas come with a small leather sample in a bag or nailed to the frame. Some say you shouldn’t buy a leather sofa under 10,000 yuan.
Furniture fans suggest that the best way to judge a sofa is to sit on it. Ensure the seat and backrest match your body curvature, and the armrest height feels natural. When standing up, check for any visible sagging in the fabric.
**Third, the Resilience and Filling of the Sofa**
No sofa is completely immune to deformation, and anyone claiming otherwise is being dishonest. To test resilience, sit on the cushion and let your body bounce a few times. If the cushion bounces back quickly without making strange noises, it’s a good sign. The longer it maintains its shape, the better the lifespan.
Press the armrest and backrest with your hand. If you can feel the wooden frame, the filling density might be low, and the elasticity might not be sufficient. This can lead to faster wear and tear.
There are two main types of cushions: spring bags and foam. Spring bags are more common in higher-end models:
1. Most enterprise spring bags use a "sandwich" design with vertical springs, elastic bands, and high-resilience foam, offering better elasticity and durability.
2. Modern-style sofas often use S-shaped transverse springs and cross-web structures, allowing for adjustable tension and excellent load-bearing ability.
3. Low-end sofas may use snake-shaped springs and foam rubber, which tend to deform quickly and have a shorter lifespan (3–5 years).
**Furniture Fans’ Tips on Sofa Elasticity:**
1. Medium to high-end sofas typically use stronger elastic bands and S-shaped springs that resist deformation.
2. Fillers like high-rebound memory foam (density of 36 kg/m³ or more) are ideal for cushions, while 25 kg/m³ or more is suitable for backrests. A 10 cm cushion thickness after sitting is ideal.
3. Elastic bands vary in quality. High-performance ones are used for the base, while standard ones are for the backrest. The number of bands also affects performance (100 vs. 200).
Finally, comfort is key. Many sofas include silk cotton or down in the padding for added softness. Corners and backrests are often filled with fluffy, warm, and breathable materials. Down is considered the best filling, offering excellent support and adaptability to different body shapes.